ea_phoenix

A few strong curse words and some vague mentions of child abuse (just in case, but it's nothing graphic - never graphic).

*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*

The sudden clamor of a blaring alarm clock shattered the early morning silence on yet another dreaded Monday. Virtually immune to its incessant screeching, Cameron remained buried beneath a mass of blankets and pillows as a lone, bare arm reached across the empty space and smacked it into submission – for another nine minutes at least.

Ever since she'd gotten the call mid-Saturday morning that Regina had awoken, she'd wavered between racing to the hospital just to make sure the other woman truly was conscious and waiting until she went into work – and therefore had a legitimate reason to act on her concern. Common sense had prevailed, however.

Well… not really.

Fear had actually halted her feet mid-stride as she rushed for the door immediately after hanging up with Maddy. Her sheer relief at Regina's recovery, she was sure, was written all over her face. Hiding even the smallest flux of emotions was a daily struggle, but with pure elation thrumming through her veins, her attraction towards her raven-haired patient would be plain for all to see – including the woman herself.

That alone was enough to cause her hesitation and as reason took a stronger hold, she remembered what she'd written in the other woman's journal. Even if Regina was completely incapable of reading her expressions, the words she'd put to paper would leave little doubt as to her intentions. While it was unlikely that the brunette had seen them so soon after waking – she had planted them towards the back of the notebook for a reason after all – just the possibility of discovery was enough to turn Cameron back around and firmly plant her ass on the couch for the rest of the morning.

Anticipation and apprehension had warred within her agitated mind, creating a swarm of butterflies that fluttered through her stomach one moment only to drop like stones the next. In a futile attempt at distraction, she'd filled the daylight hours with a multitude of errands and had cleaned her apartment until it shined – though it'd done her little good – but at night, she'd been unable to ignore these vacillating emotions.

Two nights of restless tossing and turning had left her completely exhausted, but as the alarm cried out for a second time, she reluctantly clambered out of bed to start her day. Goose bumps prickled her exposed limbs as cool air met her sleep-warmed skin. Shivering slightly, she made her way barefoot to the kitchen for a much needed caffeine jolt, rubbing the haze from her eyes as she slumped onto a nearby bar stool.

Now that the day had finally arrived, an unexpected calmness settled around her and going to work no longer seemed quite so terrifying. What would come would come no matter what and she refused to waste any more energy trying to predict what would happen when she finally laid eyes on Regina. It was unfortunate that she hadn't been able to reach this conclusion a couple of days ago – maybe she wouldn't feel like death warmed over if she had.

What had come, was a packed train ride on the green line followed by a short walk under heavy, grey clouds as a frigid, blustery wind gusted between buildings and cut through even the thickest of layers.

A quick call to the charge nurse on ward three, after she entered the office and quickly shucked her coat and bag, assured her that Regina had returned to her room and seemed to be faring well enough after her ordeal. Cameron sighed silently in relief and told the other woman to bring the brunette in at her normal appointment time before she rushed off to the weekly staff meeting – three minutes early, a new record.

Once she was able to settle behind her desk for good, the rest of the morning flew by in a whirl of paperwork and patients. If not for Angelique's kindness, lunch would have definitely come and gone without Cameron ever noticing.

Finally, at one o'clock sharp, the knock she'd been anticipating all day – but studiously avoided thinking about – sounded throughout her quiet office. She issued forth a firm "Come in" that squeaked a bit more than she'd intended.

Her first glimpse at the normally poised woman after nearly three days, left her completely gutted. Formerly piercing brown eyes lay blood-shot and hollow behind limp, greasy locks of dull brown hair while visible tear tracks ran over dark circles and down drawn, pale cheeks. Long arms wrapped protectively across the Cal Tech sweatshirt enveloping her torso, but despite the warm covering, Cameron clearly spotted her constant shivering.

Any and all selfishly-happy feelings she'd had before were now gone as an overwhelming urge to pull Regina into her arms and shelter her from the rest of the world stole through her. Knowing such an advance – along with any other sign of compassion or pity – would be ill received by the strong, independent woman, Cameron schooled her features into a bland mask of professionalism and greeted Regina as she normally would and prayed the woman before her was not as broken as she appeared.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Mills."

"Doctor," came the raspy reply.

Cameron ignored the jolt to her heart at the dispirited tone as Regina took a seat, one leg curled beneath her and the other held tightly to her chest, the sock-clad foot resting on the edge of the chair.

Long moments passed in silence and neither woman moved.

For her part, Cameron had no idea where to begin. A thousand thoughts raced through her mind as the minutes ticked past and while blunt questions and straightforward dialogue had always been the best when dealing with a willful Regina, she could not bring herself to be so callous this time. It was clear the older brunette was still processing the shattering information Cameron had imparted the previous Monday.

Consequently, she resolved herself to hold her tongue and waited silently as Regina starred vacantly across the room, her face turned away as if to shield herself from the young doctor as much as possible in the confined space.

Another span of indeterminable time lapsed.

"I remember how my mother died," Regina stated apropos of nothing, almost as if she were speaking to herself.

"I-I'm sorry?" Cameron stammered, caught off guard by the unexpected comment and unsure if she'd heard the soft voice correctly.

"My mother," the brunette repeated, brown eyes meeting green for the first time since she'd entered before flicking away again. "Actually it's not just her. I remember both of my lives. Well… parts of them anyways."

"Both?" Cameron asked, immediately aware of the significance such a statement entailed, but carefully maintained her placid façade despite her rising hope that Regina had finally experienced the breakthrough she needed in order to heal.

"Yes," the brunette nodded slowly, eyes still affixed into empty space, "the real one, and the one I'd… invented to escape my mother's abuse. It really shouldn't surprise me that they parallel to the extent they do. I'm not half bad at painting and drawing – or so people have told me – but I was never really any good at story telling. That was always more Emma's thing."

Cameron's heart clenched at the mention of Emma, not out of jealousy – she would never want to take away the love and joy Regina experienced with Emma and Henry – but because of the pain that radiated from the older woman's troubled eyes and the quiver in her husky voice as she said her name.

"I still hear her sometimes, even when I'm awake," she confessed, her hushed tones barely carrying across the short distance separating them. To Cameron it might as well have been the Grand Canyon for all the good it did her. "I'd originally assumed she was calling to me in as I slept in Fairytale Land, trying to wake me or comfort my nightmares… this nightmare." She shook her head, "Turns out, I really am crazy after all."

"No," Cameron countered with conviction, pulling Regina from whatever plane of existence she'd been wandering through as she spoke. "I've said it before and I meant it then as much as I mean it now – you ar not razy."

Dark eyes widened in surprise at the intensity behind her words, their gazes fully locked for the first time since the brunette had entered, and Cameron reminded herself to rein it back a bit and keep them on track.

"Please believe me when I say that working through your most recent sorrow is not insignificant, but I feel that we should start with your mother – the self-professed reason behind the world you created – and work forward from there. By learning to deal with that past pain and put it into proper perspective, it should allow you to grieve all your losses naturally without the added shelter of your fairytale land."

Eye contact was broken as Regina, yet again, focused on the middle distance. Glassy, brown orbs danced around the room, never settling on any one object, as the brunette obviously debated whether or not to confide further in the doctor. Compared to their previous sessions – where Cameron had been the one providing the forgotten details in an effort to jog the older woman's memory – Regina had already volunteered a wealth of knowledge about her past and current suffering and Cameron would not push her further than she was willing to go… not today.

"I wouldn't even know where to begin," Regina sighed, decision made.

"Just tell me what you remember about her," Cameron prompted gently as if speaking too loudly or too fervently would scare the other woman silent once more.

"Which version would you care to hear about first?"

"Either, both… whichever one you choose is fine," the younger woman reassured.

With a deep, shuddering breath, the brunette began her story.

"There's one thing you must know about my mother in order to understand her; sh always ared more about advancing the family name than Daddy's happiness and mine, especially. We were merely tools, trophies she utilized to gain affluence and prestige in order to impress her circle of pretentious, busybody friends.

She decided nearly every aspect of our lives with little or no input from us. Daddy changed careers and took up golf in order to satisfy her ideal of what he should be. I got a master's in finance from North Western, because she was adamant that I'd never make a living painting and how could I argue when she was the one paying? Believe me when I say, that was something she never let me forget.

If controlling my future career weren't bad enough, she also took it upon herself to dictate those I saw socially. Friends were dismissed if they didn't meet her rigid criteria and she chased away the man I'd set on marrying because he wasn't from the right family. Then there was the time, not long after I'd turned eighteen, that she tried to convince me to wed some wealthy man thirty years my senior because he was a prominent lawyer in town and rumor had it that he was looking for a new wife.

Luckily, my father stepped in before that happened – the one time he actually stopped a plan from the beginning as opposed to picking up whatever pieces of me that were left when it was over. As grateful as I was for his support, I believe it was only because I was of age, and therefore no longer legally under her control, that she didn't force me to go through with it despite our protestations. The risk of scandal was too high even for her.

Things in Fairytale Land were very much the same and yet, remarkably worse. It seems even in my imagination she was an exceptionally cruel woman, more so perhaps, because she could use magic against me; restrain me with vines or ropes, lash me with conjured whips, use me as a guinea pig for her potions, crush the beating heart of my first love to dust with just her hands.

There, I was forced to marry the man because he was king and there was no way mother would ever turn down a chance at being part of a royal family. You would think," Regina laughed humorlessly as a wayward tear tracked down one cheek, "that a world of my own design would be a happy place for me, yet it never was."

"Why do you think that was?" Cameron asked, thankful that Regina was too preoccupied with her own thoughts to catch the noticeable hitch in her voice. The more the older woman revealed, the harder it was for Cameron to remain silent and maintain the pretense of impartiality.

"Because I didn't know ho to b happy," the brunette answered, emotion tingeing her words. "Being told day in and day out that you're worthless/insignificant/useless/unimportant, etcetera, tends to fuck with one's head and I didn't know life could be any other way. The difference, though, is that in my illusionary world I eventually possessed powerful magic that allowed me to bend others to my will and exact revenge on all those – including m dear other – that'd wronged me or had stood by and watched my suffering without ever bothering to help. Here, in this world," she waved one hand vaguely through the air, "there was no hope for escape until my mother died and I was finally free to live my life the way I wanted."

"How do Henry and Emma come to play in this? Did you still maintain the fantasy world during all those years with them?" Cameron asked curiously. It was the one question that had been at the forefront of her mind since learning that the young mother and son were not, in fact, figments of Regina's imagination.

"No," the brunette shook her head. "They were the ones that taught me how to love, how to be happy. They were my salvation and the life I'd never been able to imagine before. I didn't need to escape anymore because the wer my escape. Lo-losing them just brought it all back stronger than before. I can remember scattered hours of lucidity here and there, but mostly I stayed with them in my mind – put them in the world I'd created to keep them safe always. It was the only way I knew to cope."

"And now that you know, that you're finally present in this world with all its pain and heartache, do you think you'll be able to stay here" with m "and deal with it?"

"I wish I could say for sure," Regina replied, running her hands through dirty, raven locks, "but I don't really believe I have much of choice at this point."

Cameron's confusion must have been evident, because Regina clarified, "It's been a long forty-eight hours, Doctor. I haven't slept much and what little I was able to get was filled with memories from both worlds bombarding my subconscious. You may not recognize the significance of that statement," and she really didn't, "but not one single night has passed since I've been in this hospital or even the past year, really, where I have not returned to Emma and Henry in my dreams."

True understanding dawned. When Regina had mentioned remembering both of her lives at the beginning of their session, hope had taken hold of Cameron and blinded her to all that this breakthrough entailed. In the span of two short days, Regina' entire xistence had come crashing down around her for a second time and she'd been left to deal with it alone yet again.

The guilt Cameron had thought she'd gotten over with the news of Regina's recovery came rushing back at the realization that her little newspaper stunt was the cause of the older woman's current misery. It didn't matter that it had achieved the desired results; her plan to gradually ease the brunette back into reality was destroyed by one moment's thoughtlessness and it was Regina who had suffered the consequences.

"It was actually seeing one of your new orderlies that did it," Regina continued, unknowingly twisting the knife deeper. "He took on the role of my guard captain in Fairytale Land — he was rather adept at it, too. Recognizing him made me finall se what was here and in the faces surrounding me I saw my maids, cooks, soldiers—people that had not populated my world until a few short weeks ago. Before, it had always just been Emma, Henry, and I. That others existed was implied, but they were never seen."

Haunted brown eyes met hers once more as she dispassionately spoke, "I suppose congratulations are in order, Doctor Cameron. It seems as if you've finally cured me."

Looking at the shattered form of the previously strong-willed, confident woman sitting before her, Cameron doubted she'd done Regina any favors by taking away the one thing that had made her happy.

Maybe sometimes it is better to live in a fantasy world.

A/N Sorry for the small delay but at least it was only two days this time! That being said, there probably won't be an update this coming week, but I have a really good excuse! I'm hoping to submit a SwanQueen piece to ralst on P&P for her Valentine's Day Challenge. Deadline is the 12th though, so I may miss it. If I do, I'll still post it there and here (which I'll do anyways once it's up on the P&P site). So even though you won't be able to read this story, at least you'll have something to make up for it and hold you over until I get the next chapter done. It will also contain far less angst (though there will be a little) and lo more fluff. It wouldn't be a true Valentine's Day without a little of both. lol. Thanks, as always, for reading/commenting/following. Those emails make my day (especially when I'm suffering at work) and I can only hope you guys enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it!

Warnings:  Suggestive language, harsh cursing, implied child abuse (nothing graphic), and hints (but no real spoilers) for ep 2x09, Queen of Hearts. Also, so there's no confusion italicize section go together with othe italicize sections.

Water dripping off pitch-black walls rang counterpoint to the sharp click of stilettoed boots upon the equally dark stone floor as Regina patiently paced around the edge of the barren, circular chamber. The sickly sunlight streaming through the lone, barred window set high above provided the sole source of illumination by which she watched for any sign that the unconscious woman sitting in the center of the room was finally stirring.

A low groan sounded in the near-silence and Regina spun neatly on the balls of her feet, coming to a stop just to the right of the slumped figure. The bent head of once neatly pinned curls slowly rose until it met the solid form of the high-backed, wooden chair with a muted thud. Deep, ragged breaths passed noisily between bright red lips as heavily painted eyelids fluttered open, revealing hazy amber eyes that squinted against the dim lighting.

"Absolutely not!" the elder brunette yelled as she agitatedly paced around the living room. "No daughter of mine is going to move out to that state filled with nothing but queers to pursue a ar career when she's a semester away from a master's degree in finance and has major corporations already dropping six-figure offers. I forbid it - so just get that silly notion out of your mind and concentrate on finishing school and keeping a guy around long enough to marry you."

"I have no interested in finance nor am I looking for a husband," Regina countered from the couch, her voice taking on the loathsomely child-like tone reserved only for interactions with her overbearing mother.

"Well, you don't want to wait too long on that, dear," Cora said as she came to a stop near the fireplace. "You aren't getting any younger."

"I'm twenty-three!" Regina squeaked in indignation.

As the potion-induced fog wore off, the other woman roused further, shifting in her seat and uncomprehendingly taking in the space she now found herself. A deep sense of satisfaction coursed through Regina's veins when the fidgeting form immediately stilled when met with the sturdy bands restraining her hands and feet.

"So glad you could finally join me," Regina purred in false gentility. "After all, I went through quite a bit of trouble to make sure everything would meet your exacting standards."

"What is the meaning of this? I demand you release me this very instant," the woman growled in outrage as Regina stepped forward from the shadows.

Piercing eyes glared threateningly across the short distance separating them. Regina happily noted that while that look would have once sent her cowering into the nearest corner in a desperate attempt to escape the promised wrath, it no held the same power that it once had. She was in control now and she planned to relish in her victory while she could.

"You'll be twenty-four in a few months and do you have any idea how many of my friends' daughters are already married with children and several of them are younger than you."

"It's my life and I'll do with it as I please," Regina stated, proud when her voice wavering only slightly.

The older woman laughed condescendingly, "Wrong. It's mine I rought you into this world I ade sure you went to the best schools money could buy and signed you up for all the proper sports and extracurricular activities to ensure that no Ivy League university in their right mind would turn you down I pent years making and maintaining connections with the most influential families around so that you'd have a choice of eligible bachelors when the time came. Now you want to throw away all that work, al m hard work, to sit on the beach and finger paint? I don't think so."

"I'm not asking," she declared, firmer this time. Her ire was growing with each exchange, replacing the ever-present fear and lending a level of courage and determination she'd never felt before. "I am an adult capable of making my own choices…"

"Like your oh-so-excellent choice in Daniel?" the older woman mocked.

"My deepest apologies, Mother," she said, contempt coating every syllable so there was no doubt that she was not sorry in the least. "Are these accommodations not to your liking? Are the restraints to tight?" she sneered, fist clenching to tighten them further.

A satisfied smirk pulled at the corner of her mouth as Cora winced in pain, the constricting bands digging into her pale flesh and drawing a fine line of blood that oozed from the beneath the restraints where it fell unnoticed to the floor below.

"I don't know what you think you're playing at," the older woman snarled, "but you cannot hope to hold me here forever, child. As strong as you believe yourself to be, I am stronger and you will pay for this impertinence in time."

"Oh, this won't take long," Regina reassured as she once again began to circle around the bound form of her mother. "After all, I'm not so heartless as to leave someone so weak and defenseless down here to rot in the dark and cold for days on end while going on about my life without a second thought. No, that seems to be something to which only you are capable."

"Evidently, those lessons on obedience and respect bear repeating. Something you can be certain I intend to rectify as soon as I'm released."

Regina's heart stung at the mention of the man that had been her first hope of escape as she ground out from behind clenched teeth, "As I recall Mother, you were the one that made sure he'd never again set foot in this city."

"He wasn't good enough for you," Cora casually dismissed, brushing her fingers through the non-existent layer of dust coating the mantel.

"He was salutatorian of his graduating class from Northwestern. How, in your warped point of view, is that not good enough for me?" the younger woman asked in utter disbelief.

"He was there on scholarship and majored in history of all things. How could I expect him to ever take proper care of you on a teacher's salary?"

"I don't need money or influence. That's wha yo want. All I want out of life is to be happy with the person I love. Nothing else matters."

"Love?" her mother scoffed. "You didn't love him."

"You know," Regina continued, ignoring the not-so-idle threat as if the older woman had never spoken. "A woman as ambitious as yourself is sure to have made several enemies over the years. One would only think it prudent to have somebody test your food before you eat. There's no telling what a person might… slip into it."

"Surly you could come up with something more original than poisoning your own mother," Cora laughed in her familiar, breathily derisive way.

"Oh no," Regina stopped and leaned down until her face was mere inches away from her mother's, their eyes locked in a battle of wills.

"Poison would have been too kind- far too swift and impersonal. It's been a few years since I've had the pleasure of your company; I really must remember to thank Hook for arraigning this little tête-à-tête. The man really is a dear when properly motivated, wouldn't you agree? He even brought me a little present, but we'll get to that shortly," she waved dismissively as she stood back up, never breaking eye contact.

"It really shouldn't come as a shock to me that you have taken no more notice of my progress in the magical arts than you did with my riding. Otherwise, you'd have known that I have become quite adept at mixing potions. My proudest invention has been in devising a concoction that strips away all magical powers. It's odorless, tasteless, and its effects will last for several hours with even the most powerful of sorcerers. I tested it on Rumple myself. That made for a very entertaining evening. With you… it would last for days. You're more than welcome to test it for yourself," she offered, spotting the older woman's skeptical expression.

"I loved what he represented; a friend, someone who cared about me, who could take me far away fro you nd the hell you've put me through. It may not have been the grand, fairytale romance that most girls dream of, but it was enough. It was something we could have built on, but you took one look at his lack of pedigree and summarily dismissed him fro m life."

"Just proves my point, dear," Cora said, unaffected by the younger woman's accusations or her rising anger. "If he were worthy of your affections, then he wouldn't have been so easily scared off. Now, Selena Collins' oldest son, Brad, would make an excellent match for you. He recently split up with his fiancé and is finishing his internship at John Hopkins next month. He also happens to be in town this weekend, so I invited them over for dinner tonight. Do try to at least look presentable, won't you?"

"Goddamn it, Mother! I'm tired of you meddling in my life. When are you going to just leave me the fuck alone already?!" Regina all but roared, her breaking point finally reached as years of suppressed rage finally bubbled up from the depths of her soul. "It's not my fault that you got saddled with a husband and kid that you didn't want, but now you're trying to force the kind of life you so clearly didn't want on me and I won't do it. I'm done; done with you and your fucked up idea of love. Had you left when you had the chance, maybe you wouldn't have turned into such a frigi cunt."

The two women stood in shock at the pure vehemence behind the words. Never had Regina spoken to her mother in such a way before, always too afraid to face the older woman's wrath if she even so much as breathed funny. For the first time in her life, Regina was no longer scared and she'd make damn sure she made the most of this feeling.

With a small twist of her hand, the bindings around Cora's wrists and ankles disappeared. The older woman immediately jumped to her feet, hands flailing through the air in an elaborate flourish that Regina assumed was meant to turn her into an insect or some other easily squashed form.

"Does it meet with your approval, Mother?" she goaded when nothing happened after another failed attempt.

Interlacing her gloved fingers over her corseted stomach, Cora drew herself up as regally possible despite her disheveled state and firmly planted a mask of indifference across her aging features. A trick, Regina had learned, to wrest control of an uncertain situation from an unwitting opponent.

Regina was no ignorant fool, however, and could clearly see the cracks showing through the façade; rising fury colored the older woman's cheeks, a hint of fear flashed from normally cool eyes, and her carefully modulated tones quivered ever so slightly as she spoke.

"This insolent woman I see before me is no daughter of mine," her mother all but spat, "Now, if you are through with this little temper tantrum, I demand you free me from this deplorable chamber."

A shar smack ounded in the silence and the brunette distantly registered a slight burning across her right cheek as something warm ran along her jaw.

"Such an ungrateful little bitch you've turned out to be," Cora growled, chest heaving with every angry exhalation. "Your father and I ha nothing hen we got married and it's only thanks to me that you grew up surrounded by the luxuries that you are so accustomed to. You can't even begin to comprehend the sacrifices I had to make, the deals I had to broker to get us to this point. Now you throw it all back in my face for some pipe dream of being an artist and marrying fo love. Of all the ridiculous ideas you've come up with in your pathetic, little life, this definitely takes the prize. I will not allow it and, clearly, you need reminding just who is in charge here."

Her mom reared back again, but Regina was ready this time. Snatching the thin, leather belt as it flew through the air, she yanked it from Cora's grip and threw it across the room.

"You are correct; I am no longer the sweet, naïve girl you brought into this world," Regina stalked forwar - etting all her anger, resentment, and pain shine through her dark brown eyes towards the one person who'd been the source of it all— glorying at every retreating step the older woman took. "She died the day you crushed her true love's heart," Cora's back hit the slick wall, "and her coffin sealed when you forced her to marry a man she did not love," Regina towered over her cowering form, "all for the sake of appearances. Never doubt, however," a dexterous hand plunged into her chest, "that I am very much your creation Mother," and pulled out a still-beating heart.

Regina watched with cold indifference as amber eyes widened in shock. "Hook really does give the best presents," she mused as Cora fell to her knees, struggling for every breath while long, powerful fingers slowly crushed her pulsing life force to dust.

"Enough! I've lived with your scathing words and physical abuse for too long now and I won't take it anymore," she asserted as she advanced on the older woman who was quick to retreat in the face of her fury.

Stumbling blindly backwards, Cora's foot caught the leg of the coffee table. Amber eyes widened in shock and locked with deep brown as time slowed. A sickening crack resounded through the silent room, then all was still once more.

Regina watched in an uncomprehending daze as blood dripped off the glass edge of the table into the ever-growing pool staining the pale carpet beneath her mother's motionless body.

Weaving her way through the multitude of bodies crowding the beach, Regina allowed the cool breeze and gently rolling waves of the Pacific to sooth her frazzled nerves. Her first opening two nights prior had been met with rave reviews from art collectors and critics alike. Nearly half of her collection had sold already and her agent assured her that interest in her pieces would only grow over the following weeks.

It'd been a rough year and a half since her move from Chicago, but she felt as if things were finally working out in her favor. With any luck, and a few more successful showings, she'd be able to quit her job at CFA within the year and be done with the financial industry for good. Being a 'starving artist' was not a cliché she was willing to indulge, so until she was more established within the community, she'd just have to suffer through.

Snatching a spot of prime real estate – close to the water, but above the rising tide line, and no one within a ten-foot radius – that a family of four had just abandoned, Regina pushed aside her heavy thoughts and quickly spread the blanket she'd brought along to lay claim to the sandy turf before anyone else could. Satisfied that her spot was secured, she dropped her bag of supplies and a small cooler onto the cloth so it wouldn't fly away before jamming the pole of a large beach umbrella into the sand and opening it up.

Once she was laid out beneath the protective shade, she removed the colorful sarong that hid the bottom half of her black bikini and folded it neatly before placing it in the bag where she dug out the novel she'd been trying to work through for the last three months. Rolling onto her stomach, she lost herself in the sea of words as Kay Scarpetta tried to solve yet another mysterious death.

An intriguing clue had just been revealed, one that had the potential to crack the case wide open and, as Scarpetta paced the length of her office puzzling it all out, an icy cascade ran down the length of Regina's spine. Squealing in surprised indignation as the unexpected chill met her fevered flesh, the brunette yanked off her sunglasses and spun around to face the impertinent ass responsible.

Her cutting glare and the caustic diatribe that sat ready at the tip of her tongue died a swift death, however, when met with sparkling green eyes set in the cherubic face of a young boy. A mop of mousey brown hair peeked out from under a light blue bucket-hat that matched the swim trunks covering his pudgy legs. Light freckles dotted across the toddler's nose and wide, chubby cheeks where a mischievous smile sat poorly hidden behind one tiny hand while the other held a bright red pail in its grasp.

Her ire instantly melted at the adorable sight of the boy giggling infectiously before her and Regina wouldn't have been able to stop her own answering smile even if she'd wanted to.

"Henry!" the sharp reprimand sounded from her right, causing Regina and the boy to jump at the sudden harshness.

"I am so sorry," a young blonde woman apologized as she dropped to her knees next to Regina and pulled the boy into her arms. "I only looked away for a second to find the sunblock and he vanished. Kid's like Houdini, I swear," she mumbled the last part, but she was close enough that Regina easily heard it.

"It's fine, really," the brunette turned to face the other woman to prove she really wasn't angry. She didn't want Henry to get in trouble for just being a kid. "He was only…" brown eyes locked with jade green and it felt like someone had landed a sucker punch to her stomach, "having some fun," Regina trailed off.

Unable to tear herself away from the mesmerizing gaze that held her own, Regina absently took in the golden curls that had escaped the low ponytail to frame the porcelain skin of high cheekbones that held a faint smattering of freckles and a strong jaw softened only slightly by her youth. The woman couldn't be older than twenty, but held herself with a confidence that belied her age. A near-silent gasp threatened to escape the brunette's gaping mouth when a flash of pink tongue swiped across the woman's full bottom lip.

"Mommy?" Henry luckily interrupted before Regina could embarrass herself completely.

"Yes, baby?" the blonde said, slowly dragging her eyes from Regina's.

With their gaze broken, the brunette finally felt like she could breathe again and gratefully took a deep, shuddering breath into her starved lungs. Now if only she could figure out a way to calm her racing heart that insisted on beating triple time.

"Will you help me with my sandcastle?" the boy asked.

"Sure, sweetheart," the younger woman replied easily enough, either ignoring or not seeing the boy's sly grin that instantly had Regina weary of his motives for asking.

"Her too," he said, pointing a small finger towards her.

"Uh…" the blonde hesitated, shooting a fleeting look at Regina before turning back to her son, "I'm sure this nice lady would love to, honey, but she looks pretty busy to me. Maybe next time, okay?"

A slight pang of regret caused Regina's pounding heart to skip a beat as the young woman started to stand. She'd never made friends easily, not even as a child. Daniel had been a complete fluke and, even then, they'd only been together because he'd relentlessly pursued her until she finally conceded. Never before had she been drawn to someone the way she was with the cute, little boy and his lovely mother and she couldn't help but think that if she'd passed up this opportunity, she'd be missing out on something special.

Wait… Lovely?

Shaking herself from that bizarre thought, Regina turned to the toddler to find tears pooling at the corners of his green eyes. Jumping in before they could spill she said, "Actually, Henry, I've never really built a sandcastle before. I probably won't be any good, but if it's okay with your mom, maybe you can teach me how."

Regina's shoulders dropped in relief at the brilliant, toothy smile that broke out across his face as he nodded enthusiastically at her suggestion.

"Pwease, mommy?" he asked with the most adorable puppy eyes the brunette had ever seen.

There was no doubt in her mind that if such an expression were ever aimed her direction, she'd be unable to deny the boy whatever he asked. It seemed that his mother wasn't immune either, because after a quick look to judge her sincerity, the younger woman easily relented.

"Alright, Henry, your new friend and I will help you. Run over to our blanket and get your other bucket and shovel," she said and they both watched as he happily scurried across the sand to get his things.

"Uhh… My name is Emma, by the way," the blonde whispered shyly, catching her eye for a second before turning back to keep track of her son.

"Regina," she whispered, a small smile pulling at the corners of her mouth.

"Come on, Henry. We're going to be late."

"Yes, mom," the young man's beleaguered sigh echoed down the stairs.

"You too, Emma," she called down the first floor hallway to the master bedroom.

"Yes, dear," came the response and Regina rolled her eyes at the mirrored inflections of mother and son.

"We have plenty of time, 'Gina. It doesn't start for another hour and we'll be out of here in five minutes, so keep your skirt on," Emma said as she rounded the corner putting in the teardrop diamond earrings that matched the necklace resting against the pale expanse of skin exposed by the Versace sweetheart, strapless red dress.

"Or not," she rasped, drawing near the brunette.

Green eyes blazed a searing trail over Regina's body as the blonde took in the black Channel dress and matching Christian Louboutin heels.

A burning hunger settled low in Regina's belly and it took every ounce of will power she possessed to restrain herself from dragging her lover back to their bedroom and shutting out the rest of the world for the foreseeable future.

An answering echo of desire flared up in Emma's eyes as she whispered, "Be good."

"I'll behave…" the brunette growled, a feral grin settling across her burgundy lips, "for now, but you are all mine later."

"Promises, promises," Emma teased, wrapping her arms around Regina's neck and bringing their bodies flush together.

"I'm so incredibly proud of you. You know that, right?" the blonde asked as she rested her forehead against Regina's.

"I know," she replied before leaning in and pressing a delicate kiss to the younger woman's lips, mindful of their freshly applied lipstick.

"Oh gross, you guys," Henry moaned from the top of the stairs. "Don't you guys ever turn it off? I'm pretty sure I'm already going to need therapy for the rest of my life, do you really need to keep scarring my psyche this much?"

The two women chuckled, but refused to break their hold on each other. Henry had never been bothered by their displays of affection as a child. Usually when he caught them, he'd insist on being included, turning gentle embraces into group hugs and wiggling his way in between them when they cuddled on the couch. The onset of puberty a few years back had changed his view on such moments, but neither woman was willing to ease up on their affection just to make the teen more comfortable.

"Can't blame me for that, Henry. Your mom is the one that gave birth to you, so any mental instability comes from her… not me."

"Oh, ha ha, 'Gina," Emma deadpanned, stepping out of their embrace and turning to face their son. "Henry grab your coat and go start the car. We'll be right out."

With an annoyed huff, the young man stalked off to do as he was told.

"You think you're so funny, my love," Emma purred as she sauntered to within a hair's breadth of the brunette. "We'll just see who's laughing tonight when I have you writhing on our bed begging me to let you come," she whispered directly into Regina's ear, her warm breath and husky voice sending shivers of desire down the brunette's spine.

A strangled moan escaped her throat at the light nip to her ear and she followed willingly as the blonde lead her out of the house and into the night.

Searing pain arced across the bruised and beaten form, drawing the woman from the peaceful depths of blissful oblivion. Raven locks swayed in the gentle, cool breeze blowing across the supine body, leaving the disoriented woman with the sense of gliding down a long tunnel with no idea as to her destination. A faint light pulsing rhythmically over head sent red hot needles through chocolate eyes as they fluttered open, seeking to make sense of the tumultuous noise assaulting her ears. Before anything could be brought into focus, darkness, once again, seeped into the edges of her vision and the muddled sounds faded to static.

Unmitigated pain was the first sensation to register as she clawed her way out of the murky depths of unconsciousness. Head spinning and nausea rising, Regina sucked in quick, shallow breaths as the world slowly came into focus. Every inch of her body ached, but as her mind began to clear, she could tell that the worst of it originated from her right arm and leg and across her torso.

Using the last of her will power to shake away the creeping tendrils of unconsciousness, Regina Mills managed to roll over before pushing herself onto her knees. The world titled alarmingly on its axis and bile rose to the back of her throat as the sudden movement sent her mind reeling. Placing a cool hand against her feverish forehead to tamp down the nausea, the brunette could feel the thick, crimson liquid seeping between her delicate fingers as she finally took in the scene playing out around her.

Next, a cacophony of shouting voices, piercing sirens, and grinding metal penetrated the static hiss that had once filled her ears. Blinking furiously, a blur of red and blue flashing lights assaulted her hazy vision, sending a white-hot shard lancing through her skull.

Smoke and ash clouded the sky as fire poured from the buildings nearby, painting the earth and its occupants with sinister hues of orange and red in the grey twilight. Angry shouts and frantic screams mixed with the sounds of running feet and bodies colliding in battle. Friends became foes and foes quickly became lifeless figures strewn across black asphalt. Gruesome wounds marred the flesh of the men, women, and, to her despair, children that lay all around. Their once vibrant eyes, now murky with death, damned her with their wrath.

"Ma'am can you hear me?" an unfamiliar voice penetrated the din.

"Emma? ... Henry?" she asked, but even in her delirious state, she could tell it came out as nothing more than a hoarse croak.

"Ma'am, don't move, okay? We're working on getting you and your family out of there now. I just need you to hold tight and talk to me. You need to try to stay with me."

Blood thrummed in her ears from her pounding heart as she choked back the sobs threatening to escape. With shuddering breaths barely able to feed her starving lungs, the former mayor of the quaint little town of Storybrooke, Maine searched frantically for an explanation. Wide, brown eyes slowly swept the devastated town square until they landed on the lone calm figure amongst all the chaos.

Another wave of nausea gripped her as she turned her head to the passenger side of the car, ignoring the paramedic outside her window in order to check on her family. Amongst the twisted, mangled metal was a flash of gold and red.

Emma she sobbed.

The younger woman was slumped to her left, her head only a couple of inches from Regina's. Crimson blood matted her corn-silk locks as it trickled in a steady stream from a long gash across the right side of her face. Her once porcelain skin was now swollen in varying hues of purple, green, and yellow. A barely audible wheezing came with each breath Emma took and relief flooded Regina's body at the sound.

Emma was still alive.

Golden curls framed a pale face streaked with dirt, sweat, and blood. Light, pink lips were set in a grim line of determination mirrored by glinting green eyes. Blood oozed from a long, thin gash across the younger woman's flat stomach and from a shorter one on her left shoulder, dying the tattered white tank top she wore scarlet. The flimsy shirt and ripped jeans offered little protection to the blonde should anyone decide to attack her, but it seemed that Emma Swan was the center of this raging hurricane and she only had eyes for the still kneeling brunette.

Craning her neck as much as she could until the pain became too much to bear, Regina sought slightly taller frame of their son. From the little that she could see, his condition appeared to be as severe as his mother's. Blood ran down his still form from several smaller wounds across his face and neck, staining his white dress shirt scarlet. His fair skin was paler than usual under the bruising and Regina couldn't see the telltale rise and fall of his broad chest.

No… HENRY!

A flash of silver caught Regina's attention as the Sheriff stalked a deliberate path towards her. Unable to flee and unwilling to fight, brown eyes welled with tears as she resigned herself to whatever fate lay at the tip of Emma's sword. All too soon, yet an eternity later, the blonde stood before the fallen queen and raised gleaming steal high above her head. Regina found no remorse or sympathy looking down on her as the sword's wicked edge sliced through the air. A brilliant, white light filled her vision and the last thing Regina Mills saw before she died was the smiling face of one Emma Swan.

With fumbling hands and an uncooperative body, Regina struggled to free herself from the confines of her seatbelt. Large hands clamped down around her flailing arms as she frantically fought to get to her son. The unintelligible shouting around her grew louder and, as the pain in her body reached its apex, blackness once again began to cloud her vision. The last thing Regina Mills saw before she succumbed to dark oblivion were the smiling faces of Emma Swan and Henry Swan-Mills.

"Shhh… Regina, I'm still here. I'm not going anywhere, but I need you to come back to me. Just open those beautiful brown eyes and wake up."

A/N: kay, I hope that wasn't too hard to follow and you all got what I was going for. If there's confusion around what that was all about, well... you'll just have to wait until the next chapter to find out ;) I had this chapter practically written, when this idea popped into my head pretty much the day before I was gonna really write it all out and clean it up. Hopefully, the 5,000 words I just gave you all makes up for it. lol. I'm also hoping this means I'll be able to fit another chapter in this week, since it's practically written already. Fingers crossed! Thanks to everyone who has commented/favorited/followed this story. I'm truly amazed how many people have and more are added every week. You guys are really the best! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and are gearing up for the end. Each post brings us closer and closer. Though I have no clue how many are left cause with every chapter I write I add, take away, and move so much around it's hard to tell. My aim is 20 minimum though, just cause that'll be my longest story to date and a nice even number to aim for. Thanks again. Luv you guys!

A/N2 Almost forgot! This chapter goes really well with Lana del Rey's Dark Paradise Unlike most of my fics, this song didn't inspire the story, I just Love this song and it really does fit the overall story, but if I were one to name individual chapters, this one would be called Dark Paradise. Check out the song if you haven't, it's pretty amazing

"Stay with me," Emma mumbled drowsily as she wrapped a long arm around Regina's waist from behind, fitting herself flush against the brunette's back.

"Gladly," Regina replied as she settled comfortably into the blonde's embrace and slipped into a light sleep.

They had a couple hours until dinner after all and wouldn't be missed until then

Faint footsteps shuffling across the bare floor and the quiet click of a shutting door broke through the sleep-induced fog that filled Regina's mind as she gradually pulled herself back into the waking world. A drowsy warmth weighed down her slender limbs, drawing her back towards slumber, but it was impossible to ignore her parched throat and the unpleasant, metallic taste lingering on her tongue that only comes from sleeping too little… or too long.

Why even bother with naps when all they do is make me feel worse than before? he idly wondered before an image of smooth skin topped by golden curls resting peacefully beside her flashed across her mind.

Right… Well, there is that, she conceded with a yawn as she rolled over onto her side in a vain attempted to escape the encroaching sunlight shining behind her still closed eyes.

A sharp pinch to the back of her left hand jerked her abruptly out of the pleasant haze she'd been enjoying.

Oww… fu…

"…ck," she finished aloud as she bolted up to examine the injured appendage only to find a long IV needled taped to it.

Following the thin trickle of blood caused by the sudden pull, her eyes tracked the line attached to the needle down her wrist, across starched white sheets, and up a long pole until it ended in a clear, plastic bag half drained of its contents.

Rosewood she recognized as the rest of the room came into view.

Dropping her head with a resigned sigh, shoulder-length brown locks muffled the depressingly-familiar sounds around her -hushed voices echoing through the hallway, the steady beep emanating from the heart monitor on her right- blocking out this damnable world for just a few more precious seconds and allowing Regina a moment to swallow down her sharp disappointment.

An entir month ad passed since she'd visited this nightmare. At first, she'd feared its lack of existence nearly as much as she'd feared the possibility that it was real, but as the days, then weeks, had passed her hope for returning back to her normal life had grown and she was able to push aside her complicated feelings for Cameron and focus on her family. The young doctor was only a figment of her imagination based on her very real, very loving girlfriend after all, she had reasoned.

Now that she once again found herself in this… alternate reality, every doubt and fear she'd been able to quell came rushing back. Bitter tears gathered and spilled from the corners of her eyes as these feelings were compounded by the guilt that settled heavily in the pit of her stomach at the small amount of joy and excitement the thought of seeing Cameron again brought to her heart.

"So glad to see you're awake, Ms. Mills," she flinched as the unexpectedly chipper voice interrupted her maudlin thoughts.

Hastily wiping away the last of her tears with a final sniffle, Regina schooled her features into the stoic mask of superiority and indifference that she'd spent thirty-plus years perfecting and faced a tall, pixie-cut blonde nurse whose nametag read "Maddy". She vaguely recognized the woman, but couldn't recall ever interacting with her before.

"How are you feeling this afternoon?" she asked as she pulled the brunette's chart from the end of the bed and began making notes in it.

Why do they always start with that ridiculous question? egina thought, running a tense hand through slightly greasy locks in frustration.

Biting back her initial response –one that questioned the woman's intelligence and brought up the possibility of inbreeding with in her family- she mumbled, "I've been better,"

She knew well enough by now that things moved a lot quicker in this place if she just answered their questions. Preferably slowly and with as few multi-syllabic words as possible.

"Well, the good news is everything looks pretty good and once Dr. Wyatt gets in we should be able to release you back to the ward rather quickly. I know Dr. Cameron will be glad to hear you're awake, too. She's been so worried since you were brought in."

"Worried?" Regina asked in surprise.

Why in any gods' name would Cameron be worried about her?

"Oh my yes," Maddy quickly replied, looking up from the chart in her hands. "She hovered over Dr. Chopra's shoulder as he ran the initial tests. One of the charge nurses had to ban her from the ward after she demanded they run the tests a third time. She's had us calling with hourly updates whenever she's in the office and every two at night when she's home ever since."

"Every night? How long have I been out?" Regina asked but the chatty nurse, who looked and acted as if she'd just recently graduated from high school, never broke her stride as she continued yammering on, apparently not hearing the brunette's questions.

"She even left strict instructions to call her directly if your condition changed even the slightest. I've got to remember to call her now that you're up," she said more to herself. "Anyways… She seems to think it was her fault for some reason. Not that she actually said as much to me, mind you. I got that from one of the other nurses who got it from someone else that overheard her talking to Angelique. It makes sense, though, cause I've never seen her so anxious the entire last three years I've worked here. Then again, maybe she just hasn't had a patient pass out on her before. Oh dear, you're bleeding a little there. Let me just go get something to take care of that. Don't go anywhere now."

Mind still reeling from the verbal whirlwind that had just assaulted her, Regina could only watch on in a daze as the young nurse scampered across the infirmary to gather the necessary supplies. One piece of information stood out from the deluge, though; Cameron had been worried abou her She'd even been kicked out for being underfoot then insisted on hourly updates o he condition.

The younger woman had seemed so calm and collected, ever the professional, in their last session that Regina thought she'd been the only one still reeling from their kiss. Maybe that hadn't been the case at all.

Pushing aside the warm, tingly feeling that was welling up inside her chest, Regina repeated her earlier question before Maddy could go off on another tangent.

"You said 'every night', meaning more than one. How long was I out?"

"Oh let me check," the bubbly nurse said as she set aside the materials she'd fetched in order to flip through Regina's chart once more. "I've been on vacation for the last two weeks with my fiancé and just returned this morning so I'm still playing catch up. It says here… that you were admitted on Monday afternoon and it's a little after eight this morning so… just under five days."

"Five days?!" Regina asked incredulously.

She'd have been less surprised if the woman had said she'd been out of it for a month. After all, that was how long she'd spent in Fairytale Land.

At least she was finally able to answer one of the thousand questions she had; time definitely moved at a different rate here. Good to know, but it didn't exactly help clarify which world was real or what was still trapping her in between the two.

"Yes ma'am," the nurse replied, bringing her back to the matter at hand, "but your vitals are strong and all your tests came back clear of any abnormalities which is great. Dr. Chopra will still want to check you out himself in a few days just to make sure nothing changes by then, but I wouldn't worry if I were you. You're in perfect physical health."

"Does my chart also say when I was admitted?" Regina asked, ignoring the slight emphasis the annoying nurse put on 'physical'.

"Umm… yes. It says original admittance date was just over six weeks ago on September thirteenth."

Doing the mental math, while Maddy finally attended to her bleeding hand, Regina figured she'd been in Rosewood for roughly forty-five days. Subtract the days she'd spent passed out after her transfer and this latest unconscious episode and it came down to thirty-six days spent awake and lucid at Rosewood.

As cut off from the outside world as the patients here were, all the days tended to blur together, so that after a couple weeks it became nearly impossible to distinguish one from the other. Realizing this fairly early on, Regina had taken to marking the inside of her closet door -one never could be too careful after all- as each morning dawned. At last count, the day she'd collapsed, she was at thirty-one days from the first time she'd awoken in the infirmary.

Time here is linear she realized.

"Hey, Maddy. Have you seen Wyatt around anywhere? I need these papers for Mr. Clarkson signed," a deep voice called from the door and both women turned towards the new comer.

"Oh, hey Gary. No I haven't," Maddy answered as he made his way towards them.

Regina's eyes flitted over the square jaw covered by a trim beard the same color as his sandy hair, right down to the streaks of grey speckled throughout, and the long scar just over his right eyebrow.

Galion?

Hazel eyes, ones she'd looked into a hundred times before, meet hers and in the split second that they held, a flood of memories came rushing back.

Gali… 'Gary' was a new orderly on the ward having just transferred in the morning of Regina's latest excursion to the infirmary. He'd been introduced during the morning group session and had actually been the one to escort her to Cameron's office that afternoon.

Scanning back over her time spent in Fairytale Land, the small portion she could actually remember in relation to the years spent there, not once could she recall every seeing Galion before he'd come to check on her after her mad dash to Henry's chamber.

For the first time since this whole ordeal began, Regina acknowledged the distinct possibility that maybe Fairytale Land wasn't real after all.

Across town, the lithe figure of Alison Cameron sat curled up on her couch watching Saturday morning cartoons. Their mindless humor—truly subpar to that of the classics—was about the only thing that could distract her from the ever-present guilt that had been following her around for nearly a week. Even her runs had lost their effectiveness at clearing her mind after two days and she hadn't ventured out for anything else except work since.

As another day passed without Regina waking, Cameron's nerves frayed a little more. She rarely had cause to question her methods, but that was all she seemed to be doing since the brunette had come under her care.

The ringing of her cell phone carried over the din of oddly colored kids doing gods know what and she quickly snatched it up without bothering to check the caller ID. None of her friends would call her before noon on the weekend, so that only left one option… work.

"Cameron," she answered tersely, fully expecting to hear the same phrase she'd heard for that last five days, 'No change'.

Sinking back into the sofa, she listened as the woman on the other end of the line informed her that Regina had awoken a couple of hours ago, was lucid, and didn't seem to be suffering from any memory loss or other ill effects from her time spent unconscious.

"So Wyatt ran blood work again, right? ... And they're clear? ... Excellent! Thank you so much for calling Maddy," she enthused. "Send my love to Spencer and tell Jen I appreciate her double-checking the tests before releasing Re… Ms. Mills for me. …. Thanks again. Bye."

Palpable relief spread through her body at the good news, alleviating the tension in her shoulders and the knot in her stomach. She felt lighter than she had in quite a while, long before Regina even entered her life in fact.

Unwilling to waste this buoyant happiness, she decided to go for a run before returning to tackle the chores she'd been neglecting all week. Even the thought of tedious cleaning couldn't bring her down when she realized she'd be able to see Regina with her own two eyes again in just two days' time.

A/N Yay! Two chapters in two weeks. I think (fingers crossed) that my writer's block has finally abated. One can only hope. I realize the chapters have been short with not a whole helluva lot going on, but they are important. It's basically build up to the next chapter that should prove to be a little more intense with more revealing stuff going on. Unless I think of more filler to drag it out, but that would just be cruel and I woul neve do something like that :D Thanks to everyone who commented on the last chapter. If it's a significant comment, *cough* ariestess *cough* morthel *cough* , I usually reply and if I haven't... My bad. I got kinda distracted this week with stuff but I will be getting around to that though. Cause I really do appreciate all your comments and want to make sure you guys know that. I also appreciate when people favorite/follow me or any of my stories. Makes me feel special! So thanks for that too! Hope you have an excellent day/night/week. Luv you all!

Bleak afternoon sunlight filtered feebly through the heavy, grey clouds that hung low in the winter sky, with barely enough strength to illuminate the intimate sitting room let alone the sheets of paper that comprised the novel Regina currently held in her hands. Flickering candles and a crackling fire aided in the cause, but their assistance was futile since the brunette had spent the last half hour staring vacantly at the same page without reading a single word.

It was only at Emma's insistence that she even found herself here now when she could be focusing her attention on some of the more pressing matters that came with running a kingdom. The blonde was a shrewd negotiator when it came to getting Regina to comply with her wishes, utilizing her wily forms of persuasion to convince Regina that she should take some time to 'rest and relax' while she and Henry trained with the royal guards.

That had been another of Emma's brilliant ideas that the brunette had been swift to shoot down. Royalty were instructed solely by a skilled weapons-master, either individually or with other court nobles; to spar with common soldiers was simply not done. Yet again, however, the younger woman had been able to easily sway her opinion by reasoning that without practical knowledge of group training, she would be an inefficient leader for the civilian guard and Henry's effectiveness as a future military leader would be greatly hindered.

Though she still didn't believe it quite fair that Emma had argued her point while they'd been tangled up in sweat-soaked sheets as the blonde's dexterous fingers and agile tongue danced across her naked skin. After all, who could stand strong in the face of such a delicious onslaught? Needless to say, she'd conceded without much fuss and now she found herself at a loss as to how to occupy herself in a 'relaxing' manner while her partner and son participated in the fourth session of their semiweekly group training.

Setting aside the forgotten book with a sigh, Regina stood from the small sofa, stretching the stiff muscles of her legs that had been curled beneath her for the better part of the past two hours. Pacing leisurely before the warm fire, her unoccupied mind returned to her current predicament, or… more accurately her lack thereof.

Nearly an entire month had passed since she had returned to Rosewood and Cameron in her dreams. While Emma saw this as a good sign, Regina also knew the blonde wasn't aware of the entire situation. Yes the dreams, or whatever they were, had stopped, but her fading memories had not. Truthfully, that worried her more than anything else.

Since seeing how upset Emma had become when she revealed that she'd forgotten how they'd gotten together and their subsequent returned to Fairytale Land, she'd refrained from mentioning it again. She never out right lied when the younger woman asked her about it, but she wasn't above prevarication and deflection. If the blonde had become so distraught all those weeks ago, how would she react to the news that the most recent memory Regina could recall was the moment when Henry was placed into her arms as an infant?

It wouldn't be pretty. That was for sure.

Clenching her fists in frustration, Regina ceased her restless pacing in front of the stone hearth, staring into the dancing flames as if she could divine all the answers of the universe from their swaying, leaping forms.

She scoffed silently at her own ridiculousness, but remained where she was, taking welcome comfort from their warmth as her mind continued its train of thought.

Everything between holding her son that first time and the bizarre dream of Emma killing her had simply vanished. She was even missing a few months of time here, though every day for the past several weeks were, thankfully, accounted for.

Originally, she'd believed her loss of memory and the dreams of the mental asylum were connected. It made sense; every time she woke up here, something else was missing, though it had practically smacked her in the face before she realized. That, however, did not explain why more were disappearing every day when she'd not returned to those dreams for so long.

If the dreams aren't the link, then what is?

She still didn't have an answer for that and not knowing was driving her insane.

Which is probably the point, she thought, rolling her eyes in exasperation.

Soon, she feared, she would regress so far back that she wouldn't even remember who she was or, worse, who Emma and Henry were and why they were important to her.

Refusing to even contemplate such an occurrence, and truly tired of 'relaxing', she decided to meet Emma and Henry at the end of their training.

Wrapping her fur cloak tighter around her shoulders as she stepped out into the chilled, afternoon wind, Regina made her way across the snow-covered grounds towards the barracks and training grounds.

The sounds of clanging metal, thudding bodies, and shouts of instruction and encouragement grew in volume as she neared, drowning out the crunching snow beneath her boots. Nearly two-hundred off duty guards were scattered throughout the vast area, participating in various drills and exercises. The once pristine ground gave way to a muddy slush that the queen could clearly see added a completely new level of difficulty to the maneuvers. She was pleasantly surprised at how well her men seemed to be handling it though.

Brown eyes scanned the multitude of bodies searching for one in particular. Normally, it wasn't difficult to pick Emma out from the crowd, but with muck and dirt liberally coating every inch of every person in sight, the task was proving fairly hopeless.

"Line up for Queen's inspection," someone exclaimed suddenly from her right, obviously, she'd been spotted, and Regina had to fight to suppress an amused grin as she watched the men scramble to obey.

Striding forward, as if this had been her intention the entire time, she calmly walked among the ranks as they stood stiffly before her. With such a large number, it was a long process, but her men were nothing if not disciplined and no one so much as twitched as she took her time looking over each individual.

Halfway down the third row from the end, Regina met the bright, jade eyes of the only person that had the audacity and courage to meet her own brown orbs at such a time. She lingered for a moment, taking in the mud coated blonde locks and battered clothing. Rolling her eyes at the playful wink shot her way, she went off to finish her impromptu inspection.

"Captain," she spoke calmly once she'd returned to the front of the line, "your men appear to be in decent shape today. I expect you will maintain the high level of standard that has kept them in good stead so far."

"Of course, Your Majesty," he responded promptly with a bow before dismissing the other guards for the day as she made her way back towards the castle.

Quick footsteps sound from behind and she didn't have to guess to know who it was. Coming to a stop, she only had a few seconds to wait until the smiling form of her lover was beside her.

"My Lady," Emma greeted with a gallant bow, displaying proper public decorum, before offering her arm to escort Regina the rest of the way.

Despite the mud and filth covering the blonde's sleeve, Regina tucked her hand into the crook of Emma's elbow as they resumed their journey.

"Where's Henry?" Regina asked curiously. "I thought he'd be out here as well."

"He was for the group exercises," Emma answered, "but Galion says he's still too young to participate in the individual combat drills and sent him to train with the weapons-master for the remaining time."

"I'm glad to hear it," Regina said relieved. She quite agreed that Henry was still too young and inexperienced to spar with men twice his age and weight.

"So, did you take my advice and actually relax while Henry and I were out here in the freezing cold working our butts off?"

"Hmm… some," Regina hummed. "I was able to get a little pleasure reading done before I grew restless."

"Well, I'm impressed. I didn't think you'd actually listen to me."

"It's not like you gave me much choice, dear. Personally escorting me to your study, where I had absolutely no access to any of my books or reports, made it rather difficult to do anything else."

"You could have left," Emma responded nonchalantly.

The words were casual and her tone smooth, but the slight quirk at the corner of pale lips, imperceptible to anyone else, exposed her teasing intent.

"Well," Regina countered, "there was the guard you posted outside th open oor to ensure no one 'disturbed' me, but who I know you placed to make sure I stayed put and didn't magic myself out. You do not fool me for one second, Emma Swan."

The younger woman had the good grace to blush at being found out, but the brunette had no true complaint with Emma's actions. Especially since they stemmed from sincere love and care.

"Come now," she said spurring the blonde on a little faster, "supper is in a few short hours and you are going to need to spend every spare second from now until then in the bath just to rid yourself of that awful stench. Honestly, did Galion have you clean the horse stalls before starting?"

Emma chuckled, but otherwise remained quiet as the couple entered their bedchambers and swept straight into the bathroom where a porcelain, clawfoot bathtub waited in the center of the room. Faint wisps rose from the steaming water carrying a light scent from the unique mix of bath oils meant to sooth aching muscles and heal any minor cuts or bruises the blonde may have sustained during her training.

Stripping quickly, the younger woman tossed her soiled clothes into the far corner to deal with later before easing into the hot water with a low groan of approval.

Green eyes fluttered shut in apparent bliss and Regina took advantage of this rare moment to study her lover unobserved. Mud-caked golden curls, now released from their binding, cascaded down along high cheekbones, over a strong jaw, and caressed a delicate neck until the final inches fanned out around a lithe body as they floated in the clear water.

"Would you care to join me or are you just gonna stand there all night and watch?" Emma asked, breaking Regina's reverie.

With a pass of her hand, Regina removed the heavy, long-sleeved dress she'd been wearing and stood in the slightly chilled room in nothing more than the corset and satin thong she'd worn underneath.

Basking in the younger woman's appreciative gaze as she sauntered across the room, Regina grabbed a folded towel from a piled stack and dropped it on the floor near the head of the tub to protect her knees from the hard floor as she knelt behind to the immersed blonde.

"Wet your hair and get what mud out you can," she directed gently.

Emma eagerly complied as Regina reached for a nearby jar. The mixture of various plant and fruit oils, along with bits of soap flakes, wasn't quite as good as what could be found in Storybrooke, but it got the job done.

Spreading a generous portion over her hands, Regina began to methodically work it through Emma's damp tresses, making sure to cover every inch and work out any dirt still clinging to them. A soft moan broke free from the blonde as the brunette's blunt nails lightly scratched over her scalp.

Regina didn't even bother to suppress the self-satisfied smirk that settled across her lips. She knew too well how gratifying it was to have someone else indulge her in a similar way, especially with her hair at this rather ridiculous length.

"I think I may cut my hair short again," she murmured, not really expecting a reply.

"I agree," Emma hummed as Regina hit a particularly sensitive spot. "It's gorgeous as it is now, but there's just something about you with shorter hair. I can't even describe it, but it suits you and it's easier to wrap my fingers in when necessary."

"Rinse," the brunette commanded as she shoved the blonde's shoulders, pushing her under water and wiping away the wicked grin the younger woman had been sporting.

Moving to the side of the tub, Regina met Emma's half-hearted glare of indignation as she sat back up with an arched eyebrow until the younger woman rolled her eyes and settled back against the smooth porcelain.

"You're lucky I love you, you know," Emma groused with a faux pout.

"So you say, dear, but who is pampering whom here?" Regina countered as she lathered a wet cloth with a bar of soap.

"Well," the blonde returned shamelessly, "if you'd joined me when I first offered, I'd be the one taking care of al you needs at this point."

For all of her talk, Regina knew Emma was not up for anything more at this point. She'd need some rest and a substantial meal to recover from her training first. Later tonight, however, that was a different story.

"I will be more than happy to take you up on that offe afte you are clean and not in a tub filled with filthy water," Regina stated as she tenderly washed off the layers of dirt and sweat that had accumulated on the blonde during her long day.

When she finished, she gently roused the younger woman who'd fallen asleep halfway through her ministrations. Wrapping herself and Emma in the plush robes they used in the cold winter months, Regina led the blonde to their bed for a much deserved nap. An undignified squeak escaped her throat when Emma hadn't released her hand as planned and instead pulled her down onto the large mattress as well.

"Stay with me," Emma mumbled drowsily as she wrapped a long arm around Regina's waist from behind, fitting herself flush against the brunette's back.

"Gladly," Regina replied as she settled comfortably into the blonde's embrace and slipped into a light sleep.

They had a couple hours until dinner after all and wouldn't be missed until then.

A/N I know, I know. I suck. I'm sorry. I have no excuses. I've just had issues getting myself to write recently. I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday. I know i did, cause my xmas present from my best friend was a certified, authentic, autographed picture of the luscious Lana herself. I nearly passed out. And I did tear up a little, but I didn't cry. Lana touched that picture! I haven't taken it out of it's protective casing yet. I'm waiting until i have a frame for it, but when i do, I'll be touching something she held! It'll be a major fangirl moment for me. LOL. Anyways... Not much to say on this chapter. It's kinda fluff but it's not completely pointless. Either way, I hope you enjoy. If you haven't seen, the previews for the next two stories I plan to write (Lost Before the Dawn and Waiting for the Rain to Fall) read those, if you haven't, and let me know if you prefer one over the other. The one with the most votes wins and I do take anon reviews. All i need is the title, you don't have to add anything else. Much love to you guys and thanks for reading and any comments you leave!

"Daniel?!... Daniel?!" Regina cried as she frantically threw open the stable doors.

Agonizing seconds passed in painful heartbeats before her love rushed from one of the stalls, confusion and worry marring his handsome features as he took in the distressed tears streaming from forlorn eyes and over flushed cheeks.

"What is it?" He asked as their swift strides closed the remaining distance between them.

Falling into his secure embrace, Regina felt a calmness settle around her, easing her aching heart and drying her soft weeping. Reassured now that the spontaneous decision she'd come to less than a candlemark prior was their only hope, she pulled back and whispered, "Marry me."

"Regina, what are you doing?" Daniel asked with a note of disbelief in his gentle tone.

She didn't blame him for being skeptical about her sudden change of heart; not after all the excuses she'd fed him as to why she would never be able to leave her doting father behind or how her cruel mother would surely hunt them down if she ever dare try to go against her wishes. At the time, she'd been naïve enough to believe that eventually her mother would relent or, failing that, she'd never force her daughter into something to which she was truly opposed. That hope had been dashed quite thoroughly mere hours before and now staying was no longer an option. If they had any hope of being happy together, they would have to leave tonight.

He must have recognized her sincerity on some level, because he quickly asked, "What's happened? Did you tell your mother?"

"No!" she exclaimed, shaking her head rapidly, "and now I can never tell her. She won't understand."

"We must try, Regina," he attempted to reason.

"She is sending me away," she choked out, her voice thick with fresh tears and desperation, "to care for the King's ailing wife with the intention that I shall take her place once she's gone. I'm not sure how she plans to achieve such a feat, but I know my mother and what she wants she shall have, even this."

Grey eyes widened in realization as she continued, "The only way out is to run. For us to leave this place, for us to marry, for us to never come back."

"Regina," Daniel breathed, drawing her close again. "Do you understand what that would mean? Life with a stable boy is a far cry from life as a queen."

"Being Queen means nothing, Daniel," she reassured as she cupped his jaw within her graceful hands. "All I care about is you."

Wrapping his work-roughened fingers gently around delicate wrists, he placed a light kiss against her wandering thumb before placing their joined hands against his chest.

"Then if I am to marry you, we must do this properly."

Her confusion lasted but a moment as he walked purposefully over to a black leather saddle and pulled a small, brass ring from its rigging. Gasping in realization, Regina did not bother to reign in this fresh upwelling of tears— these now of joy and not sorrow— as he returned to tenderly slip the cool metal on to her left hand, signifying their joining spiritually, in not yet legally.

A delighted laugh bubbled up from deep inside and escaped into the cool evening air as unshackled joy set her soul alight.

The kiss they shared, full of love and promise, sealed commitment to each other and after and eternity, but still far too soon, Regina pulled back and whispered, "I must return before I am missed. I'll come to you tonight after the others have gone to bed and we can leave this place."

"I'll be ready," Daniel assured as she made her way towards the still open doors.

Turning back one last time, she met his adoring gaze, "I love you."

"And I, you," he responded. "Now go."

With quick footsteps and a light heart, Regina made her way back to the manor as twilight set in.

Dinner that night was an excruciatingly long affair as Regina did her best to swallow her revulsion as her mother sang the King's praises and planned her wedding to man that had not yet even buried his wife. Thoughts of her future with Daniel bolstered her resolve and she was careful to respond with the necessary enthusiasm to appease her mother and ensure that she would not be dealt any punishments that might hinder her plans for escape.

As soon as it was properly polite, she excused herself from the table and all but ran back to her chambers. Once there, she changed into a simple cotton dress that would not draw undue attention and hastily packed a few of her more common outfits along with her jewelry, in case they should need to sell it, into a small, worn bag.

Restlessly pacing until the hour neared midnight, Regina stole through the manor, certain in the knowledge that both of her parents and the staff were safely ensconced in their rooms, before slipping out into the moonless night.

Racing through the open doors as her cloak billowed out behind her, she excitedly scanned the stable for Daniel. Large smiles broke out across both their faces simultaneously as brown eyes met shining grey in a small alcove set to her right.

Finishing his preparations, Daniel dashed over to meet her asking, "Are you ready?" and pulling her into a deep kiss before she could even respond.

"Let's go," she enthused when they broke apart, wrapping her gloved hand around his and dragging him out into the darkness.

They made it no more than five steps before her mother suddenly appeared before them. Regina gasped as they came to a halt, but refused to release her hold on Daniel despite her mother's disapproving glare.

"You could have at least left a note," Cora intoned evenly before thrusting both hands in front of her.

A silvery blue light flowed from her fingertips, knocking the duo through the air where they landed harshly on the straw covered ground. Before either could draw a proper breath into their bruised lungs, the older brunette was inside and had the doors magically shut and locked.

"Mother, I…" Regina started, though she had no idea how she planned to finish that sentence.

"Don't," her mother sneered, a look of pure disgust curling her thin lips. "You sneak out of my house and think I won't notice? How dare you?

Scrambling to their feet without ever breaking eye contact, Regina replied, "You're impossible to talk to. Stop with the magic and listen to me."

She's quite surprised how calm and steady her voice is despite her pleading and some small part of her realizes that she'd never be to defend herself against mother in such a way if not for Daniel standing a half step behind her.

Pulling him closer, she unflinchingly stared into brown eyes much like her own as she said, "I want to be with Daniel."

"Oh, you don't know what you want," Cora scoffed, "but I do. I didn't make the sacrifices I did in life to get you to the cusp of greatness so that you could end up the wife of a stable boy."

"It's my life," Regina argued.

"Oh!" her mother laughed. "You foolish girl… It's mine. After what I had to do, the deals I had to make to get us out of poverty, to get us this life and you just want to toss it away?"

"Stay strong, Regina," Daniel whispered in her ear, reinforcing her determination.

"Your magic can't keep us apart; I love him…"

"And I love her," Daniel broke in.

"And I love her, too," Cora countered.

"If you loved me you wouldn't try to keep us apart," Regina argued, not understanding how her own mother could equate being held prisoner and forced into an unwanted marriage with love.

"And if you loved me, you wouldn't try to run away," the older woman replied.

"I'm sorry, but this is my happiness. We're going," she stated firmly, stepping forward to emphasize her point.

"No," Cora said, raising a glowing hand in warning, "you're not."

"So what's your plan?" the young brunette demanded defiantly. "You're going to keep us here forever? Cause, that's what you'll have to do."

Regina realized the moment her mother finally snapped and before she could retreat, a ringed hand was flying through the air to land a powerful backhand across her face. Dropping to the floor under the force of the blow, Daniel fell to his knees to help her sit up as she tried to staunch the blood flowing from her upper lip.

"You insolent brat," Cora spat as she stood over her prone form. "You have no idea what it means to be a parent. You alwayshave to do what's best for your children and I refuse to let you throw your life away for him."

After helping Regina back to her feet, Daniel stepped forward no longer willing to be a mere bystander.

"Madame Mills, I love your daughter and by some miracle she loves me back. I cannot promise a fancy castle with hundreds of servants, but what I can promise is that she will always be loved, she will always have a roof over her head, and she will always be happy. If you're being honest when you say that's all you want for her as well, then let us be married."

"Such courage you show, dear boy," Cora's voice dripped sheer disdain as with a quick jerk of her arm she reached in and wrenched his still beating heart out.

"Daniel!" Regina cried out, but neither heard it as pain wracked one person and the other was too enraptured by power to pay attention.

A subtle clench was all it took to bring him to his knees as she brought her face within inches of his own. "A shame you wasted it on such a worthless cause."

"No! Mother, please," Regina rushed forward in an effort to stop the older woman from crushing her love's heart. "Please don't! Whatever you say… I'll do whatever you want, just please stop hurting him."

"Very well," Cora relents dispassionately, easing the pressure on the heart in her hand. "The boy shall live, but you are to end this ridiculous fantasy and never set eyes upon him again."

"Of course, Mother. Never again, I swear," Regina quickly vowed unable to bear the thought of Daniel being gone for good. As hard as it would be to live without him, at least she'd know he was still out there somewhere. She'd have hope that they could be together one day.

"Oh dear daughter, if only it were so simple. No, this time I will ensure that I am obeyed."

With that, Cora squeezed his heart again until he passed out from the pain. Dumping the heart into a nearby sack for safekeeping, the older woman gripped Regina's arm and they disappeared in a puff of purple smoke.

When they reappeared, they were in a circular room Regina did not recognize. The dark stone walls were uninterrupted by any windows with a blazing fire and the candles scattered throughout offering up the only light. Several table were topped with unusual instruments and jars filled with unknown substances. Three wide bookshelves dominated the wall to her left where her mother was currently searching for something with great intent.

"Mother?" she question hesitantly.

"Ah, here we go," the other woman exclaimed as she pulled a worn, dusty book from the multitude of similar looking tomes.

"Do sit, dear. This won't take long," Cora said with a negligent flick of her wrist.

Before Regina could respond, she found herself seated in high-backed, wooden chair restrained by leather straps.

"Mother!" she cried out in indignation and not a little panic as she tried to wriggle free.

Each attempt was met with ever tightening bonds until she feared circulation to her fingers and toes had been cut off completely. Meanwhile, her mother serenely flipped through the book in her hands, ignoring her daughter's struggle until she found the page she needed.

"You see, my child, I have grown weary of your willful disobedience and have decided to do something about it."

"Mother, please…" Regina begged as tears cascaded down her face.

"No, no," Cora interrupted. "I've heard it all before. 'I'll be good, mommy', 'I promise I'll do better', 'It won't happen again, I swear'," She mocked in a childish voice. "Seeing as I cannot trust you to do right by your family, I really have no more use for you. That being said, you are still my flesh and blood, so your punishment will not be quite as… mortal as it otherwise would be. Well, not right away at any rate."

Dread coursed through Regina's veins. She might live, but her mother would ensure that she suffer every waking moment for the duration of her natural life.

"Since you obviously cannot remain here and killing you is not an option, that leaves me but one choice."

Holding the open book before her, Cora read in a smooth, lilting gate.

(A/N: I'm embarrassed to say that I don't have the curse written yet. I suck at rhyming and poetry and all that. BUT, by the time I'm ready to actually post, I will have it all worked out and will be good to go. SORRY again, cause I know it's kinda lame without it. Now back to the story.)

As the words faded, Cora took a deep breath and blew across the page. Black, swirling vapor coiled and twisted its way across the short distance separating mother and child, enveloping the young woman in an ever-growing miasma. Raging wind drowned out the frantic beating of her heart as the whirling cloud stole the very air from her lungs.

When the maelstrom finally abated, Regina was left standing at the edge of a dense forest with only the clothes on her back protecting her from the cold autumn air. Turning slowly in order to take in her new surroundings, the brunette realized she was standing in the middle of strangely covered road.

A faint light emanated in the darkness further ahead and she set off to investigate it in the hopes that she could figure out where she'd landed and how to return home. As she neared, a rush of air and the familiar tingle of magic washed over her before dissipating as quickly as it appeared and she was left more confused than ever as she read the wooden sign, "Welcome to Storybrooke Maine."

A/N2: So yeah that's the prologue. Title comes from and Evanescence song (again) called Good enough. Though it was not inspiration for the story so it doesn't really have anything to do with the fic. I just really like the lines,And I'm still waiting for the rain to fall/ pouring life down on me.To me it fits. What I had before as prologue will now be revamped and made into the first chapter. So if you read the other one, you know a little of what happens, but it also needs to be changed some so don't get too attached. This one still needs some work as well, as evidenced by my author's note in the middle of the story. That will come with time and hopefully, better spelling and grammar. (I posted without reading over it again, so please forgive any mistakes. They will be taken care of eventually.) This is, obviously, highly AU. There will be the same Storybrooke characters, but they will NOT have FTL counterparts. So Regina doesn't hate Mary Margaret and Ruby isn't a wolf, etc, etc. anyways... Let me know what you think. Between this and Lost Before the Dawn, I'm really excited about my next stories. Now if only I could get my ass in gear on the one i'm currently working on. ;)

Some main plot spoilers for season 2 up to episode 3 or 4, but if you're watching the show, you won't be surprised.

"What can I do to help?" the soft lilt of a hesitant voice broke the stifling silence that had pervaded the large study for the last several hours.

Dark brown eyes snapped to find concerned green staring back from the middle of the room and Regina bit back the initial vitriolic response that had been lying in wait on the very edge of her lips like a coiled snake waiting for the first unsuspecting victim to cross its path. She refused to release anymore of her frustration and fear, though she was loath to ever admit to possessing such a weakness, on the blameless younger woman.

The uncertainty and confusion of her situation had been wearing her nerves down to the point that if anyone even dared breathe heavily within hearing distance, the furious castigation they received would send them running from the room in tears. Most had been mere servants and, while she realized they had not deserved such a damning rebuke, she was still their Queen and would not apologize for her actions.

To her great shame, however, Emma and Henry had also been on the wrong end of her incensed diatribes on more than one occasion. While Emma had been immensely patient and forgiving, after a readily offered, extremely heartfelt apology, Henry had not been so tolerant and had required a fair amount of pleading and an explanation for her recent behavior before finally relenting.

They had discussed how much to tell him, if the need to do so ever arose, after Regina had been able to pull herself together the night she'd confessed everything to Emma. Their son was old enough to understand the complexities and consequences she was facing, but both mothers were reluctant to worry the young man more than necessary. They wouldn't and couldn't lie to him, especially since he had inherited his blonde mother's 'super power', so they'd come up with a vague summation of facts that would stress the seriousness of the situation without delving too deep into the particulars. The look they'd received when speaking with him left no doubt in either's mind that Henry didn't fully buy their explanation, but wasn't going to push it… for now.

Confronted once again with the distressed look that had taken near-permanent residence on the younger woman's pale features, Regina felt the last burning wisps of her anger flicker out of existence only to be replaced by an overwhelming sense of failure.

"I don't believe there is anything you can do, Emma," she sighed in defeat. "I have searched this study high and low for answers and none are to be found within these walls. The only hope I have left is if one of the mages or sorcerers in the other realms possess the answer I seek. Though, with all I put them through in the past, it is highly unlikely that they will even read any of my correspondence let alone answer it."

"Regina," Emma breathed in clear exasperation as she stepped forward.

Raising a delicate hand to halt the younger woman before she could begin, Regina interrupted, "I know, my dear. Believe me; I am no more pleased by my querulous tone than you. I apologize; I am just… very tired." She admitted, wearily rubbing her stinging eyes with her thumb and forefinger.

"Hey, come here," a smooth hand enveloped hers in a firm, but tender, grip before leading her from behind the desk and over to a low settee situated in front of a roaring fire.

Warmth infused every fiber of her being from the blaze before her and the lithe body behind. Settling into the welcoming embrace of the strong arms wrapped around her middle, Regina felt the last tendrils of tension melt away as she laced dexterous fingers with in her own.

"Okay, 'Gina. Now talk to me," the low voice whispered calmly in her ear. "I understand why you've been tense, but it seems that it just gets worse every day. I thought you said the reality hopping had stopped."

Though not phrased as a question, Regina knew Emma was still seeking confirmation and hummed out her answer, "Yes. It's been nearly a week now."

"Shouldn't we take that as a good sign that maybe the curse or whatever it is has finally ended?"

"I'd like to believe that were true," she answered honestly

"But?" the blonde prompted after a few moments of silence.

"But… there's still the fact of my missing memories. One part of the curse may have ended," taking Cameron with it. Wrapped in the arms of her lover, she resolutely refused to even remotely contemplate her feelings on that. "However, the second half seems to grow worse with each passing day."

"So nothing has returned then?"

Long, raven locks swayed as she simply shook her head in response.

"Have you found more?"

Despite Emma's brave front, Regina could still detect the faint wavering in her seemingly calm voice and could only nod in reply.

The body behind her tensed as she heard the blonde's breathing hitch and she squeezed the fingers in her grasp tightly, trying to reassure the younger woman that everything was fine, even if her confidence was severely dwindling as well.

Several silent minutes passed as each woman stared absently into the flickering flames, lost in her own thoughts. Regina could feel the unasked question hanging heavily in the air between them, but knew that Emma would be reluctant to push for more after her erratic behavior this previous week.

"Tell me a story," the brunette requested quietly.

"Umm… o-okay," Emma stuttered in confusion at the non-sequitur. "Uh, what would you like to hear?"

"Tell me the one about how the White Knight managed to break the Evil Queen's wicked curse, not only freeing all those she had trapped, but saving said Queen's soul and mending her shattered heart in one fell swoop."

Regina knew the instant Emma realized exactly why she was asking when a chocked sob broke free from the blonde and powerful arms clutched her tighter. A light kiss was placed at the corner of her jaw as the crushing embrace loosened with a shaky exhalation that breezed across her neck.

"Wh-where should I start?" Emma asked in voice husky with repressed emotion.

"Start with the most important thing first-us and how we got together. Then you can fill me in on how we returned here."

"Well… our love for each other and our return to Fairytale Land are actually the same story. The first two years after I arrived in Storybrooke were pretty rough. You pretty much hated me on the spot and I wasn't your biggest fan either, honestly. It was a rollercoaster of emotions and it all centered on Henry. I guess you saw me as a threat to your relationship with him and I can see why you thought that now. Our biggest fights were about him, but he's also the thing that brought us together."

"Whenever you were especially cruel, I'd think back on the mine incident and how afraid you were for him and how relieved you were when we got him out safely. I think that was the day I started looking at you differently. Not in a sexual way, though even then I was stunned by how beautiful you are, but I finally saw you as… human, I guess is the best word for it. I saw the woman behind the mask that had fears and insecurities just like the rest of us, but I also saw the mom that was scared to death for her son."

"Then there was that whole you-tried-to-poison-me-with-an-apple-turnover thing. When we thought we'd l-lost Henry," Emma's voice cracked in remembrance and Regina's heart clenched at the thought of ever losing her son. "Anyways… even in my grief I could see how it was ripping you apart. Luckily, true love really can break any curse cause with one kiss to his forehead he came back and your curse was lifted as well. Shame it only works once per pairing, otherwise you might not be suffering so much right now."

The last sentence was spoken almost as an aside but it caught Regina's attention nonetheless.

"What do you mean?" she asked puzzled, turning slightly to look into shimmering jade eyes. "When did we use 'true love' to fix anything?"

"Is none of this really not ringing a bell for you?"

The brunette shook her head with a simple, "No."

"Well, that's part of the 'how we got here' story. After the curse broke, people were not real happy with you." Regina snorted at this, because she knew that had to be the understatement of the century. "The short version is that while trying to protect you from a wraith, Snow and I ended up in Fairytale Land. We spent a few hellish weeks trapped here with your psychotic mother before youwere able to find a way to bring us back. You know, meeting her actually explained a lot…"

Emma's voice faded as Regina fought against the encroaching darkness that always threatened when something even remotely related to her mother was mentioned. To have it practically thrown in her face so unexpectedly in such a casual manner had her in a near full-blown panic attack within seconds. Blood roared in her ears as a cold sweat broke out all over her body. The once comforting arms felt confining and she all but jumped off the sofa in her haste to break free.

"Regina?" Emma asked baffled at her abrupt change in behavior.

"You said my m-mother was here? In Fairytale Land? And you saw her?"

Emma nodded in confirmation as a deep frown marred her pink lips.

"That… that's not poss… it's impossible. I-I… I…" killed her. She couldn't say it. She'd never said it out-loud, as far as she could remember, and wasn't about to now. It would only lead to more questions and probing into a painful past at the hands of her mother that she'd rather forget.

Figures, my memories are fading and those are the ones that still remain crystal clear, she scoffed as she began a restless pacing in front of the fire. Maybe this is some form of punishment for all my transgressions. Maybe… maybe it's her! She has more than enough power and the motive. But, I killed her! I held her heart in my hand and watched it crumble to dust with my own eyes.

"Regina!"

The startling shout snapped her from the frantic thoughts racing through her head as the solid hands grasping her shoulders ceased her agitated strides.

"Why didn't you tell me before?!" the brunette raged. "We-we have to leave. It's not safe here or anywhere if she's still alive."

"Regina, listen to me," Emma implored in a soothing tone. "She's gone. We- Snow and I- took care of her before we returned. She can't hurt us, I swear."

"You're sure?"

"I have never lied to you and I'm not now. I promise; she is gone."

"Alright," Regina breathed out as the adrenalin flooding her system gradually worked its way out, manifesting itself in shaking hands and unsteady footsteps.

Emma once again guided her to the settee and sat beside her, silently waiting for the brunette to regain her equilibrium. Regina was sure the blonde had a thousand questions about what just happened, but, thankfully, refrained from asking any of them.

"I believe," the brunette started after several minutes had passed, "that you were in the middle of a story."

"Oh… Right. Well, once we returned to Storybrooke, things just kinda grew from there. You'd made an impressive turn around and were actually quite civil to me on several occasions. You seemed sincere enough and since you were Henry's other mother, I figured it wouldn't hurt if we were at least friends. It took a while," Emma chuckled softly at this and Regina wished she could remember everything the blonde was telling her, "but we got there. There were movie nights and weekly dinners with Henry, you'd let him stay over every few nights after he'd moved back into the mansion with you. It was all felt so normal and I didn't realize my feelings for you were changing until about a year later. Out of all the times you'd insulted my lack of perceptive abilities, that was the one instance where I completely agreed."

"So how'd we actually end up together?"

"I asked," Emma replied with a negligent shrug.

"That was all?" Regina questioned incredulously. Who knew she was so easy?

"Well yeah, but I think I asked about a hundred times before you actually agreed."

That was more like it.

"We did all the normal couple stuff; dinners, movies, walks in the parks, and such. Henry was surprisingly ecstatic about it, though, I think he knew before we did. My parents… well they took a little longer. They swore up and down it had to be a trick or a spell of some kind and didn't really stop until we got everyone back here. Then, after being together for about five months or so, you," Emma faltered, "you told me you loved me. Just out of the blue and I'm sorry to say I didn't handle it well... I bolted."

Regina was truly shocked by this confession. Between the two of them, she would have thought she'd be the one doing the running at a declaration of love.

"Ironic, I know, since I was the one that pestered you to go out, but it felt like too much too soon and I couldn't handle it," a look of shame crossed Emma's face and her gaze grew distant as she relived the memory. "After so long you were finally able to open yourself up to someone else and I was a complete coward."

"I buried myself in work and ignored anyone who mentioned you. It was just too much. Henry was terrified and practically dragged me back one day about three weeks later. I'd convinced myself, somehow, that you would get over it and were probably better off without me. When I saw you though, gods, I'd never been so scared. You were so thin and pale. Henry said you hadn't gotten out of bed and had barely eaten. My heart shattered seeing you like that. I vowed then and there to never leave you again as long as it was in my power. It took some time before you'd trust me again, but eventually you did and you finally allowed yourself to love me again and I was able to accept it and my love for you. Evidently, that was the key to open the door to this realm, though Rumple never would explain it properly, but here we are either way."

"So there was no 'epic battle' of good versus evil in the middle of Storybrooke?" Regina asked clearly recalling the image of Emma walking towards her, sword in hand, as smoke and ash filled the fire lit sky around them.

It was so clear where everything else had either utterly vanished or had blurred to the point of being indecipherable, that she could have sworn it'd actually happened.

"Well I wouldn't say that," the blonde chuckled ruefully. "Several of our arguments could definitely be described as 'epic' and I'm sure the emotional war waged inside each of us wasn't exactly fun, but, no, I never had to raise a sword against you; a few villagers, maybe, but never you."

A dark eyebrow arched and the younger woman easily interpreted the unasked question.

"Apparently, not everyone was so willing to see you regain your previous position of power. It took all of my negotiating skills, several threats, and a few well placed punches to get them to back off. It was a year in September and no one has bothered us since. My parents still won't let you set foot inside their kingdom, but they don't seem so concerned anymore. I think it helped when you immediately offered to return Snow's throne to her, even if she ultimately refused. I'm not sure if that was some kind of test or if they were just worried about Henry and me being out in a foreign world with the 'Evil Queen' and all that," Emma shrugged. "Henry is set to take over both realms when you guys step down so I guess you passed if it was."

Regina really wasn't very surprised to hear of her rather hostile reception. She just considered herself lucky that Snow White and her Prince Charming hadn't tried to forcefully keep Emma or Henry away from her, as far as she knew anyways.

"You really don't remember any of this?" the blonde asked evenly, but her trepidation shown visibly as her eyes shaded to a deep emerald and the corners of her mouth drooped into the slightest frown.

Regina merely shook her head as the couple reclaimed their previous position on the sofa, content, for now, to enjoy the moment of intimacy before the real world once again intruded upon their small sanctuary.

A/N: Hey guys! There's really just not much to say on this chapter. It's pretty much filler and I apologize for that, but I have my reasons (like always) for what I put in. Plus, I thought you guys might like at least a little back story on our two favorite ladies ;) Thank you all for taking the time to read it and especially if you comment or favorite/follow. Those email alerts always make my day! Also, I will be finishing up those extra stories I keep promising you all sometime this week and will post along with the new chapter next week. Though my tweeps will get to see them sooner, so follow if you can (JadziaDax86). Luv you guys!

Oh wait! Anyone else see the new pics out of Lana and her sexy belly piercing? *headdesk* Seriously find them if you can. Now every time I see her in one of those oh-so-delicious power suits I'm going wonder if she has it in and I'll completely miss everything else that's going on. Lol. And I know I won't be alone in that.

The sharp click of low heels echoed faintly in the late-night hush as a lone figure made her way through the deserted corridors one final time before following the path blazed by the rest of her associates when they'd vacated the building hours ago. Nervously readjusting the leather strap of the messenger bag that rested across her left shoulder as she neared her destination, Cameron took a steadying breath that was promptly released in a relieved rush when green eyes landed on the unoccupied desk of the infirmary nurse.

Angelique had summarily kicked her out of the medical wing earlier that day issuing a stern warning not to return unless she herself was near death or she'd be put to work scrubbing bedpans for the rest of the week. Knowing this was no idle threat, Cameron had left without dispute and spent the remainder of the aggravating nurse's shift inattentively tending to her own duties before chancing a trip back only to find that the mocha-skinned woman had left strict orders with the rest of the staff not to let her in either.

Now, with only a few third-shift nurses left in the hospital to watch over the slumbering patients, it looked as though she'd finally caught a break. It wasn't like she'd been that much of a distraction for the working medical staff and she'd been perfectly polite as she asked that they rerun every test when they'd failed to determine why Regina had yet to regain consciousness. She also didn't believe it was an unreasonable request that they call with hourly updates after she'd been forced to leave; they were the ones that threw her out after all. They didn't seem to understand that her conscience wouldn't allow her any respite until she could once again gaze into those warm honey eyes and know that the older woman was all right.

Well… as 'all right' as a woman who'd just found out for a second time, since she evidently didn't remember the first, that she'd lost her family in a tragic accident could be.

That was some real fine doctorin' there, Cam.

Mentally cringing at how acerbic her internal voice turned after nearly twenty hours without sleep, no matter how deserved the criticism, Cameron slipped quickly into the semi-darkened room and made her way over to the lone occupied bed.

Careful not to make any noise lest she wake the resting woman, the young doctor set her bag and thick, winter coat aside before pulling Regina's chart from the foot of the bed. Skimming over the pertinent details, the fair-haired brunette could feel a noticeable easing of the tension in her shoulders as all the test results had come back clear once again. There was nothing physically wrong with the older woman to explain her continued unconsciousness. Apparently, she remained that way simply because her mind needed the reprieve.

Who could blame her, really? From what little Cameron had been able to gather during their sessions, and some rage induced ranting, it appeared as if the raven-haired woman had everything she was missing in this life right there waiting for her in her dreams. She was able to raise her son alongside a wife she obviously adored in world filled with castles and magic. Hell, it sounded like a damn fine fairytale ending to Cameron and it nearly broke the young doctor's heart to have to be the one to take that away from her, but living in this fantasy world only to wake to a stark reality had almost killed Regina. Literally.

Gently replacing the chart in its holder, Cameron studiously avoided looking at the slumbering woman as she scanned the readings from the various flashing machines for any irregularities. Seeing that all was normal, she made her way to the woman's left side to check that the IV line was clear and flowing properly when she felt the tip of her shoe impact something light, but solid, on the floor.

The resulting hiss of the unseen object sliding across linoleum sounded unnaturally loud in the peaceful quiet of the infirmary and Cameron's jade eyes instinctively flicked to the quiescent woman, her breath automatically catching at the sight before her. Raven locks limply framed the older woman's delicate features that seemed drawn and pale in the harsh illumination that highlighted faint frown lines around her full mouth, the visible scar on her upper lip, and dark circles peeking out from beneath long lashes.

Despite these details that others would see only as 'imperfections', or maybe because of them and how they showcased the woman's normally well hidden vulnerability, Cameron thought she'd never seen a more beautiful sight and her fingers itched to sweep away that one errant tress that always seemed to break free from the other woman's impeccable coif.

Ignoring the way her heart clenched tightly in her chest and the sound of her drumming heartbeat pounding in her ears, the doctor waited several tense moments until she was positive Regina had not been disturbed in the slightest by her clumsiness and offered up a silent thanks to the universe. If the other woman were to wake now, when all her defenses were down, Cameron couldn't guarantee she'd be able to hold back the thousand-and-one words that threatened to spill from her lips every time she was even remotely near the raven-haired goddess.

Gods, I must be more tired than I realized, she thought as she rolled her eyes at her clearly unhinged mental state since she was practically starting up her own religion at the woman's feet.

Sinking to her knees, the irony of the position not lost on her, she searched beneath the bed for whatever she'd kicked a few minutes ago until her long fingers encountered the object. Pulling the notebook out as she slowly stood back up, brushing dust from her dark slacks, she snapped the book shut just as a flash of a familiar image catches her eye.

An embarrassingly short debate was waged between her sense of integrity and her overwhelming desire to peek at the mysterious writings enclosed, essentially invading Regina's privacy for a second time. Caving almost instantly to her insatiable curiosity, Cameron opened the notebook at the beginning and was slightly disappointed by what she found.

Where she'd expected words of grief and longing or even confusion and anger, things that would have shed some light on what the reticent woman was going through, there were instead sketches covering every inch of the lined paper. It honestly shouldn't have surprised her, especially after visiting the other woman's apartment. Clearly, Regina expressed herself through her art and Cameron couldn't help but feel that if she knew the woman a little better, she'd be able to read her every emotion just from the pictures carefully rendered here in front of her.

Slowly flipping through the journal, Cameron was once again amazed at the amount of detail put into each drawing. The loving gazes set in the beaming faces of Emma and Henry met her at every turn of the page. As she continued, she realized Henry began to appear less often and Emma's features began to change subtly, the most notable difference being her curly, golden hair. With each depiction, the long locks straightened ever so slightly and were shaded just a bit darker.

Unwilling to let her mind jump to erroneous conclusions, she tamped down any stray thoughts and focused solely on what her eyes were seeing at that moment. Reaching the center of the notebook, a muted gasp slipped involuntarily from between her lips as she was met with an image that was clearly her juxtaposed next to one that was obviously Emma.

Where Emma's hair had returned to its previous, lighter tint and a cascade of curls fell around her open, smiling countenance, Cameron's dark locks were pulled back into her customary ponytail while her long bangs draped in front of the glasses she typically wore for reading and a slight frown pulled at the corners of her mouth.

She was vaguely appalled at the representation of herself compared to that of Emma. The other woman seemed so happy, almost carefree, while she was came across as somber and discontented. It was a perfect portrayal actually. She'd not had much to smile about over the last few years and it appeared that she wasn't as adept at hiding it as she'd previously believed, especially if a woman she only saw a few hours a week had so easily picked up on it.

Dragging her gaze away from the eerily accurate depictions, green eyes tracked to the opposite page where she finally found the words she'd originally expected, set in a neat, feminine script.

Memories fade into the silence,
Haunting me tonight.
When morning breaks
Will sunlight finally take the pain away?

When faces lie and love falters
I am left with only time.
And time will break
The dreams that take the pain away

I'm on my own here
And no one's left to be the hero of
This fairy tale gone wrong
As night will fall my heart will die alone

Ever after never came
And I'm still waiting
For my heart to beat again

A maelstrom of mixed feelings swirled around Cameron's heart as the words of the brief poem slowly registered in her dazed mind. The emotions evident in such a short piece spoke of a woman torn between tragedy and hope, fantasy and reality, and a devastating desire to simply be loved hindered by the uncertainty of her current situation.

Cameron prided herself on being at least semi-intelligent, most of the time, and knew that the location of the poem was just as important as what it said. Apparently, her growing attraction was not as one-sided as she'd previously feared and while her heart leapt at the thought, guilt immediately settled in at the realization that she was causing Regina even more pain and confusion.

Shit… this just makes it all so much worse.

Unrequited attraction she could bury beneath her typical stoicism and a well-honed professional mask. Knowing that it was mutual, however, placed her in a tough position. Ethically, she should hand over Regina's case to one of her colleagues immediately. Actually, she probably should have done that after last week's… incident, if not long before when she first realized her growing affections for her patient. Personally, on the other hand, she knew she was too invested to be able to walk away at this point.

Regina was just starting to confide in her and while it was still like pulling teeth to get any information from the older woman, Cameron had learned more in their last two sessions than she had in the first dozen combined. Anyone else would have to start from the beginning and the brunette could easily regress fully back into her delusion during the transition. What little progress she'd made so far was truly quite significant, if she was questioning her fantasy as much as the poem led Cameron to believe she was.

No, the other woman's life was too unstable at this point and she needed to know she wouldn't be abandoned. Now all Cameron needed to do was find a way to bring Regina fully back into this reality without nearly breaking her completely like she almost had this time.

Unfocused green eyes danced erratically over the supine form next to her, mirroring her jumping thoughts as she desperately searched for a way to break down the brunette's final barriers in a way that conveyed safety and trust. Her fluttering gaze landed on an incongruous spot of yellow in a sea of white. Clutched loosely in the sleeping woman's right hand was a slightly chewed pencil. Without only a few moments contemplation, Cameron reached over the bed and gently freed the writing instrument before setting it against the paper in her hand.

A/N: "Poem" is actually lyrics from I Am Only One by We are the Fallen. Great song, you should check it out. It's what inspired the whole chapter. Anyways... SORRY! I know it took forever for me to post again. Part of it was my video game, like i'd warned you all about, but most of it was that i got sucked into the Devil Wears Prada fandom. *hidesinshame* I've never even seen the movie! But there are a ton of great fics for it. I've probably read a few million words in several hundred stories over the last two weeks. Even at work, I did more reading than i actually did work stuff. Hehe. I just needed a mental break from OUAT for a bit, since I've been breathing, eating, and sleeping it since the very first episode. I've got my addiction under control now, however, so weekly updates are back on. There's about 4, maybe 5, chapters left so we are nearing the end! On that note, I've also got the two bonus fics I promised cause you guys have been amazing with the reviews and following me here and on twitter. One is already up. That's Lost Before the Dawn. So check it out. I have the other one written and posted as a prologue, but I've changed my mind on it and that's going to be chapter 1 and i'm going to write a more interesting prologue that also explains a little more about what's going on. So once I finish that, I'll probably post them here and then let you guys choose which one you want me to work on next. I'm excited about both, so I really don't mind working on either. Okay, that's about it. Thanks for your patience with this update and thank you for all the wonderful comments you leave. Keep them up! I like knowing what you guys think and if there are anythings I need to work on. Luv ya all!

Prologue

Setting sunlight filtering in through the large front windows of Granny’s, glinted off polished tabletops and waxed floors as the clinking silverware and quiet chatter of dining patrons filled the cozy space.  Regina Mills rested back against the red vinyl booth, an adoring smile planted firmly on her dark red lips, listening to the animated retelling of the day’s activities from her ten-year-old son while she waited for their check.

Morning had dawned bright and clear with a cooling breeze blowing in from the nearby Atlantic offsetting the late summer heat. Henry had burst into her room, as was his habit most weekends, with a shouted ‘Morning, Mom!’ as he flung himself onto the bed and into her waiting arms. Their usual cuddle time was cut short, however, as he wiggled from her grasp a few moments later and dashed back out of the room.  Before she could question where he was going, thundering footsteps echoed once more in the hallway announcing his imminent return.

Sock-clad feet slid the final two inches, stumbling slightly when they met unyielding carpet. The intended reprimand poised on the tip of her tongue for his reckless behavior died a quick death when he unceremoniously thrust a large, bright pink piece of construction paper into her hands. His barely contained excitement shone through his sparklingly, green eyes and wide, gap-toothed smile as he bounced restlessly on the balls of his feet waiting for her to check out his latest creation.

Brown eyes misted over as she read the scrawled ‘Happy Birthday Mom’ across the top of the homemade card that depicted the two of them holding hands in the park, his favorite ‘castle’ situated on the right with trees and flowers sprouting up from the ground around them. Hastily wiping away the lone tear that had managed to escape, Regina pulled her son into a crushing hug with a whispered ‘I love you’ that he readily returned.

From there, the day had continued on with the same level of happiness. After breakfast they chose a picture of the two them to put in the small photo frame he’d made that would be proudly displayed on her desk when she returned to work Monday.  They’d spent the rest of the morning lounging around in their pajamas watching movies and eating popcorn until lunchtime. Once thoroughly stuffed, they wandered aimlessly through the town for a while before heading over to the park to play.

When dinner rolled around, Henry was adamant that they go to Granny’s and, while it was technically her birthday, she in no way wanted to refuse his request after he’d put so much effort into making this such a special day for her.

Really, she couldn’t have asked for a better day with her son. She’d spent so many years in this world alone and when Henry entered her life, the dark loneliness that had filled her heart had all but disappeared under the joyous light he so effortlessly radiated.

A soft glow filled her vision, startling her from her reverie, as a sizeable slice of her favorite chocolate cake was set before her, a lone candle flickering on top.

“Happy Birthday, Madam Mayor,” Ruby grinned, shooting Henry a quick wink before moving off to help some of the other patrons.

“Don’t forget to make a wish,” Henry encouraged with a wide, pleased smile at his final surprise for her.

One last wish, she thought, before everything is set and there’s no going back.

When she’d first learned of this tradition, sometime after landing in Story Brooke, her fervent wish every year was to return home. Finally accepting that the lack of magic in this realm would never allow it to come true, she just wanted to be happy, or as happy as she could be banished to a world away from her friends, family, and the love of her life. It took a few more years, but Henry entering the picture had granted that one and so her wish changed to never turn out like her mother.

Staring through the flame at Henry’s grinning face eagerly waiting for her to blow out the candle, she realized that was something she never needed to worry about again. That just left one thing…

 I just want to be free.

Her silent plea was carried out into the universe by the thin tendrils of grey smoke curling from the extinguished candle. A light applause broke out from the other customers, triggering a subtle blush to spread across her tan cheeks as she met their approving smiles with an embarrassed one of her own.

After she and Henry quickly devoured the large slice of cake, they made their way out into the warm evening air, the bill having been generously taken care of by more than one of the present townsfolk.

The jingling bell above the door covered up the staccato puttering of an older car approaching from the opposite direction. When the beat-up automobile eased to a stop in front of the diner less than a minute later, the mother/son duo had already rounded the corner.

Wide eyes, indistinguishable in the falling darkness, stared at the sign uncertainly as the mysterious figure double-checked the hastily scribbled directions on a rumpled piece of paper before heading inside what was to be her new home for the foreseeable future.

*******************************************************************************

A/N: As, you can see, this fic doesn't actually have a name yet. I get most of mine from the songs that inspire them, but this one didn't actually come from a song. Which is really surprising to me. This is the second 'bonus fic' I have for you guys. So I'll let you all choose between this and Lost Before the Dawn to see which one I write next. Let me just say a little about this one, since I don't think much is revealed in the prologue. It is highly AU. There is still a curse, but not the one we see on tv. I am leaving the Story Brooke characters the same, but they do NOT have Fairytale World counter parts. There is a reason for this. It's because I don't want to have to come up with original character. LOL. Mostly, but there is a little more to it than that too ;) Basically, it'll be a lot like my others; angst, drama, and a lot of SwanQueen lovin'. So let me know what you think and once I FINALLY finish Caught in the Grey I'll start on the next one. Whichever that may be. Don't forget to let me know which one you prefer!! 

Slight deviation from season one. You'll know it when you see it.

Delicate fingers flew to the brunette's lips and a strangled gasp filled the air when Regina reached the final article. Brown eyes rolled back into her head as they fluttered shut and before she even realized what she was doing, Cameron was out of her chair and around the desk catching the older woman as she slumped unconscious into her arms.

All around them the printed pages detailing the tragic turning point of one woman's life drifted to the ground while one remained tightly clutched in her hand. The crumpled paper showed the smiling couple dressed to the nines for Regina's latest opening with their teenage son standing proudly between them on one side while the other depicted the mangled metal skeleton of the car they'd driven home in later that same night.

Great, shuddering gasps shook her lithe frame as Regina sat up in the sun-brightened room. The space beside her was cool and it took every ounce of will power she possessed to calmly extricate herself from the tangled, sweat-soaked sheets wrapped around her legs before stumbling out of bed onto the cold marble floors.

A small part of her realized how ridiculous she was behaving. It was only a dream after all, but the horrific images of bright lights bearing down on them as she swerved to avoid the speeding truck and the screeching of twisted metal that rang in her ears as the world faded to black still playing out in her sleep-addled mind propelled her forward with an urgency she hadn't felt since Henry had eaten that poisonous turnover all those years ago.

With a negligent wave of her hand, the door to her chambers sprang open with a resounding boom that echoed down the stone corridor. Practically sprinting towards her son's room in nothing more than her silk pajamas, Regina closed the distance in mere seconds and threw open the door without bothering to knock first.

Empty.

Henry's bed was made, something she insisted he do on his own despite their many servants, but the fresh linens and crisp corners were beyond her son's normal slipshod attempts. Goosebumps broke out over here bared flesh as she shivered in the slight chill permeating the room. All bedchambers were continuously kept warm by fire this time of year and troubled, brown eyes took in the large fireplace that lay dormant, swept completely clean and clearly not utilized any time recently.

Regina could feel the slight tendrils of panic once again spreading across her nerve endings, piercing her heart and wrapping around her mind. With a conscious effort, she took a few deep breaths to stave off the impending attack.

Calm yourself, Regina. Henry and Emma are most likely at breakfast awaiting your arrival. Now, get yourself together before the servants start spreading rumors that their Queen has lost her mind and some arrogant noble sees it as his chance to seize your throne.

"Is anything the matter, my Queen," the gruff, but concerned voice of her guard captain called from the doorway, undoubtedly alerted to the mad dash from her room by one of the soldiers posted sentinel in the corridor.

When she was sure she'd once again regained her mask of placid arrogance, so that none of the turbulent emotions flowing through her would be visible to even her most trusted and loyal guard, she turned to face the tall man with a reassuring smile firmly in place.

"I'm fine, Galion. Your concern is appreciated, however," her tone was pleasant but held the unmistakable hint of dismissal; there were only two people she would ever willingly explain her actions to and he was not one of them.

Doubt flashed across his hazel eyes as he took in her disheveled state of dishabille, but after a brief hesitation, he schooled his grizzled features and bowed reverently before exiting.

As his heavy, booted footsteps faded to nothing more than dull thuds, she spun in place, disappearing in a puff of purple smoke and reappearing fully clothed just outside the dining hall doors.

Regina nearly wept in relief when she spied familiar blonde curls sitting at the far end of the long table, her heart beat slowing to its normal cadence as some of the tension eased from her tight shoulders.

It really was just a terrible nightmare after all, she mentally berated herself for her clear overreaction.

"Good morning, sleepyhead. Thought I was going to have to send someone up to wake you before you missed breakfast. Guess you're not quite cut out for all-nighters any more, huh?" Emma teased lightly, shooting the brunette a small grin before turning back to the food in front of her.

"Is Henry here?" Regina asked tightly as she took her seat, ignoring the younger woman's poor attempt at humor because until she actually laid eyes on her son, she could not fully release that last tendril of fear.

A low chuckle sounded from the blonde, "See, you tried to play it cool like you weren't missing him as much as I was, but I knew better. Others might not see it, but you really are just a big softie."

"Emma, where is our son?"

Some of her desperation must have leaked into her voice because Emma's smile abruptly fell she turned to face the brunette fully for the first time that morning.

'"Regina, what's wrong?" the blonde asked, jade eyes filled with worry and a slight frown marring her pink lips.

"Nothing," she returned quickly, but her girlfriend's arched eyebrow let her know the younger woman wasn't buying it for a second. "I just… I need to see Henry and make sure he's safe," she admitted on a soft sigh.

"Sweetheart, he's fine," Emma reassured, cradling one of Regina's hands between her own. "He was only with his grandparents for a week and the scout that arrived earlier said they should be home before lunch."

A week?

No, no, no. She clearly remembered seeing him off scarcely twenty-four hours ago.

"I'm sure you're right, dear," she agreed distractedly. "I... had another bad dream and let it get the best of me. I-I have a lot of work to do so I'll just…" she trailed off uncertainly before hastily standing and making her way quickly from the dining room, not seeing the apprehensive green eyes following her rapidly clicking footsteps as she left.

Last time this happened was with the Dwarves, Regina thought as she pulled yet another book from her overflowing shelves, flipping through it quickly, but I remembered everything almost immediately. Now I've lost an entire week and none of it is returning. One of the aged, near-translucent pages ripped in her haste and she tossed it onto the ever-growing stack of discarded tomes in frustration. It's escalating, but what does that mean?

Flopping unceremoniously into her plush desk chair, raven locks curled over frail shoulders shielding her from the worries of the outside world as she dropped her head in her hands, "Maybe I should ask Maleficent if she has any ideas."

"Absolutely not!" a furious shout shattered the library's stillness, startling Regina who hadn't even realized she'd spoken her thoughts aloud let alone that anyone else had entered the room as well. "You promised me that she would never step foot in this realm again after what she tried to pull. Or have you completely forgotten the pain she caused us?"

Brown eyes widened in confusion at the vehemence behind Emma's outburst and though Regina could feel her jaw working as if to speak in her defense, the words would not come because she had no idea what the blonde was talking about.

Her lingering silence only seemed to incense the pacing younger woman more as each second slowly ticked by.

"You have, haven't you?!" Emma asked incredulously, coming to a stop in front of her desk arms akimbo. "First our son and now this. What the hell is going on Regina?"

"Things have gotten a little… fuzzy for me recently," the brunette answered lamely, the nebulous summation of her current predicament the best she could come up with at this point.

It was the understatement of the century.

"Clearly," the blonde bit out, crossing her arms over her chest. "Otherwise, the thought of bringing that… vile woman, the one that tried to charm me away from you and used Henry as a pawn in her demented scheme, would have never even crossed your mind."

Regina winced, not in remembrance, but in recognition of one of Maleficent's favorite schemes, one she'd participated in once or twice herself.

"No more excuses this time, Regina," Emma's voice had lost its heated edge but remained firm and uncompromising. "I've held my tongue for too long as is."

"It seems…" the brunette started slowly, unsure how to verbalize what she'd been experiencing over the last several weeks in a way that wouldn't completely terrify her girlfriend, "that someone has cast a curse upon me; a bit of poetic justice, if you will, for all the evil I have wrought. At first, I thought it was a simple dream spell that I could easily handle, but now my memories are slipping away as well and I cannot find anything in the entirety of my library that will undo it."

"Which ones?" Emma asked, her arms falling limp to her sides as alarm covered every part of her lovely face and Regina wished she hadn't been the one to put it there.

"It's impossible to know for sure. Usually I don't even realize something is gone until it's pointed out to me, like with Mal and Henry today or the Dwarves a while back, but I've found a few on my own as well when I try to remember something specific," she admitted quietly.

"Specific like what day it is or specific like you can't remember whole events?"

"Both," Regina admitted. "I only know it's Sunday because that's the day Henry was set to return. The last thing I remember is falling asleep in your arms the day he left and I have absolutely no recollection of the rest of the week."

"But who? How?" the blonde stuttered, even after all this time, the younger woman still did not grasp just how truly powerful magic could be.

"Emma, dear, we both know I have made plenty of enemies in the past, especially after I sent half of Fairytale Land to Storybrooke. Any one of them could be seeking their revenge."

"We've been here for years, Regina. Why now?!"

The brunette shrugged as she made her way calmly to the front of her desk, perching on the edge as Emma resumed her restless pacing.

"Perhaps they have been biding their time, waiting for me to relax my guard. On the other hand, maybe it has simply taken them this long to find a satisfactory method and enough power to enact their plan. The 'who's' and 'why's' are endless. All I really need is the 'how' so that I can finally break their hold over me."

"This is why you've been locking yourself away in here for hours on end, isn't it?" narrowed green eyes turned to her with laser like focus.

The brunette merely nodded in answer.

"Regina, this started months ago and you're just now telling me?" Emma asked in outraged hurt.

Months?

Did it count as déjà vu if the related events only occurred an hour apart?

"Emma, I swear it's only been a couple of weeks since I promised to come to you if my nightmares became worse and until this morning, I hadn't realized things had progressed this far."

"No, Regina, you made that promise nearly two months ago. Even then, you knew something was wrong and yet you still refused to tell me. We are supposed to be partners here; what affects you, affects me. You can't keep something this big to yourself."

Regina cringed. Emma had every reason to be upset, but she knew most of the blonde's anger stemmed from fear, which made telling her the rest all that more difficult.

"Emma, darling, please. I didn't want to worry you. It's just…" she trailed off.

"What?" the blonde's low voice warned of severe consequences if Regina even thought of leaving anything else out.

Taking a deep, fortifying breath before continuing, the brunette knew this part was going to hurt her sensitive lover.

"As I said, at first I thought it was just a dream enchantment they'd cast on me, but I'm no longer certain it's that simple. Maybe they found a way to trap me between Fairytale Land and the land without magic or even an alternate universe. All I know is that… it's getting harder to tell which world… is real," she mumbled as her head sank to her chest in shame.

The expected explosion did not happen. Instead, an unbearable stillness settled over the room as dread filled the brunette's very soul. Yelling would have been so much better compared to this heavy silence. Regina finally looked up to meet the blonde's devastated gaze staring back at her.

Emma's bearing visibly hardened a split-second later as anger burned behind bright green eyes.

"What do you mean which world is 'real'?" she ground out barely above a whisper. "I'm here, Regina. Henry is here. This is real."

"I know that, Emma, but you are… were there, too," Regina's voice was a defeated quiet as her shoulders slumped. "You were in that world as well except Storybrooke never existed, and you and Hen-Henry…"

"What Regina?" Emma prodded gently, clearly realizing that this was difficult for her.

"Yo-you died…" the brunette choked back the sob threatening to escape as she fought against the emerging disjointed images of two black coffins being lowered into the cold, dark earth on a bright, sunny day. "My every waking moment there is filled with people trying to convince me I'm delusional and that all of this," she waved delicate hands around as if to indicate all of Fairytale Land, "is a fantasy I created to deal with your loss. It's my worst nightmare come to life. I am trapped there… alone."

Tears she'd refused to let fall earlier this morning, one that had been building since the beginning, cascaded down her pale cheeks, leaving salty streaks over flawless skin in their wake. Warm arms wrapped around her as long fingers carded soothingly through her raven strands. More fragmented visions of drab hospital walls and hovering scrub-clad figures swam behind her closed eyes as she clutched desperately to the one person that could chase them away.

"Regina, you are not alone in this," Emma whispered quietly into her ear, the blonde's warm breath ghosting across her neck, "but you need to fight. I can't lose you."

"I promise, my love, I will never leave you," Regina stated firmly despite the trepidation building in her heart.

A/N: So I'm giving you fair warning here, I'm getting Assassin's Creed 3 tomorrow (Thursday) and I may not be in a position to post next week. I'll write at work as much as possible, but my home time will be pretty much nothing but gaming. That being said, this week you all are lucky, cause not only did we hit for story follower but also reviews. So that means I'll be posting both bonus fics! I've finished one and posted it here I'll be posting the second one in a few weeks and after that you guys can let me know which one you want me to work on next! Thanks, as always, for the wonderful comments and reviews. I tried to answer as many as possible from the last chapter, but let me reassure everyone else, that I have no intention of scrapping this fic. I'm too involved in it at this point and am really looking forward to the ending. I was just stressed with the last chapter is all.

*Kind of a song fic. If that's not your thing, just skip the Italicized lines and it should still make sense.

The cacophonous sounds of spirited conversation and jovial laughter reverberated off the stone walls of the lavishly decorated Great Hall as revelers partook in the sumptuous feast and overflowing wine of bacchanalian proportions. Large round tables bordered the cavernous space, easily seating the two-hundred plus guests that had come to celebrate. Once the formal rituals had finished, however, most had left their places and now stood in small groups discussing the events surrounding the joyous occasion while others availed themselves of the enthusiastic music filling the air.

Emerald eyes watched the mingling partygoers and twirling dancers dispassionately from behind the marble pillar situated in a darkened corner of the large room, waiting for the perfect chance to slip away unobserved. Despite the late hour, the celebration was just revving up and Emma Swan knew that she wouldn’t be missed until the next afternoon at earliest.

Barely hearing the bells tolling out the time, the blonde took one last look at the few people she would truly miss before slipping unobtrusively through the small wooden door that lead to the servant’s corridor.

Dear my love, haven't you wanted to be with me
And dear my love, haven't you longed to be free

Light footsteps carried her quickly through the winding labyrinth of familiar passageways. Since their return to Fairytale Land a month ago, Emma had made it her priority to know every twist and turn of every hallway in preparation for this very moment.

With all but a few guards occupied with the festivities, Emma was able to reach the wing she shared with her thirteen-year-old son unobserved and crept quietly into his darkened room. Despite his earlier protests to the contrary, the blonde could easily hear the deep, even breaths of the exhausted young man.  

Pale moonlight filtering in through the high windows illuminated her path as she tiptoed over to his bedside. Pulling a folded piece of parchment from the inner pocket of her coat, she propped the note explaining her actions and the reasons behind them against the unlit candle resting on the nightstand.

I can't keep pretending that I don't even know you
And at sweet night, you are my own

Her heart ached and her vision blurred as she ran gentle fingers through Henry’s mop of light brown hair before placing a light kiss against his forehead and issuing a silent apology to her sleeping son. Wiping away the lone tear sliding down her cheek, Emma shut the door behind her and hoped that one day he would understand.

Once in her own bedroom, Emma hastily slipped off her noble attire, grateful that Snow had finally permitted her to wear the jacket and pants similar to James and Henry’s outfits instead of the elaborate dress and corset that the brunette had originally insisted upon. Throwing on a pair of worn leather pants, a plain tunic, and a fitted jerkin the blonde strapped her sword to her side and grabbed the bag she’d previously packed before heading to the far end of the castle.

Take my hand
We're leaving here tonight
There's no need to tell anyone
They'd only hold us down

Stashing the pack in a small alcove, Emma made her way down the twisting staircase until it ended in the castle’s dungeons. The air down here was dank and cool despite the burning torches lining the damp, moss covered walls and her footsteps rang unnaturally loud in the eerie silence.

So by the morning light
We'll be half way to anywhere
Where love is more than just your name

Rounding the final corner Emma watched the guard grab the hilt his sword as he jumped at the unexpected interruption to his own privet celebration. Doing his best to cover up his inattentiveness, the man snapped to attention and bowed properly when he finally recognized her, issuing a “Yer ‘igheness” in a slow slur that couldn’t be blamed solely on the amount of alcohol he’d consumed.

“At ease, Tolfdir,” she said with a forced casualness readily apparent in her stiff manner and wan smile that, luckily, the guard was too inebriated to pick up.

Clapping the balding man around his shoulders, Emma steered him away from the cells that she didn’t want to examine too closely for fear of what she might see and pulled him down the corridor. Breathing shallowly through her mouth to ward against the acrid smell emanating from the stout guard, she dropped her voice in feigned collusion.

I have dreamt of a place for you and I
No one knows who we are there

“You see, my friend, I have a little proposition for you.”

“Oh aye?” his dull eyes gleamed in anticipation and Emma repressed a shudder at leer that exposed his decaying teeth. 

“As I’m sure you know, the Evil Queen and I have a bit of a… history together; one that we haven’t been able to really bring to a satisfactory end, at least on my part.”

Confusion marred his wrinkled visage and Emma resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Apparently, subtly was not this man’s forte.

“The Queen and I need to have a little chat,” she voiced in simpler terms, acrimony heavily lacing her tone in order to break through his thick skull.  “Seeing as this is my last chance to exact a little… retribution, I’d rather take my time and enjoy it without an audience. Besides, I see no reason for you to stick around when she’s powerless in this dungeon and you could be enjoying the spoils of the party upstairs instead.”

A knowing grin spread across his face as he gave a slight wink, “I gotchya, Yer Majesty. No un’ll mind if she shows up to ‘er own execution with a few extra bumps ‘n bruises. Weak as a kitten she is, yu’ve no worries there.”

Taking the keys handed to her she said, “Thanks, Tolfdir, you’re a good man. Now go, enjoy that party.”

All I want is to give my life only to you
I've dreamt so long I cannot dream anymore
Let's run away, I'll take you there

Staggering his way down the hall, the guard never saw Emma pull her sword from its sheath as clubbed him with the pommel right at the base of his skull. The blonde cringed at the resounding smack his hefty body made as it impacted the hard floor and did not envy the headache he’d have upon waking.

Dragging the unconscious man into the nearest empty cell, Emma tried her best to make up for the unfortunate, but necessary, harm she’d caused by covering his prone form with the threadbare blanket and straw covering the floor.

Locking the iron doors securely behind her, the blonde frantically searched the remaining cells until she found the only other one occupied at the far end of the passage. Tears pooled in jade eyes as Emma got her first glimpse of Regina Mills after four long weeks.

We're leaving here tonight
There's no need to tell anyone
They'd only hold us down

Tattered grey rags covered the huddled body of the former Evil Queen as she shivered uncontrollably in the barren cell. Unlike the others, no straw covered the cold, stone floor and no blanket, regardless of how thin, had been provided to help fight off the bitter chill that permeated the dungeon year round. The only concession made to show that they knew the brunette was in fact human, and not the animal they were treating her as, was the sour bucket situated in the far corner.

Shaky hands fitted the key into the lock, fighting with it for a few unbearable seconds before it finally gave way. Throwing the door open with a reverberating clang, Emma scrambled into the cell and dropped to her knees in front of the cowering brunette.

Regina flinched as Emma tenderly cradled her delicate face with both hands, lifting her chin and looking for any signs of obvious abuse. Normally lustrous, raven locks hung dull and limp around frail shoulders, framing sunken cheeks and chattering teeth. Tan skin was sallow under the flickering torch light, but appeared unmarred with the exception of dark circles residing under listless brown eyes. A quick check of the brunette’s arms and legs also showed no evident contusions, so what ever mistreatment Regina had suffered at the hands of her captors had not been physical.

“Emma,” Regina breathed on a sigh as if the blonde were just a glorious vision created by her mind.

So by the mornings light
We'll be half way to anywhere
Where no one needs a reason

“I’m here, my love,” Emma reassured, forcibly swallowing the lump that had risen to the back of her throat at the sound of her name whispered so raggedly.

Gently wiping away the few tears that spilled over from chocolate orbs and ignoring those cascading from her own, Emma pulled the weakened woman to her feet, catching the brunette in strong arms when her knees buckled under her own weight.

“You’re safe now, but we have to go.”

“Go?” Regina asked as Emma half carried her stumbling form down the corridor.

“We have to get you out of here while everyone is distracted. This is our only opportunity and I know you’re tired, honey, but I could really use some help getting you up these stairs.”

Despite the cool temperature, sweat was beading along her hairline as she was forced to bear more of the brunette’s weight the higher they climbed. Her jagged breathing and strained voice must have finally broken through some of the haze clouding the older woman’s mind, because Regina shifted most of her weight to her bare feet and only used the blonde to steady her still shaky steps.

“Is Henry coming too?”

Forget this life
Come with me
Don't look back you're safe now

The stoic mask that had kept her true feelings hidden from everyone else, even her son, over the past month threatened to crack at the hopeful words whispered by the weary brunette.  

“Oh, honey, I wish he could,” true regret tinged her voice as tears threatened to fall once again, “but we don’t have a choice. He’ll be safer here with Snow and Charming than on the run with us, encountering gods know what.”

‘Please, don’t push me on this, Regina. It would break my heart to tell you the truth,’ the blonde thought desperately.

“You’re right,” the brunette agreed after a few moments and Emma breathed a silent sigh of relief.

Finally reaching the main floor, Emma held the brunette back as she checked to make sure the coast was clear. Grabbing the bag she’d hidden in one hand and Regina’s in the other, the dull thud of her boots shattering the stifled stillness with every step as they walked down the rarely used corridor.

After several tense minutes, they were out in the frosty night air trekking across the verdant grounds with only the quarter moon and countless stars to light their way. The pungent smell of hay and horse manure assaulted her nose as they entered the darkened stables, relieved to that the grooms were nowhere to be found.

“There’re some warm clothes and boots for you in here,” Emma said as she handed the bag to Regina. “Get dressed while I get Fëanáro ready for the journey.”

“You’re coming too, right?” the brunette asked and despite the trepidation lacing her tone, Emma was glad to hear that Regina’s voice seemed stronger and her eyes clearer than they had just a short while ago in the dungeon.

Unlock your heart
Drop your guard
No one's left to stop you

“Of course, Regina,” the blonde reassured, her heart breaking that the other woman had ever had cause to doubt her. “We don’t have time right now, but I promise as soon as I can I will explain everything, okay?”

Regina remained guarded but nodded in consent and began changing while the younger woman tacked the horse and stuffed the meager supplies she’d been able to acquire in the saddlebags.

Once Regina was settled securely in the saddle of the bay mare, Emma took hold of the reins careful to stay in the shadows as she led them to a long forgotten opening in the palace walls. Ivy concealed it from casual glance and it had taken nearly a week for her to scrub away the rust coating the lock and hinges, but all her hard work paid off as the iron gate opened silently and they slipped into the surrounding wilderness unseen.

Forget this life
Come with me
Don't look back you're safe now

Emma was grateful for the twisted sense of justice the citizens of Fairytale Land possessed. Their escape would have been nearly impossible had the council decided to keep the brunette locked up in Charming’s castle instead of the one the Evil Queen had seized all those years ago.

“Where exactly do you expect us to find refuge, Dear?” Regina asked sounding more like herself with her piercing sarcasm, though it lacked its usual bite. “I am known far and wide throughout this land and none would hesitate to see my head separated from my neck, reward or not.”

Unlock your heart
Drop your guard
No one's left to stop you

Pale features winced at the accuracy of that assertion, having heard similar sentiments tossed around over the last several weeks, but she purposefully ignored it as she continued picking her way through the dense vegetation of the forest.

“I was more concerned with getting you out of there alive than searching for a safe place to stay. There’s bound to be some corner of this world where no one knows us as the ‘Evil Queen’ and the ‘White Knight’, or at least doesn’t care.”

“We’ll have to travel a great distance to accomplish that,” the brunette replied gravely.

“I know,” Emma sighed. “Any ideas?”

A tense hush fell on the traveling women as the severity of their situation settled heavily on their shoulders.

Long moments passed before Regina finally asked, “How do you feel about boats?”

We're leaving here tonight
There's no need to tell anyone
They'd only hold us down
So by the mornings light
We'll be half way to anywhere
Where love is more than just your name.

**************************************************************************

A/N: The song used is 'Anywhere' by Evanescence. It's one of my all time favorites of theirs and I've heard it at least a couple hundred times over the years. But one day I was driving home and this story just popped into my head nearly complete. I replayed it over and over working out the details until I had it down. It was originally intended to be a one-shot, but like with most of my others, I quickly thought of several other scenes that could easily extend it into yet another epic fic. When I finally do get around to officially posting it, however, I may not keep this chapter as a song fic, though I really do like that element to it, but the rest of the story would not be. I'm sure some of this will change by that time as well as I work out more and more of the plot, but this is the basic beginning of the story. The numbers are very close on Caught in the Grey so it'll only be a matter of time before I post the first chapter of the other fic I have in mind. And let me just say it's completely different than this, Grey, or Happily Ever After Kinda. At that time, I'll let you guys decide which one you want me to pursue first, but rest assured, both will be written. Thanks for reading and let me know what you think.