I know some of you have been waiting for this - especially after the way I left you hanging at the end of last chapter ;) So here it is. As always, enjoy, follow, favorite & review. I love reading your input and I really liked the review from the guest calling themself 'Musings/Thoughts' - that's how I wanted Kathryn to be seen and I'm glad you like her as much as I do.

So, this is another chapter with extra-length. And here they say that length doesn't mean a thing... For me, I like 'em long. Fanfiction chapters of course, what did you think? Get your mind out of the gutter.

-np

"Why can't mommy take me to bed?" Matthew whined when his momma tucked him in. He'd already protested when Snow had bathed and helped change him into his pyjamas. He wanted Regina and he wanted her now.

"I know darling, I know," Snow tried her best to calm him. "But mommy isn't home right now, so you'll have to make do with me."

"Where is mommy? Why is she not here?"

"Mom," Lexi came into her brother's room, shoulders slumped. "You said mommy would be home tonight. You promised."

"I-" Snow was about to defend herself but decided otherwise. After all Lexi was right. She had promised her that her mommy would be back later. Now it was bedtime and Regina still wasn't home. Which was mostly her own fault. "Know what, princess? I did promise she would be home and she will be. I'll go and find her. I'll go right now if you promise to be good for your aunt Kathryn." The two kids were eagerly nodding at her. "All right. Let me just call Kathryn and once she gets here I'll be off."

'Maybe', Snow thought, 'maybe she'll even be able to tell me where I can find Regina.'

15 minutes later, Snow was driving to the town's center, intent on finding Regina and taking her back to where she belonged.

Regina was sitting on the top floor of the clock tower. In the past, this place had always had a calming effect on her. Today however, it wasn't nearly enough to calm her down. She'd been sitting in the exact same place for the last hours and the tears had finally subsided. Now she felt forlorn and terribly empty. The ticking of the huge clock behind her kept reminding her of the time that passed. Matthew and even Alexandria would already be in bed, wondering why their mom hadn't been there to wish them a good night. She felt sick of herself for not being there for the two but tonight after what she'd witnessed – she couldn't bear with setting a foot into the house that had been filled with laughter and joy for such a long time.

Ironically her curse had really worked. It had given her her happy ending, just in a very unique and unexpected way. Although she'd always thought her happy ending would last forever and that it would exist because of Snow White's misery, everyone's misery. Casting the curse though, Regina hadn't really specified what she wanted. She'd just wished for a different setting, love and happiness. She'd gotten all of it. And now that she'd lost it, she felt like cursing herself into oblivion. She didn't feel regret though. The last 28 years had been the best years of her life. Even though or maybe because she didn't remember along with everyone else. She'd tried to curse these people, many of whom she could now call her friends. Thankfully, the curse hadn't given her any special treatment. If she alone had remembered she would have never given anyone the chance to get to know her, to get close to her. And even if after tonight everything else fell apart, she knew she still had her children and a best friend she could always count on. She wasn't alone even if it felt that way right now.

She pulled her knees to her chest and soon found herself reminiscing about the past 28 years, the days, weeks and months she'd just been Regina Mills.

A smile softened her features as she thought back to the day she'd asked Snow to marry her.

27 years ago.

"Are you sure Regina? I mean, you know I love Snow and I see how happy she makes you – still you've only been dating for little more than a year," Kathryn pointed out. She wanted to make sure – one last time – that this was really what her friend wanted, that she was certain.

Regina turned around to look at Kathryn and nodded, a wide smile gracing her features. "I've never been more sure about anything else in my entire life, Kat. She's the one."

"Well if that's the case," Kathryn started bouncing on the spot. "I'm so excited!" she squealed, pulling Regina into a bone-crushing hug. "I'm going to be your maid of honor of course."

"Of course," Regina pulled away and started spinning around, showing off the dress she was trying on. "What do you think? Honestly."

"I think…" her blond best friend made a face as if she was pondering on it. She couldn't keep up the farce for long though, the way Regina was glaring at her was just way too hilarious. "All right, all right, Madame Mayor, don't shoot me," she chuckled, raising her hands above her head. "I'll confess."

"Good decision," Regina grinned. "I would hate to have to kill you Kat. So?"

"You look absolutely amazing, Regina. Snow won't know what hit her," Kathryn smirked and made come hither eyes at the brunette. "I'd totally ask you to marry me if it wasn't for Frederick."

"Would you now?" Regina raised a brow before both women erupted in laughter, drawing the clerk's and every other customer's attention.

"Well. Now I have the dress and the ring," Regina contentedly swung the shopping bag back and forth as they were walking along the pavement. "Now she just needs to say 'Yes'."

"She won't be able to refuse anything you ask off her wearing that dress," Kathryn gave her best friend a wink. "Honestly Gina, you're quite the catch and she knows it. The huge villa, the money, your job," she playfully bumped into Regina's side. "Plus, if everything else fails, there's still the fact that she's head over heels in love with you."

"Thanks Kathryn," Regina responded earnestly. "Really. You always know what to say to get me back on my feet."

"Awe," Kathryn cooed. "But that's what friends are for, right? Now, you go and arrange everything and don't you dare forget to call or text me later, Regina!"

"I won't," Regina promised. "Wish me luck?"

"You won't need it," Kathryn knew her words to ring true. Snow and Regina were practically made for each other. "Have fun afterwards though."

Then Regina could only watch as Kathryn crossed the street and climbed into her car. Shaking her head, Regina walked toward her office building to do the same. Kathryn was a real clown sometimes but that was one of the many little reasons Regina treasured their friendship so much.

A little later.

Snow's day at work had been really exhausting and she wished for nothing more than to snuggle up to Regina on the couch and listen to her heartbeat. Looking forward to seeing her girlfriend, Snow's tired face visibly lit up as she walked up the gravel to Regina's front door. Not bothering to ring the bell, she pulled out her key from her purse – she still perfectly remembered her utter surprise and joy at receiving it three months ago – and unlocked the door. Regina had been right when she said they practically slept together in one bed each night, so why not give her a key to the house? Snow had been quick to present her a key to her own apartment only three days later. However, they mostly stayed at Regina's.

Snow opened the door and stepped into the quiet house, finding herself greeted by romantic candlelight and the song they'd first danced to playing in the background. She smiled, humming along to Nat King Cole's 'L.O.V.E.', wondering what Regina was up to this time. In the 14 months they'd been together, Snow had learned that Regina wasn't only a romantic at heart but also very creative in expressing her love. It were things like this that made her fall deeper in love with her with every day that passed.

"Regina?" she called out but already assumed that she wouldn't receive an answer. Coming home to this had made all her tiredness ebb away.

She followed the trail of candles until she found herself in the big, pristine kitchen. Regina loved to cook and Snow was happy to let her. She grinned over both ears when she noticed that the candles were arranged to create the shape of a heart on one of the countertops. In the middle of it, she found a small red velvet cupcake – her favorite – and an envelope.

Already munching on the piece of heaven, she pulled out a piece of paper and started reading.

'Hello my love,

Do you remember our first dance? I was so afraid that I'd scare you away, dragging you onto the dance floor to that song and all the meaning it held. And it was making me so nervous I nearly stepped on your feet… But then you simply smiled at me, stole the lead and twirled me all over the place, never once breaking your eyes from mine. I fell in love with you that very night and have been ever since.

Find me?

Your Regina.

P.S. I know you've devoured the poor little cupcake by now but don't be afraid. I made more and you can have as many as you want tomorrow.'

Snow chuckled at the added postscript – Regina knew her all too well – before rereading the whole letter. She'd known Regina had a way with words but this? It made her heart beat wildly against her chest and the heat rush to her face. Now, she wanted nothing but to kiss that amazing woman senseless. And she would. As soon as she found her.

She placed the letter aside, lovingly tracing the words once more with her fingertips, and moved out of the kitchen.

Wondering about the possibilities of Regina's current whereabouts, the image of her bedroom popped up in her mind. Maybe, if she was lucky, Regina was waiting for her there… it would be convenient for sure. She licked her lips and went back the way she'd come from, this time ascending the stairs to the first floor.

Candles were lighting her the way and Snow's excitement – and arousal – grew with each step she came closer to the partially open bedroom door.

A wave of disappointment hit her, as she found that there was no Regina waiting for her on the bed. But soon enough, her attention was drawn to a box standing in the middle of the bed.

Curiously, she sat down next to it, picking up the lid. On top of an array of things lay another note.

'I like the way you think, baby. Unfortunately, we haven't arrived at that point of tonight's program yet. Before you check the contents of my little surprise box, I'd like to take you on another trip down memory lane.

I remember it like yesterday, the day you asked me out. I was sitting in my office, reading over some papers, when you stormed in, a furious glare on your lovely face. "You can't be serious, Madame Mayor," you yelled at me, 'you can't just cut the school's budget!' I cut you off before you could say anything else and said that that was never my intention, that you must've heard something wrong. Oh yeah, the people of this town just love their gossip. And if there isn't anything to gossip about, they just make something up. Weird, if you ask me. But back to our story. After I told you, you quickly deflated and your mouth formed a perfect little 'oh'. I raised my brow at you and asked "Was that all Ms. Blanchard?" You nodded and made to leave but turned back around when you were almost at the door. "Go out with me?" You said the words so quickly I could barely understand. But I did. I'm so happy that I said 'yes' and went on that date with you.

Now my love, feel free to rummage through that box. If you want to, we can use some of the things later… Promise.

Oh and once your done – would you terribly mind looking out of the bedroom window?

Love you,

Regina.'

Snow rubbed her eyes before the tears could escape. Regina's words were so touching, so emotional, that each word felt like a caress. She couldn't help but wonder how she'd gotten so lucky. Asking Regina out had been an awkward affair – especially after yelling at the woman – but she was so glad she'd found the courage to do it.

Smiling, she placed the letter aside and started rummaging through the box. She found an edible thong, liquid chocolate, whipped cream, shackles, a pair of dice with …interesting pictures instead of dots, new lingerie as well as some other stuff that made her blood boil and her mind imagine all kinds of scenarios. She grinned to herself because she would definitely eat Regina's underwear later – but nonetheless got to her feet. Regina had told her to look out of the window so that's what she would do.

Hoping to finally lay her eyes on her love, Snow opened the roof window and stuck out her head.

'Turn around.' The words were written on a huge piece of cardboard, lit up by the soft moonlight. Smiling, Snow turned around and found Regina kneeling on the floor in front of her, hand held out and wearing a gorgeous wine-red dress. Snow didn't hesitate and placed her hand in Regina's.

"Snow," Regina began, her voice slightly shaking but her eyes exuding determination and confidence. "If someone had told me a year ago that I would be on my knee in front of you, I probably would've laughed and told them to go and find a good doctor." The younger woman lightly chuckled, giving Regina's hand a gentle squeeze. "Tonight though, I don't care if I'm crazy because I'm crazy about you. I know it has only been a year but I am pretty sure I knew after our first kiss that you are the one for me, the woman I want to spend my life with." Regina extricated her other hand from her back, revealing a beautiful silver wedding band with a single blood red stone. "Will you marry me?"

"I will," Snow breathed out the words she knew she would be saying once she'd looked upon Regina kneeling on the floor. "Yes, Regina. I will marry you. Yes."

Both their hands were shaking but Regina still somehow managed to slide the ring onto her finger. After admiring the ring in the dim candlelight, Snow pulled Regina to her feet and into her arms, finally doing what she'd wanted to after finding that first letter in the kitchen; kissing her senseless.

Today.

"Regina!" It took Regina a moment to notice that the voice calling out her name wasn't part of that memory. Blinking, she found herself looking at Snow, fresh tear streaks on her cheeks and dressed in a pair of pyjamas.

"Snow?" Regina immediately jumped to her feet, worry marring her features. "What are you doing here? Are the kids all right? Are you-"

"Shhh," Snow quickly crossed the remaining distance between them and moved into Regina's arms. "The children are fine, just missing their mommy," she whispered close to the shorter woman's ear. "And myself… Well… I hope to be okay, there's just one thing I need."

"Anything."

"You, Regina. I need you. I want you. Only you," Snow loosened the embrace so she could meet Regina's dark eyes. She needed the older woman to entirely understand what she was about to explain. "What I said earlier was a misunderstanding. I was just so angry at David for insinuating that I'd chosen you over him because back then, I didn't. It wasn't about choosing because he was never an option. But now, today? I'd choose you over him any time, Regina. I know that he exists and I remember the time we've shared. But I still choose you. I- I will not lie to you. My mind is in utter chaos and the knowledge of the past and all the bad blood between us… it hurts. It really hurts. But I don't want to live in the past. I want to live in the here and now with you and our children. I know we can deal with this situation, we can overcome this. I love you. So please, come home with me?"

Regina rewarded Snow with a face-splitting smile that made her glow. "Of course I'll come home with you," she said with a tearful voice. This time they were tears of happiness though. "I'll come home with you," she repeated, cupping Snow's face with her hands and leaning in for a gentle kiss that conveyed all that she felt for her in this very moment. Soon they were lost in each other, Snow returning the kiss with fervor and passion, hand on the small of Regina's back, holding her close. The kiss felt familiar and comforting. It didn't matter that they were Snow White and the Evil Queen, for for them – as they'd learned – nothing had really changed. They were only two women madly in love with one another.

As the kiss grew more heated with every second, they probably would have undressed and loved each other right there in the clock tower if the clock hadn't started chiming, reminding them of their whereabouts and the time.

"We…" Snow panted, "…we have to go home. I promised Lex and Matty that I'd find you and bring you back with me."

"Are you sure they aren't asleep anyway?" Regina responded, her own voice raspy from the lack of air.

Snow just nodded, unable to speak as Regina's fingers trailed down her spine. "I'm sure they're waiting for us," she said with slight disappointment. "We do have to go. Also, Kathryn probably wants to go home as well…"

"All right," Regina groaned, pulling her hand out from under Snow's shirt. "But don't think you're getting away that easy. There's a whole night still ahead of us."

"I'm counting on it, my queen," Snow teased, giving Regina a last peck on the cheek before she started fixing her clothes, tucking her shirt back in. "And don't go easy on me, baby. Why don't we let the Evil Queen come out to play? I've always fancied her you know… these tight dresses she wore… and the deep neckline–"

"Seriously Snow?" Regina playfully rolled her eyes at the younger woman. "Didn't take you for the kinky type. But your wish is my command, princess."

They walked down the stairs hand in hand, ever so often stopping to steal a few kisses from each other's lips. It was funny how they still felt the same when a myriad of things had forever changed.

"My queen," Snow joked once they neared the parked car, even adding a little bow. "Your carriage awaits you, ready to take you home to your castle."

AN: Hope you enjoyed the fluff and banter. For all the drama fans: Do not fret, there will yet be some hurdles for them to overcome.

Next chapter will be steamy - shut alert! - but it will also feature Snow facing Emma (as well as other things I haven't made up yet). Share some love and leave me a note, no matter how short.