The Truest Love

Chapter 3: My Heart Belongs to You

{Regina's POV}
Walking with the box under her left forearm, Regina didn't know what to do or where to start. The box was going to explode with magic again and all she could think about was Robin. Regina couldn't stand to be with Emma when she was with Hook. It had only ever reminded her of how happy she once was with Robin. She continued down the road holding the magic, frozen box tightly. She kind of liked walking. It sometimes helped her to clear her mind of everything that had happened to her. Regina strolled past the Sheriff's station and glanced in the window. David wasn't there, so Regina got out her phone, clicked on his contact, and put the phone up to her ear waiting impatiently while it rang. He finally picked up.

"Hey David do you mind covering Emma's shift at the station? Something... yeah something came up and I need her," Regina lied not wanting to cause panic in David. "Oh, yeah everything's alright, she just has information on a case that I need." She didn't have time to explain things because she had to figure something out with this hellish box. "Alright I'll talk to you later," she stated as he agreed to take Emma's shift. She hung up and continued but was interrupted by a voice she had recognized instantly... Robin.

"Regina!" She heard the running footsteps behind her, and she closed her eyes in dread. "Regina, wait!" He caught up clutching her arm and making her pause.

"What, Robin? What could you possibly want from me at this moment?" She stopped in the road and swung around to make eye contact with him.

"What are you talking about, Regina? What's wrong?" He looked as if he had no idea what she was saying.

"What do you mean what am I talking about? You're "figuring things out" with Marian. I get it, okay? That's fine, go get your happy ending. Just don't keep coming back to me, it only hurts more." She turned to walk away, hanging her head. A tear had trickled down her cheek in remembrance of the love she had for him and he didn't have for her. She could hear him following her, and her heart clenched tightly.

"Regina.. I never said those things... I don't know what you're talking about. It's been weeks since I've seen you. I've been looking everywhere for you. Where the hell have you been?" He grabbed her arm once more.

"My vault, mostly..." She whipped around trying with all her might to keep it together. She paused, processing what he had told her. "Wait... what do you mean you haven't seen me for weeks? You just talked to me about this a couple days ago..." She scrunched up her eyebrows questioning what was going on. He tilted his head and brought out the "puppy dog" eyes that she couldn't stand. How emotionally weak could this guy make her?

"I swear, I would never say those things. Do you remember what I told you a month ago?" He paused bringing her hand up to his chest. "My heart, Regina, belongs to you... forever," he paused before he pulled her in close. She was confused, but, even though he was her strength, he was also her weakness. Robin may have smelled of forest, but she didn't care. She found the smell comfortable and familiar. He rested his hands on Regina's hips and pulled her close. Their foreheads supported one another. "Forever," he whispered as he leaned into her lips. They touched lightly, and then forcefully. She hadn't felt his kiss ever since he had left Storybrooke with Marian and Rolland, and this... this was nothing like she'd ever felt before. It was warm, welcoming, happy. She was happy. Then coming to a blunt realization, Regina's eyes opened, and she pulled away.

"Wait, then someone was pretending to be you? That's impossible. The only other person capable of that magic in this land is Gold." She turned that thought over and over in her head. "Mr Gold was trying to ruin my happiness... but why?" Robin held the side of her face.

"It doesn't matter, Regina. He failed. I'm here now and that's all that matters. What? Did he think he could keep me away from YOU?" He chuckled that made her heart skip a beat. After leaning in to kiss her once more, he pulled away. "Not a chance," he grinned.