The Gift

Mistletoe.

It's a simple sprig of mistletoe presented in a deep maroon box with gold ribbon. But, it's what it means, when those warm trusting eyes search her soul for an answer.

"I know, I know, I messed up and I can't change the fact that I hurt you, but, Mary-Margaret you're the best thing that's ever happened to me and I just wanted to give you something."

An invitation for a kiss? It's the most presumptuous, risky.. most romantic thing she's ever partially received. The kiss obviously, entirely optional.

"David-"

He knew it was a gamble, knew that if he turned up at her apartment door newly divorced she would be within her rights to slam the door in his face and get a restraining order but, he also knew her, deep in the depths of his conscious. If she was going to do that, she would have done it by now.

Closing her fingers around his mistletoe peace offering she fights with herself. Fights every little voice in her head telling him to 'Go away and never come back' because she's sick of listening to her head.

All it's brought her is heartbreak and a huge bill for ice-cream.

So, for once, she channels her roommate, (or daughter, depending on who you ask).

"Screw it." She breathes, sounding every inch the rebel bandit princess that she supposedly is again, (depending on who you ask)

Taking the mistletoe after putting the box on the ground, she lifts it up slightly above them and smiles at the look of sheer joy in his eyes.

"You...?"

His astonishment is swallowed up by the feel of her arms and then her lips softly wrapping around his neck and kissing respectively.

They both feel warm and complete and he tastes cinnamon and chocolate on her lips and in the back of her throat as they explore each other familiarly before she breaks it breathing hard against his chest, gift clutched to her heart.

"I'm sorry."

"I know,"

This is not a mistake, she makes clear, but, they need to start again for their own sanity.

She takes a breath and pulls back. "Hi, I'm Mary-Margaret."

"David." He replies, without question.

"It's nice to meet you David. Would you wanna stay for some hot chocolate?"

"I'd love to."

The kiss claimed, hearts alight, they start again.