Hello everyone! Been dealing with a bit of writer's block lately so sorry for the delay in updating. I always want to make sure the chapter is just right before I post and I wasn't feeling it for a while there. I did kick out a couple of Snowing one shots if you are interested in checking those out.

I have not given up on my other multi chapter story Have Faith, for those of you who read that. I just haven't been motivated to finish the partially written chapter so I don't want to force it.

I hope you enjoy this next chapter!

As always, thank you so much for the follows, favorites, and reviews! They are gold. I can't thank all of you enough :)

Chapter 13: Trust

Ten years earlier

It took much for Cora to even entertain the idea that she needed help. In fact, she couldn't remember a time that she'd needed help from anyone, much less a former lover. The thought sickened her quite thoroughly and yet here she was, ringing the doorbell of his estate in the middle of the night.

It was a familiar gesture of years ago, before he'd chosen to marry that lowlife woman with the bastard sons. The thought of Ruth and her twins infuriated Cora all the more. More obstacles in her way of her goals, but dispensable ones at that. Albert's insatiatable desire for a son blinded him to what could have been and created an enemy in her he'd never anticipated. It was high time he'd paid his dues and now was as good a time as any.

Cora waited as she heard the shuffling of feet and the deadbolt of the door being unlocked. As he opened the door, Cora took in his surprise at her being there. He never could mask his expressions from her.

"Albert," Cora said, inclining her head toward him. "Aren't you going to invite me in?"

Albert looked at her assessingly, stepping aside after a few moments to let her in.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?" he asked indifferently, leading her into the study before shutting the door behind them.

"Would you believe me if I told you I missed you?" she asked, stepping closer to him.

"No," Albert rejoined easily, lightly touching her elbow to lead her over to a pair of armchairs.

"Good, you're not going senile then. I need your help."

Albert froze, eyebrow raised as he peered at her.

"I have a situation that requires an... experienced touch," she said, sitting down.

"This wouldn't have anything to do with your late husband's untimely death would it? Oh wait," Albert jeered as he sat himself down in the other chair, "The second one, I mean. I forget you've had two."

"You've always lacked tact."

"And you've always forgotten that yours isn't the only influence in the workings of this city."

They glared at each other, eyes locked in a stalemate.

"You're going to help me Albert," Cora said stiffly, leaning back in the chair.

"And why, pray tell, would you think that?" he asked.

"We wouldn't want your wife to find out what Albert Spencer does behind the DA's mask would we?" Cora asked, smirking as Albert leered at her. "More so, we wouldn't want those precious sons of yours to become further involved in this city's underground workings than they already are."

"Do not threaten me," Albert all but growled.

Cora chuckled a heartless laugh. "Threaten? Oh no, no. I'm merely asking for a favor."

"You're blackmailing me."

"A language you know all too well," she responded, positively beaming. "Now, are you going to listen to me? Or shall I seek out that lovely little family of yours at the hospital? Yes," she continued as Albert narrowed his eyes dangerously at her, "I know what happened to... David, is it?"

"That arrogant boy needed a reality check," Albert spat.

No, Cora thought, he cares for the other one.

"What about James?" she asked out loud, keeping her expression steady even as Albert shot to his feet in anger. "We would hate to see him meet a similar fate, would we not? Especially with the lack of respect for territory lines these days."

Albert's face was red, his lip curled, and his breathing heavy. She'd never seen him this angry. It was almost disappointing how easily manipulated he was when it came to James, but if it got her what she wanted...

"What. Do. You. Want." Albert asked, barely containing his rage, and Cora gave a triumphant smile.

Present day

Mary Margaret stopped at the stoplight, glancing down at her phone to make sure she was going the right direction. The last thing she needed right now was to get lost in this part of New Haven and be late for her date with David. A date. She, Mary Margaret, was going on a date. Who would have thought? she asked inwardly, a small smile quirking her lips. About a week ago, she certainly wouldn't have.

She looked out of the passenger window as she pulled to a stop in front of what must be David's apartment building. It was the smallest in the long row of apartments along the street, but there was something warm and comforting about the brick exterior and the slightly worn window shutters. Mary Margaret took a deep breath, willing her nerves to calm down as she slid out of her truck and made her way inside.

Relax.

"Hello, may I help you?" the front desk attendant asked as she stepped inside.

"Yes," Mary Margaret replied, smiling at the older woman behind the desk. "I'm looking for David Nolan. Am I in the right place?"

"Ah, yes you are," the woman said, gazing at Mary Margaret with great interest, though not unkindly. "Second floor, third apartment down the hall."

"Thank you so much..." Mary Margaret said, holding out her hand.

"Mabel, dear," the woman responded, reaching out to return her hand shake.

"It's nice to meet you."

"You as well. The stairs are right behind you."

"Great, thank you," Mary Margaret said, grinning as she turned and started up the stairs.

If she was being perfectly honest with herself, she couldn't wait to see David again. Being with him felt like nothing she'd ever experienced before. She was lucky to get any sleep at all between her dreams and her anticipation for tonight. Her stomach fluttered as she came to the door of David's apartment, but she only hesitated a moment before knocking. Mary Margaret was done second guessing herself.

The door opened and there he was, his signature half smile lighting up his face and making her heart skip a beat. He'd listened to her instructions, dressing in jeans and a light sweater that made his blue eyes stand out even more, if that was possible.

"Prince Charming," she said rather breathily despite her attempt to be nonchalant, trying to focus on his face instead of how good the rest of him looked. Of course, his face was perfect too. And his hair. And his eyes. And his lips...

Damn it, she thought, beginning to reassess whether or not her date plans tonight were a good idea. Perhaps she should have thought of something more romantic.

"Snow," David replied, and her heart squeezed at the name as he stepped aside and motioned for her to come in. "I just have to get my shoes on and I'm yours for the evening."

For a moment, Mary Margaret thought her brain had short circuited. David didn't seem to notice though, grabbing his boots and sitting down on the couch to put them on.

"Any trouble finding the place?" he asked.

"No, your instructions were very thorough," she teased, sitting down next to him as he tied his shoe laces.

"Well, I've never had a bandit after me before so I didn't want to take a chance," he replied jokingly, shooting her another half smile that broke any resolve she had left. Granted, when it came to David, she found her resolve to be quite minimal.

David made a soft, surprised noise as she leaned in and kissed him. He hesitated before carefully kissing her back, moving a hand to cradle her neck and face, the other ghosting her arm. It wasn't the kiss of passion from the night before, but one of reassurance and promise. David shifted closer, pulling her upper lip between his as his thumb caressed her cheekbone, saying without words that he needed this too. It was perfect. Warm and perfect and right.

Mary Margaret felt a twinge of disappointment as David pulled away first, but that was quickly gone as she took in his heavy lidded expression; heard him clear his throat.

"Not fair," he quipped huskily, swallowing as he continued to softly caress her cheek, then her neck.

"How so?" she rejoined, breath quickening at his touches.

"A kiss isn't supposed to happen until the end of the date."

Mary Margaret questioningly arched her eyebrow.

"Now I'm going to have even more trouble concentrating for the rest of the night," David elaborated, smiling almost shyly.

Mary Margaret couldn't hold back a playful smirk even if she tried.

"Ah Prince Charming, you forget. A bandit doesn't play by the usual rules."

"No, I suppose not," he replied, grinning as he stood up. "What makes you think I always play by the rules?"

"You're too much of a gentleman, Charming," she said levelly, standing as well. "If you weren't, you wouldn't have stopped the kiss that I initiated."

David chuckled and Mary Margaret wanted to kiss him again for it. But no, even if she tried David wouldn't let it happen. Not here and now but, if his expression was anything to go by, someday was a definite. Some hour a possibility. Mary Margaret was hoping for some minute and smiled inwardly at the thought. She was his bandit now, after all.

I

Mabel watched curiously as David came down the steps with Mary Margaret, an utterly besotted look on his face. This was the first time he'd ever had a girl at the apartment before. For a while there, Mabel and Ruth had given up hope and thought David would be married to his work for the rest of his life. Luckily, Mary Margaret appeared just as smitten with him as he was with her.

"I see you found him," Mabel said, shooting David a meaningful look. He smiled a bit sheepishly back.

"Ha, yes I did thank you," Mary Margaret said, brushing her shoulder against David's. He looked down at her, and the look they shared was certainly more than that of two people with a passing fancy between them.

Interesting.

David cleared his throat, tearing his eyes away from Mary Margaret.

"Do I need to introduce you?" he asked, glancing between the two women.

"Oh no, we've taken care of that dear," Mabel replied with a wink at Mary Margaret. The younger woman nodded in agreement. "What do you have planned for the evening?" she asked, looking at David.

"Actually," Mary Margaret said, "I'm sort of stealing him away tonight. He doesn't know the plan."

"Now you've got me curious," Mabel replied.

David raised his eyebrows as Mary Margaret approached the desk and whispered in Mabel's ear. Mabel shook with laughter, shaking her head as Mary Margaret pulled away and they shared a conspiratorial smile.

"You'll want to keep her around David," Mabel said, still laughing and drying her eyes with a tissue. "She'll keep you on your toes."

"I should be worried, shouldn't I?" he asked in mock exasperation.

"Oh yes," Mary Margaret chimed in, shaking with laughter herself.

"Okay, let's go before you two start plotting against me," David replied, winking at Mabel as he opened the door for Mary Margaret.

"Have fun you two," Mabel said, waving them off. She really needed to call Ruth about this.

"Was that one of the tenants?" a male voice asked as the man himself stepped out of the office door behind her.

"Yes, sir. David Nolan," Mabel said carefully. She hadn't known the new landlord was in there.

"I see."

"He's a good young man. Never late on payments. Helps me on occasion, should I need it."

"Good. Just a reminder, getting personally involved with tenants is bad for business. We are making money, not friends."

"Of course," Mabel replied dejectedly as he returned to the office. "Have a good evening Mr. Gold."

II

David didn't know what to expect when it came to Mary Margaret's idea of a date. He was actually feeling more off his game than usual having not picked her up and having no idea where they were going to go. However, expecting the unexpected from Mary Margaret Snow was becoming a permanent rule to live by and he was more than willing to oblige.

"Are you going to tell me where we're going?" he asked curiously, watching her as she drove.

"Patience is a virtue, Charming," she retorted, shooting him a sly grin that made his heart rate increase. "You told me yourself that you were a patient man."

"It's true," he replied, bringing her hand he'd been holding up to kiss her healing knuckles. "I've had a lot of practice."

"How so?" Mary Margaret asked, glancing at him curiously.

"As I recall, the conditions were your medical expertise in exchange for me going on this date with you. Nothing was said about self disclosure," he said cheekily.

"Oh well in that case..." Mary Margaret pulled her hand away from his and placed it on the steering wheel, smirking all the while. "Hand holding wasn't a part of the trade either."

David just stared at her, slightly bemused, and she sniffed out a laugh at his expression. She certainly didn't look upset, but he wanted to let her make the next move.

"Perhaps we could come up with another agreement?" David asked.

She glanced at him again, still smirking, but brought her hand down to lace her fingers through his again. It amazed him how much the simple touch calmed him. As if the world could go to hell, but she would be his anchor. His mind protested that it was too soon to feel this way, but his heart had already stopped questioning it.

"I'm sure we can think of something," she said, turning into a parking lot.

David looked out the window to see where she'd brought them, then grinned as he turned back to her. "Really?"

"Don't look so confident, Charming," she said lightly, opening up her door to get out. "I'm going to wipe the floor with you."

"We'll see about that," David replied, getting out of the car to follow her inside.

A shooting range. She'd brought him to an indoor shooting range. He waited as she checked in at the desk, looking around. He'd never been to one outside of his weapons training at work. They were walked down a wide hallway and taken to a long, narrow room. David looked at the targets situated at the far end and the weapons that were set on the table. Definitely unexpected.

"Told you not to get too confident," Mary Margaret chided, watching him with amusement as she stepped over to the table.

"You did," he confirmed, following her.

Mary Margaret tossed him an arm guard, indicating for him to put it on.

"Ever shoot a bow and arrow, Prince Charming?"

She already had her arm guard in place and was slinging her quiver over her shoulder. The way she was preparing indicated how comfortable and capable she was. Yep, he was going to lose big time and thoroughly enjoy doing it.

"A few times when I was younger, but I don't think a short lesson in PE class counts," he replied.

Mary Margaret laughed, the sound brightening David's smile all the more. She looked beautiful this way; her green eyes bright, eyebrow raised in challenge, and that smile that lit up her face. He was feeling warm, but it had nothing to do with the temperature of the room.

"Well, I'll give you a proper lesson then," she finally managed, picking up his bow and handing it to him. "Here, watch me."

Mary Margaret chose a target and stood in a shooting stance. David knew by watching that she'd done this many times. She fluidly drew an arrow from the quiver to nock it, expertly pulling the bowstring back to her cheek before releasing it. If it wasn't dead center, it was pretty damn close. She turned to gaze at him triumphantly, her cheeks flushed and her chin tilted high as she smiled. His breath caught at the sight.

"Impressive, Snow," he said a little more lowly than intended.

He saw her smile falter a bit before she looked down, letting out a breathy laugh, then looking back up at him through her eyelashes.

"Here, you try," she said, pulling him to stand beside her. "Feet about shoulder width apart. That's right. Now, hold the arrow between your index and middle finger and nock it on that groove. Good. The key when drawing the bowstring is using your back muscles, not your arm muscles."

David followed directions as best he could with her standing so close to him. He inwardly wondered if her intention was to distract him. He certainly wouldn't put it past her. He drew the arrow back, taking aim down the spine of the bow, and released. He let out a breath, glad the arrow at least hit the target.

"Not bad, Prince Charming," Mary Margaret said.

"Having a bandit teacher helps," he teased. "I have an idea."

"Oh?"

"We take turned shooting. Whoever is up gets to ask a question."

Mary Margaret observed him for a moment before replying.

"Deal. I'll go first."

David chuckled, stepping further out of the way.

"You said you've had a lot of practice with patience. How so?" she asked, expertly drawing her arrow and firing, landing the shot not far from her first. David smiled.

"I grew up on a sheep farm. Sometimes I'd have to sit in the fields for hours when there were coyote sightings. You also learn patience quickly when shearing time comes."

"A farm? What was that like?" Mary Margaret asked, looking at him with great interest.

"Nice try, but it's my turn," David said, stepping forward to nock his arrow. "What's your favorite food or drink?"

"Hot chocolate with cinnamon," she answered promptly.

"With cinnamon?" he asked, stopping halfway through drawing the bowstring.

Mary Margaret arched her eyebrow, glancing at the bow and arrow in his hands. David rolled his eyes in mock exasperation before firing the arrow. He was happy to see it land closer to the center of the target this time.

"Better, Charming. You're a quick learner. And yes, hot chocolate with cinnamon."

"I'll have to try it sometime," he replied as she stepped up to take her turn. He didn't step away this time.

"Do you have any brothers or sisters?" she asked, reaching for another arrow.

David's heart squeezed, but he answered, "Yes, I had a twin brother. James."

Mary Margaret paused, looking at him so intently that he knew she'd noticed the tense of his words.

"He died a few years ago," David finished, unsure why he was telling her this on their first date.

"I'm sorry," Mary Margaret replied softly.

"Thank you," David said, looking away, hoping he hadn't made her feel uncomfortable.

"I lost my parents," Mary Margaret almost blurted, as if she'd had to force the words out.

David's gaze snapped back to hers, surprised she'd revealed something so personal so soon. Then again, so did he.

"I'm sorry," he said, reaching up to brush her bangs out of her eyes and settle his hand on her arm.

"Thank you," she whispered, giving him a sad smile before taking a deep breath and moving away. "We should probably keep shooting. I only paid for an hour."

David nodded, reluctantly stepping back to let her fire her arrow. They didn't have much conversation after that beyond archery, but the silence was not uncomfortable. They returned their weapons to the table after their time was up and made their way to the truck, hand in hand.

Mary Margaret had picked out a nice little pizza place to eat. They talked about her teaching job, and David looked on in awe as she described her students and her day to day routine. He could tell she loved her job. She asked him about being a detective. He couldn't go into great detail regarding cases, of course, but she seemed very interested all the same. He asked her about her favorite books. She asked about the ins and outs of sheep farming. He asked her how she learned archery.

David was sure the food that he ate tasted good, but he was far too distracted by her presence to really take notice. With every question and answer they exchanged, he felt pulled toward her all the more, a feeling not helped with how she pressed her thigh against his all night.

Much too soon, Mary Margaret was paying for dinner (after refusing his offer to pay three times) and they were on their way back to his apartment, his thumb brushing her knuckles as she drove. He could feel the tension between them, both in mind and especially body, and he knew she could too. He felt so in tune with her already.

So, it didn't surprise him when she crashed her lips against his when they got to the door of his apartment. No, not at all. In fact, he couldn't help but chuckle as she backed him against the door and rose on her tip toes to change the angle of the kiss, drawing his bottom lip between her teeth. He wrapped his arms around her, lifting her slightly as he pulled her closer. Mary Margaret hummed appreciateively into his mouth at that, wrapping her arms around his neck as his tongue traced her upper lip.

III

After several moments and several changes of control of the kiss, David pulled back to rest his forehead against hers.

"Snow," he said lowly.

His breath brushed her lips as her secret name left his, fanning the desire already burning within her. David was trying to regain control, running his thumb delicately over her cheekbone while his other arm was holding her securely around her waist, but she could feel him pressed hard against her. He was honorable, a real Prince Charming. She smiled at that, kissing him softly again before pulling back.

"Should I say goodnight or are you going to invite me in?" she asked lightly.

David swallowed, looking quite torn.

"Charming..." Mary Margaret said, kissing the healing scar on his jaw. "I trust you. We both want more than one night."

"Yes," he replied softly, nodding before kissing her temple.

She closed her eyes at that, only opening them as he pulled away to unlock the door to the apartment. It had a rustic feel to it. The furniture worn but comfortable. It smelled like aftershave and pine. It was comfortable and warm and charming. So very David.

He invited her in, offering her a drink. Mary Margaret insisted on making him hot chocolate with cinnamon since he'd never had it. She could feel his gaze on her as she worked and blushed whenever they made eye contact. It felt very intimate, making something for him in his own kitchen; like she could be a permanent part of his life now. The thought scared her and thrilled her at the same time.

They sat on his couch, cupping their warm mugs in their hands. Mary Margaret told him about her mother making hot chocolate for her as a little girl. How it tasted and smelled like home. How her mother died of cancer and this was her only way to feel close to her now. David listened intently all the while, squeezing her knee when she got teary eyed. She laughed ruefully as David put their empty mugs on the coffee table.

"I'm sorry," she said, taking a deep breath that got caught in her throat at intensity in David's eyes.

He reached out, brushing a tear off her cheek with his thumb.

"You have nothing to be sorry for," he said softly but earnestly.

After a moment, Mary Margaret nodded. She brought her hand up to his cheek, heart warming as he closed his eyes at her touch. He was trusting her, and she him. She leaned in, brushing his lips with hers. He responded in kind, winding his hand behind her neck to curl his fingers through her short hair, opening his mouth to her as her tongue brushed his bottom lip.

She could do this forever, she thinks as David lays her down on the couch, cradling her head on the crook of his elbow as he strokes her tongue with his. He tastes like chocolate and cinnamon; feels warm as she pulls at his neck and pushes herself against him. They stay like that all night; kissing, pulling each other closer, pushing each other almost to their breaking point, but not quite. There would be time for that.

Mary Margaret doesn't know when she falls asleep, but she wakes up in David's arms in the middle of the night to him mumbling in his sleep. She lifts her head and sees his brow is furrowed. Whatever he's dreaming about isn't pleasant.

"David?" she whispers, rubbing her hand along his arm.

"James!" he says, and she can hear fear and pain in his voice.

"Charming," she says more firmly, shaking his shoulder.

David jumps, eyes flying open, looking confused and half asleep. Mary Margaret cups his face in her hands as he focuses on her.

"Did I wake you?" he all but murmurs and she nods.

"You were having a nightmare."

He takes a deep breath, already looking like he was falling back asleep. "I'm sorry."

"Nothing to be sorry about," she whispers, quoting him from before.

David smiles softly and kisses her forehead before pulling her even tighter too him. She buries her face against his chest, listening as his breathing evens out again, and closes her eyes.

"Thank you, Snow."

Well? What did you think?