It wasn't easy for Snow to open herself up to people.

She had confided in people before, she had trusted people before, and sometimes she counted people as her friends, but it took a lot of trust, trust that these days she was wearing thin on, to truly allow herself to be vulnerable around anyone.

She loved Red like a sister, but she had never completely opened herself up to her. She thought of her more like a younger sister, whom she wanted to protect and shield from whatever she could. If she confided everything to her, she feared it would be too much for Red. When the time came, she knew that her friend would most likely be there for her, especially after Red had scolded her the other day in worry, but she wanted to put that off as long as possible. Red had problems of her own, and she didn't want to add onto that burden.

David, however, was different. She initially trusted him, however foolishly, because she thought he had been the boy from her childhood, but that trust only went so far. She felt closer to him after the attack on their lives, but even then, she still kept walls up. They weren't obvious boundaries that kept others out, they were more like a protective border that she kept in the back of her mind so she wouldn't spill too much of herself out. Then after she found out the truth about him, she unwittingly showed him a glimpse of herself when she nearly fell apart. She had never in her life gotten so upset over anything like she had in that moment; his confession made her angry and she felt pangs of betrayal, forcing her to maintain a barrier between them so he wouldn't hurt her again. After they reconciled, she felt a newfound bond with him that she couldn't explain, as though now that she knew she could really trust him, she could be open with him. And she was. However, it wasn't until after she found out about the fifteen people that she had completely let her defenses down and let all the pain and angst building up inside her break loose. But the one time she allowed that to happen, she got caught up in the moment and kissed him.

And now, she was about to have to make up for her mistake, but to do that, she was going to have to be completely vulnerable with him. No walls, no defenses. If they were going to move on, everything had to be out in the open, and what scared her the most is what would happen if neither one of them wanted to move on as only friends.

She had a kingdom to run. How was she going to do that if she had distractions, no matter how important they were? Her father had done it when he married her mother, but that was different. He had been prepared his entire life for the throne, and when it was given to him, the kingdom was in a good place. She had practically no experience, whatsoever. Her whole life, she had been in a position of dependence on others, and all of a sudden, she was cast onto the throne. But unlike it had been for her father, her kingdom was wounded from years and years of poor ruling by her uncle. She knew David believed she could do it, but she always doubted herself.

There was only one way this could end, and that was to forget about everything that had happened.

When one of her ladies came in, saying that David had arrived, she took a large calming breath.

She had sent him a message, saying that she needed to talk to him and offered to go to him so he wouldn't have to leave his home, but he'd insisted that he could come instead. When he entered the room, all of her worries were momentarily forgotten when she saw him looking much like his normal self.

"David," she smiled and went to hug him. "It's so good to see you like this again," she said, careful not to hug him too tightly so as not to hurt his wound.

"It's good to be back," he said when she withdrew. "I'm glad for any excuse to get out of the house; it almost feels normal."

"Is there really such a thing?" she laughed.

"If I ever find it, I'll be sure to tell you."

"How is your mother?"

"She is well. By now, all the staff knows about her. It's hard to keep her presence secret, so I told everyone that I was riding when I saw her being attacked, and when I helped her, I got grazed with his knife, and that she had nowhere else to go."

"Are you worried some of the staff may be spies for George?" she frowned.

"I don't know," he said honestly, "but Lancelot is with her now, so no harm will come to her."

"I'm glad he decided to stay with you for the time being," she said. "In case someone else comes when you aren't there to protect her. But David, are you sure you can trust him?"

"I don't know, Snow. I don't have much of a choice really. I guess that's why they call it a leap of faith. But the day I went after George, I saw the look on his face when he found out what George had done; I don't think he was faking."

She nodded. "Well good, because if they send someone else. . ."

David chuckled. "Snow, it's fine. I took care of them last time, didn't I?"

"I suppose so." She frowned. "What did you do with him anyway? The man who attacked you?"

"Well I couldn't exactly turn him in, or else I would have to tell them why I was at my mother's house and I didn't want to have to go down that road. I ended up leaving him in the middle of the woods with a clear warning of what I'd do if I ever saw him again."

Snow sighed in relief. For a moment, she feared that he had killed him. If he had, she would probably have understood. After all, the man had threatened David's mother, but something in her always made her view death as the very last resort. Maybe it was because her own parents had been murdered. Maybe it was because it was so permanent; there was no going back once their life was taken. Either way, she didn't like the thought of dealing with death. "Well, I sent George home."

"You did?"

"Well, it was more of a threat about what I'd do if I woke up the next morning and found him still in my kingdom, but yes, he's gone now."

David laughed softly. He loved hearing about Snow threatening George. "So what did you want to talk to me about?"

The trepidation she had been feeling all morning filled her stomach as she thought about what she was going to say. This was probably one of the most important discussions she'd ever had in her life, and she didn't want to mess it up by saying something wrong. Suddenly, all words seemed to leave her, and she couldn't remember the speech she had rehearsed earlier.

"I wanted to talk about. . ." she blushed, just thinking about it. "What happened between us. I wanted to talk about it earlier, but then everything happened."

"Alright," he said, waiting patiently, but she could tell he was just as nervous as her.

"The day it happened, I was very emotional. I wasn't thinking clearly, and I took it out on you. It was a mistake," she said, feeling her stomach churn, "and I shouldn't have used you like that."

He stepped forward, making her heart race. "You didn't use me, Snow. I was willing."

"But I shouldn't have done it. I'm the queen and I should have known better—"

"Snow, you need to stop acting as though your being the queen means you're not allowed to make mistakes. You're just as human as everyone else."

She winced slightly at his cutting remark, but she knew that he was right. "Well queen aside, I still shouldn't have taken advantage of you."

To her surprise, David laughed, but it was more of a frustrated laugh than an amused one. "Snow, it was one kiss. I hardly think that comes anywhere close to taking advantage of anyone."

"But it wasn't just one kiss. It was different. It. . ." she couldn't think of the words.

"It meant something," he finished solemnly.

Snow averted her eyes. "I didn't say that."

"You didn't have to, Snow. I'm not blind."

"It was a mistake."

"Was it?"

"Well what would you call it?" She needed to stand firm, but he wasn't making it easy.

"I'd call it you finally doing what you wanted. I'd call it you finally let your defenses down completely for just one moment and forgetting about your responsibilities. And hiding behind them. It scared you, didn't it?"

"David, I can't forget my responsibilities. Don't you understand? Even if I tried to forget them, they'd always be there. I can't just pretend I don't have them."

"Maybe that's true, but you can't hide behind them."

"I'm not hiding behind anything," she snapped.

"Then why won't you admit it?" he sighed in frustration. "Snow, I saw the look in your eyes that night. It wasn't one sided, and it wasn't just a lapse in judgment."

"Why can't you understand that it would never work? You are going to be the king of the Glades one day, and I am queen here. Where would that leave us? How could we be together but rule two different kingdoms?"

"Do you really think I'll ever be king? Even if I wanted to, George would never let me. He'd sooner take a potion for eternal life so he could rule forever than let me anywhere near the throne. And even if I was crowned," he said, bridging the gap between them, "I would find a way to make it work."

Snow took a step back and looked away, feeling her resolve weaken with every word he spoke. "Just because you hope for a way to make it work doesn't mean you'll find one. Some things just aren't meant to be, no matter how much you want them to happen," she said quietly.

"Some things, yes, but not everything."

"David," she began, wanting him to understand, "The reasons I gave you are the ones I gave to King Nathaniel when he proposed a marriage between Thomas and I. What kind of message would that give him if I accepted yours?"

His brows rose at the mention of King Nathaniel's proposal, but he didn't comment on it. "We would figure it out," he said as though it was obvious.

Snow scoffed. "How? You keep saying you'll figure it out, or find a way. What exactly do you have in mind?" She had meant for this conversation to be much more diplomatic, but it was getting more heated by the minute.

"I don't know, Snow," he said honestly, exasperated. "But believe me when I tell you this: when something is this important to me, I won't stop until I find a way. I would bend over backwards to find a way if you told me you felt the same."

Snow began to turn away, not able to face him anymore. Her knees were growing weak, and her heart was hammering like a caged bird. She needed to breathe.

"Snow," he said, grabbing her arm. It wasn't rough, in fact, it was very gentle considering how worked up they both were, but she could feel the tension in his fingers. "Please don't turn away from me now. Look, all it comes down to right now is whether you love me or not. I think we both already know how I feel, so now I want to get this out in the open. Do you love me or not?"

"David. . ."

"All I want is an answer."

"I don't know," she said, taking another step back.

"Yes you do."

Snow shook her head and took another step back, but found herself against the wall. She looked at David, nearly panicking when he covered the last of the distance between them. She thought for a moment he was going to kiss her, but instead he put his hands on her arms and leaned closely.

"Just an answer. That's all I ask."

"David. . ."

"Just a yes or no," he lowered his voice to just above a whisper.

Snow was sure he could hear her heart hammering inside her chest. She loved him. . . she loved him so much. All the promises and mental declarations she'd made earlier about not letting him find out seemed to vanish from her mind as she looked into his eyes. How had she never noticed how clear and blue they were before? She tried to look away, but couldn't. Not the way that he was gazing down at her.

When he reached up with his hand to touch her cheek softly, she stood on her toes and kissed him. She felt him jerk in surprise, but he recovered quickly, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. She leaned into his embrace, putting her hands on his face. When their lips parted, he deepened the kiss. If Snow's heart had been beating earlier, it was on fire now.

When they both came back for air, they were both breathing hard. David rested his forehead on hers and closed his eyes.

"I love you," he said hoarsely.

Snow's eyes filled with tears as she laid a hand on his face. She laughed softly. "I love you too," she whispered.

David smiled and kissed her lightly again. "You don't know how long I've been waiting to hear those words."

She laughed again and hugged him tightly, burying her face in his shoulder. This probably wasn't the best decision; in fact, she was probably making a mistake, but she didn't care. All the reasoning she'd come up with disappeared as he held her in his arms.

"So what now?" she asked.

"I don't know," he said, withdrawing so he could take her face in his hands. "But no matter what, we'll get through this. We'll do this together. If there is a way, I'll find it. I promise."

Snow smiled and went into his arms. She rested her head on his shoulder and sighed contentedly. "I know you will. Charming."

ooOoo

Snow had to admit that she was relieved when the last feast held in honor of King Nathaniel and Thomas arrived. She was ashamed to say she was partly glad that they would be leaving, because now she wouldn't have to spend so much money on the feasts and balls. Although the royal coffers weren't depleted, there was a large dent in them now.

For a moment, she thought of how convenient it would have been to have a genie to procure more money out of thin air, but she pressed the thought away as soon as it entered. Wishes were the last thing in the world that she wanted.

"I'm glad I came, your majesty," Thomas said to her while they danced. "This has been six weeks that I won't forget."

"I'm pleased that you enjoyed yourself."

"You must promise that you'll come to Serilia before too long. We'd give you a royal welcome to match the one you gave us, and it would give you a chance to take a break from having to rule for a time."

"I'd like that very much, Thomas," she said honestly. "Perhaps in the future, but I don't think I could manage a trip any time soon. The way things are right now in this kingdom, I don't think I could leave with a clear conscience."

"I understand," he said. "But once you get a handle on things, which I don't doubt will be soon," he said with a smile, "I'll be expecting you," he said as the music ended and they stopped dancing.

"Of course," she smiled. "And before I forget, did you ever find that girl you were looking for at the ball?"

She saw something flash in his eyes that made her wonder. It looked like disappointment, but she couldn't be sure.

"No, I did not. It's a small matter though, I was only curious because I'd never seen her before," he said, but she knew that whoever that girl was had more of an impact on him than he was willing to admit. It was like with Red and Graham; even though Red barely even knew the man, she had somehow grown very fond of him in their first meeting.

Since Snow had told her the truth about Graham, Red seemed different. Sometimes she looked sad, as if she missed him or wanted to see him, and other times she was angry that the man who had nearly killed her friend had tricked her. Still, other times, she was ashamed and hated herself for falling for him. Snow tried to reach out to her, but Red was elusive. She wanted to be alone and not be reminded of it, so Snow obliged. She knew better than most how exasperating it was when she just wanted to be left alone, and neither her duties nor people allowed her to be.

"I also wanted to apologize to you," Thomas said, pulling her from her thoughts. Snow looked at him, noticing his discomfort.

"For what?" she asked.

"I know what my father proposed," he said uncomfortably. "I suppose I knew it was coming; in fact I suspected that was what the whole trip was for since the beginning. However, I imagined it would have gone down very differently. I had thought that my father would have at least discussed it with me first, and that he wouldn't have put you on the spot like he did."

He must have noticed her embarrassment for he continued. "And I don't want you to feel any remorse for your decision," he said reassuringly. "If he asked me the same, I probably would have given the same answer."

He blinked. "No offense to you of course, your majesty—"

"I understand," she said quickly, sending a wave of relief over Thomas. "Please know that I was honored that your father thought a match between us suitable, given the high standards that he has. I had every reason in the world to accept, I just. . ." she searched for words.

"There's someone else," he said for her.

Snow opened her mouth to say no, but when he smiled knowingly, she caved in. "How did you know? Were we really that obvious?"

He smiled again. "No, you weren't obvious. I just knew. You see, every time I'd dance with you, or he would see us talking, he would always act differently around me. He was never rude in any manner, but there was always something in his eyes every time he saw us together."

Snow smiled wryly and looked at her hands. So David was jealous, was he? He had no need to be; she never saw Thomas as anything more than a friend. "I hope you aren't offended," she said, biting her lip.

"Not at all," he said. "Just amused," he said, mouth tipping.

"Well, I hope one day you find someone who will make you do the same," she said.

"But until then, of course, I'm sure father will try to set me up with a dozen others," he laughed. "Just hopefully not one of the Tremaines," he said quietly.

"Those poor girls," she said, shaking her head. "But Thomas," she grew serious. "I meant what I said. It was truly an honor that your father asked me. In the six weeks I've known you I have come to respect you. You have always been candid and easy to talk to, without all the pretenses I've seen time and time again in court. Please know that if you ever need anything, you need only ask."

"And the same goes for you, your majesty. And may I ask you something?"

"Yes, of course."

"How long will it be secret?"

"I don't know," she said uncertainly. "Things are far more complicated than they appear, and I'm afraid I can't tell you most of it. We both just decided that for now, and for the unforeseeable future, we will keep it secret."

"Well you need not worry about me, I won't tell anyone."

"Thank you," she said sincerely.

"And your majesty, I wish you both all the best in the world."

I haven't done much writing in the past few days, but I decided to post this anyway. Got my first final tomorrow... wish me luck!

Anyway, this one was a little hard to write, because I wanted Snow to just come out and admit her feelings for him, but at the same time I think it was important for David to break down her barriers so she could see that she could truly trust him not to hurt her. That said, you have no idea how hard it was to write all the scenes of them like their make-up, the raining scene, and the one where he comes a few days after the bad news without making them kiss. I had to force myself not to. Is it pathetic that I love writing Snowing chapters? I just want them to get married already. . . but I must remain strong. A day will come when Snow and Charming marry, but it is not this day. Nerd alert.

Rosycheeks- yes, you're a regular reviewer! You can PM me a question as long as it's not too spoily!