Crushed

David found himself dropping by the diner every day now. He just couldn't help himself. Sometimes, he would find Mary Margaret and Emma in there. More often, he would feel the now familiar stab of disappointment. And to top everything off, there was Kathryn.

He knew nothing of their past relationship, but she sure seemed eager to get on with it. He'd successfully managed to thwart her advances, but he knew he wouldn't be able to forever. For the time being, she was allowing him some space. To "refamiliarize himself" as said in her words. Not that he could do that even if he tried.

"You know, the coffee will do more for you if you drink it," Ruby joked, bringing him out of his hypnotic state. He mentally shook himself, engaging in a conversation with the friendly waiter.

"I know. I've been needing that energy boost." She smiled, and set down his plate of eggs and toast.

"For the record, she comes every Monday and Friday," Ruby said, winking at him. David felt himself go red.

"I… I just come in here for a cup of coffee," he defended. She just laughed, and gave him a sympathetic smile.

"Alright," she shrugged, and walked away, leaving him to his very confused thoughts.

He couldn't stop thinking about her. And it was driving him crazy.


Regina sat back in her chair, debating about whether it was worth it to get up and go to Granny's. Not for food of course. But to see if David was there. She could see that he was being drawn to Mary Margaret. It was hardly surprising.

But she had to stop this. Before the relationship went any further. Maybe, it was time to pay Kathryn a visit.

She headed home from her office, already planning on what to do. She had befriended the blonde, knowing that she would be a valuable pawn in the game. She smiled, as she heard the oven timer start going off. She reluctantly got up from her couch, and headed to her kitchen.

The apple turnovers were perfect. Light golden, and crispy. She had to smile to herself as she headed out the door. Only to find Kathryn standing just outside. She almost ran into her in her haste.

"Kathryn?" Regina questioned, looking at the woman standing in front of her. Kathryn gave her a hesitant smile. The mayor returned it in full.

"Please, come in. I was actually just coming to see you." She led the other woman into her house, leading her to the living room.

"I made apple turnovers," Regina said, pulling them out of their container. "You have to try one." Kathryn smiled, and gratefully took one. She took a bite, before setting it down on the plate offered to her.

"I'm sure you're wondering why I'm here," Kathryn stalled. She uncomfortably adjusted her sweater. Regina smiled inwardly.

"Hey, anything I can do to help," she said, sweetly. Kathryn seemed to draw strength from the kindness.

"It's about David," she admitted. Regina nodded knowingly.

"Tell me all about it."


Mary Margaret was not having the most pleasant of days. At times, it seemed like the only thing grounding her was Emma. Great, the only thing keeping her sane was a 12 year old girl whom she'd met all of a month ago.

"How was school?" Emma asked, as Mary Margaret entered the loft. Emma looked like the picture of bliss. Wrapped in a warm blanket, and reading the storybook.

"Well, you might know if you actually went," Mary Margaret shot back. Emma just shrugged, making a face.

"No thanks. School can be your thing." Mary Margaret tipped her head at the girl.

"So, what's your long term plan?" she asked. "Just stay in here all day?" Emma seemed to be perfectly content with that. Mary Margaret just rolled her eyes.

"Have you seen David today?" Emma asked, looking directly at the older woman. Mary Margaret busied herself with making a cup of tea. She was debating about what to say. She had indeed seen David that day. On the way into the school. He'd been passing by. And when their eyes had connected… It felt like everything it should be.

He's married, she told herself, harshly.

"I did," she answered, willing the water to boil. Emma shot up like a firework.

"Really?" she asked, book and blanket abandoned.

"Emma, we live in a tiny town," Mary Margaret reasoned. "It's not unthinkable for me to see him from time to time. And, before you say anything, may I remind you that he is married."

"I know that," Emma said, looking a little depressed. Mary Margaret instantly felt guilty.

"Look, Emma. I know that the whole forbidden romance thing sounds great. Like the great heroic stories. But this is Storybrooke. And we don't all get a happy ending." Emma shot her a challenging glance.

"You won't know if you never try," she pointed out. Mary Margaret just sighed.

"Hope is a wonderful thing Emma. Sometimes, it's the only thing that really keeps us going. It can save lives and make people happy." Emma could sense a "but" coming.

"But, hope needs to be used wisely. And wishful thinking didn't ever do anything." Emma sighed, finally giving in. She wandered back to her original place, but took to looking out the window instead. Mary Margaret took a deep breath and went back to her tea preparation. She chose her flavor, before taking the kettle off as it began whistling.

"Uh, Mary Margaret," Emma said, still looking out the window. The older woman picked up her mug, and joined Emma at the window. She glanced out, and her heart almost stopped. David was right outside. He was coming to their building.

"Is he coming here?" Emma asked, excitement evident in her voice. Even Mary Margaret allowed herself to hope.

David glanced up, and saw the two of them. He chuckled, and waved up. Emma waved back. A figure running up from behind caught both girls' attention. Mary Margaret watched as Kathryn approached her husband, giving him a deep kiss. David seemed shocked, but went along.

Kathryn was clearly dressed to go out. In a red dress, and high heels. She began pulling him off, and Mary Margaret got a pretty good idea of what exactly was going on. David managed one last glance up, but Mary Margaret was already gone. He locked eyes with Emma, and he shook his slightly. Emma retreated from the window to follow the now devastated brunette. Emma watched her go, tucking hair behind her ear. Her mug was left untouched as she seemed to flee from her emotions.

"Are you…" Emma trailed off as Mary Margaret turned to face her. Her expression said it all.


Whew, more of David and Emma together next chapter. Really excited about that.

Next time… With Mary Margaret now uncaring towards David, Regina's plan seems to have worked. But David is determined and Emma wants to help. Together, they might just fix the future.