I Know Better

"I'm sorry I don't quite understand," Mary Margaret said, shock still numbing her reactions. She was seated in Granny's, having a cup of coffee with David. He'd just blurted it out.

"I remember everything." She'd almost spilled her coffee. He what?

"I don't really get it either," David admitted, taking a nervous swallow. He was afraid to look Mary Margaret in the eyes. He knew the hurt there would be enough to break his heart. Because, despite them being just friends, David would be crushed if Mary Margaret decided their relationship couldn't go on.

"You… you remember what?" Mary Margaret asked, forcing herself to look up at David. His blue eyes just looked confused.

"I remember everything that happened in my… in my life. With Kathryn. I mean, well everything that happened before I got into the accident." David squirmed a little. It's not like there was a rulebook for this sort of thing.

"Oh," was all Mary Margaret said. She opened her mouth to say more, but nothing came out. It was a weird emotion coursing through her. In one sense, she didn't want to accept what David had just said. In another, she was already trying to adjust to their new situation.

"Look, you were a lifesaver when I didn't remember," David said, wondering how to go about this. Mary Margaret somehow knew what was coming next. She'd watched enough cheesy romantic films to know how this scene would end.

"I'm not saying that we can't be friends. But… well, it's going to be different now. I just need-"

"MARY MARGARET!" Emma yelled, tearing through the door. Everyone in the diner jumped, as the door slammed on it's hinges.

"Hey hey, be careful with that. It's only got a few months left," Granny rebuked, glaring at the young girl. Emma didn't pay any attention. She just ran straight to the booth where David and Mary Margaret were sitting.

Mary Margaret shot up, adrenaline coursing through her veins. Her motherly instinct was kicking in hard.

"Emma, what's wrong?" she demanded, climbing out of the booth. The young girl was clearly distressed.

"The… apartment. Someone is in there. I managed to escape… but." Emma didn't need to say anything more.

"Let's go," Mary Margaret said, grabbing Emma's hand. She was about to sprint out when her gaze fell on David.

"Look, I am so sorry," she said, shooting him an apologetic glance. But on the bright side, she wouldn't have to listen to the rest of that speech. David just looked up at her, a defeated look on his face.

"No no, it's fine." A glance at Emma and his own problems seemed less daunting.

"You should go now." Mary Margaret just nodded, and dragged Emma out of the diner.


"Okay, what happened exactly," Mary Margaret demanded, as they reached the apartment. Emma hesitated for a second, taking in a deep breath.

"Well…" she hesitated, biting her lip. Mary Margaret turned away from the door to face the blonde girl.

"Well, what?" Mary Margaret asked, narrowing her eyes.

"I… um well. You see, there's… um, something that I didn't tell you…" Emma trailed off, unable to explain it.

"Emma, what is going on here?" Mary Margaret asked, unlocking the door and shoving her inside.

"Did I forget to mention it was a nightmare?" Emma asked, ready to make a run for it.

"What?" Mary Margaret demanded. She turned on the girl, her look demanding answers.

"I… I needed you back here. Because I found something," Emma said, trying at all costs not to make her mad.

"What?" Mary Margaret asked again. Emma stumbled over, to find something to say.

"Yeah, I figured something out about the mayor. She doesn't want you two to be together. She'll do anything to stop it from happening."

"Apparently she's not the only one," Mary Margaret countered, though she was listening now.

"Touché," Emma conceded. "But look, this has to mean something."

"Emma, what are you talking about?" Mary Margaret threw her hands up in exasperation. "There is nothing going on between David and me." Emma narrowed her eyes. She knew that her promise to the mayor had to be taken seriously. It was why she called Mary Margaret away in the first place.

"Are you sure?" she asked, suspicion hinting in her voice. Mary Margaret just rolled her eyes.

"Is this what the whole charade was about?" she asked. Emma's lack of answer confirmed her question.

"Okay, we are going to talk about this later. Meanwhile, I have to go and find David, and explain everything to him." Mary Margaret got up, and grabbed her keys. Emma's head shot up in alarm. But there was nothing she could do. Mary Margaret left without another word, leaving Emma alone in the apartment.

"Good try," came a voice from the corner. Emma almost screamed as Regina stepped out from the corner.

"But not quite. No no, you didn't quite get it. You don't see the hurt that everyone will feel if they pursue a relationship."

"I know," Emma shot back. "You explained it last time you broke in here." She rolled her eyes at the mayor. This woman was seriously pissing her off. But she also knew about the relationships of this town. Emma had to trust her about Mary Margaret. It's not like she would make this stuff up. What would her reason be?

"Then you know that I need your help. Kathryn is devastated that she still doesn't have her husband back. You know David. He's a good man. He will go back to her. Mary Margaret will get hurt." Regina purposefully dramatized her voice for the maximum effect. It worked like a charm. Honestly, kids were so easy to play.

"Whatever," Emma said, feeling guilt punch her in the gut. She would deal with that emotion later. Right now, she just had to figure out… everything.


"Clever use of the child."

Regina spun around on the street to see Mr. Gold trailing behind her. He limped up to her, giving her an innocent smile. She knew better. She knew he was awake.

"Oh do shut up," she said, rolling her eyes.

"And why would I do that?" he questioned, easily meeting her gaze. His was one of subtle victory. That was dangerous.

"What do you want Gold?" Regina asked. The pawnshop owner simply met her gaze. He didn't even bother responding right away.

"You have something of mine. Something that I would like back." He stepped closer, almost baring his teeth at the mayor. Regina felt her skin crawl and forced herself to meet his gaze.

"I don't know what you're talking about. You'll have to be more specific." She was bluffing. And they could both tell. Mr. Gold knew exactly how to play this.

"I can help separate Snow and Charming," he said, easily using their past names. Regina stiffened at the mention of Snow White.

"What do you want?" she asked, ready to just get out of there. Mr. Gold leaned back, satisfied.

"Belle."


Man, it's been a while. Yeah, lost my place with writing for a while. Anyways, hope you like this chapter.

Next time… With Gold allied with Regina, a whole new set of problems faces Mary Margaret and David. And then, of course, there's Belle.

R&R

NightLightning21