Storybrooke: Present Day

-x-

He kept his promise.

He woke her up. She had finally gotten to sleep, albeit restless, when she heard his knock. She jolted awake, her hands coming up to defend herself from imaginary enemies.

When his voice sounded through the door, she felt the fear leave her. She quickly and quietly got up, and padded over to the cell door.

"Hello?"

"Hey sweetheart. How are you?" the lid lifted and she could once again only see his mouth. She strained to see the rest of his face but he kept it hidden.

"Who are you? How do you know me?" she rested a hand on the surface of the door, balancing herself on her tip toes to get a better look.

He didn't answer at first. "I, uh, don't know you," he mumbled something to himself, "But I thought you could use the company."

She shot his chin an incredulous look, it being the only thing she could see. "How do I know I can trust you?"

He grinned, "You can't. You just have to have faith in a complete stranger."

She shook her head, "You're out of your mind..." she mumbled. He heard it and let out a laugh.

"Oh, you have no idea, sweetheart." he laughed some more, "But you can't really talk, can you? Being in a mental asylum and all." he smirked.

She felt a pout form on her lips, "I'm not actually crazy. I'm just...here."

"Don't worry, beautiful," he said. "We're all mad here."

She crinkled her nose; that sounded so familiar.

"So," she asked, "You won't tell me who you are then?"

He shook his head, "Nope. Can't do that."

"Why?" she challenged.

He smirked at her stubbornness, "Because, Princess, some things are better left as a surprise. Is that a satisfactory answer for you? I can always leave if you prefer...?" he trailed off and made off as if to leave. She felt her body throw itself against the door, her hands gripping the peephole, "No! Please, stay...I have no one to talk to...I..."

"It's okay," he interrupted softly. A finger reached through and lightly tapped hers before quickly retreating. "I was just messing with you. I wouldn't actually stop bothering you. It's just too much fun."

She rolled her eyes, amused. "Well, thanks. It's good to know your intentions are honorable." a smile toyed on her lips. She felt something warming inside her and for the first time since she could remember she felt almost happy.

Slowly, she brought her hands back in. "So...how are you today?"

He barked out a laugh. "You are something else, Princess, I'll give you that." he mumbled something else under his breath, but she couldn't hear it. She leaned forward, excited at the prospect of an actual conversation.

When she didn't speak, he decided to humor her. "I'm doing pretty good right now," he grinned. "I've been graced with your lovely company, so actually I think I'm doing better than good."

She blushed and smiled happily. "Such a charmer."

He laughed, "I try to be."

They went back and forth like this for a few more minutes. Saying a lot, but meaning nothing. She didn't care, she was just thankful for someone to talk to other than herself.

Once again though, they were interrupted by someone's footsteps and he turned away.

"Our time has once again been cut short. But don't worry, sweetheart, I'll be back." He smirked, "And maybe I'll even bring you something too?"

She was curious, "And what would that be?"

"Ah!" He lifted a finger, "Wouldn't be a surprise if I told you, now would it?"

She rolled her eyes, thankful he couldn't see her happy grin. "Fine, be like that. Till we meet again, stranger."

"Till we meet again, sweetheart."

And he was gone.