Dark Hearts | Once Upon A Time

XViii. Sweet and Kind

Storybrooke. Present day.

"I THINK I'M enjoying this more than our movie night" Rachel giggles as she swings their intertwined hands as they walk down the street after walking out  of Granny's Diner after going on a breakfast date as a way for Erica to make up for the night before, before they part ways to go  to their respective jobs, leaving a gap for David Nolan to squeeze into the conversation 

"Erica, hey" David Nolan greets Erica which causes the young girl to roll her eyes, as she had heard from Mary Margret late last night when she did her last check that David had stopped by and told her that he thought she might be guilty of killing Kathryn. Of course this deeply upset the former teacher as she thought David of all people would understand what she was going through and seeing her mother and friend so upset at the actions of Erica's father left her a bit angry when she saw him this morning

Erica sighed "I don't have time"

"I see that" David smiles slightly before it drops "but I need to know how Mary Margret is doing"

"How do you think?" Erica snapped 

"Well I think the last time we spoke, she didn't quite get what I meant" David awkwardly tried to explain, and Erica rolled her eyes at his weak explanation, but knew he didn't mean to upset Mary Margret because whatever realm they are in, they always seem to care for each other 

"Oh you mean when you basically told her you thought she might be guilty" Erica raised an eyebrow in question as she ran a hand through her slightly damp hair and unlocked her car door  but before she could get in she was stopped by David who stood in between the vehicle and herself 

"Look it's the situation" David sighs "It's been confusing and horrible for everyone, but Erica I don't think she's guilty and I need her to know that" The desperate tone in the former Shepards voice was so heartbreaking that it caused the young blonde to turn away just so she wouldn't have to look into her fathers pleading eyes as he asked "Can I see her?"

"She doesn't want visitors" Erica mutters "I told Emma that this morning"

"No you just don't have the heart to tell me that she doesn't want to see me" David points out

"Honestly David I'm sure your heart is in the right place" Erica admitted and it was probably the most honest thing she had ever said seen as she knew it was in the right place, after all Prince Charming always protected his princess, he just couldn't find the words to help her feel better "I'm sorry but I'm pretty sure the last thing she needs right now are words of encouragement from you"

"What does she need then?"

The car engine starts up as Erica sighs "A miracle"

* * * * *

Storybrooke. Present day. 

"A pretrial interview with the prosecution" Erica asked raising both eyebrows as she silently questioned whether this was a good idea, after a moment of thought the blonde shook her head and continued "Explain to me how that is a good idea?"

"The D.A simply wishes to ask Mr Blanchard a few questions" Mr Gold calmly states

"She's done answering questions" Erica refuses, she didn't want her mom to have to go through any more pain than was necessary, this whole ordeal had already taken a lot of her "besides why are we kissing up to D.A shouldn't we be finding another lead? Anyone else that might have had a motive against Kathryn or at least finding out who put the Skelton key in Mary Margret's cell"

"Who has more motive to kill the Kathryn than Mary Margret?" Mr Gold asks the young Sheriff before narrowing his eyes slightly "and like you said we don't know who put the key in the cell -- it could be anyone"