"You- you wouldn't have to do hardly anything, really." The young woman stuttered out, red rising to cover her cheeks. "I don't- I think-" She stopped talking, obviously unsure how to pick out one of the many thoughts jumbled in her mind. She huffed, giving up, and shrugged finally.
Mr. Gold was staring at her, all silence and blank expression. They were sitting in the back office of his shop, where he'd taken her when she'd asked to discuss something with him. His fingers were steepled in front of him, and he had not moved an inch since the first word tumbled out of her mouth.
She had wanted to make a deal. She'd gotten it all out in a rush, and then at his lack of response, she'd started fumbling through all the reasons he should help her, trying to convince him more with amount than actual substance of reasoning. She had nothing to offer him in return for what she wanted, but... she was desperate, and she didn't care.
Mr. Gold finally spoke. "And what will you give me, dearie? You have nothing of your own."
She felt hope bubbling up in her chest. That wasn't a no.
"That doesn't mean I don't have anything you want," she said quickly. The strange look that flitted across his face was gone before she noticed it. "I could work off my payment, work in the shop for you."
He frowned at that. "I have no need of an assistant."
"Well what do you have need of?" She held the arms of her chair tightly. You have to agree to this deal. Please... "What do you want?"
Several emotions flashed across his face, but she couldn't identify them. They were gone as quickly as they came, and when he finally leaned forward in his chair, his eyes were blank and he wore a smirk.
"I'll tell you what dearie. Why don't you owe me?"