Once Upon A Time: A Christmas Tale, Part One
By Rebekkalee Mouri-Hibiki
(Emma has a dream about Mr. Gold at Christmas time. It's going to be a long one so I'm diving it up into two chapters.)
Emma walked down Main Street, her arms wrapped tight around her body. She had left the apartment in a hurry and hadn't grabbed her heavy coat or her hat on her way out. She had tolerated Mary-Margret's Christmas party for as long as she could before the need to leave overwhelmed her. Seeing herself surrounded by people she knew and had for years started to get to her.
She had only been in town a couple of months and made some friends but the friendships weren't as deep. It felt awkward being around all those people anyway. She was a loner and even small crowds were suffocating to her. She had also started feeling a little claustrophobic because the apartment was kind of small with all those people in it.
She neared Granny's, deciding she would just go in there to warm up and enjoy some solitude. As she walked up the path, she could see that the diner was practically empty. It was a relief to her and she knew she had made the right choice. She walked up to the door and opened it, going inside.
Granny was at the counter and she looked up as Emma walked in. Only one waitress was working, Ruby having got the night off to go to the party. " Emma, " She said, closing the magazine she had been reading. " You look cold. "
" I am cold, " Emma sighed. Though the walk wasn't that long, the wind made it feel a lot colder than the thirty degrees it was outside. If that wasn't enough, snowflakes had been teasing her and spattering the air with glittery flecks of white.
It was the delicate kind of snow that melted as soon as it hit the ground. She had taken small steps because the melted snow would then make icy patches on the cold concrete. The last thing she wanted was to slip and fall on her ass on said cold concrete. Having a broken tailbone was not on her Christmas list.
" You go sit down, " Granny said. " I'll bring you your hot cocoa. Cinnamon and whipped cream? "
" You know how I like it, " Emma shivered. She had gotten enough snow in her hair to get it damp and it made it feel like she was wearing a wet towel on her head. She walked to the very last booth and sat down. She scooted all the way over so she could look out the window.
There wasn't much to see, the streets of Storybrooke empty because of the time of night it was. It was like the whole place closed down at sunset. It wasn't that much active during the daytime either. It didn't seem so much cursed as Henry claimed it to be, just boring.
A few moments later, Granny came to the table with Emma's drink. When she set it down, Emma found she had put a candy cane on the saucer next to the cup. " A little something for you, " Granny gave her a terse smile. She was one tough cookie but Emma was sure she had a soft side... Somewhere.
Emma looked at it and forced a smile. Outside of hot cocoa, she wasn't too big on sweets... Well, except for once a month when she cleaned the Dark Star Pharmacy out of Apollo bars... And Midol. Candy canes were something she really wasn't fond of though. It reminded her of being in group homes where it was the only candy anyone bothered to donate at Christmas time because they were cheap.
" Thanks, " She picked it up and tucked it into the pocket of her red leather jacket, the one she had been able to grab. " I'll save it for later. "
The bell on the door rang as it opened, Emma and Granny both looking towards it. Granny frowned and growled when she saw it was Mr. Gold. " Great... " She muttered. She then looked at Emma, " I have to go take his order. "
Emma watched as Mr. Gold took off his coat and put it on the coat rack by the door. She had a familiar shiver travel up her spine. There was something about the man that did things to her. Looking at him made her skin tingle, even from the first moment they met.
Her mind went to that day, the first one she was in Storybrooke. She went to Granny's to get a room so she could stay for one week. She had promised Henry she would stay that long to prove to him the curse wasn't real and his story book was just that. He had suddenly appeared when Granny asked her name, repeating it.
When she turned to see who had said her name, she held her breath. His eyes were piercing and he looked at her like he had always known her. She could breathe again, she thanked him though she was still mesmerized by him. He was impeccably dressed, his scent sending her mind reeling.
It radiated a warmth that made her want to bury herself in it even though had belonged to a stranger. It was masculine with undertones of a fire made with slow burning wood. Every time she smelled it, she found it hard to think but she toughed through it. She found him mysterious and she was tempted to dissect him bit by bit if she could.
However, he teased her like the snowflakes outside. Just when she thought she was through a layer of him, she found she hadn't made any progress at all. Getting to the bottom of him wasn't the only thing on her mind. She had begun to have other thoughts about him and she wasn't sure how to feel about them.
She started to think him quite handsome, each one his expressions etched into her mind. His crooked grin and dark eyes did things to her she could not describe. Whenever they locked eyes, she felt like she was plugged into a powerful current. That current felt like it was pulling her in and she couldn't stop the thoughts about what they would do if they ever got close.
She could imagine his immaculate hands on her body, his fingers caressing her skin as he kissed her. They looked so well taken care of, she was certain they would be soft. Her thoughts had gone way beyond kissing, those thoughts now coming to mind and making her blood warm. She sighed, continuing to watch him as he seemed to be oblivious of her presence.
Even after the situation with Ashley's baby and how she got elected sheriff, she still felt an attraction to him. If anything, it had only made her intrigued and determined to find out what he was all about. She wanted to get a line on how he ticked and perhaps be able to outsmart him some day. Perhaps she would be able to do it before he called in his favor.
As he loosened his scarf, he glanced up and caught her staring. He gave her a smile and she looked away. Seeing it made her gasp slightly, making her cheeks heat. She refocused her attention on her cocoa, snatching it up and taking a drink.
She nearly dropped it when she burned her mouth, finding it a lot hotter than she had expected it to be. She set the cup back down, her left hand going to her mouth. She grabbed a wad of napkins with her right, using them to wipe her face and jacket. She was glad it was still zipped up or she would have needed to get a clean sweater.
" Good evening, Miss Swan, " Mr. Gold startled her for he had slipped up on her while she was cleaning the spill. " I'm surprised to find you here. I thought that Miss Blanchard's Christmas party was tonight. "
" It is, " Emma said. The spill was clean but she continued to wipe at the table, willing herself not to look at him. Oh God, he smelled wonderful and it was making her heart race. His scent radiated the warmththat made her want to cling to him.
If that wasn't enough, his voice was so warm and smooth. She hated to admit it but she loved the sound of it. It made her want to crawl into his arms and listen as he whispered sweet words in her ear. She could only imagine what he would say but she knew it would make her tingle to her toes.
Mr. Gold furrowed his brow, " So why are you here? "
Emma sighed, " I'm not that big on Christmas. "
" Oh, " Mr. Gold said. He smiled again, " Some people aren't. "
Emma looked at the clock above the bar, the smile making her breath hitch in her throat a little. She was certain he knew what his smiles did to her and got a thrill out of seeing her squirm. " You're out late. "
Mr. Gold quirked his lips, " I didn't know my habits fascinated you. "
" I would be a fool not to keep an eye on you, " Emma said. " I'm the sheriff. "
Mr. Gold chuckled, " You don't have to remind me of that, Miss Swan. I am well aware. "
Emma frowned, " So, WHY are you out so late? "
" If you must know, " He returned the frown. He didn't seem to like being questioned. " I had some new items come into the shop that needed some minor repairs. "
" I see, " Emma said. " I guess people do need money for Christmas presents this time of year. "
Another crooked grin graced his lips, " Yes... Among other things. "
Emma's heart pounded louder in her ears, her body warming each second she had her eyes on him. Oh God, he was so perfect it was disgusting. His fine suits were never wrinkled and he never had a hair out of place. She thought again of his hands, so flawless in spite of the fact he constantly worked with them.
She had expected there to be calluses on his right hand from the cane but he had none. She thought of his lame leg, probably the only thing about him that could be considered flawed. She often wondered how he had been crippled but it was just too personal of a question to ask. Their relationship seemed to be strictly business and it made her sad to think of it that way, which puzzled her.
" So, " He said. " Are you in the mood for some company or do you wish to be alone? "
Emma looked around to find they were the only people in the diner. There had been two other people but they were now gone. Emma had been so enthralled with Mr. Gold, she hadn't seen them go. She really did want to be alone but that had been before he walked in.
This had presented her with a unique opportunity to be alone with him and not truly be alone. Granny, the lone waitress and the short order cook were there but would be far enough away a quiet conversation would not be heard by them. She didn't know what they would talk about of if they were going to talk at all.
If they didn't speak, that would be alright too. Just being close to him was tempting enough to make her say 'yes' to his offer. " Miss Swan? " His voice brought her out of her thoughts.
" Sorry, " She apologized. He was so proper when he addressed her. Oh what she would give to hear her name on his lips again. The way he had said it in the lobby ay Granny's still echoed in her mind.
" I was thinking about it, " She finished.
" That's a lot of deep thought for such a simple question, " His voice had a teasing edge to it. It was subtle and made her skin prickle with a different kind of heat. Again, she could imagine him whispering sweet nothings in her ear as his hands caressed her sweetly.
Emma quirked her lips, " Considering our history, I had to give it some. "
He chuckled, " Our history. Indeed, my dear. I understand your apprehension but I would be more concerned with our future. "
The words made Emma inhale sharply. The way he had said them made her feel like he knew just what that future held. She tried to remain stoic as she said, " And what makes you think we have a future? "
Mr. Gold gave her a knowing smile, " You owe me a favor. "
" Will it count towards it if I eat dinner with you? " Emma tried to tease him in return.
He narrowed his eyes just slightly, " No... But I will enjoy the company. "
Emma motioned to the seat across from her, " Sit. Maybe I will too. "
" Thank you, " He said and sat down. He slipped his cane under the table, propping it against the empty part of the booth. He lifted his hand and waved at Granny, " My order, my dear? "
" It'll be out in a few minutes, " She called back.
" Thank you, " Mr. Gold returned his attention to Emma. He looked at the remainder of Emma's hot cocoa and quirked his mouth. " When did you eat last? "
Emma waved her hand, " I nibbled at the party. "
Mr. Gold scoffed, " Oh no. That's not what I meant. I meant a real meal, not snacking. "
Emma frowned. She had to think, realizing it had been early afternoon when she ate anything substantial. " Oh. Lunch then. "
Mr. Gold nodded once. " I see. Are you hungry? "
Emma sighed, " A little. "
" Order anything you please and I shall pay for it, " Mr. Gold said.
" You don't have to buy me food, Gold. I'm capable of paying for my own meals, " Emma put her hands up.
He gave her a gentle smile, " Consider it my Christmas treat. "
Emma lowered her hands, " Oh. Okay... I wouldn't mind a grilled cheese and some fries then. "
" Will that be enough? " Mr. Gold arched an eyebrow.
Emma nodded, " Like I said, I nibbled at the party. "
" Fine then, " Mr. Gold nodded then looked at Granny. " Could you add a grilled cheese and fries to my order? For Miss Swan. "
Granny gave Emma a cautionary look and frowned, " It will take a few more minutes. "
" I'm fine with that, " Mr. Gold replied. He glanced at Emma, " I'm in no hurry. "
Granny wrote the order down and handed it to the cook. Mr. Gold turned back to Emma. She sighed, " Thanks. "
" You're welcome, " He replied.
Emma picked up her hot cocoa and took a sip. It had cooled down considerably and she was able to drink it. She drank down about half of what was left before setting the cup back down. Mr. Gold quirked his mouth and chuckled. " What? " She asked.
" You have a little whipped cream on the end of you nose, " He said. He grabbed a napkin and reached for her, " Let me. "
Emma didn't get the chance to protest before he touched her. He wiped slowly and she closed her eyes, gasping at the gentle contact. It was involuntary and she felt a little ashamed, blushing as she said, " Sorry. "
" Don't be, " Mr. Gold said.
She opened her eyes and watched him put the napkin down on the table. The contact was brief but it had sent a wave of heat through her. It made her wonder if he would touch other parts of her just as gently. The thought sent another wave of warmth through her, this one going to her belly.
Granny came up to the table with a to-go bag in one hand and Emma's order in the other. " Your dinner, Mr. Gold, " She said as she set the bag down on the table. She then set Emma's plate in front of her, " And yours. "
Emma looked at Mr. Gold, feeling very confused. " Wait. You're not eating here? " She asked.
Mr. Gold chuckled, " I never said I was going to. I still have a lot of work at the shop to do. "
" Oh, " Emma sank back against the booth. She didn't want him to leave so soon, feeling disappointed that she wouldn't be spending more time with him. She looked down at her food, " Okay. "
Mr. Gold quirked his mouth, " I wouldn't mind an escort back to the shop. The sidewalk is a bit icy and I don't feel comfortable walking down it alone. "
Emma snapped her head up, " You want me to go with you? "
" It IS your job, " Mr. Gold replied. " Public safety and all that. "
" Oh yeah, " Emma said.
Mr. Gold looked at Granny, " Could you please bag up Miss Swan's meal? "
Granny picked the plate up, " Sure. Anything else? "
Mr. Gold glanced at Emma, " Another hot cocoa, my dear? "
Emma looked at the one she had gotten when she came in. It was almost gone but she had spilled half of it so she still wanted more. She nodded once, " Sure. "
Mr. Gold looked at Granny and she nodded, " And a hot cocoa to go. Got it. "
Granny walked away and Mr. Gold moved his cane from where he had wedged it, " Come. We'll wait by the door while she gets it ready. "
Emma nodded and slid out of the booth as he did the same. He put his cane on the floor and his left hand on the table, pushing himself up to his feet. He smoothed his hand down his suit and straightened his tie before walking towards the door, Emma following him to the coat rack. When they reached it, he glanced at her and quirked his mouth.
Emma was puzzled by the look, " What? "
" Is that all you have? " He motioned to her clothes. " That doesn't look at all warm. "
Emma sighed, " No. I didn't have a chance to grab anything else. "
He picked his scarf up from the rack, looking at it for a moment before turning to her. She gasped as he threw it around her neck and wrapped it carefully. He smiled, " We can't have you catching cold, can we? "
Emma inhaled, his scent filling her nose. A wave of warmth flooded her body, imagining it was what he would smell like if his body was pressed close to hers. She let out a sigh at the thought then realized he had heard her do it, her cheeks heating with embarrassment. She reached for it, " I can't. You... "
" I don't need it, " He said. " I can flip the collar of my coat up and I will be alright. "
" Oh, " Emma let her hands fall to her sides as he turned back to the rack and got his coat. She watched as he put his cane against the wall and slip his coat on. He lost his balance for a split second, Emma taking a step forward to catch him if he fell. He didn't so she stepped back.
" Here you go, " Granny startled her. She had come up to Emma's side without her noticing. Emma looked at her to find she was holding a to-go bag and a Styrofoam cup with a lid.
" Thanks, " Emma muttered, taking the items from her. She had been so captivated by Mr. Gold, it was like the rest of the world had fallen away. She often felt like that around him, everything vanishing and leaving her feeling like they were the only two people in the world.
He turned to face her, nodding to Granny. He gave her a terse smile, " Thank you. Just put it all on my tab. "
" Of course, " Granny scoffed. She gave Emma a gravely serious look. She leaned into Emma's ear and whispered, " Be careful around him. "
" Sure, " Emma replied though the look sent a chill through her. It was like Granny thought something more than a walk to the shop was going to happen.
" She has nothing to worry about, " Mr. Gold said flatly. " Thank you for your concern. "
Granny frowned at him, " Goodnight, Gold. "
Emma watched as Granny turned and walked away, her attention being drawn back to Mr. Gold when he opened the door. " Come along, my dear. Can't let our dinner get cold. "