This story takes place just after magic was released into the town. Belle doesn't exist in his world. I love her character but she wouldn't fit in the plot for this story. Just had this story in my head and I wanted to get it out. I own nothing of this show or its characters. Please read and review.

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The sun had set a few hours ago relieving Emma Swan of her duties as Sheriff for another day. A quick stop at Granny's diner would do her good after what had to be the longest day she had in Storybrooke. The chocolate cake would take her mind off things for a while and the bitter taste of coffee would sooth her. To further soothe her nerves perhaps Red could add a shot of whiskey to the cup as well. She walked here from work and the walk back to Mary's place was not too far so there was no need to drive.

The place was completely empty as there was an event going on at the school to reunite everyone. The curse left people with two memories of who they were so sorting out who was who may take some time. There were a few that preferred this life to their old one. Here everyone was safe to a degree the other realm nothing was certain. Mary wanted her to be there but Emma felt too uncomfortable. She may have been their hero but she had no history with them. The diner was her only option besides an empty house.

"Hey Red, I'm surprised you're here. Everyone is at the school."

"I didn't know too many people accept Snow, Granny and the Dwarves. Charming of course. I just wanted to have the place to myself for a bit and think through thoughts that I never thought I needed to think through."

"I understand that."

"What can I get you?"

"I'd like a slice of chocolate cake and a coffee. Oh, do you think you can throw in a shot of whiskey in the coffee?"

Red smiled at the request. "Sure and that's a good idea, I'll talk to Granny about adding that to the menu."

Emma joined in on the smile. "I bet Leroy would love that."

"Yeah, better to leave this as a special for tonight only."

Emma sat down at a booth and chose the side facing away from the door. The idea that magic was real and that Regina was in fact a real queen with magic powers put things into a very different perspective. Now that magic was released into the small town things became really complicated. Gold, no Rumplestiltskin was also a very real person whose agenda is very unclear. He was also the only person that Regina seemed to show any real respect.

The person in question walked up to Emma. The sound of his cane and signature step gave him away. Plus the fact he was the only person who smelled really good in town. He wore cologne like a pro.

"Mind if I join you Sheriff Swan?"

"Go ahead. You can call me Emma you know. Everyone in this town does unless they are speaking to me about things I need to help them with as Sheriff." Emma missed Gold's surprised look as Red arrived with the specialty coffee and cake.

Gold composed himself quickly enough and waited for Red to leave before speaking. "I am worried about you…Emma. You lifted a very powerful curse from this town and awakened a powerful adversary. Don't think for one minute she'll let this go."

Emma took a swig of coffee enjoying the taste. She was sure that Gold would be able to smell the whiskey easily enough. Red added a little more than a shot.

"I think I can handle myself. Plus the fact that if she could use her magic, don't you think she would have used it by now?"

Gold smelled the whiskey and decided to use her need for escape to his advantage. "No, she may be emotional but she's a very patient woman when she needs to be. We have a long history her and I."

Emma was starting to get uncomfortable. "Why are you telling me this? I could argue that you present as much danger to me as Regina. You two are the only ones that can do magic in this town and both of you are villains in that book."

"Ah, yes Henry's book of tales from our world. It was masterfully written though I would have liked to have had things written from my perspective."

Emma snorted and took another swig of coffee. The cake was still to be touched. Gold was an enigma to her and she had to admit to herself that she would like to know more about the man but he was as closed off as she is. "Why are you here Gold? And no I am not going to call you by your fairy tale name. It doesn't fit very well with the persona you are now. Rumblestiltskin seemed to be far more animated and I'll be honest slightly insane."

"Gold is fine Emma. I came here to speak to you about Henry as well. I have grown to like the boy. I watched him grow for 10 years in a town where no one ages. It's a rather fascinating thing but hard on him as he has to change friends every year and watch his old friends play the same games every year."

It was the first time Emma realized the implications of what Gold said. "Oh, my God. No wonder Henry feels so lonely." She took another swig of coffee finishing it without thinking of the alcohol. She realized her coffee was gone. "Red I'll have another."

Red nodded with a smile.

Emma wasn't thinking as clearly as she should and cursed herself for ordering another boozed cup of coffee. Saying the wrong thing was a bad thing to do in front of Gold. "Look Gold, I would love to discuss how you could help Henry but I am starting to feel that coffee I had and don't trust myself in front of you. You use words like weapons."

Red just then brought the other cup of coffee to the table. Emma tasted it and wondered if Red was trying to get her drunk on purpose.

"Then why did you order another 'coffee' if you are speaking with me?"

"Our conversations usually don't last this long. I ask questions you say a few words and then you find some way of excusing yourself."

Gold looked down at the neglected cake. "The cake here is very good. Chocolate is one of the things I really enjoy here. The other realm didn't have cake like this. Oh, there were sweets but there was little variety unless you used magic. There was one witch that made sweets but they were deadly and she only made them for children." He huffed in annoyance and if Emma didn't know better anger. Now that would be an interesting conversation for another time.

"Then why don't you order a slice for yourself?"

"What a good idea Emma." He turned to Red and asked for a slice of cake but was told that Emma had ordered the last one. "Then bring another spoon."

Emma took another swig of coffee forgetting that Red dumped half the bottle in there. "That's my piece and you didn't ask." She gave Red an annoyed look when the spoon arrived at the table. Red dashed off quickly before Emma could give her an earful. "Sorry, that was immature of me. We can share." She did feel a little foolish at her remark.

"I apologize myself. I should have asked first."

Emma realized that she didn't hate his company. She wondered what he was like before he and everyone else arrived here. Emma wanted to know why people were so drawn in by his other alter ego with the wild mannerisms. A questioned formed in her head and the whiskey helped pry it from her lips. "If the curse wasn't cast would you have tried to manipulate me like you did with so many other people?"

"It would have been very likely as I was a very different man there. You would have been a princess in a powerful kingdom and would have had to face whatever Regina or other villains throw at you. You are the product of true love in that realm it would have made you very powerful. It would have also made you a very tempting target." He leaned forward and took a bite of the cake the same time Emma did. He savored the taste. "I simply took advantage of other people to gain what I wanted. Everyone had a choice to deal with me or not. I have never forced anyone into an agreement. All I did was choose the most desperate of individuals and take advantage of their misfortunes."

The cake though moist, made her mouth dry and the coffee went down well. "Would you have taught me magic?"

That was an interesting question. "If you desired it, yes." He watched as she took another bite of cake. She chewed it slowly as she took in his answer. "Are you interested in learning Emma?"

Emma leaned back and pondered his question. It was something that she knew cost a lot to those that used it but she was curious as to how it actually worked. "I'd be lying if I said no."

Gold was thrilled by her answer but kept his face impassive. She was interested but would not be able to be manipulated into learning like Cora, Regina's mother, and Regina. Cora was tempted through seduction and he possibility of death at King's hand while Regina was pulled in as his student through heart ache and the need to be free of her mother. Emma would have to be brought in as a student in a different manner. He would have to deny her access. The idea of searching for something was in her nature and giving her something too easily would only cause her to become suspicious.

"Are you offering me lessons Gold?" Emma asked now really feeling the 'coffee' she drank.

He knew that her ability to know when someone is lying was not working now. She was far too unfocused. He decided to not take the change anyway. "I don't want to take the chance that you would abuse the lessons taught like previous students."

Emma laughed despite herself. "You think I could pose a threat to you?"

"Never Dearie."

She noticed he didn't use her name but replaced it with the pet name he used for those he saw within his field of manipulation. She decided to let it slide.

"I wouldn't take you up on your offer anyway."

Now Gold knew she was lying. "Even if it meant protecting Henry?"

Her heart skipped a beat. She became really attached to her son and yes she would even die for him if it meant his protection. "You mean would I open myself to your manipulations to save Henry? Only if it was the last option." Another sip and she grimaced. She looked in the cup and found that it was almost finished and downed the last drop.

"You're the first one that drank in front of me knowing who I am. That's a dangerous thing."

"Are you threatening me?" She leaned forward.

Gold in turn leaned forward so close that he could kiss her if he wanted. Instead he leaned in further and whispered into her ear facing the wall. He didn't want the Red to read his lips. "I think you would be an excellent student. I can't manipulate you and I have no power over you. But you'll never come to me as you could never get close enough to anyone to learn."

Emma didn't know if it was the booze or him but she felt very drawn to him even…safe. "Look I have to go. I had enough coffee for one night." She said the words but didn't make an attempt to move. Part of her wanted him to be closer.

Gold realized that he should pull back. Emma would run if she realized what he was doing to her.

Gold sat back and returned to his well known Storybrooke persona. "I'll drive you home."

"I'm walking, I don't have my car." Emma sat back faster than she intended. She is so going to kick Red's ass for this. A shot is one thing but to give her that much with Gold as company was setting her up. Emma stood up slowly as not to look like Leroy leaving the place.

"I'm doing this so you won't walk home drunk. Unless you want the residents of Storybrooke to see their Sheriff, their hero walk home as the new town drunk. I think Leroy would be rather put out of you took his title."

She put her thoughts together and nodded. Emma didn't bother to pay as she was too busy trying to make it through the front door. Gold caught Red's attention. He walked up to the counter to pay the bill. He left a sizable tip.

"I don't think I need to remind you that you are not to speak a word of this to anyone."

Red saw Rumplestiltskin in Gold's eyes. "I understand. So what I owe you is now forgiven?"

"We made a deal. But I wouldn't try to steal anything from my shop again. Even for a foolish game of truth or dare with your friends. Some of the objects are not so innocent now that magic is here."

Red went wide eyed at the implication and threat. Guilt also flooded her as she has no idea what she set Emma up for.

Outside Emma was taking advantage of the cool night air. It was nice but it was also was making her sleepy and did nothing to sober her up. Gold gently held her shoulder to guide her to his car. He opened the passenger side seat and she got in. She breathed in and enjoyed the feel of the leather seat she was in. There was no way around it Gold had good taste.

Gold got in and pulled away from the curb. He knew that Emma would be fast asleep by the time they reached her place and the idea of walking up steps with her and waking Mary was not what he considered a good way to end a very informative night.

He drove her to his place and with some effort got her into the house and deposited her in a spare room. She would wake up wondering how she got there but he'll deal with that tomorrow morning. He was glad that he had the foresight to pull back the covers before he placed her on the bed. He removed her shoes and jacket before pulling the covers over her.

She was interested in magic but feared it at the same time. He left the room and returned with a small vial that contained some dark green dust. A few grams were placed on her head. "Tell me Emma do you want to learn magic?"

Emma jerked her head and answered in her sleep. "Yes, I do."

"There's always a price. Will you pay that price?"

"If it will protect Henry; yes."

Now all Gold needed to do was let this simple spell work its way into her heart. She'll desire magic soon enough and will come to him for it. This was manipulation to a degree but he was not going to pass up the opportunity to allow someone this powerful to escape his grasp.

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