Summary: Belle is reunited with her Cousin Aqua, Alti in Storybrooke, and has been keeping a secret from Rumplestiltskin.

Disclaimer: I own nothing of ONCE UPON A TIME

Rating: T+

Pairing: Rumple/Belle Hook/Alti (OFC)

Note: The songs I used were Can't Fight the Moonlight by Leann Rimes, Wonderland by Natalia Kills, and Addicted by Kelly Clarkson.

THE BEAUTY AND A MERMAID:

The water was hot, it was fresh, and it felt so good flowing over her cold skin. Alti bowed her head under the hot spray listening to her music, picking which songs she wanted to sing at Granny's tomorrow night. Drenched strands of her blonde/aquamarine hair flowed over her shoulders, over her breasts, with the weight of the water. It made her remember what it was like to live under the waves, in the glistening city of coral, or shells; the hidden realm of the merfolk. She longed to be home, to be under the sea where she could swim all day in the perfect water with many of her other kind, except she couldn't go home. She was trapped in this town where no one could leave or risk losing who they were. Alti had stood at the barrier for hours just staring at it until her uncle had come to get her and bring her back to the Inn.

Alti turned off the water breathing in gently with all the steam hanging around her. Stepping out of the shower she grabbed a fluffy sea green towel that matched her luminous sea green eyes. For a while she hated her eyes for reminding her of a home she could no longer go back to. Alti had no knowledge of what happened to her grandfather, her sisters, her mother, or her father. Then she noticed something shiny along her collar bones. She was getting scales back and they were a shimmering aqua/pearl mixture. "Could this day get any worse?" She asked the steamy air dropping her towel to inspect the rest of her thin frame. Lightly she knocked her forehead against the glass repeating, "I don't want to be a giant fish again." Right now she had along her collar bones, scales creating a V pattern between her breasts, and she was sure there would be some along her hips too.

Out in her room, sitting on the edge of her bed in only a pair of low rise flare jeans putting on lotion to her torso and her arms while singing along with one of the many songs she had on her computer. Alti didn't even notice when Ruby had come into her room until the music stopped and she looked up. "Ruby? Was the music too loud for you?" She asked sympathetic to the wolf's hearing. Alti stood up letting her long hair fall over her shoulders to cover her breasts. "Sorry if it was." She turned her back to grab to custom made leather vest to put on.

"No, the music was fine. I was just coming up here to see you." Ruby sat on the edge of the bed watching the mermaid pull the zipper of her vest up, even though she knew it would remain close to her skin once she left. Mermaid's liked very little against their chests. It came with living under water. Just another reason why she and Alti were friends; they were both creatures from a different world far removed from the one they lived in. "I was hoping that you were ok because I haven't seen you around town." Ruby saw the flash of scales. "It's the magic isn't it?"

Alti sat down lacing her fingers together as she drew in a deep breath. "Yes." She nodded. "I'm slowly turning back into a gigantic fish." Alti scoffed with distain before she got up off the bed to pace.

"You're not a fish." Ruby defended, though, her words would fall on deaf ears. There were times that she had called herself a common dog when she was in a particular mood about being a werewolf.

"Yes, I am!" Alti shouted. "Two nights ago I woke up on the bottom of a lake with guppies staring at me like I was a weirdo!" she dropped to the floor to sit Indian style while crossing her arms over her chest. "I hate to say this, but I like being human. I like walking around on two legs."

Ruby slipped off the bed to go to her friend, "I know how you feel." She bowed her head, "I'll go to sleep in my bed and then I'll wake up out in the forest not knowing how I got there." Lately Alti had been coming to her to talk, to commiserate about how they were human and at the same time they were some other creature. "Do you want to go out tonight?"

"Anywhere fun?" Belle asked poking her head into one of the rooms when she had been drawn the hall by Ruby's voice. She was on her way down to meet Rumplestiltskin for a day out in the sun and walking around town.

Alti looked up drawn by the newcomer's voice; it was a voice she knew. Alti stood up and turned to see a woman she hadn't seen in years. "Belle?" She asked in disbelief. There had been very little word about her cousin through the kingdom and her father, Alti, Aqua in their world, knew very little. But here Belle was, alive and well, and smiling. "Oh my gods," Alti moved closer and took her cousin in her arm.

Belle didn't know what to feel. She hadn't expected to see more of her family, let alone her mermaid cousin here in Storybrooke. "I am so happy to see you." Belle, in turn, wrapped her arms around Aqua. Them, as quickly as she hugged her family, Belle pulled back and looked at Aqua, "Aqua…" She was at a loss for words.

"It's Alti in this world." Aqua hadn't been called by her true name in a long time, and it sounded so good falling from Belle's lips. "But, you alone can call me Aqua." She laughed and hugged her cousin again. This time she saw Mr. Gold on the stairs watching them. Lightly she smiled at him and waved. He nodded at her and then motioned to Belle.

Belle sensed Rumple behind them. She pulled back from Aqua, taking her cousin's hand; she walked out of the room. There was Rumple, standing on the steps smiling at her, but his eyes darted to Aqua. "This is my," She looked at Rumple's face and saw a curious expression as he looked at Aqua. Then, she told a small lie until she knew for certain how Rumple knew her cousin. "Friend, Aqua." Belle finished drawing Rumple's attention away from Aqua to her. In his eyes, only for her, she saw warmth and love. But when he had been looking at Aqua, she had seen something else and she didn't have a name for it.

Alti sensed the tension and cleared her throat, "I've got to go." She shrugged and then hugged Belle. "I've got a shift at the Drunken Sailor." Alti made a quick escape, though time seemed to slow when she passed by Mr. Gold. Gently she smiled at him letting her pinkie lightly touch his. Then she stopped and said to Gold, "I'm also singing at Granny's. Come by," She looked up at Belle, "The both of you." Alti was off, running down the stairs buttoning the button of her jeans. Lightly Alti laughed. There were some days she was lucky if she even remembered to pull the short zipper up and button the button.

THAT NIGHT:

GRANNY'S

The diner was packed with town's folk who came to see Alti when she would sing. Now that the curse was broken, they would still come to see her, to hear her sing. It appealed to her mermaid sense of vanity and pride in her singing voice. She loved to sing as it soothed the ravage waters of her soul. Tonight was her night, her moment in the spot light to be a star. Alti was eager for the top of the hour so she could entertain. Peeking out of the kitchen door she could see all the people at the tables talking and in the crowd she could see Gold and Belle sitting together. Gold was here. It was nice to see him here, to know that he was going to be watching her.

Months had gone by since the last time Gold, Rumplestiltskin, had engaged her services, and frowning lightly, Alti realized that he wouldn't be asking for her ever again. Not now that he had Belle. She would have thought that would have made her feel sullen, but she was happy to see Gold with the woman he hadn't known he had been missing until the curse was broken. Stepping away from the door she checked her appearance in the large steel door of the freezer. Her denim skirt rested low on her hips; foundation powder hid the scales, showing off her remarkable flat stomach despite her poor eating habits. Tonight she wore a black halter that tied at the back of her neck, around her back and had a single clasp between her breasts. She was ready to be singing. Then she heard Granny telling them all that she was the "Special Treat" they all had been waiting for.

Alti went the kitchen door and stepped out into the diner where all eyes turned on her. The music started as she searched out Gold's eyes and then she started to fill the room with her melodious voice:

Under a lovers' sky.

Gonna be with you
And no one's gonna be around
If you think that you won't fall
Well just wait until
Til the sun goes down.

Underneath the starlight - starlight
There's a magical feeling - so right
It'll steal your heart tonight

You can try to resist
Try to hide from my kiss
But you know
But you know that you can't fight the moonlight
Deep in the dark
You'll surrender your heart
But you know
But you know that you can't fight the moonlight
No, you can't fight it
It's gonna get to your heart

Gold watched Aqua as she sang, gently at first, feeling the soothing melody wash of him and the crowd. It had been too long since last her lovely voice had filled his ears. She was a mermaid with her memroies restored with full knowledge of what her voice could do to mere mortals. Then his eyes turned to Belle and he could see she was troubled. Her eyes darted from him to Aqua and it bothered him; the look of hurt in her eyes. Why wasn't the mermaids song, her voice, not working on Belle?

There's no escape from love
Once a gentle breeze
Weaves it's spell upon your heart
No matter what you think
It won't be too long
Til your in my arms
Underneath the starlight - starlight
We'll be lost in the rhythm - so right
Feel it steal your heart tonight

You can try to resist
Try to hide from my kiss
But you know
But you know that you can't fight the moonlight
Deep in the dark
You'll surrender your heart
But you know
But you know that you can't fight the moonlight
No you can't fight it
No matter what you do
The night is gonna get to you

Don't try then
You're never gonna win

Alti stepped up to the bar, standing between two of the dwarves, singing to them sweetly as she slipped up to sit on the bar draping one long lean right leg over her left knee. She looked out at everyone and caught the sorrowful look from her cousin. Belle wouldn't be affected by her voice because of their family connection, but everyone else was under her spell, including Gold. That should have thrilled her, but it didn't. Gold was off limits; not that she had any designs on him in the first place. Still, Alti kept singing, kept soothing everyone including herself on this night. Every human or creature from fairy Tale land needed a bit of magic in the wake of death.

Underneath the starlight - starlight
There's a magical feeling - so right
It will steal your heart tonight

You can try to resist
Try to hide from my kiss
But you know
But you know that you can't fight the moonlight
Deep in the dark
You'll surrender your heart
But you know
But you know that you can't fight the moonlight
No, you can't fight it

You can try to resist
Try to hide from my kiss
But you know
Don't you know that you can't fight the moonlight
Deep in the dark
You'll surrender your heart
But you know
But you know that you can't fight the moonlight
No, you can't fight it
It's gonna get to your heart

The song came to a close with so many enraptured faces marveling at her. It made Atli feel good. She smiled and said. "I'm happy you all came out to listen to me tonight. I thought it was good that we all get together despite all that's happened." Alti stayed far from the funeral for Archie this morning but was still in the cemetery. It had been sad and a shock. "We all need a little siren soothing. No sit back, drink you drink and listen closely." The music changed to a song with beat, something she could dance to. She slipped from the bar to the head of the diner where she pointed to Ruby and to Belle; crooking her finger at them to come and join her. Before the night was out people would be dancing while she provided the singing.

I'm not Snow White, but I'm lost inside this forest
I'm not Red Riding Hood, but I think the wolves have got me
Don't want those stilettos, I'm not, not Cinderella
I don't need a knight, so baby, take off all your armor

You be the Beast and I'll be the Beauty-beauty
Who needs true love as long as you love me truly?
I want it all, but I want you more
Will you wake me up, boy, if I bite your poison apple?

I don't believe in fairytales (x3)
But I believe in you and me
Take me to Wonderland
Take me to (x3) Wonderland
Take me to (x3) Wonderland
Take me to (x3) Wonderland
Wonderland, Wonderland

Ruby joined Alti, together they started to sway to the music enticing the eyes of all the single men but Belle stayed where she was. Alti just shrugged at her cousin reminding herself to not stare at Rumplestiltskin. Spinning, Alti turned to face Ruby, dancing with her as se would any man. To a mermaid the gender line was a bit blurred. Alti just wanted to have fun getting carried away with the music.

When I lay my head down to go to sleep at night
My dreams consist of things that'd make you wanna hide
Don't let me in your tower, show me your magic powers
I'm not afraid to face a little bit of danger, danger

I want the love, the money and the perfect ending
You want the same as I-I so stop pretending
I wanna show how ya, good we can be together
I wanna love you through the night, I'll be your sweet disaster

I don't believe in fairytales (x3)
But I believe in you and me
Take me to Wonderland
Take me to (x3) Wonderland
Take me to (x3) Wonderland
Take me to (x3) Wonderland
Wonderland, Wonderland,
Wonderland, oh

Alti pulled away from ruby and threaded her way through the people who had chosen to stand; they were mostly men. She settled on a man with impossible blue eyes, with two day old stubble on his chin, he wore a black shirt and leather biker pants with boots. It was August and he was thoroughly enthralled with her. Alti took his hand pulling him along on the tide, infecting him with her sirens song, plying his mind to follow her, to do what she wanted. His hands went to her waist signaling to her that she had him.

I believe in you and me

I don't believe in fairytales (x3)
But I believe in you and me

Take me to (x3) Wonderland
Take me to (x3) Wonderland
Take me to (x3) Wonderland

Take me to, take me to, take me to
I believe in you and me, Wonderland

Take me to (x3) Wonderland
Take me to (x3) Wonderland
Take me to (x3) Wonderland

Take me to Wonderland, take me to Wonderland

She had been Dancing with August when the music changed, turning the mood of the crowd. He backed away from her to dissolve into the crowd once more; some people were dancing, changing the pace to fit the music. Two songs already and she was starting to wear out, putting too much of her power into the music, into the crowd to make them forget about today for a while. This time she looked at Belle. Pleading with her eyes for something; she wasn't sure. Alti needed some help to finish out this song. It was then her cousin moved, coming to her. Belle smiled at her and offered her hands. Alti took them, feeling a rush of power from the family bond they shared; a bond she lied to her boyfriend about.

It's like you're a drug
It's like you're a demon I can't face down
It's like I'm stuck
It's like I'm running from you all the time
And I know I let you have all the power
It's like the only company I seek is misery all around
It's like you're a leech
Sucking the life from me
It's like I can't breathe
Without you inside of me
And I know I let you have all the power
And I realize I'm never gonna quit you over time

It's like I can't breathe
It's like I can't see anything
Nothing but you
I'm addicted to you
It's like I can't think
Without you interrupting me
In my thoughts
In my dreams
You've taken over me
It's like I'm not me
It's like I'm not me

Belle stood with her cousin not knowing how to feel at the moment. She was immune to Aqua's siren powers but she could see evidence that they weren't lost on Rumple. He was watching her, or Aqua, she couldn't really tell. It was bothering her and she couldn't explain why. Belle was trying not to be jealous, but she feared she was failing. It was terrible to be envious of her own cousin for actions that happened while they were under a curse. Still, it bothered her like an itch that wouldn't stop. What was it between Rumple and Alti that made them share secret looks, and even a touch that they thought she hadn't seen.

It's like I'm lost
It's like I'm giving up slowly
It's like you're a ghost that's haunting me
Leave me alone
And I know these voices in my head
Are mine alone
And I know I'll never change my ways
If I don't give you up now

It's like I can't breathe
It's like I can't see anything
Nothing but you
I'm addicted to you
It's like I can't think
Without you interrupting me
In my thoughts
In my dreams
You've taken over me
It's like I'm not me
It's like I'm not me

Alti put all she had into this last song feeling he added boost from Belle already waning. Granny was looking at her, concern shining in her warm wolf eyes for her. She had been family for 28 years while she thought she was an orphan. Only granny and Ruby had taken her in, given her food, a home, and a job. Then she had got to singing and realized that people stopped what they were doing to hear her. It had been sort of a profession. Granny's wasn't the only place she sang at. The bar where she worked, she was entertainment for the fishermen, for the sailors, and for the low life's of the town. It paid and Alti wasn't ashamed of it. With her gaze she told Granny that she was running out of steam but she would finish this song.

I'm hooked on you
I need a fix
I can't take it
Just one more hit
I promise I can deal with it
I'll handle it, quit it
Just one more time
Then that's it
Just a little bit more to get me through this
I'm hooked on you
I need a fix
I can't take it
Just one more hit
I promise I can deal with it
I'll handle it, quit it
Just one more time
Then that's it
Just a little bit more to get me through this

It's like I can't breathe
It's like I can't see anything
Nothing but you
I'm addicted to you
It's like I can't think
Without you interrupting me
In my thoughts
In my dreams
You've taken over me
It's like I'm not me
It's like I'm not me

The song ended but the music still continued to play with the tracks she had chosen for this night. Her magic would linger in the air until midnight keeping everyone light hearted and away from the sorrow that would hit them tomorrow. Completely drained Alti slumped against Belle. She was so tired. "That was fun," She snickered trying to stand on her own; she didn't want to rely on anyone. Alti was stronger than that.

Granny came over to Alti and to Belle, cupping Alti's face. "You used too much magic didn't you girl?" She asked, the slightest trace of care in her voice. Alti just smiled and nodded at her.

Alti nodded sluggishly, "I used enough to ensure they would all be like this till midnight." She answered resting her head against Belle's again. Alti was so tired now and Belle held her tight.

"Don't worry Granny, I'll make sure she'll get back to the Inn safely." Belle chimed in, wrapping her arms around her cousin securely.

"We both will." Gold said taking Alti's other arm, pulling it across his shoulders. Resting his lips a breath from the side of her head, Gold whispered, "We'll get you home." He felt Alti laugh tiredly and slumped against him. Then he caught a flash of hurt from Belle; it was just a flash. Today he knew he would have to explain how he knew Alti, and what she had done for him.

Alti vaguely knew that she was resting against Mr. Gold and that Belle was too her left letting anger fill her. There was nothing she could do to make that go away. She was too weak from using her abilities on the mourning town's people who had shown up tonight. Alti let herself be carefully taken along by her cousin and the man who had employed her. She could remember the day that he came to talk to her, to ask her to work for him whenever he needed her. At first she thought it was some sexual favors, but then she got to know him, know what he wanted. Alti had been so wrong about him. She thought back to the first night she had worked for him with a smile.

The day was warm, the sun was framed by clouds, with a gentle breeze blowing through the town. Alti had been out running an errand for Granny but got sidetracked talking to a few people, and then she saw him across the street watching her. He was staring intently, watching her walk up the street back towards the diner. Alti should have been offended, but the most powerful man in Storybrooke was looking at her. What had she done to draw his attention?

Gold stood across the way seeing the blonde girl seemingly for the first time it felt like. She had streaks of aquamarine in her tumble of blonde curls that caught the sun and shined. From across the street he caught a look from her that seemed so familiar; it cut right through his heart. Before he knew it he was making his way over to her when he saw her brilliant smile. Another cut, another vague sense of recollection to the ghost of a memory from a dream he couldn't place. It was compelling him to go to her. Then, he was standing before her and she came up short. "Morning." He greeted.

"Hi…" Alti stopped and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. She didn't know why Mr. Gold, of all people, was standing before looking at her like she had walked out of a dream. Her heart leapt, but not out of fear; out of excitement. "Is there something I can do for you?" It was dangerous to talk to Gold, to owe him anything. The men exacted a steep payment.

"Yes," He mumbled. "Would you come by my shop later so we can…" Gold looked at the people who were watching them, "Talk." He finished settling his eyes on the young woman he knew as Alti. She worked at the bar the Drunken Sailor as bartender, singer, dancer; she was popular with all the men. Gold had been in there one night feeling low, feeling like his heart had shattered into a million pieces, and then she had started to sing, started to make him feel like he never thought he could again. It was why he was talking to her now.

Alti looked up at him with shock radiating through her, as well as intrigue, curiosity, and anticipation about what he could want from her. Biting her bottom lip, she nodded her consent. Alti added a smile, "Sure, I would be… interested in meeting you later." She chuckled bringing forth a smile from him. Gold inclined his head and then ambled down the street towards his shop. Alti hadn't meant to, but she watched him walk away suddenly realizing that she had seen another side of the illustrious Mr. Gold. With a smile she headed back to Granny's and then up to the Inn so she could pick out what to wear.

That night Gold looked up as the bell jingled in the front of his shop signaling someone had come through. He got up from the work bench to head out into the main room where he saw Alti wearing a black biker boots coming up mid shin, a short frayed denim skirt with bleach stains, a thick black belt with a big buckle that had a rose and thorns adorning the metal, and a tight black t-shirt with the faded white letters reading JACK DANIELS on it that had been modified into a halter. "You look…" He trailed off not knowing what to really say.

"I didn't know what to wear," Alti admitted shrugging, bringing her right foot back to clunk the toe of her booted foot on the wooden floor. Suddenly she felt ridiculous for dressing like this to meet Mr. Gold. "I'll uh… go and…"

"No, you don't have to." Gold said as she turned to leave. Then she stopped and looked at him with a shy smile on her face. "You look fantastic." Gold cleared his throat deciding to get to the point, to what he wanted from her. "I asked you to come here, because I wish for you work for me."

Alti furrowed her brow, "Work for you…as in…?" She had a rough idea as to what he could mean. Her definition of 'working' covered many things when she worked at the Drunken Sailor

"I require you company." Gold said. "I just want to talk to you, to listen to you sing, watch you dance." He could see that his offer thrilled and confused her all at once. "I'll pay you for the inconvenience." From the inside of his suit jacket Gold pulled out a white envelope.

"You don't have to pay me." Alti shook her head and held up her hands in a motion that conveyed 'no'.

"I insist." Gold replied holding the envelope out to her.

"How much?" Alti asked.

"$300," Gold answered as she took the envelope from him. He smiled knowingly at her. "I'll pay you each time." He clarified. "Are you available from now until morning?" Gold inquired. When he had heard her sing that first time he knew he needed that magic in his life to chase away the lonely nights.

Alti looked inside to see the cash such a lovely shade of green and then she looked up at Gold. "I'm all yours." She smiled a broad grin battling that back the one last shred of sanity she possessed screaming at her not to take the money, not to be here with him. Though, when she thought about it, it was just a job. She folded the envelope over and shoved it into the side pocket of her scarred leather pack. "Where are we going?" Gold just smiled at her.

At Gold's house he stood on the porch with Alti behind him; she watched him intently. He opened the door and allowed her to go in a head of him. This gave him the time to study her back where he noticed a large henna tattoo of a mermaid on the expanse of her back. Why was he engaging this stranger who had less than pristine morals; but she was oh so familiar. That more than anything had him following through with her. He was doing something so against his nature in bringing her here, bringing her into his home of solitude, but he was tired of being alone.

Alti walked into the house and felt her jaw drop open. She knew Gold lived in this house, everyone in town knew it, but she hadn't realized what it would be to actually be in his house. Then she had the distinct feeling of being severely out of place. She was dressed for the bar, for dancing, not for being in an elegant house with Gold. To her right he motioned for her to go into the modest living room with over stuffed leather furniture designed for comfort. Alti put her foot on the step and then moved into the room feeling her unease wash away. This was more of a room she was accustomed to. She moved over to a side table and pulled out the iHome and her iPod. She one of her various music mixes to play while the colors shifted throughout the room…

At the Inn Gold and Belle helped Alti up the stairs to her room where the door was opened. Rumple kept his arm around the mermaid's waist guiding her stumbling feet over to the bed, smiling as he saw the blankets bunched up at the foot of the bed. That was true Alti. He set her down and moved her so she was curled up on the mattress. The final touch, Rumple pulled the blankets up and over her adding a light touch to her temple with the back of his knuckles. When he turned he came face to face with an angry Belle. Rumple knew this was coming.

"How do you know Aqua?" Belle demanded mindful to keep her voice down. She hadn't even considered the possibility that Rumple had been with another woman, let alone her cousin the mermaid. It cut through Belle to think that he could love Aqua, but she knew that was absurd when he looked at her. Rumple looked at her like she was the air in his lung, the blood in his veins, and the beat of his heart. How could Belle think that he loved another woman? "HOW?!" She shouted when he still remained silent. Aqua didn't budge.

Gold scrubbed his free hand over his face looking at Belle. He could see the hurt he had caused. "When the curse stripped everyone of their memories, your face was taken from me leaving my heart ever so broken. Unconsciously I looked for you everywhere when I couldn't even remember your name. Then, one summer day last year I saw her on the street and her smile; it seemed familiar to me some how." He sighed coming closer to her. "I never stopped loving you even when I had no memory." Rumple confessed. "Alti gave me some measure of peace with her Siren's Song." Reaching out, he touched Belle's face lightly. "The pain I had over never seeing you again eased because of her."

Alti had come awake enough to hear what Gold had said to Belle. It was sweet to think he finally had the right woman in his life. She had just filled a void, eased the pain in his broken heart. From the start she had told him that she would do whatever he wanted, and she had. Then, if she knew what she was doing why did she feel so retched? At least her cousin was happy. In her weakened state, the string of thoughts were hard to maintain and so was her breathing, but more than that she was having trouble with the even rising and falling of her chest. Her lung rebelled and she was feeling as if she was being strangled. Alti clawed at her throat gasping and thrashing. She vaguely saw that Belle and Gold were coming back to the bed.

Belle heard the gasps from the bed and looked over at Alti who was struggling to breathe. "Oh, my god…" She cried out rushing to the bed. Then she glanced at Rumple, "Help her… please!" Belle shouted. "Don't let my cousin die!"