A/N: I've want to make this a continuing story. So here ya go, you convinced me haha! Enjoy.
"It could have been a lot worse, Ruby. You don't have to make that face." Belle washed her hands in the back sink as Ruby scrunched her nose. Ruby had stood starring at Belle's morning ritual behind the glass and felt the need to critique.
"He's just sitting there eating his toast all pleased with himself." Ruby looked through the glass peering at Mr. Gold. "But…It was a very selfless thing to do. And I do owe you one. Really, you don't know what this means to me." Ruby looked at the locket lovingly while touching her neck.
"What are friends for?"
"You know what this means though right? 1000 kisses? I mean who thinks of that shit? That's like three years of swapping spit with Mr. Gimp Leg." Ruby laughed playfully.
"So are you going to the Harvest Festival tomorrow?" Belle wiped her hands on a dish towel changing the subject.
"Oh…that's near the woods edge. I don't really venture that far. Not my thing." Ruby's playful tone turned monochrome.
"Why not?"
"You know you better refill Mr. Creepy Kiss's coffee before he stalks you down." Ruby shoved Belle out the door as she followed after her.
Without a word Belle leaned over Mr. Gold's cup and filled it carefully. Belle looked up to the door as a brand new face came in.
He had to be in his early 30's or late 20's. His jaw was strong, his build was statuesque, and his hair was dark. He immediately got the attention of the room as he waltzed over in a booth behind Mr. Gold. He gave Belle a slight smile and a nod. Belle smiled back.
"Oh man isn't he gorgeous?" Ruby came up to Belle behind her whispering. Mr. Gold looked up from his paper slowly. The two girls stood mid tracks in front of Mr. Gold.
"Who is that?" Belle whispered back careful to not alert the stranger.
"Only the finest piece of ass in Storybrook. His name is Gaston. He was engaged last year but it didn't work out. Really depressed him, haven't seen him in a while. Poor guy, guess that means he's single." Belle looked at Ruby, who didn't look sorry at all and in turn had an expression of a cat who caught a canary.
Belle smiled at Ruby's shamelessness.
"He's in your section, you lucky bitch!" Ruby laughed as she stormed off towards the kitchen.
Belle walked towards the stranger. He grinned as she approached.
"That's quite an eye you have there. Weren't fighting over a man, I hope." He rubbed his unshaven face.
"Nothing that exciting, I'm afraid." Belle shook her head and starred at her pad. "Is there something I can get you?"
"Gaston." He held out his hand as he flashed his pearly whites. Belle gave him her hand as he gently kissed it.
"Wow, what a prince charming you-" A loud crash hit the floor as glass and ice sprayed her leg. Water instantly puddled around her shoe.
"You should probably get that, deary. Before someone gets hurt." Mr. Gold's cold even voice echoed from behind the booth divider.
"Excuse me, Gaston." Belle smiled apologetically as she walked towards the kitchen to grab a broom. Ruby met her in there.
"Seriously what perfume do you wear? Because lately men are super into you!"
"Where's the broom, Ruby?"
"Come on ding-dong, I saw Mr. Gold practically throw the glass on the floor with his nostrils flaring. I swear he gets a boner every time he ruins a life."
"I was just talking to him…"
"Gaston kissed your hand. That only happens in fairytales, sweetie."
"My life is not a fairytale." Belle grinned secretly pleased with herself as she located the dustpan above the sink.
Belle pushed the back door open and looked at Gaston's booth. Strangely, he had left. She sighed in disappointment. Looking to her right she noticed Mr. Gold had gone too. Before sweeping the glass, she picked up the change from Mr. Gold's table. "Two dollars?" Moaning, she pocketed the money and hoped tomorrow would be better.
"Belle!" A warm voice called after her on her way to the kitchen for the morning shift. Rushing through the door she was a little late. "It's Belle, right?" She turned around to look in the booth and saw Gaston grinning ear to ear. "At least…that's what Ruby told me."
"Oh!" Belle took off her jacket in the middle of the aisle. "Hey…Gaston. Where did you go yesterday?"
Gaston looked a little uncomfortable. "Well…"
"I'm sorry, It's really none of my business." Belle laughed nervously.
"Belle come ON we don't have all day!" The cook pushed up food overwhelmed.
Gaston nodded at her as she walked towards the back.
"One word, Belle. Daggers." Ruby picked up two plates.
"What are you talking about?" Belle straightened out her apron and grabbed a pad.
"Mr. Gold was eye-raping you the whole time. I'm starting to really have a bad feeling about this." Ruby juggled a third plate on her forearm. "Better get going with that coffee, Mr. Gold's been here for ten minutes."
Belle sighed as she picked up the pots. Mr. Gold didn't have his usual paper. His arms were crossed as he tapped his good leg impatiently. She plastered a smile on her face as she walked up to the booth.
"Good morning, Mr. Gold-"
"Regular." Mr. Gold seethed through his tightened jaw looking straight ahead.
Belle took a step back. "But…that's not-"
"Regular. Coffee."
She poured the cup without a word. She was about to turn to leave but stopped herself. She looked down the aisle to see Gaston still grinning at her.
Oh god please stop looking…
Belle laughed nervously.
"Our deal…Miss Belle." His eyes flickered impatiently.
"You still want? I-I just didn't think…" Belle said watching Gaston in the corner of her eye. Gaston had picked up a menu. Belle quickly leaned over and felt the warm contact on her mouth. She felt him slightly part his lips as he kissed the top portion of her lip. She abruptly stood back up breaking the kiss as Gaston's gaze ventured towards her just in time.
"Perhaps tomorrow will be more acceptable kiss when you're less distracted." Mr. Gold spat out words of poison which made Belle look his way.
"I'm sorry Mr. Gold…I just-"
"I'm quite hungry, you should be getting that food." Mr. Gold bit his lip tightening his jaw. Belle sensed that was her que to move and walked towards the kitchen.
Ruby danced towards Belle. "Heeeee lovesssss youuuu!" Ruby sang.
"Mr. Gold?" Belle picked up a plate.
"What? Ew! Belle! Barf times infinity!"
"Oh you mean Gaston?" Belle reddened slightly.
"He came in here asking like a million questions about you. He's been there for 30 minutes just looking at that menu, refusing to order anything until you got here. How romantic!" Ruby clasped her hands.
"You know what's romantic? Taking the damn FOOD!" The cook put another 4 plates under the warmer.
"That doesn't even make sense, Ron. You're nonsensical!" Ruby picked up a couple plates passionately and hurried her way towards her tables.
Belle picked up Mr. Gold's food giving Ron a shrug of apology. She silently put the plate in front of him and made her way towards Gaston. His hair was so….wavy. She felt like time had slowed. Her ears blocked out all noise and she felt light as a feather.
"Are you going to the Harvest Festival tonight?" Gaston smiled genuinely. Belle shyly laughed.
"Uh, yeah…It starts at 4 right? I'll be out of work by then." Belle brushed a hand through her hair. "So, what did you want to eat today?"
"I actually have to leave. I was only coming here to see you…" Gaston admitted confidently putting on his jacket. "But hey, maybe I'll catch up with you tonight?" He stood up and Belle had to look up to meet his gaze. He was comfortably close and she could smell a wood scent coming from his clothing.
"That…would be really great. I can't wait." Belle managed to breathe out. He laughed and winked at her before walking out the door. Belle stood still trying to soak the moment in.
A hand wrapped around Belle's wrist and shocked her out of her love sick trance. She gasped and turned around sharply. Ruby shook her arm.
"Jeez Ruby you were going to give me a heart attack!" Ruby pulled her to the back and exercised a happy dance.
"He soooooooo wants your body!" Ruby shook her excitedly.
"What do you mean? Ruby stop it!" Belle could feel herself blush.
"Honey you've never been to the Harvest Festival. They play one of my favorite games…" Ruby's eyes flashed and a sudden darkness was found in them.
"What do you mean?"
"Oh it's not just all food, Belle. Each girl goes into the woods, blindfolded, and when it gets near sundown the men walk through trying to find their true love…sometime it ends with some fist fights, or some lonely sobbing, but you know it's all fun and games."
"That sounds…"
"AWESOME? I know right? But that's not all. The Harvest King and Queen, its chosen by a random drawing, gets a special prize. Something worth more than Gold…"
"What is it?" Belle breathed intensely.
"No literally. Mr. Gold owes them a favor."
"A favor?" Belle furrowed her eyebrows. "I thought you were going to say something much more glamorous."
"Yeah okay. Good example Belle, get Mr. Gold to undo that stupid curse of kissing him every morning." Ruby snarkly quipped.
"I see your point. So why aren't you going again?" Belle raised her eyebrow.
"I've broken too many hearts, not welcome there anymore." Ruby winked before making her way out the door.
Belle rolled her eyes. She picked up the regular coffee pot and made her way to Mr. Gold's table. He hadn't touched his breakfast. His coffee cup was empty.
"It's…not how you like it, Mr. Gold?" Belle leaned over to fill the cup with her eyebrows furrowed.
"I would strongly advise against you going to the Harvest Festival tonight, deary." He looked into her eyes while delivering the stern advice. "After what happened to your face."
"There will be a lot of people there, I-I think I'll be okay." Belle unconsciously touched her brow bone.
"If you say so." Mr. Gold reached over for the coffee.
Belle exhaled. "Is it true what they say? About you owing a favor to the Harvest King and Queen?"
Mr. Gold picked up a fork. "Yes. Within reason."
"What kind of favors?"
Mr. Gold put his fork down and looked straight into Belle's eyes. He cocked his head to the side curious. His tone was patient. "Is there something you wanted from me?"
"Well-no, not for myself…" Belle shifted uncomfortably.
He visibly studied her expression and she could tell he was disappointed. "You see- I think you do. And when you remember, I'll be here to give it to you." Mr. Gold stood up forcing her to step back. He grabbed his cane and walked out the door.
"Really? Again?" Ruby scrunched her nose at the tip-less table.
Belle stood by herself perplexed at what just happened. "Remember what?"
"You came after all!" Belle yelled from across the street, walking her way to the Harvest Festival. Ruby had put on a red jacket and smiled.
"Yeah well I'm not playing any games, just there to look after you." Ruby said a bit unevenly.
"Admit it- you just wanted to spy on me and Gaston!" Belle laughed hugging her friend.
"Fine, I admit it. That and I want to know what Mr. Gold's favor is. I love it when he gets screwed. Oh, and Belle! Looking hoooottt!" Ruby made a sizzle sound as she observed Belle's cute yellow dress with stockings and cardigan.
"You don't think I'm too dressed up do you?" Belle worriedly touched her dress.
"I think you can get rid of a button or two on that cardigan." Ruby undid three to reveal Belle's chest. A male bystander's eyes popped out. "What never seen a bosom before? Keep moving creeper!" Ruby yelled after him.
"Ruby-"
"Now remember you'll be blindfolded, but believe me there's no harm in peeking if you got guys punching each other silly or some dork puts his hands on you-" Ruby smoothed down Belle's dress.
"Ruby, I-"
"Oh yeah, and the winner will drag you back to the festival so don't worry about getting back-" She smiled fixing her hair.
"Okay, well-"
"And I can't stress this enough- DON'T go far into the woods. You're blindfolded but there is a barrier. Feel for the yellow rope. It's not that dark that you won't see it."
"Okay Ruby. I'll be fine." Belle continued walking until she came across a huge banner. There was a large clearing about a quarter of a mile and the woods were near the edge. Bales of hay, food, and music polluted the area. It looked like the whole town was there. Near the edge of the woods was a stage where a podium was resting. Mr. Gold stood in on the edge and was talking to three men.
"Come on, let's see if we can find Gaston!" Ruby grabbed Belle's hand as she pushed her away to a popcorn stand. Suddenly, a female's loud booming voice entered the stage calming the music which made Ruby let go of her hand. Belle turned her attention towards the stage. The mayor of the town looked over the entire festival.
"Maidens of Storybrook, come to the left stage to be blindfolded! As we all know, every year we do this in honor of the founding members of our town. Who could forget the story of Weston Storybrook, a hunter who searched for his true love until he spotted a wild woman in the woods? Upon giving her a true love's kiss he captured her heart forever. Therefore, we wish that all of you would be found and be swept away by your true love who earnestly searches for you." Claps ensued as girls made their way to the stage. After being blindfolded the girls were using their arms to guide them through the woods. Belle could see that the floor of the woods was well-kept to prevent a lot of tripping. Belle felt Ruby walk towards her breaking her attention.
"Sorry sweetie, but you're on your own here." Ruby frowned carrying a napkin covered paper plate.
"Are you sure you don't want to play? You could meet your true love." Belle pleaded.
"Oh, I already did." Ruby lifted the napkin revealing a funnel cake layered with powdered sugar. "Good luck. I'll be here when you get back. And remember…be careful."
Belle sighed as she made her way up the stage. She frantically tried to look through the line of men to see if one of them were Gaston. Within seconds she felt a presence behind her.
"You don't know your way around, so I will help lead you in the woods." Mr. Gold said simply as he unwrapped a soft looking red handkerchief. Belle stiffened as he put it over her face and began to fold it behind her head. She tried with all her senses to remember where she was on the stage. "You shouldn't wear your top so low…you don't need your tits out like Ruby to get sexual attention." Mr. Gold remarked annoyed. Belle grimaced astounded at his audacity.
"My…breasts are my own business." Belle retorted embarrassed.
"You're a young girl not fully capable of knowing how your sexuality affects others. Now take small steps." She felt him grab her hand then the small of her back applying pressure to lead her. She gingerly moved forward feeling the temperature change of the wood's shade.
"Extend your arms and try not to go far in any one direction. I'm sure someone will find you soon. The game will begin in 5 minutes."
"T-thank you." Belle mumbled doing as he instructed. She could hear the laughter of some girls to her left. Moving slowly she started in one way. The girls laughter became more faint. Reaching in front of her she felt a smooth tree and she touched it gently. The music from the festival was still blaring so she felt safe.
It seemed like forever but she knew at least 10 minutes had past. She laughed nervously to herself imagining Gaston taking her outstretched hands and swooping her into a tender kiss. She grinned as she toyed with her little fantasy. Stepping forward she heard rustling to her right.
"Tell Ruby she's very lucky she made that deal with Mr. Gold." A rough un-human voice said. Belle's spine tingled in fear and shock.
"Wh-what?" Belle gulped.
"I thought she was you at first… her smell is all over you. Sorry about your wounds."
Belle's heart started to pound. Unable to move she weakly responded. "Who-who are you?" There was no answer. Belle didn't know how long she stood there. Her arms ached and were still outstretched in front of herself. Her breathing got quick as she desperately tried to get herself to move.
Just then she felt a hand brush up her arm and another on her waist. Swiftly, it pushed her backward against a tree and she relented to the movement unsure what do to. She felt the body push up against her pelvis trapping her against the tree. Warm breath grazed against her right ear.
"P-please don't hurt me!" Belle cried putting her arms up to her chest protecting her face. The being removed her handkerchief and as she adjusted to the darkness she saw Mr. Gold's shocked face.
"You're way past the barrier." He pulled himself back quickly completely unpinning her.
Belle put down her arms and she felt the blood rush from her face. "I-I didn't know-"
"Why didn't you look!" Mr. Gold gritted his teeth furiously. Her head started to spin taking in the situation.
"I was blindfolded-"
"Everybody cheats, Belle." Mr. Gold grabbed her hand and marched her towards the music roughly. She didn't say anything as he dragged her past giggling girls with blindfolds still on. Looking deeper into the woods she saw she was in a particularly dark patch with dead limbs.
"I-I'm sorry." Belle stuttered. "Please don't be angry with me." She felt him release her as she spotted Ruby looking nervously at her. Mr. Gold had already disappeared into the crowd.
"You let him take you back? Belle, honey we need a serious talk."
"Ruby I was past the barrier. He took me back for safety."
"Belle he followed you in there. He didn't like….feel you up or anything, did he?" Ruby gulped.
"No…not exactly…" Belle's head started to spin again. "We have a bigger problem. Something else was in the woods, Ruby. Something…evil."
Ruby drained of all color.
"It told me…that I smelled like you. That you were lucky you made that deal with Mr. Gold. Ruby…what's going on? Is someone after you?" Belle pleaded.
"ATTENTION STORYBROOK!" Mr. Gold demanded. Once again the music stopped and the people looked to the stage. Mr. Gold continued. "It is time to announce the Harvest King and Queen. Everyone in the town has their name in these boxes. One for the men…one for the women. They will ask me privately for a favor that I will grant. Good luck." Belle saw him grab a piece of paper out of the box to the left. "Mr. Maroni, congratulations." Mr. Maroni started crying on the spot. There were some people around him clasping his shoulders congratulations.
"Mr. Maroni's business went under a year ago. Pretty much been living day-to-day." Ruby said simply as though nothing had happened between them. Mr. Gold reached into another box for the women. He opened the piece of paper slowly.
"Miss Belle, congratulations."
She gasped in unison with Ruby. "I can't believe you won!" Ruby managed with her eyes wide.
"Yeah well…" Mr. Gold nodded at her. "Everybody cheats."
"Good morning, Mr. Gold. How are you today?" Belle said through the paper.
"I'm fine, Belle. What do you want from me?" He pulled down the paper to look at her.
"Regular or decaff?" Belle said brightly.
"Decaff. What do you want from me?" He repeated not skipping a beat. Belle poured the coffee and set the pots down.
She leaned in to kiss him. He pushed his hand behind her head and forced her mouth to open more as he slipped his tongue between her lips. She tensed at the gesture and tried to pull away but felt him overpower the effort. She panicked as he put his other hand behind her pushing her deeper into the kiss. She opened her eyes and he released her.
"What do you want from me?" He said simply as she wiped her mouth. Speechless she went to the back of the kitchen feeling his eyes follow her.
"I don't know how you don't gag reflex every time." Ruby remarked disgusted. "At least Gaston isn't here to see you. It really sucks you couldn't find him at the festival last night."
"He pushed himself against me in the woods. I think he was trying to…" Belle said looking through the glass.
"This isn't funny anymore, Belle. He could really hurt you. Bad."
"I think I know what favor to ask him." Belle turned around to Ruby.
"What?" Ruby said getting up from the chair.
"For him to leave me alone."
Next Chapter: Belle gets alone with Mr. Gold to tell him her favor and shit goes down. However she might regret her favor when she pleads for much needed help…which might make Mr. Gold's price even steeper. Stay tuned!