Obviously Belle did not control herself or have enough to eat as she found herself attempting to walk in a straight line from one end of the bar to the other. The evening had progressed from Granny's to the bar as promised and unfortunately Ruby was buying. Belle had never been one for drinking but with Ruby by her side and Mary Margret in one of her down moods, Belle did not stand a chance. Emma tried her best to watch the girls but when she got a phone call about a domestic disturbance she had to leave.

Having been able to successfully hide from Gaston most of the night, Belle found herself ready to leave but again found she was the only one. Ruby had successfully cornered Dr. Will and Emma had taken Mary Margret home an hour ago, Belle decided it was her turn to sneak out. While she had tried to communicate with Ruby it proved unsuccessful and Belle decided she would just call her tomorrow.

"Belle!" She heard as she slipped on her coat to see Gaston approaching her. "Are you leaving?"

"Yes I have to go, my father will be worried and I fear I have had too much fun." She smiled as she successfully got one arm in.

"Well let me walk you home, it is not safe."

"No it's ok Gaston, really I am going to get a taxi."

"A taxi yeah right, they are never out this late."

"Then I will sleep at the shop." She said half smiling at him and quickly rushing out the door. She had hoped the door closing in his face would have given hint however as she began to walk down the street, she heard the door to bar open again.

She did not turn around, as she knew exactly who was behind her. She hoped to hurry her pace, as if trying to escape him.

"Belle! Belle! Slow down." He said quickly catching up to her.

"Gaston, please." She said stopping not having realized how close he was and nearly falling into his arms. "I am just going to go to the shop."

"It's not about that." He said smiling at her a way she has seen him smile at other women.

"Then what is this about?"

"Come on, we have known each other since we were kids." He said smiling at her, as he touched her shoulder. "Everyone knows we are prefect for each other."

"No, we are friends but in regards to a relationship we would never work! We have literally nothing in common!" She said pulling back from him.

"You don't know that, you have never given me a chance. Besides the options are limited in this town." He said stepping closer to her.

"Wow you are really selling yourself." She said rolling her eyes. "I am flattered but I just don't think I deserve you."

"Come on, no one says no to Gaston."

"Well I am." She said turning away from him.

"Stop walking away from me!" He demanded, reaching out and grabbing her wrist.

"Let go of me!" She yelled out immediately slipping herself free, only to be grabbed again this time much harder.

"Just talk to me!" He said holding her tighter. "I won't let you go until you actually talk to me!"

"I think you will let her go much sooner than that." A similar hoarse voice said from behind Belle.

Turning her head, never before had she more relieved to see Mr. Gold standing there. He stood with his cane between his legs and both hands sitting on the head. Wore his black suit had he had been wearing earlier. His expression was the still every lasting stern, making Belle question if he knew any others existed. Belle immediately took a few steps towards Mr. Gold as soon as Gaston had released her wrist.

"This doesn't concern you Mr. Gold." Gaston snapped. "Come on Belle, let's go where we can talk more privately."

"I am sure, as Miss. Belle fears, that it would be more of a risk speaking to you in private." Mr. Gold said approaching Belle, standing beside her.

"She would be much safer with me than with you I am sure." Gaston laughed crossing his arms.

Sighing heavily, Mr. Gold looked down and said. "Go home Gaston, before I call the sheriff about the assault I witnessed here."

"You wouldn't!" Gaston snapped rushing to go toe-to-toe with Mr. Gold. "No one would believe you."

"Try me, boy." He said smiling at him in a way that even made Belle uncomfortable.

Belle was unsure if Gaston had to actually think about it or if he generally was unsure but eventually turned and walked away. As he disappeared back into the bar, a sigh of relief came over Belle as he was finally gone. Looking to Mr. Gold she smiled at him in relief.

"That is one thing I refuse to tolerate within my town." He said as he turned to look at her. "Are you all right?"

"Yes I am fine thank you." She said pulling her purse closer to her.

"You should probably tell your father about what happened, I would hate for you to continue working beside him." He said as if genially concerned.

"I will," She said and allowing for a long pause to linger between them. "Well, I better get home."

"You are not walking are you?"

"Yes, I cannot drive and I do not want to go to the shop…"

"Then I will drive you."

"No please you have done enough Mr. Gold…"

"I will not allow you to walk home alone with that man lingering around and waiting for you. Please my car is just this way."

"Oh well ok."

Seeing the black sleek car sitting there, Belle realized she had seen it before around town. It was obviously an expensive car so why hadn't she put two and two together realizing that he is the richest man in town.

"Miss. Belle." He said opening the door for her.

"Thank you."

Offering his hand to her, she quickly entered the car and watched as he walked around to get it. Ok Belle sober up, he is super important and kind of cute. That thought made her head snap, as it was unexpected and a little strange considering the timing of their meeting. He had clearly witnessed it but thankfully mistook it for a shiver. "Are you cold?"

"Oh, no I am ok just…you know." She half smiled looking at the bar, unsure if Gaston would make another appearance.

"I am afraid I don't know but I will take your word for it." He said starting the car and pulling out of his spot.

The car was silent and awkward. Belle hated to be left alone with her buzzed thoughts and decided to cancel it out with even more awkward conversation.

"What are you doing out so late?" She asked immediately regretting her wording.

"I was working," He said keeping his eyes on the road. "You will be sure to tell your father about this correct?"

"Hmm yeah I guess." Belle said. "Why were you working so late on a Friday night?"

"I am the only employee to my business, I cannot afford to take time off." He said following the roads towards her house.

"Oh right." She said only just realizing that she did not give him directions to the house and yet he was going the right way. "Well thank you very much for the rescue."

"We just don't need a scandal in Storybrooke, between what is happening between Mary Margret and David is big enough." He said impatient.

"Oh yes, I would hate to cause drama in the town." Belle said rolling her eyes. "Well thank you regardless."

Pulling in front of her house, they remained perfectly still for a moment as if both were unsure what to do or say.

"I did not mean to sound harsh Miss Belle. I would just hate for someone like you to get dragged through the mud with a man like that." Mr. Gold said in a more kindly manner. "Please, be safe."

Smiling at him and very sure that he could tell that she had drank too much, she placed her hand on his and said. "Again thank you."