Wow guys we're at chapter 4! Thank you EVERYONE who has been reading and leaving their comments! Your kind words really motivate me and keep me churning it out :D I will be out of town this weekend so there may not be a new chapter until monday or tuesday but I will do my best to get one more out to you before tonight! I hope you're all enjoying this as much as I am writing it! So without further delay-chapter 4!

Night fall in Storybrooke is usually a peaceful sight. Most of the residents are tucked away in their homes by the time the sun sets in the sky. The darkness was usually reserved for the rare dinner reservation or, in Ruby's case, the seldom evening run. But tonight, there was a hustle and bustle that was truly unfamiliar to the sleep town.

Over in the field, where there had once been the nun's candle drive, groups of townsfolk had gathered together to begin setting up for the Masquerade. Belle had been correct upon hearing the party planners were forced to move it to a more open location. It was going to be quite the party, or so everyone was hoping. Small, twinkle lights were strung up on poles and trees; men and women stood on ladders to hang decorations as party tables were wrapped in the best linens. It was going to be quite the event. An event that was fit for royalty.

And what a fit title, seeing as royalty was helping to set up the whole façade. Snow white stood up on a ladder, small, colorful lights hanging over her pink sweatered shoulder as James held the ladder in place. They laughed as he would pretend to rock the rickety thing back and forth. Their love was apparent and adorable and….

"Nauseating." Hook thought, resting his weight on Rumple's cane. "Sweet enough to make one ill."

He would have liked to have walked over, given the ladder a good push, and walked off. But instead he remained still, reminding himself once more…

"Patience, Killian, patience." He said under his breath.

He felt like he had been muttering that mantra all day long.

And perhaps he had. After lunch, and a rather successful date reservation, with Belle, he had spent a frustrating afternoon of trying to conjure up magic. It came so effortlessly to Rumple, or so it seemed. Why was it such a battle with him? He rolled his lips together so tightly it hurt. He knew he would continue his attempts tomorrow, when he had more time. Unfortunately, he wasn't going to have any time tonight. Belle had decided to sleep over the house just "one more night", she swore, to make sure he was doing alright. And if that was the case, it was better not to put his identity in jeopardy. He sighed. Under any other circumstances, he would have been feeling right as rain about such a lovely lady sleeping at his house. But when she resides in the guest room and you're trapped in the body of an imp, it was a little less thrilling, to say the least.

"I've been looking for you."

Emma approached Hook with her confident strides. She didn't seem to be thinking of their encounter earlier and if she was, she was doing a damn good job of hiding it. Hook smiled, not looking at her just yet but keeping his attentions focused on the efforts before him.

"I thought I would come see what all the fuss is about." He said, still not bothering to spare her a glance. "I wonder if they've planned for rain."

"Weather is supposed to be clear, they say." She crossed her arms and stood beside him to watch.

"That's all well and good until your guests begin to freeze to death."

"That's what heaters are for."

Good grief, were they really talking about the weather? He gave his head a good scratch then chuckled, changing the subject.

"So, I'm supposing you're looking for the goods then, hm?"

Emma lifted her eyebrows and turned to look at him. Before she could get the words out of her parted lips, he pulled the gray credit card out from his jacket pocket and held it over in her direction.

"I promise, I haven't charged a thing." Hook was rather satisfied with the knowledge he'd gathered that day.

There was this interesting device called a computer, you see, and once you figure out how to use it, it can answer all kinds of questions for you. During his breaks with the magic, he'd found the device and, in time, got its very, very basic workings down.

Emma plucked it from his hands, her freshly painted nails touching his palm. He looked over at them, taking her hand gently before she could pull away. She jumped a little at the sudden grab.

"Gold." He observed. "It's a lovely color on you."

"Thanks." She pulled her hand back, rubbing it slowly in the other. "I did them this afternoon."

"What made you choose that color?" he asked innocently.

Emma frowned and shrugged.

"Just the one I had stuck in my head." She pinched her mouth together in an expression he had seen Snow White do once in their journey to the beanstalk. "Thank you for watching the card for me, though. You know how Henry can be sometimes."

"Quite the handful." Hook remarked as one of the dwarves fell from his ladder and onto Leroy. "He's going to be quite the lady killer when he's grown, I can tell."

There was a small smile on Emma's lips, the one of a proud mother. She nodded after a moment's reflection.

"I wouldn't be surprised." She gestured up to the royal's coming towards them. "Look who his grandfather is."

"It's still so strange, thinking I'm a grandfather." James, the strapping gentleman he was, had an arm around Snow's midsection.

She grinned at him, giving him a playful shove.

"I don't know, Charming." She teased. "I think I'm beginning to see some grays."

"It's the lighting." He assured her with a smirk. Then, as his wife and daughter laughed, he looked over at Hook. "How're you feeling, Gold?"

"Yeah, I heard you had a bit of a nasty shock." Snow White added, concern twisting her delicate features with concern and pity.

"Perfectly fine, thank you." He nodded at James. "I'm just lucky Belle had the right mind to call you over when she did."

"I'm just glad I was in the neighborhood." He said with a nod. "Good to hear you're alright."

Hook was growing tired of the causalities. It was beginning to feel as if all the residents of Storybrooke did was talk. He straightened Rumple's shoulders and cleared his throat.

"I really must be going." He said tiredly. "I wouldn't want Belle to be sitting by herself for too long. Are you all coming to the party tomorrow evening?"

"Wouldn't be decorating for it if we weren't." Snow chuckled, looking up at her low lying light string.

"It's all Henry can talk about." Emma added.

She was looking at Hook again like the way she had in the dinner. He recalled her once telling him she had an ability, a "super power" she called it, to tell when people were lying. While he hadn't lied at all verbally, he was putting on a hell of a facade. He wondered if she could see any cracks. Not that it mattered. Not in her wildest dreams could she even begin to understand what was brewing below the surface of his crocodile face.

"Well I look forward to seeing you all there." He addressed the comment to the group, as to not look suspicious. But he was sure to leave the parting words in Emma's direction. "Good night."

He would have loved to have made a smoother exit, but the limit only allowed him so much freedom in the fancy footwork area. He still managed a smooth turn, looking over his shoulder momentarily to see if they were still watching. Emma was. The girl could smell trouble from miles off and he loved it. It was like finally finding someone talented to play your favorite game with. He gave her a small wink, planting small seeds of doubt in her thoughts before he hobbled off towards Rumple's home.

He didn't want Emma to think he was who he was. Not that she ever would, unless on top of everything else, the blonde was also psychic. No, he just wanted her to sense something strange. He knew the unusualness of his behavior would entice her, lure her in. And that was all he needed. No, he wasn't wearing his face or his body and yes, it would have been a much easier task if he was. But he knew for a fact he had a smooth enough tongue and just enough charm that if he should really, truly try, he would be able to obtain what he needed. It was all the ammo he needed to drive that next, painful nail into Belle.

Emma would take time though. Hook took a corner down a row of well kept homes, watching a couple of large, brown dogs play in the yard beside him. He didn't under estimate her tough skin. If anything, he respected it. But fortunately, he needed a little bit of time. Enough time to master (or at least begin to understand) this magic thing and time to make sure he had Belle where he needed her. He needed all the pawns in place when it came time for Emma to play her part. He smiled with wicked glee. He wouldn't have been more pleased with himself if he tried. In the matter of a day, he'd formulated a plan to finally obtain the revenge he'd been seeking for so long.

And to think, Rumple thought this was going to be curse.

He approached the dark house, opening the door with the key and entering. A few of the lights were on, giving everything a warm glow. It was also warm inside, which was a sweet relief to the nippy bite of the wind outside.

"Belle?" he called into the emptiness.

When no response came, he wandered into the sitting area. That large box Rumple had set up in the center of the room was a glow and loud talking was coming from it. Hook peered at it curiously, squinting his eyes at it and jumping when he saw the people moving across the screen back and forth. For a land without magic, he thought to himself, this land was full of very strange things.

On the sofa before the box, lying out like she had the night before. She had a thin, yellow blanket draped across her legs. She'd fallen asleep on her arms, a strange black device still clutched in her delicate hands. Hook reminded himself to be gentle, crouching down and touching her gingerly.

"Belle?" he said softly, rousing her from her slumber.

Her eyes fluttered open and she gave him a drowsy smile. Her hair was ruffled with bed curls and her skin was warm from sleep.

"I was starting to think you were never going to get home." She said tiredly, pressing a button on the black device she held. The small box flickered off instantly.

"I stopped to watch the set up for the masquerade tomorrow." He explained, resting himself on the sofa and leaning down to look at her. His body language was slightly suggestive, the way he slumped his shoulders and looked right into her radiant eyes. "Are you hungry? Perhaps we can make something to eat?"

She shook her head, sitting up so now their faces were dangerously close.

"I didn't sleep well last night." She said with another smile. "I think I was up too often worrying about you were faring. I'm paying the price now, though. I'm exhausted."

Hook made a sympathetic expression and took her hand into his.

"You shouldn't worry so much about me. I would have been fine. I feel terrible you're so tired."

Yes, she was smiling at him kindly. Yes, those were the right words. Play your hand well, Killian.

"It wouldn't have been my first night staying up thinking about you." She told him sweetly.

Ugh, what on earth did she SEE in him? Hook smiled anyway, lifting his eyebrows like he just remembered something.

"I almost forgot." He dug into Rumple's coat pocket to retrieve the necklace Cora had supplied him with. "Look."

The necklace, to his amazement, looked different now. If it had indeed belonged to Belle before, she would never recognize it. The gem at the end of the chain had morphed into a shimmering silver heart locket the surface of which was detailed so fine, it appeared to be rippling like water. She inhaled sharply, taking it from his hands, her eyes aglow with delight.

"Oh Rumple, you shouldn't have. This is too kind." Her eyes were wide as was her smile.

Hook waved her off.

"Nonsense. I saw it and thought of you instantly. Here, I'll help you into it." He gestured her to turn around and he put it onto her.

Perhaps his eyes were just sensitive to it, but he saw a small warble of light pink magic ignite the heart the moment he connected the clasp. She pressed her hand to it, still smiling like a little fool.

"It's gorgeous." She gushed again. Now she took his hands into hers and gave a gentle squeeze. "You're incredible."

"Only as incredible as the woman I get to shower with gifts." He could have kissed her, she was more than willing. But he chose a small peck on the cheek, right beside her lips.

He needed her in wanting just a while longer.

Her cheeks were a dull pink as they let go hands as she rose from the sofa, still fingering the locket.

"Are you sure you'll be staying here tonight?" he inquired again, making his way to the kitchen.

"Yes, just for tonight." She assured him. "I have Ruby staying at the library tonight. She can open it in the morning for me.

"Oh good." He tried to mask his massive disappointment. "So you're off to bed then?"

She nodded, leaning on the door frame of the kitchen to look in at him.

"I am." She nodded and gave him a parting smile. "Good night, Rumple. By the way" she giggled. "you really should shower. You smell like the store."

Hook found himself snickering a little.

"Like dust and wood polish. Exactly the aroma to allure a woman." He said with a touch of flirtatious heat. Belle smiled then dipped out of the room, ascending the stairs to her guest room.

When she was gone, Hook frowned and sat down in a small chair at the kitchen table. He sniffed at the jacket he wore, noticing he did smell like the old shop. He frowned, wrinkling his forehead. The idea of stripping down in Rumple's body was pretty grotesque. Seeing another man naked was distasteful enough, but the little imp? He shuddered. But then again, wasn't he going to have to bite the bullet eventually? He was a man of many talents, but properly bedding a woman while fully clothed was a task of absolute impossibility.

But still….Bathing had never seemed less appealing.

**~Belle~**

In the middle of the night, somewhere far past midnight and just before two AM, and Belle awoke with a jerk. The guestroom was large and plenty spacious. It had been done in shades of sunny yellow and pale pinks, as if it had been made specifically for her. Which, knowing her Rumple, wouldn't surprise her. But tonight, the usually cheerful tone of the room was shadowy and ominous.

Her nightmares had been a twisted hellish vision. Now, as her eyelids fluttered and she was back in the world of the living, she could remember all the minor details. But she could still see the glistening hook. In the dream, Rumple had been the dark one with fire erupting from his hands. And she'd been sinking; the necklace around her neck had become as heavy as a rock and drowned her. And hook was trying to…save her?

No, not possible.

The necklace felt hot against her skin and she clutched at it, wrapping her small hands around it. She felt anxious, she felt fear; the urge to run had overcome her in a tidal wave. But it slowly subsided, as did the heat she felt in her new charm. Or perhaps she had imagined it? She looked down at the small hunk of silver. She tried to get the locket part to open but it wouldn't budge.

Silently, she moved to the window and opened it, letting in a bath of silky moonlight. She smiled, taking in the lovely sight and staring at the tiny, still houses below. And while in that moment, she felt peace, she still couldn't shake this feeling of anxiety. It was if someone somewhere were looking for her, searching her out. She shuddered, thinking of Hook and how he tried to take her life.

A handsome face can really hide a devil, she thought miserably, grateful to have escaped with hers and Rumple's life. She only prayed that he had heeded Rumple's warning and left to the other side of the world. Just to be safe though…she double checked the latch on the window and pulled the curtains tight. She locked the door, knowing Rumple could knock in the morning when it was time to rise. She got back into bed, foolishly checking under the bed before slipping between her covers. When she closed her eyes and tried to focus on positive things like the upcoming party, one image came to mind. That stupid hook. That awful thing reaching for her.

She fell asleep and slept restlessly.

**~Rumple~**

It had taken far too long to get back. Whoever this crew was, Rumple had decided Cora had changed them from rats to men. Because their sailing skills were about as limited as a mouse in a trap. They scuttled about, casting wary glances over at their Captain and muttering amongst themselves. He had also convinced Smee, once he'd disembarked the ship, to leave.

"Come back in a few days." He urged, unsure if all would be smoothed over by then. "Sail until you find land then return. That is your punishment for not double checking those orders with me."

And shockingly, they'd listened.

And now he was alone in Storyebrooke, carrying nothing with him accept Hook's body and a couple weapons he could hook onto his belt. He had actually started to make his way to his house, but he had changed his mind about a block away. Belle would be at the library most likely, dosing in the apartment he'd gotten her there. She didn't sleep over as frequently as she used to, which was fine. He preferred her tucked away in her own home away from the pirate.

He approached the library as quiet as he could. The streets were expectedly empty. He noticed the lot not too far from Granny's had been done up with lights and tables and he could only wonder what they were planning outdoors in this weather.

He made his way to the back of the building, smashing in the small glass pane on the door and undoing the lock from the inside. No alarm sounded, thankfully. The few who had alarms in Storybrooke rarely ever turned them on. And at a place with only books to steal, what was the need? But he had insisted on having one installed when Belle began to spend such a large chunk of her time there. Better safe than sorry.

He entered the building silently, making his way up the stairs. He found himself in a maze of book shelves. The volumes that Belle loved so dearly. He ran his hand along their spines then paused, suddenly unsure of what to do.

He had just broken into the library only a few days after Hook had tried to kill her. He rubbed his face. He hadn't even thought of how to make her believe it was him. A part of him just assumed she would. He could have cursed at the top of his lungs for being so stupid.

As he thought, Rumple rounded a corner to small area where there were a few tables lined up. He stopped, surprised to find Ruby asleep on one. What was she doing here? Had she come to stay the night with Belle? If so, why on earth was she sleeping in the library portion? Underneath her sleeping face, he saw an open book but didn't take time to look much closer. He took a step backwards, deciding to go straight into the apartment part and talk to Belle directly. He knew he could eventually convince her. He wasn't so sure about the she-wolf.

As he stepped backwards, his hook snagged. It was completely intentional and Rumple was started by his own disregard. The metal nabbed the end of a book, sending it and the one on top of it crashing to the floor. Ruby threw her head up instantly.

Rumple groaned; damn wolf hearing.

Her eyes settled on him and she rose quickly.

"Who're you?" she asked, not even sounding like she'd been asleep. "How'd you get in here?"

He couldn't help but notice she looked rather interested when she laid eyes upon him. He saw her dark eyes do a sweep on his entire form and he prayed she didn't have some kind of x-ray vision. But still, she remained firm and didn't give in to what could have been her desires.

"I'm looking for Belle." He spoke as slowly as possible. "I need you to remain calm, Ruby and just—"

"How the hell do you know my name?" she snarled, moving out from behind the table.

"I know you aren't going to believe me." He told her with an even tempered tone. "But I'm—"

But it was too late. Her eyes moved, settling on the hook where his hand should be. Her eyes widened with recognition and she looked at him, her look turning into one of venom.

"YOU." She accused, her eyes narrowing.

Rumple was suddenly grateful it wasn't a full moon.

"I'm not who you think I am." He started quickly but she was already speaking again and not even listening.

"You're the pirate Belle told me about!" she yelled. "Get the hell out of here! You have no idea who you're dealing with!"

She reached behind her quickly, revealing a dagger. Rumple put his hands up, taking a brief second to appreciate the girl's smarts. No one in Storybrooke should sleep without a weapon near.

"Ruby…" he tried once more, taking a step forward.

She thrust the rusted metal out in front of her.

"One more step and I'll take the other hand!" She began to shuffle sideways.

Rumple noted she was headed for the fire alarm. He breathed in slowly, contemplating his next move, and then burst into action. He grabbed the shelf, shoving it down on top of her. She yelped and while he wasn't happy about having to crush her or about the mess he'd just made for Belle, there would time to lament later. He ran, back down the stairs and towards the exit. Just as he was escaping, he heard the fire alarm sound like a terrible screech through the whole building.

Shit.

He ran, happy in that moment to be without his limp (although if he was in his body, he wouldn't be in this predicament.). He sprinted across the field, never slowing or looking over his shoulder to see if anyone was coming. He made his way into the woods, rushing past the well, and deep into the heart of the woods. He ran until he came upon a small cabin. It was the same one Mary Margaret and David had stayed in back before they remembered who they were.

He entered quickly, bolting the wooden door then backing away from it. His adrenaline was through the roof. His heart was hammering around in his chest like a bird trying desperately to escape a cage. He sunk to the stone cold floor by the empty fire place and waited.

No sounds came. No footsteps, no dogs barking, no human voices. It was as still as death out there and he was safe…for now.

In his rage and despair, he somehow managed a laugh. He laughed for a long time until it turned into hiccups and tears that only laughing for a long time can bring. He didn't bother to be quiet. If they were going to find him, they would do so whether or not he was being quiet.

When he finally calmed and wiped his face with his sleeve, he began to think how he was going to get through the rest of the night without freezing to death. He went to stand but heard a strange crunching under his boot. He paused, lifting his leg and looking underneath. There, crumpled and smashed to the point of near demolishment, was a wad of paper. He must have had it jammed under there were he went sprinting through the town. He yanked it out, smoothing the wrinkles out as best he could, then read it.

"A masquerade?" he read to himself. That must have been the field they were setting up.

Then an idea occurred and he smiled.

A masquerade! He could have laughed out loud again and he felt the swell of hope in his chest. He could make an appearance in disguise; no one would be the wiser. He would need to hide his hand, but he had a day to think of ways. He grinned, clutching the paper tightly and with excitement.

Now he just needed to find a proper outfit. He wondered if the past tenant's of this home had left anything behind. He looked off towards the bedrooms. There was only one way to find out…