"So, what do you do, Catherina?" Gold asked. They were riding on the dark road that led to her new home. The sun had set long ago, and they were left with a bright array of stars over their heads.

"Uh, nothing really. I'm kind of a wanderer." Catherina stammered. She didn't exactly want him to know that she was a failure at everything she did.

"There has to be something. Surely Granny's isn't your first job." Gold smirked at her, and she shuddered.

"I worked for a newspaper in Boston."

"Oh, really? What was it called?" Gold asked, a curious tone in his voice.

"Beacon Hill Times." Catherina said hesitantly.

"Ah, they're rather well known. It's good to hear that you've been so successful in your journalism career." Gold said, giving her a knowing look. Cat thought that he was just mocking her. He probably knew that she had lied about her degree in order to get that job, and that she was fired a few months later. After all, he had found out her real name, there was no doubt that he probably knew everything about her. She shrunk into the seat, hoping to escape his mocking glances.

"Is there anything else?" Gold pressed.

Cat froze. "Uh, well.. I'm a musician."

"And an artist." Gold interrupted. Cat shot a look in his direction, and he was giving her a wry smile.

"Why are you asking me if you already know?" Cat accused.

Gold chuckled. "I like to humor myself, Ms. Allaway." Cat crossed her arms in a fit and settled for looking out the window at the quiet night.

"You know, I own an antique shop. I'm a pawnbroker." Gold said.

"Yeah, I know. I've heard about you." Cat huffed.

Gold scoffed. "And what exactly have you heard about me?"

"Nothing that matters, really." Cat said with finality, and she could see Gold's leather-gloved hands tighten on the steering wheel in frustration.

He sighed. "Well, don't let that deter you, dearie. May I continue?"

Cat nodded, feeling somewhat guilty for disparaging him when he was giving her a ride home.

"I have a couple antique pianos in the back of my shop. Perhaps you would like to take a look at them sometime. They do need a bit of work, but if you'd like, you could diagnose those issues for me." Gold waved his hand lightly as he said it, as if it didn't matter to him, but it was also an offer of truce.

Cat's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Really?" she asked quietly.

"Would I lie to you?" Gold smiled, and Cat's eyes narrowed at his sarcasm. "If you wish, come to my shop after you finish your shift at Granny's. You could have a look then."

"I won't be off until late, probably eight o'clock." Cat said defensively.

"No matter, I'll open up the shop for you when you arrive." Gold offered, and Cat shook her head.

"It's too late, and I'm sure an old man like you has an early bed time." Cat shot, her tone becoming sarcastic as she tried to tease him. However, he didn't seem fazed by the comment; he only kept his gaze on the road.

"I don't sleep." He said simply.

"Rubbish. Everyone needs sleep, Gold." Cat smirked at him.

He chuckled. "Apparently I don't. I prefer to spin."

"Spin?" Cat asked, slightly confused.

"Yes. You know the tales; Sleeping Beauty pricks her finger on a magic spinning wheel, and Rumpelstiltskin spins straw into gold." He said nonchalantly, and Cat's heart thumped at the last remark, no reason for it, but she could feel her heart tighten. "I spin in my spare time; it helps me forget my troubles."

"What troubles could you possibly have? You're the richest man in Storybrooke, and no one would dare to cross you." Cat pressed, trying to get him to lose his composure.

"Oh I have many more troubles than you think, dearie." Gold said as he finally pulled into Cat and Ruby's driveway. He glanced in her direction, waiting for her to either say something in return, or to just get out of his car.

When Cat remained silent and unmoving, Gold sighed in finality.

"Tomorrow, then. I'll be waiting." He said, and Cat looked over to him. His eyes were gleaming with mischief, and they burned into her eyes with their intensity. He held her gaze for a moment, and Cat was frozen in fear and curiosity. She tore her gaze away and sighed.

"Tomorrow." She said, and she stepped out of the car, retrieving her bike from his trunk, and watching as he backed out of the driveway. When his car has disappeared out of sight, she set the bike on the front porch and strode inside.

Ruby was waiting for her on the couch, a glass of wine in her hand and a bottle on the table. She was watching television, and jumped when Cat walked in.

"Well?" Ruby exclaimed. "Any pictures?"

Cat chuckled. "No, unfortunately. I think I got a job instead."

Ruby made a noise of protest as she rose from the couch.

"Doing what? Polishing the blood off of his cane?" Ruby exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air.

"Playing his pianos." Cat said simply, and Ruby's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "And telling him what needs to be fixed." Cat finished.

"Cat, he's tricking you. He doesn't just make friends with people for no reason, he only uses people. That's probably why he's such a grouch, he's an antisocial, conniving asshole, and you're probably his next victim." Ruby spoke these words with caution, as if Gold was watching them at that moment, but also with defiance and concern for Cat's safety.

"I know, I've heard some of the stories. I don't know, my mind just went blank when he spoke to me, and I just said yes. Besides, what do you think he would have done if I said no?" Cat retorted, and Ruby looked down at the floor.

"I just want you to be careful, if you're going to hang out with him anyways. I don't want to see you beaten to a bloody pulp." Ruby said, looking up at Cat with sad eyes.

Cat laughed. "It's a little late for that, don't you think?" She said, pointing to the nasty bruise that was still throbbing on her temple.

Ruby shoved Cat teasingly. "That doesn't help, Cat." She chuckled. "Let's just go to bed, we have to work early tomorrow."

"Am I taking the couch again?" Cat said, remembering the fearful events from the night before.

"Didn't you notice? Your stuff came in today from Boston. It's all in the spare bedroom, and there's already a bed in there."

Cat smiled gratefully at Ruby, and strode down the hallway. When she opened the last door on the left, she gasped slightly. All of the walls were painted a stark white, the bed sheets were a deep red color, and the floor was polished wood with a light brown color. The interior design was truly remarkable, and the way that the moon shone through her window that night gave the room another intriguing quality. A few boxes and Cat's cello sat in the middle of the room, and for some reason, she couldn't wait to unpack her things.

Ruby stepped behind Cat and peered into the room. "You can paint the walls if you want; I know it's a little drab." She said nonchalantly. Cat turned to her in surprise.

"Why would I do that? It's lovely, Ruby. Definitely a step up from the shack I had in Boston." Cat mused, admiring the large windows and the overall atmosphere of the room. Cat knew that she would sleep well in this room because it was so pleasant, and it would chase away the nightmares that always tormented her in her old apartment.

Ruby laughed. "Thanks. Don't hesitate to change anything if you need to. I'll see you in the morning, and be up by seven." She said with finality, and fled through the door across from Cat's on the right, shutting the door quietly. Cat was left goggling at her suite. She wasn't used to cute cottages with large bedrooms and front lawns. It was all pretty new to her, but she was glad that she was allowed to get used to it. She walked over to her cello, taking it out of the case and admiring it. It was a deep cherry wood color, with a characteristic tiger-stripe pattern on its back. She ran her hand over the smooth surface, eager to bring music again, but she didn't want to disturb Ruby. Perhaps another time she could sit down and play the instrument that has brought her comfort over the years.

Cat finally decided to lay down on the soft bed, not slipping under the covers, but instead staring at the ceiling in thought. Tomorrow would be a long day, indeed, and she hoped that it would be successful. She thought of Gold; his irritating ability to find out everything about someone, but also his eyes and the way they gleamed. They held emotions that only confused her; mischief, wonder, and sadness. She didn't know how she could read his eyes so easily, and she had never met him before. However, the way that he irked her and irritated her to no end seemed slightly familiar. It must have been someone else, she thought. She was starting to fade off to sleep, the image of his eyes stamped in her mind, but also the feeling of an inevitable, descending darkness.

I'm remarkably good at persuasion. Gold thought as he stepped into his large house. I didn't even feel the need to use magic that time. Not that I could, anyways. No matter, words are still more powerful than any magic.

His home, as always, was just a lonely fortress, longing for someone other than Gold. It had been occupied once, by more than just himself, but that was before the curse had taken hold. He missed that other presence, her cheery mood, and her fair face.

One must sacrifice love for power, unfortunately. He shuddered to himself at the thought of her dark fate, being driven to suicide by her own father, and Gold hated himself for letting her go. However, he knew that she wouldn't come back, and although it tore his heart in half, he had to move on from the past. The past can't be repeated, no matter the circumstances, and they were definitely not in Gold's favor.

He knew that he was trying to repeat the past, but this situation was far more different than Belle. He was luring Catherina back into the life that she once wanted to escape, back into the evil and the darkness that resided within her. Once the curse was broken, she wouldn't regret gaining back her memories because she would, once again, become the terrifying, maleficent being that she once was. She was much like him, blinded by power when it was obtained and ruthless by all means. Gold felt guilty for his actions and the actions that have yet to be committed.

Well, he thought, we will both have the same interests anyways, once the curse is broken. She will be thanking me soon enough. Gold smirked to himself, and he proceeded down into his basement where his spinning wheel sat quietly.

It had been a long day of work. Although it was only her second day, she seemed to be getting the hang of things, despite the customers' hostility. She had chosen to ignore the dirty looks, and it seemed to be working at the moment. She was starting to enjoy working, but the time only seemed to drag on. It was only seven o'clock, and she was eager to get to Gold's shop in an hour.

"In a hurry?" Ruby raised an eyebrow at Cat as she watched her wipe down the tables furiously.

"No, no. Just…nervous." Cat stammered.

"Are you going to Gold's shop tonight?" Ruby asked, scanning her face and seemingly reading her thoughts.

"Yeah, at eight." Cat said, and Ruby sighed.

"I'm not your mother, so I won't stop you." Ruby said. "But please be careful. I don't want to have to rip anybody's throat out."

Cat smirked, and Ruby winked at her. Ruby had an extreme distaste for Mr. Gold, especially after what he had done to Cat, which included breaking and entering onto her property. If she had the choice, she would take out Gold for herself. Unfortunately, Cat seemed to be a googly-eyed over him, so she might be a little pissed at Ruby if he mysteriously disappeared. I'll leave him alone until he screws up again, Ruby thought.

"Why don't you clock out a little early?" Ruby said, and Cat grinned. "I don't want you to be late to your next meeting." She smirked.

"Really? Thanks!" Cat said, and she ran to the back to put away her apron and to clock out. When she had disappeared from sight, Ruby pulled out her phone.

Cat's going to Gold's shop. Keep an eye on her for me. She typed, and sent the message to Emma Swan, Storybrooke's new sheriff. If anything were to happen, Ruby would be able to get there as soon as it happened. Her phone vibrated a few seconds later.

Gotcha. Looks like I can execute another stakeout with Henry.

Ruby chuckled at the message, but shoved her phone back into her pants when she saw Cat approaching.

"So…you're sure this is ok? I won't get in trouble for this?" Cat said cautiously.

Ruby shook her head. "It's too slow to be having more than a couple people on the clock anyways. If Granny says anything, I'll take the blame." She smirked at Cat, and Cat grinned back, striding to the door and waving on her way out. Ruby exhaled loudly. She felt impatient, but she knew that waiting would be her best option instead of following her. She reassured herself that if anything were to happen, then Emma would call her right away.

She hoped so.

Her stomach was jumping up and down in her stomach as she walked towards Gold's shop, which she could see right down the street, and her nervousness grew as she anticipated her next encounter with Mr. Gold. She didn't understand why she was so excited. Maybe because she had been working all day, thinking about what his shop would look like, what kind of pianos he would have her look at, and also what he would share with her. He had only sparked her curiosity at their dinner the night before, and she wanted at least a few answers, regardless of whether or not they were a load of bull.

The sign loomed above her head, drawing her in with its lettering.

Mr. Gold

Pawnbroker & Antiquities Dealer

Cat took a deep breath, mustering all of her courage, swallowing her fear, and opening the door.

A bell rang as she opened the door, and when she stepped inside she was surprised at how dimly-lit the shop was. There was some lighting on the walls, and colorful desk lamps adorning the counters, but it wasn't much at nighttime. She scanned the room, eyes widening at its contents. It was filled with ancient, valuable items. Paintings, mirrors, and tapestries covered the walls. Every glass counter was crowded and filled with trinkets as well as items that looked much more valuable. It was like hitting the jackpot when thrift shopping, but there were just too many things. It seemed to overwhelm anyone who walked in, as if everything would fall on them at once. Gold stepped out from behind the curtain, and was surprised to see Catherina standing in front of the counter.

"My, my, someone's early." Gold mused, his voice soft after being by himself for most of the day.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I can come back if you want." Cat said quietly, pointing her thumb at the door.

"Please, make yourself comfortable. It's the perfect time; I was just finishing up some work. Would you care for a tour?" Gold smiled, waving his hand around him, gesturing to the contents of his shop.

"It's fine, really. I would probably trip and break something." Cat said quietly, and Gold made a noise of dismissal, setting both hands on his cane.

"Very well then, if you would like to get down to business, I have two pianos in the back that I would like for you to look at." He gestured behind him to the curtain, and Cat smiled slightly as he held the curtain for her to walk through. As Gold started to follow her, he paused, turning around to peer out of his window. He spotted Sheriff Swan's yellow beetle parked across the street, and he could see her figure in the car seat, watching him intently. When she noticed him staring back at her, she quickly turned and pretended to be talking to her son. Gold chuckled at the sight, and winked at Ms. Swan as she snuck a glance back in his direction. He turned, continuing into back room of his shop, out of the sight of Ms. Swan or any passerby. Even if those pianos were in the front, he still would have brought Catherina back her only because he knew it would annoy Ms. Swan.

"Shit. I lost sight of them." Emma hissed.

"Mom! Don't curse!" Henry whined, and Emma sighed.

"Sorry, kid." She said as she pulled out her phone.

Getting of work soon? He took her to the back, I can't see them anymore. She typed furiously, and sent it to Ruby.

"It's not much different than the front of your shop." Catherina said, bringing Gold out of his thoughts. He blinked at her, then remembered why she was there in the first place.

"Ah, yes. They're right over there. Knock yourself out." Gold pointed his cane at two stand up pianos sitting side by side. Catherina bit her lip, then strode quickly to the first one, opening the lid and peering at the mechanics inside.

"Well, I can see the problem. It's kind of obvious, really." Catherina chuckled as she examined its contents.

"And what's that, dearie?" Gold scoffed at her remark.

"Most of the hammers are missing. That's probably why your piano won't make any sound." Catherina pointed into the piano and motioned for Gold to look. He scooted next to her, appearing clueless as he looked inside, but also dumbfounded at the closeness of Catherina's small figure next to his.

He breathed loudly, composing himself before she could notice. "How much will this cost to fix?"

"Quite a bit, to be honest. But it will make the whole thing worth a lot more in the long run, if you're looking to sell it. It would be worth the expense." Catherina said, making her way to the other piano that sat a few feet away, and opening the lid to that one as well. Gold followed her, drawn in by her scent and her flowing red hair. However, as he made it way towards her, he reached out nonchalantly towards the wall, and pulled out a staff, the one which still haunted him. He was very surprised that he had gotten a hold of it after what happened. He set it upright on the first piano with a clank, but Catherina didn't seem to notice.

"Well, some of these strings are rusted, and all of the hammers are there, but for some reason they aren't making it all the way to the string when I hit a key. It's something mechanical, I would probably have to take it apart more to figure out the issue. I'm sure the repair man could do that." Catherina rambled, but Gold was hardly listening. He was watching her intently, waiting for her to look up and see it. Look up! For your own sake, look up! He thought.

"And how much will that cost?" Gold said absent-mindedly.

Cat chuckled. "More than a few hammers, probably around…." She trailed off as she looked up from the piano, gazing at Gold's expression, and then at the object behind him.

Her heart seemed to stop, turning into an iron ball and weighing down on her chest. It was a large staff, taller than her, with spiraling wood in the middle. At the end of the rod sat a large glass globe, with crystals glowing inside of it.

"W-what is that?" She whispered.

"It's yours, dearie. Do you remember?" Gold pressed, reaching out and setting his hand on her shoulders. Her eyes had become cloudy, and she was looking past him at the staff. "You must remember!" He shook her slightly, as if that would jog her memory, but she only held her head in confusion.

"I'm trying…but I…" Catherina trailed off once again.

"Please!" Gold's breathing quickened. He was so close, and he was not about to lose it again. He didn't want to wait for that ridiculous curse to be broken. "You must remember, Catherina! Tell me why you are here!" He shook her again, but she was stuck in a daze.

"HEY! Get your hands off of her, you freak!" Gold spun around to see Ruby standing at the curtain with her hands on her hips. He cursed Ms. Swan again, assuming that she must have contacted Ruby.

"This is none of your concern." Gold said through clenched teeth, his anger growing.

"You're damn right it's none of my concern!" Ruby said sarcastically, and shoved past Gold to get to Catherina. Gold backed away, trying to breathe through his nose and contain his anger.

"Come on Cat, I'm getting you away from this freakshow." Ruby snapped.

"What…?" Cat said, still in a stupor.

"I'm sure you could have gotten into her pants without drugging her, Gold." Ruby spat in his direction, and Gold made a noise of protest. Ruby led Catherina from the shop, ignoring Gold's attempt at an explanation, and the bell sounded loudly as the door slammed shut.

"Damn it!" Gold shouted, swinging his cane at everything in his path; a table, a wardrobe with glass paneling, and one of those wretched pianos. He shouted in anger at his failed attempt. Glass shattered, sounding through the shop and leaving Gold panting, hunched over in frustration.

"Damn it." He hissed.

A/N: I dropped a couple hints regarding Cat's role in Storybrooke! I hope I didn't make it obvious, though. Thanks for the follows/favs/ and reviews!