Jesse's Deal

Rumpelsiltskin blinked at her, his face blank for a moment, and then recognition took over.

Jesse smirked. It was about time. The two had been in contact for over a week and he'd finally noticed. Granted, to her, it had been nearly four years since she heard the story. But she could see in his eyes that he didn't know her from Adam. "A maid told me the story," she finally said. "My mother offered her firstborn daughter, a long time ago, in exchange for control of the Enchanted Forest after the curse. But she slipped something in there, to ensure that she would always bear sons. That's why it took so long, and that's probably why you don't recognize me. You vanished with the golden age over three centuries ago, my time. She thought she'd gotten out of it."

Rumpelstiltskin nodded in understanding. "And yet, you're willing to come with me, even now?"

"I believe in honesty, and according to the stories, so do you."

"But...look at you. You have a life ahead of you, friends. And I don't even remember what I originally wanted you for."

"Does that matter now? You said it yourself. A war is coming. Your original purpose might no longer apply, and besides, I'm here now, as per the deal."

"Yes, you are, though your mother probably thinks you're dead. You did find yourself in Sherwood, after all."

"Then let's get to it. What do you need me for right now?"

"I'll make you a deal," he said after a moment.

"Don't you always?"

"Come to think of it, yes, yes I do."

"What are your terms?"

"Well, you're ready to jump into this."

"My mom made some deal with you about me. I've got nothing to lose but my life, and if it comes to it, if I have to survive, I'll fight you until one of us lies dead, most likely me, but I've always wanted to die trying."

"It's not your life I want."

"Then what is it?"

"A favor, to be called in sometime later."

"Sounds easy, but then again, I doubt you're going to keep it that way."

"I've got a feeling you'll be up to the challenge," Rumpelstiltskin said with a smile. "Now, you know what I want from you. What do you want from me?"

"Excuse me?"

"Isn't that not how deals work? I get something out of it, and you get something out of it."

"So in exchange for a favor, you'll give me something?"

"Exactly. Feel free to name it."

"Well, the trouble is, in any negotiation, you tend to want the better end of the deal. How do I know that's going to happen if your favor remains nameless."

"And all this time, I thought you hadn't negotiated before."

"I had to bargain for my life several times in the past." He nodded, so she continued. "I had a purpose in Sherwood, fighting for a cause, be it life or freedom, or even to return home again, and those were some of the greatest years of my life. If we make it through this and I find myself facing my mother again, I want you to make sure she never pulls me back into her world, her cold, cruel, meaningless, shallow little world that she so dearly loves to call home. I'll give you your favor, Rumpelstiltskin, but in exchange, I want you to keep me out of my mother's world." She held her hand out in front of her. "Do we have a deal?"

He shook her hand, and the corner of her lip curled up. "You've a nice handshake."

"Thanks." Jesse turned and walked out of the office.

OUAT

"What was that about?" Morraine asked when Jesse appeared on the street corner where the Merry Men waited for her.

"I had to negotiate a few things," Jesse replied.

"Let's hope it works out in your favor," Bae said.

"He'll probably ask for my firstborn or something." Jesse shrugged. "I can take it."

"You're taking this well," Morraine said.

"Honesty's the best policy, and besides, I get something out of it, something I've wanted for a long time."

"Is it worth it?" Bae asked. Jesse folded her arms and gave him a nonchalant shrug, and they went on their way.