Belle groaned as she tossed yet another dress into the growing pile on her bed, She should have said that it'd be better if they had dinner not immediately the day after they had lunch together. At least then she would have the time to pick out a proper outfit. Then she had to make it worse by agreeing to ride with him to his house, not giving her any time to look beautiful for the man she loves.

Loves. Belle smiled at the memory of all the times she had love Gold from afar and now she didn't have to hide it any longer. Ever since her first day at the Times, she had admired the Senior Associate Editor, how passionate he was about his work. How he could turn the investigative journalist person on and then turn it off when he was with his son. How even though he is feared and referred to as the "Beast" of the Times, people still respect him and value his input.

Belle shook her head. She had more pressing issues to deal with rather than fantasize about Adam Gold. She didn't need to do that anymore since now they were dating.

She did however need to find a proper outfit for tomorrow night.

She had raided her closet and found nothing that could satisfy her criteria of something worthy to wear into Gold's house. She knew he lived in a very big Victorian style house and she should look the part. Gold was always wearing a three-piece suit. Nobody has seen him in anything else, well maybe except Milah. So Belle had to be as formal as possible.

Or as worthy as she wanted to be for him.

Giving up, Belle finally did what she thought was her last resort. Though she really didn't want to do it, but she had no choice. She got her phone and dialed.

"Ruby," said Belle. "I need your help."

"With what exactly?" asked Ruby, a little bit concerned. "What's wrong?"

"Let's just say I need your expertise on something," said Belle, taking yet another dress from her closest but throwing it on top of the pile on her bed. "I have a very important dinner tomorrow evening and I have nothing to wear."

"Dear me that is a very dire predicament," said Ruby and Belle knew she was smiling. "I could be there in less than ten minutes if you tell me what is this dinner all about."

"You're not going to make this easy are you?" asked Belle, inwardly groaning as her best friend fished for information. "Can't I just have a fancy dinner and not know what to wear?"

"You've never been conscious about what you wear, French," fired back Ruby. "Now are we really going to waste time or I could already be heading out to your flat."

Belle sighed. "I'm having dinner with Adam at his house tomorrow evening."

"Say no more," said Ruby as Belle heard her get a move on in the background. "I'll be there as quick as I can."

And quick she was, the next thing Belle knew Ruby was standing in her bedroom going over her clothes and coming up with bizarre combinations that Belle thought she had made a huge mistake.

"You want to look like you deserve him but not so formal," repeated Ruby. "You're asking for a miracle here, French."

"You know what, I'm just going to go with the white blouse and light red skirt," said Belle, grabbing the two items of clothing in question

"No," said Ruby, "You look like a professor or something. Smart yes, but not necessarily inviting."

"Inviting?" asked Belle, giving her best friend a death glare. "And what does that suppose to mean?"

"You know perfectly well what I mean," hissed Ruby. "Now where is that dress?"

"What dress?" said Belle peaking from behind her much taller friend as she ruined her closet. "I don't think I have anything else that-"

She stopped the minute she saw what Ruby had found. It was the Halloween costume she had worn for the Times when the party had a Camelot theme. It was a long green velvet dress that women wore during those times.

"Are you insane?" asked Belle, studying her friend's smile. "I am not wearing that."

"Of course you're not wearing this," said Ruby. "You are wearing something that I will create using this. Trust me." Ruby then grabbed a pair of scissors and asked Belle for a needle and some thread.

Belle eyed Ruby as she got to work, cutting a huge portion of the lower part of the dress. By Belle's estimate, the dress would probably end around her knees. With it being shortened like that, Belle couldn't help but agree that it was the perfect thing to wear for tomorrow.

"We need to talk," said Killian upon entering Gold's office. The younger man shut the door as Gold looked up at his correspondent.

"What's wrong?" asked Gold, knowing too well that tone Killian used.

"Greene has something on Peter Malcolm," said Killian, taking a seat in front of Gold's desk. "Michael and John are back and from what I could see Peter gave them a bollocking of the century."

"When did this happen?" asked Gold, his full attention now on Killian. The Darlings were of course a close acquaintance of the Education Minister. Wendy Darling, the oldest of the siblings, being Malcolm's personal assistant since the beginnings of his political career.

"David and I were coming back from the inquiry of the Education budget and just outside where the two Darlings and Malcolm," explained Killian. He fished out his phone and showed Gold the pictures he took. "Malcolm was pretty pissed and it looks like the Darlings are at fault."

"How does this connect with Greene?" asked Gold.

"Move to the video," said Killiana and Gold pressed play.

Honestly, Peter. I thought everything was ok.

Apparently it's not Michael.

Maybe Greene was just bluffing and you fell for it.

He knows and it's your bloody fault that he does.

We'll make sure nothing happens.

To me and Felix. I don't care about anyone else.

Peter he's-"

I said I don't care!

The video ended and Gold handed Killian back his phone, deep in thought. Sure he and the Education Minister weren't on good terms but Peter Malcolm was a competent minister and his program for out of school youth was one of the good news that Gold had loved to write.

"What do we have on Malcolm?" asked Gold, going back to his computer and searching for his files. Peter Malcolm had been on hot water recently due to a piece the Times had done concerning the proposed "Child-Protection Policy". The policy supposedly protected students from their bully teachers but the provisions of the policy basically protected the students and left the teachers to be the one's being bullied by the students and their well-read parents. It looked like Peter Malcolm only pushed for the policy because of pressure from parents as well, making it look like the minister was also like the bullied teachers of his schools.

"Beside the fact that he's old and lives with his husband Felix," said Killian. "None. We've never really looked at him as in depth as we're doing with Greene. He was an educated man, never dreamed of an elected post, happy being a cabinet minister and contented with his life. Most of the things he's done is for the Education sector and he's retiring soon."

"You heard the man Killian," said Gold. "I've interviewed him loads of times and I've never heard him lose his cool like that. Greene has something big on him and Malcolm wants to keep it buried."

"I'm guessing we're going to try and figure it out," said Killian.

"For now," said Gold. "If we do find something, I don't want to us to turn to blackmail. Whatever we find, we confront Malcolm. Then maybe, he can help us."

"Get Greene you mean," said Killian.

"He is retiring soon," continued Gold. "Malcolm is smart. He knows that Greene becoming a politician is not a good thing for anyone but Greene himself. Malcolm has common sense. If we can manage to protect him from whatever Greene has on him. Manage to salvage his reputation if it is that bad, he'll help."

"Last chance," said Milah, entering Gold's office. "You sure you don't want me to have Bae stay the night?"

"No," said Gold. "He's looking forward to this."

"And you aren't?" asked Milah and Gold sighed as he turned his attention from his computer to his best friend. "Out with it, I'm your best friend Adam. You can't hide anything from me."

"Close the door," said Gold and MIlah did so as Gold moved to sit on his office couch, Milah joining him. "I'm so nervous I can barely think straight."

"There's no harm in being nervous Adam," assured Milah. "I was worse with Killian, remember."

"Killian's a smooth talker," objected Gold. "I'm not. One second in and I'll do something so stupid that she'll tailgate out of the house before I can even say anything."

"Gold that woman looks at you like a god," said Milah. "She adored you the second she first saw you and she basically worships the ground you walk on. And you know what's great? You look exactly the same when you look at her. If that is not love, I don't know what that is."

"That's the thing Mil!" said Gold. "What if I screw it up?"

"Adam I don't think there's anything more you can do to make Belle not like you," replied Milah. "You've done a lot of stupid things just because she walked in the room and Belle has seen a lot of embarrassing things concerning you."

Gold groaned and covered his face with his hands.

"Adam," said Milah, shaking her best friend by the shoulders. "Stop using your head. Stop thinking about 'what ifs' and like Star Wars 'Keep your concentration here and now, where it belongs'."

Gold looked up in surprise and stared at her. "Who are you and what have you done to my Star Wars hating best friend?"

"You and Killian left me with Bae the other weekend and the boy did nothing but convince me to watch it," said Milah. "Don't get me wrong, I still hate it. But it does have some usual quotes."

Gold laughed and Milah smiled as her plan worked and Adam seemed to have lightened up a bit. Trust the man to overthink things especially a simple dinner with the woman he loves. "Now don't get so worked up about your date with Belle. I'm sure you both will have a great time, especially with what she's wearing."

"What?"

Milah laughed. "You haven't seen her yet have you? Be prepared to trip or pick yourself from the floor, Adam. You're going to get knocked off your socks when you see her. She's certainly dressed for the occasion."

Milah laughed at Gold's expression. "Last chance, want me to get Bae out of the house?"

"Oh shut up," said Gold, hitting her with a throw pillow from the couch.

Gold paced the parking lot. He knew he looked stupid and pathetic but there he still was. 15 minutes early than the time he had told Belle to meet him by his car. They would drive to his house together and he offered to drive her back once they were done with the night...and Gold was wishing that won't happen.

Not that he had any desire to share a bed with Belle just after three official dates (because the others did not count at all) but maybe she could spend the night, in separate rooms or sleep in one bed but completely clothed….

Gold sighed and placed his hands on the side of his car. He was being completely pathetic. He was a top journalist with a school boy crush, whose girl just happened to exit the elevator without his notice and saw him pacing.

Belle couldn't hold back her giggle and Gold turned, eyes wide. His shock wasn't because she could have seen his pacing...but because of what she was wearing.

It was the dress she wore in their Halloween party before, but if Gold remembered correctly, that was longer than what she was wearing now. But the effect on him was the same as the first time he saw her wearing it. If his hand wasn't leaning on his car, he would have dropped to the ground.

Belle smiled as Gold's usual calm and serious composure was shattered and what was left in its wake was a wide-eyed man with his mouth hanging slightly open.

"Shall we get going then?" asked Belle with a bright smile.

"I….Yes...Of course...let me just…" He scrambled to opened the door for her and Belle had to hide the amused grin she had on her face. Gold opened the door to the passenger side, "Your chariot my lady."

"Thank you," replied Belle as she got in and Gold shut the door. He hastily went to his side and got in. "So what are we having for dinner?"

Gold's mind raced. He couldn't possibly ask her to cook her own food wearing something as beautiful as that dress that would probably be ruined. The night was starting out one mistake after another. "Ummm...maybe we could just go to a restaurant instead."

Belle shot him a surprised and confused look. "You just bragged about your culinary skills yesterday."

"Right," said Gold as he got out of the parking building. He sighed. "I was thinking we could make pizzas for dinner tonight but I don't want to ruin your attire. Maybe I could just call Bae and tell him to order take out while I take you-"

Belle placed a hand over his knee. "It's ok. Pizza sounds lovely and I do have to warn you I can't cook anything, even water. So it'd be a certain sense of achievement."

Gold smiled. Crisis averted, maybe the night was going to be perfect afterall.

They arrived at the house shortly and Belle was amazed at how big it was but at the same time… "Your house is salmon color?"

"Am I glad you did not say pink," said Gold as he opened the door for her. "Regina has insisted on calling it the Pink Victorian when I have pointed out that it is not completely pink but Salmon color."

Belle laughed as Gold offered her his arm and they walked up to the doorway which opened to reveal Baelfire with a huge grin on his face. "Hi Belle! How are you?"

"Fine, Bae," answered Belle. "Glad to be here. You're so much taller than me already."

"Growth spurt," said Bae with a smile. "I'm glad I didn't get my father's genes in height."

Gold glared at his son who shared a laugh with Belle. "I'm glad you're not that tall. It means I can kiss you without the need of box to stand up on."

Gold flashed Belle a huge smile and Belle kissed him on the cheek as Bae groaned. "Really guys? Will that happen throughout the night? I won't be at fault if I throw pizza doe at you."

"Try it and you're grounded for the rest of your life, Baelfire Neal Gold," said Gold with a glint in his eyes. He took Belle's coat and hung it near the door. "Why don't you give Belle a tour while I prepare the kitchen, Bae."

"Sure," said Bae with a grin. "I'll show the one place where dad usually disappears to." Belle grinned and followed the teen throughout the house. Bae's first stop was Adam's study which was lined with bookshelves that Belle's eyes went wide.

"He's read about all the books here at least a dozen times," said Bae as Belle browsed the titles. The books ranges from biographies to historical analysis and fantasy stories to thrillers. "dad loves about any kind of story may it real or not, current or past."

"I'm not one for horrors and suspense," said Belle. "But I do love a good book that engages."

"I love those dragons and heroes stories," said Bae. "But I'm more of the detective stories and spy thrillers. Instead of science fiction and all that."

"Then I assume you've read Sherlock Holmes?" asked Belle as Bae led him to the other parts of the house.

"Yes and James Bond of course," said Bae. "Ian Fleming is a great author and as usual i prefer the books to the movies." They stopped and Bae opened the door to the backyard. "Dad and I usually try and play football here, it's no field but we've built a makeshift goal. And of course there is the gazebo and the treehouse."

Belle eyes widened at the size of the yard. Huge was an understatement. It was big grass area that was fenced. A great big tree stood on one side with a big tree house situated within its branches. To the other side was a white gazebo and Belle could make out an iron bench and a small table inside.

"Wow," the only thing Belle could say as she took in the yard.

"Exactly," said Bae with a smile. "If you stay tonight, you might just see the ocean of stars. Granted, Papa and I have taken to the roof sometimes to see them. A blanket laid down outside is cozy as well."

Bae led Belle to the kitchen and Belle's eyes widened at the sight in front of her. Gold had a navy blue button down short-sleeve shirt over a pale blue t-shirt and jeans. Belle had never seen him dressed down like that before and quite frankly, it suited him a lot. He offered them each an apron.

"Might get a bit messy," said Gold with a smile. "Wouldn't want to ruin that lovely dress you have this evening."

"If I had known we were having pizza I would have," said Belle with a smile. "Somebody made it sound like to prepare for a 5-star restaurant."

"Papa may not be a cook professionally but he makes the best food there is Belle," said Bae putting on his apron and rubbing his hands together in anticipation. "Not to mention a great cooking teacher. It was probably the only reason I passed Home Ec."

"Alright then," said Gold as he readied a good amount of pizza dough in front of both Bae and Belle. "I took the liberty of making the dough. Now you have the pleasure of shaping it to make it look like a pizza."

The kitchen had a center kitchen counter, with drawers underneath it. Gold had covered the counter with baking paper and flour to help them with their task. Gold had easily demonstrated what to do, patting down the ball of dough into a circle, rotating it as he went along. From the center, he then pushed the dough outward with his fingers. He then picked up the dough and moved his hands along the edges, allowing gravity to pull the dough into a larger circle. When he was satisfied he placed it back down and pushed down gently around the perimeter of the pie, rotating it to create the edge.

"So now I can add whatever topping I want with it," said Gold with a glint in his eyes.

"Papa say Haggis Pizza again and I swear I am going to hurl," said Bae with a groan as he started working. Belle did as well as Gold added his own made tomato sauce to his already shaped pizza dough. He then added different kinds of cheese and finished with a good helping of pepperoni.

"Haggis?" asked Belle. She's heard of the Scottish delicacy but have yet to try it.

"Maybe some other time," said Gold with a smile.

Bae was getting on well with his dough but Belle seemed to be having difficulty. "You know I suddenly have a new appreciation for the people who make pizzas. This is hard."

"Aren't you supposed to be good at cooking, French?" asked Gold with a smile and Belle glared at him.

"Just because my last name is 'French' doesn't mean I'm gifted with brilliant culinary skills," huffed Belle. "Besides, pizzas are an Italian specialty not the French."

Gold laughed and moved to stand behind her, placing his hands above her own as he guided her into shaping the pizza. "Here."

Belle tensed a little at the closeness. She could even feel Gold's heartbeat on her back, his breath on her neck and it sent small shivers down her spine. She could feel her face reddening but was glad that Gold was more focused on the pizza dough they were trying to shape and Bae was too busy deciding what to put on his pizza.

"There you go," said Gold with a smile as he removed his hands over her own and stood aside. "What do you want on top?"

You…

"Belle?"

"Right," said Belle, trying to get a hold of herself. "Well I've basically eaten every kind of pizza topping in existence so how about I experiment with all of them at once?"

"Here's everything we've got," said Bae as he offered her all the toppings that Gold had prepared for them.

"I don't think that'll be good for your stomach though," said Gold as Belle went wild and basically placed everything she could on her pizza.

"Well it is my pizza and nobody chooses its fate but me," said Belle and both Bae and Gold laughed at her very serious tone and she responded by throwing a fist full of flour at them.

"Oh you're asking for it," said Bae and without hesitation took the spoon from the bowl of tomato sauce and flicked it her way.

"That's enough you two," said Gold, although he was trying to control his laughter. "Don't turn my kitchen into a war zone."

Both Bae and Belle shared a look at how clean Gold looked as compared to the two of the and they both smiled menacingly at him.

"You know Bae," began Belle. "I think your father needs a good hug with flour. Don't you?"

"Don't you even think about it," warned Gold, backing away from the two as they rounded over the counter arms ready.

"You know Belle," answered Bae. "I think you're right." They advanced on Gold and he was cornered when his back met the fridge. Bae and Belle smiled before launching themselves unto Gold but he managed to sidestep them, Belle only managing to graze his arm with flour covered hands. Bae reacted quickly and ran to intercept his father and cut off his exit as Belle remained running after Gold.

Gold having nowhere to go grabbed the bowl of shredded cheese and threw those at his son and girlfriend. Bae ducked out of the way but Belle managed to grab another fist full of flower and aimed at Gold's head. Bae did the same and Gold got hit at the back of the head and chest.

"Two can play that game," growled Gold getting his hands to some flour and hugging Belle who yelped in surprise. Freeing another hand, Gold then ruffled Bae's head making sure the flour covered his face and hair.

"I yield!" said Bae with a laugh, he was almost completely covered in flour like Belle. Gold had some on his cheek and his shirt and hair but not as white as the other two. Bae also had some cheese on his hair and Belle had tomato sauce on her cheek. "Look at that, if you bake Belle and I, we'll pass for a good pizza."

The three laughed and decided to clean up. Gold placed the three pizzas in the oven and proceeded to wash his face and hair. He asked Bae to show Belle the guest bathroom. Her apron had managed to protect her clothing from the impromptu food fight. His kitchen on the other hand was a disaster.

"Need a hand?" Gold turned to see Belle wearing a Liverpool jersey on top of her green dress. "Bae told me I could borrow it to save my dress from future food wars."

"Of course," said Gold, biting back the retort that Bae had given Belle his own shirt to wear. "As for the kitchen, you're our guest. We'll clean up later."

"Guest or not, it was my fault," said Belle, getting the broom from the side of the kitchen. "Besides, with my help this will be clean and spotless by the time the pizzas are done."

Gold could only nod as Belle swept the floor and Gold wiped the kitchen counters. Bae came down a few minutes after and helped clean up the left over ingredients that could still be stored. "Glad papa's shirt suits you Belle."

Belle's head immediately shot up and looked from Bae and Gold. "This is yours?"

"Um, yes," began Gold, trying to figure out if those were the right words to say or not.

"Oh," said Belle, feeling slightly embarrassed. "I thought it was Bae's. Sorry, he just gave it to me."

"It's no problem Belle," said Gold with a small smile. "Bae's right, it suits you. You should probably ask Robin about the specifics of the Liverpool Football Club."

Belle smiled and playfully hit him with the broom. "I may not be a sporty girl but I do know the difference between football and American football."

"I'm glad I do too," said Bae. "Wished I had an accent though. I want to sound Scottish."

"You just want the attention," said Gold.

"Of course! Have you seen some of the people from school every time you're there and they hear you. It's like an open call to come and look at me as I speak with a Scottish brogue."

Belle laughed as the father and son continued to banter about their respective accents and in no time the kitchen was spotless and the pizza was ready.