Four:
Holy mother of god! Thank god I finished that bloody hike, four days and I swear my feet were ready to fall off at the sight of pavement or bush trails… anyway, thanks for the reviews you guys it was the greatest thing to get back and see my inbox so full of new mail, thanks a bunch and bless your cotton socks (or woollen if that's how you are).
The next few days passed in a blur of silence and cleaning. If the building had seemed empty before, now it was as if death itself stalked the halls for all the people she saw. The morning after their argument she received notice via a note pinned to her door that Mr Gold was away for business and her duties would simply be those of her recent domestication quality. To her surprise, and delight, there had also been a new pair of shoes on the landing which she found fitted as perfectly to her feet as if moulded specifically for them. Heading downstairs the Palace had seemed devoid of life, with only Granny appearing in the morning to complete the daily meals before she too disappeared for the day. Conversation had been brief and Belle finally found out that she was now under specific instruction to remain inside the building until further notice which, according to Granny, was whenever Gold came down off his high horse and came to find her.
"Don't you take any notice Belle, he's a temperamental sot and right now he, like every other man in existence, will be trying to avoid the blame for the argument… time is a great thing for such situations and he'll come around eventually." Granny had said as Belle swept the smooth stone floor of the kitchen. Belle had nodded and sighed, waving good bye to the older woman who had become the closest thing to a grandmother Belle was sure she'd ever had.
Ruby and Mary Margret were nowhere to be found, even in the girls' common room on the second floor that Belle meticulously cleaned. She had met one other girl, Ashley, during her travels just as the girl was heading for out for her own break. Three days passed by rather quickly, even though she saw next to no one. She was aware that New Year's Eve was fast approaching and was saddened to realise that this year's celebrations would be done without the company of either her parents. To take her mind off the gloomy depression her thoughts had sunken into, Belle often stayed up later to watch the patrons enter and exit the building. Most were dressed importantly and she could even name a few from the papers she'd found scattered around the place. Considering the rather dire state of the country's economy this was probably not unusual. Only the rich, it seemed, could afford to have sex. Belle found herself wondering if they found the whole experience as cheap as she thought it seemed. Surely these men had wives, had someone at home to see without the incentive of cold hard cash. In the girls' common room Belle discovered a discreet stairwell that led down into the club. Peering around the hidden door she was able to observe that goings on of the club after dark. It was truly a dazzling world of glitter, lights and liquor. Ruby worked like a mad woman in red to serve exotic looking concoctions whilst Mary Margret and Ashley appeared to have a more hands on job with their clients. Belle remembered she was in no position to judge either of these women and not for the first time wondered why Gold insisted she clean rather than serve as these other girls did. It wasn't as if she were any more beautiful than Mary Margret or Ashley but she was sure he'd get better 'investment' from her by this work than that which she was currently doing. That particular man was nowhere to be seen, inside or outside the Palace. For three days Belle tried to search for him, to try and patch up their differences but no familiar figure emerged from the snow covered crowds and no one bothered her high in her tower since the time she'd awoken to find her note and shoes. Belle was by no means an excessively outgoing person, she'd never been one for overzealous society functions or the like but she did miss seeing people and interacting with them. The mornings she had spent with Gold and Ruby had brightened her days sufficiently to steer off the boredom suffocating her and now with those gone; she began to feel the first chilled fingers of loneliness grasping at her heart. Often on those cold nights she sat and shared her meals with the robin, who she'd affectionately named Calico. Calico's wing was recuperating nicely and his eyes soon lost their pain glazed look long enough for him to stomach a few morsels of her food whenever she placed them on the comforter of her little bed. He would never eat from her palm, hard as she tried, but Belle was hoping that in time that would change as they got to know each other better. Trapped inside the building Belle felt her mind begin to stale. She needed something to do other than cleaning. Without the liberty to go outside, which she was able to tolerate, her mind needed stimulation and a book, even a single one, would have sufficed. Anything but this crushing sense of boredom.
Feeling perturbed but unsure of how to do anything about her ennui Belle threw herself into her chores. The sheets she had washed were taken down and ironed neatly, placed in their respective cupboards for next time. The atrium was mopped and the club cleared up and polished each morning. No matter how many times she scrubbed the marble tiles Belle still marvelled at the beauty of the room. She had run out of chores by the second day and sitting in the kitchen her eye had been drawn to the stairwell that lead to Gold's office. It was then that Belle remembered the third floor. Having been occupied with the first two floors she'd forgotten that although Gold's office was on that floor, many of its doors were still closed to her prying eyes, which meant that she had a whole different mess to clean… probably involving dust. Grimacing as she stepped into the elevator she arrived at the third floor with a glimmer of excitement in her breast. This floor was decorated in a style that was definitely not as austere as hers but nor was it gaudy or extravagant like those on the lower levels. It was a rather nice mix of sensible and tasteful, a direct reflection on the man who worked on it. The hardwood floors required polishing, the curtains a good beating or two and the lights were in need of careful dusting which Belle was all too happy to provide. She soon discovered that there was another function for the Palace, and that it was far more interesting for her to inspect than the rabble that went on below. Upon completing the outward appearance of the hallway she unlocked the first door along the corridor to find its inside piled high with covered lumps of what appeared to be furniture. As she stepped into the room Belle's feet flicked up tiny clouds of dust, leaving a small trail of footprints behind her as she moved through to ghostly room curiously. Plain white sheets had been pulled over every imaginable kind of furniture. Ornate tables of all sizes, chairs every colour and shape, beds, settes carved intricately from beautiful timber, drawers lacquered to perfection and even empty, floor-to-ceiling shelves surrounded her as she pulled off one cover after another in a haze of excitement. Granny had been able to provide an explanation.
"He's a businessman Belle, he buys and sells what people need him too. Right now the market isn't so great for furniture or knick-knacks but come better times and he'll be right back to his pawning." She said and Belle frowned.
"Why the club then?" She asked and Granny had turned to her with a frown.
"The what?"
"You know… the club, the um… brothel?" Belle stammered, causing the old woman to shriek with laughter.
"Oh lord, I shouldn't laugh but that's precious. As I said girl, Mr Gold's a businessman, he's a snake in a suit and what's selling right now is sex. Even when money's tight men will pay for it. Sex has been around longer than you and I and I can guarantee that it will be here long after we're gone. Only profit anyone can make in this depression comes from men and their appetites." She remarked dryly and Belle felt her cheeks glow like Christmas lights. At the memory Belle's cheeks heated again and she glowered at her sensitive skin. She threw the sheets into a pile and hurried downstairs to grab the cleaning supplies. She soon discovered that dust was an ultimate enemy to her state of mind. Once she was certain she'd cleaned off all the dust on a piece of furniture she'd shift it to another position to find more trickling out of nooks and crevices she hadn't seen. It was repetitive work but the whole mystery of who these things belonged to allowed Belle's vivid imagination to run wild as she laboured. She was now sure that each room on this floor would take a few days to complete, there was simply so much to get through and she was in no hurry now to rush. On the dawn of the fourth day, which just so happened to be the morning of New Year's Eve, she rolled out of bed to find Calico perched proudly on the iron tubing of her head board, his chest plumped and his eyes twinkling merrily at her.
"Well good morning to you too Calico." Belle grumbled and the robin chirped loudly. Belle yawned and rolled out of bed, her toes colliding with the frosty boards of her room and shrinking with cold. She stifled her groan and hurried to pull on her clothes, twirling her hair into a neat braid as she flew down the ladder without hands. She was travelling along the corridor to the kitchen when she heard twin voices ahead. A smile broke over her lips and she raced to enter the kitchen as a familiar dark haired woman spun.
"Belle!"
"Ruby!" The two women hugged each other and Belle went immediately to collect her cleaning supplies but Granny coughed.
"I don't think he'll appreciate being second to chores Belle." She said and Belle pivoted to fix her with a strange glance.
"I beg your pardon?" She asked warily and Granny chuckled.
"Gold's upstairs, you'd best get that tea ready." She scolded fondly and Belle flew to the tea cupboard. The kettle was set over the fire and the tea set placed on its silver tray. Toast, jam and butter were soon located and prepped and she waited till the kettle whistled cheerfully. Sighing as she poured it into a beautifully crafted china teapot Belle rolled her eyes at Ruby who giggled and cross herself mock-seriously.
"Bless you child." She said and they both grinned at each other as Belle hefted the tray and carried it cautiously to the steps. She could hear the two Lucas women talking behind her as she nudged the door open and made her way towards Gold's office, pausing once to straightened her shoulders and knock. If he wanted to play childishly, she would show him how to play properly.
"Intrude." Came a familiarly accented voice and Belle nearly lost her resolve to be angry but three days of boredom resurfaced and she fortified herself. Keeping her face perfectly blank she entered and, without looking once to the figure behind the impressive mahogany desk, walked over to the low slung table by the fireplace to set her tea tray down. She heard him approach and didn't even tilt her head to look at him as he handed her the chipped tea cup. She planted a single spoonful of sugar into its base, covered it with tea and let it still for a few moments before dashing it with milk. Without a word she handed it back to him and it was then that she finally looked up at Gold. She flinched slightly at the ghastly sight that met her gaze. His handsome face was pale and dark shadows surrounded his eyes, making them appear sunken and darker then she'd ever seen them. Lines she hadn't really noticed had deepened around his eyes and the mouth she loved to watch twist roguishly was slack with fatigue. Her resolve flew out the window and she smiled at him kindly, her stare becoming calculating as he brought the fractured tea cup to his lips like a man starved of substance and sipped it delicately. A lick of colour seemed to return to his thin cheeks and he settled himself stiffly into the chair, indicating for her to do so as well. Reluctantly she sat and surveyed Gold as he poured her own cup of tea, filling it with three sugars, tea and more than a dash of milk. When he handed it to her Belle could see the fingers that clutched the china were tightened and the knuckles almost as white as the pottery. Again she smiled, accepting the tea cup with a mumbled thank you. Taking a sip Belle sighed as the liquid ambrosia slid down her throat, warming her from the top of her head to the very ends of her toes. She rested the cup on its saucer and glanced up at her silent employer. It was obvious now that she would have to be the brave one here, Gold was evidently a man of few words and even fewer when troubled.
"Mr Gold?" She asked and he seemed to wince slightly. Her lips parted again in a bright smile and she raised her cup in a salute.
"Why is it that you make a living as a businessman when it's obvious your talent lies in tea making?" She continued and sipped her delightful drink again. There, she'd extended the proverbial olive branch. Gold's eyes momentarily flashed with shock then a familiar smirk appeared on his lips and he let out a breathy chuckle.
"Not much money in tea at the moment dearie, not much at all." He said whimsically and Belle snorted.
"But plenty in sex right?" She pressed and he seemed to choke on his tea. She laughed as he retained his breath and met her sparkling blue eyes with confused deep brown ones. He waggled a finger at her mockingly.
"Now, now dearie language like that is not at all appropriate for a girl of your age." Gold retorted smugly and Belle sniggered.
"I'm eighteen years old, I'm old enough to be married by now and many of the girls I know are." She returned spiritedly. She may have been mistaken but it seemed as if his eyes darkened momentarily, with what she couldn't guess, and her employer took a rather large sip of his tea before speaking again.
"Indeed, I had quite forgotten." He said almost to himself and Belle smirked. She set the now finished cup on the table and relaxed into her chair.
"Where have you been sulking all this time? The place has been fair boring without your invigorating presence." She teased and his thin lips curved into a crooked grin that made the shadows around it lighten and fade away.
"Business dearie, there is always business to be done." Gold said and returned his own cup to the tray. She nodded and twiddled her thumbs in her lap, suddenly unsure how to lead to conversation. The moment stretched and the air thickened unbearably until Gold cleared his throat.
"Were you… comfortable?" He asked and Belle nodded quickly.
"Yes, business as usual." She replied lightly and his chin ducked stiffly in a slight nod. The awkward silence reigned again and Belle wished that they'd go back to the time when such silences had been neither uncomfortable or necessary between them. Unable to stand it she stood and reached out to take the tray from the table when a wiry hand clasped her wrist. She paused and looked down at him. He looked conflicted and opened his mouth.
"Belle… I…" He floundered and she smiled, her other hand coming down to rest over his as she squeezed it tightly.
"It's alright Mr Gold, how about we start over… it's New Year's Eve tonight after all." She said and his eyes sparkled.
"Why that's very true Belle-of-mine." He said and she cocked her head to the side to bite her lip.
"I'm coming in here to clean today; this floor is giving me nightmares." She murmured and gently withdrew her hand from his grasp as he laughed. She smirked and hoisted the tray onto her hip. Waving airily over her shoulder she hummed as she walked out of the room, the weight she'd never even knew was in her heart lifting with each step.
OoOoOoO
Maurice de Boire flinched at the sound of his front door being belted upon by a confident hand. Moaning he clutched his head and staggered haphazardly towards it, flicking the solid new latch he'd been able to afford with Belle's wages and opening the wooden portal gingerly. He was surprised to see the young man, Gaston, standing on the threshold, looking extremely pleased with himself. Maurice peered up at the man, knowing that he'd have to inform him of Belle's… he couldn't even bare to say it in his head.
"Good morning Mr de Boire." Gaston said and Maurice nodded a curt greeting, swallowing thickly when the movement made his hang over worse. The boy seemed to not to notice his mood and smiled brightly, peering around Maurice's shoulder as if to catch a glimpse of Belle.
"I was wondering if I could speak to Belle, I haven't seen her in some time and was wondering if…"
"She's not here." Maurice said and winced at the barking way it came from his throat. Gaston was a decent lad; he didn't deserve to be yelled at for the unfortunate dealings of that fiend, Gold.
"I beg your pardon?" Gaston said and Maurice opened the door wide allowing the boy entrance into the house that Maurice now lived inside alone. It had fallen into disrepair; the floor was covered in a thin layer of dust except trails where Maurice had walked, the crockery was piled high in the sink of the kitchen and clothes were strewn around the house unwashed and smelling of spirits and sweat. If he'd been in any other frame of mind Maurice would have been embarrassed to showcase the house Belle had taken so much time caring for in such a state but he wasn't and the disgusted look of Gaston's face was unseen by his rheumy alcohol-bleared eyes. He sat down in one of the two plain wooden chairs in the kitchen and indicated the other to Gaston who also sat. For a moment the two men said nothing.
"Mr de Boire, where is Belle?" Gaston asked finally and Maurice covered his face with his hands.
"Gone, all gone. She was taken from me by that treacherous snake, that leach of human misery." He wailed and Gaston's gasp of surprise made him look up. The young, handsome man was staring at Maurice in horror.
"Who took her?" He demanded and Maurice shook furiously.
"That monster, that beast Gold. He took my Belle and I have no idea where or for what." Maurice's cheeks blanched slightly.
"Belle, with that monster? What did you do?" He asked furiously and Maurice sobbed.
"I lost my job down at the factory and Belle, sweet thing that she is, felt responsible to go and get her own… met that snake down at the boards and made a deal to rid us of our debts and… the Ogres." This last word was choked out and Gaston's stiffening made him choke on the lump in his throat.
"At what price?" Gaston demanded and Maurice sighed.
"She never said, not until that man came and took her. Signed the contract he gave her and was whisk out of my door before I could stop it." He moaned and Gaston stood with a muffled curse.
"The Ogres, they have been stopped sure enough but what kind of man will make a deal like that for just one young girl?" He said out loud and Maurice flinched, worried for his baby girl unlike anything he'd felt before.
"I was coming to ask for her hand Maurice, I want to marry her." Gaston said and his words pierced the darkness of Maurice's mind like sunlight through storm clouds.
"You? But…"
"With your blessing and permission, I will search for her, bring her back and marry her, in a few years we will all be able to look back on this time without fear." The young man said strongly and Maurice struggled to his feet. He clasped the man's hand between his own and stared up into the stern dark eyes above him.
"You would do this? For Belle, my Belle?" He asked and Gaston nodded.
"I would and I will. Belle will be my wife." He said and Maurice felt tears of unending gratitude fill his eyes.
"My many blessings Gaston lad." He said and Gaston clapped him on the shoulder reassuringly.
"Thank you father, I will not fail you." He said and Maurice de Boire watched as his daughter's hero spun on his heel and stalked to the door, pulling it open and stepping out into the wintery afternoon.
OoOoOoO
Gaston walked away from the de Boire house with a heavy heart. Gold, the infamous Mr Gold feared throughout New York as a ruthless, cold hearted monster, a beast in a silken suit that preyed on the most desperate of souls. His Belle, the very picture of kindness wouldn't have been able to see him as anything other than a benefactor, probably fell for his wiles and was now paying for it. He imagined her, chained in the monster's basemen or worse, his bed, unable to leave and frightened. Her beautiful mane of hair strew across her tear stained face, her clothes ragged and her voice hoarse from screaming. To his surprise he felt himself stiffen and his gait became uneven. A slow smile stole across his own face as he paused on the sidewalk, unable to determine where he would be able to find information about Gold. Information and thinking had never been his strong suits. He'd preferred shooting with his friends in the spring or watching the latest model cars being built in the yards. Belle had been somewhat of a mystery to him, with her books and learning. Her dreams of the world had confused him as well. What normal girl wanted to see the world when all she needed was a house and children to care for, a husband to pamper after a long day's shift. Her innocence and beauty were what drew him. He was the most handsome man in the area and she the most dazzling of women, it was only right they should be together. Satisfied he sat down and began to think, a dangerous past time indeed. A tinkling caught his attention and he looked over to see a shop Belle had frequented many times over the last few years. Lettie's Bookshop. A bookshop would have information on people wouldn't it? He walked over and pushed open the door, the bell over it tinkling as he did so. A squat older woman with thick glasses approached him and he smiled at her, knowing women loved his smiles… except Belle, who only ever rolled her eyes. Shaking away the thought he cleared his throat.
"I am looking for a book." He told the woman who nodded and waved a hand around her bemusedly.
"You've come to the right place then." She answered and Gaston scowled.
"No I need to find a person, but I have no idea where to look. Books have information don't they?" Gaston asked and the woman's steel eyes seemed to laugh.
"Why yes sir they do, quite a lot actually. If you're looking for famous people I suggest that section over there." She said and pointed to a dusty section towards the back of the shop. Frustrated Gaston bit his lip.
"I'm looking for information of Mr Gold." He said and the woman's eyes instantly lost their shine. Her arms folded across her chest and she scowled at him darkly.
"What business do you think I run here?" She demanded and Gaston sneered.
"Obviously not a good one, I wish to know if there is anything written about the man but apparently your bookshop won't cut it." He said tauntingly and the woman's eyes snapped with anger.
"Try the town records, book shops are for books, we are an institute of learning. Town hall should have something for you." She said and waved him out of her shop. As he left he shouted back the reason for his quest in desperation and turned to see the woman's eyes widen and fill with tears.
"Good luck lad, bring her home safely I beg you." She whispered and Gaston felt his pride return slightly. By nightfall everyone would know he was on a quest for Belle, and everyone would be behind him. Standing on the street corner Gaston tried to remember the way to the town hall. Finally he recalled and began to walk, through the snow towards it. When he arrived he was annoyed to see the place was packed tight with people and shouldered his way through them to reach a large room stacked high with books and shelves. An old man stood behind a wooden counter and glared at him.
"Can I help you?" He asked and Gaston nodded.
"I'm looking for records on Mr Gold." He said and the man's eyes became wary.
"You with the police?" He asked dubiously and Gaston nodded, lying through his teeth.
"Yes, new case opened up recently and I was in need of old information." Gaston said and the man hurried to escort him to an older section of the room, filled with shelves of what appeared to be alphabetized labels.
"You will find everything about Gold in that drawer there." The old man said and cocked his head suddenly.
"Your partner was in earlier today." The muttered and Gaston raised an eyebrow.
"Officer Mills, tall woman, dark hair and very beautiful. Came in asking about Gold too, she left about an hour ago saying she was headed to Brooklyn." He said and Gaston nodded. He would find this Mills woman whoever she was and maybe some of his questions would be answered.
"Thank you." He said and turned away, thoroughly dismissing the man. He opened the draw and leafed through several newspaper prints, a city file, police reports and even immigration documents from Scotland before the war. So far however there was nothing of real value and after about half an hour he gave up. He threw everything back into the draw and slammed it shut. Shaking his head with disgust Gaston hurried from the building and stared around, wondering how he'd get to Brooklyn. Trains were still running and he searched his wallet to find that he had just enough to take him to Brooklyn but that the walk home would be a long and very cold one. Grimacing he walked towards the nearest station and was relieved to find that the dark tunnels that were the train system of New York were relatively warm by comparison to the weather outside. He paid for his ticket and hopped aboard the train, seating himself as far from the other passengers as possible and earning a few meaningful glances from the women around him. Brooklyn arrived swiftly and he got off before walking out into the snowy world once more to blink around him in bewilderment. People scurried back and forth, either ready for the night's revels or to find shelter for yet another winter night in New York. The fire bins of the homeless were more prominent here than in Manhattan and he watched the desperate, depraved souls wander around the streets in a haze. Ignoring their cries became easier as he went and he was soon able to block them out altogether until he realised he had no idea where he was going. He began to ask people if they knew of Officer Mills but received the same answer… no. He went about like this for about an hour until he stopped a passing patrol car and asked if they knew an Officer Mills.
"Mills you say? No, I can't say I have." The copper announced and his partner shook his head.
"A woman; dark hair, quite pretty." Gaston said, going off the description the old man at town hall had said. Both cops gave him a strange look.
"Only one woman on the force in all of Manhattan and that's Deputy Swan… no officer called Mills mate." The cop informed him and drove off before Gaston could argue. Perplexed he realised now that this Mills must have tricked the town hall clerk as well and groaned. She probably didn't even live in Brooklyn. Sitting down on a nearby bench he gazed around him blankly.
"Are you looking for me?" A voice asked from behind him and Gaston whirled to see a very beautiful woman approaching him. She was tall, had crisp dark hair that curled beside a pale, striking face with the lines of aristocracy written into every plane and angle. She lifted a single, manicured eyebrow and Gaston recovered his voice.
"Are you Officer Mills?" He asked and the woman smirked.
"When I need to be." She replied smoothly and he gaped at her.
"Who are you and what do you want?" She asked him and her tone was far from amused. He realised that the street around them was empty, that even the fire bins were deserted of people and that the situation was rapidly turning into something like a nightmare. Danger crackled around this woman like electricity and Gaston took a wary step back.
"Gaston, ma'am. I'm looking for Gold, he has something of mine and I want it back." He said and the woman laughed; a bubbling cackle that set his teeth on edge and raised the hairs on the back of his neck.
"Gold? Gold's untouchable, even for someone like me. What makes you think that a little man like you, with no connections or power could bring down the most dangerous man in New York City?" She demanded and Gaston raised his chin stubbornly.
"I came to you because I heard you might have information about him, about where he is. I don't ask for your help or anyone else's" HE said and a flicker of admiration flashed in the woman's dark, coal-black eyes.
"Is that so? Why Gaston I admire such spirit in a man." She said and held out a slim, delicate hand which he took and shook. She smirked and retracted the limb hurriedly.
"Although I am Regina Mills, you will refer to me as my Queen for I am the Queen of Brooklyn and your quest interests me. I often find myself drawn to the quests of brave men, brave being by far the kindest name for stupid." Regina said smartly and Gaston swallowed the angry words bubbling in his throat. This woman was obviously powerful and if he could garner her aid then his quest might become that much easier.
"Thank you my Queen." He said and she smiled with all the warmth of a shark.
"Now, come Gaston tell me what the good Beast stole from you." Regina asked and indicated for him to follow her. She spun on her heel and began to trot away on her dainty heels. He followed her like some lost and bewildered puppy, stumbling over his words in his haste.
"My fiancé, he took her to pay off a debt of her father's." He said and Regina clucked sympathetically. She said nothing however and they walked on in silence until they reached a warehouse by the side of the docks and the door was opened to admit them. Stairs to their right led up into a higher level and the ground floor was alive with activity, men moving about containers that bubbled and hissed in a way that made Gaston wary. There were a few men dotted around, dressed completely in black who seemed to be watching over the workers with a superior and threatening air but Regina swept past and ascended the stairs, making Gaston remember himself and follow suit. At the top of these stairs the upper level was revealed to be a single opulent room, wide and spacious with decedent black and white ornaments. The walls were lined with mirrors. Hundreds of mirrors, set in beautiful frames hung from the walls around him and Gaston's watched as their reflections moved about them in a fashion he found quite disconcerting. On the furthest wall, a wide window looked out over the river towards the sparkling lights of sunset New York. The room felt like a giant eye, constantly open, constantly watching his every movement.
"My mirrors allow me to see, this is my nest and I must feel comfortable in my nest." Regina said and Gaston nodded quickly.
"Yes my Queen." He said and waited as she walked over to a desk that sat in a corner, sitting herself down in the chair and gazing at him seriously.
"Now Gaston, your quest is to recover this girl from Gold's clutches… I am very interested as to why?" She said and Gaston choked.
"I love her…" He began but Regina stood with a snarl.
"I know what love is and you do not love this girl, I will ask you only once more as to your reasons to find this girl." She asked and Gaston swallowed. He knew he could not lie to this woman, she seemed to see straight through his soul.
"She is beautiful and she is mine, she is my betrothed and since we were children that has always been the case. No man may take what is mine, no matter who he is or what he controls." He said and Regina smiled thinly.
"You pride has been abused, you saw this girl as yours and another stole her from you. Very well my valiant hero, you shall rescue your fiancé from the beast's clutches and return to your neighbourhood a hero. I ask though, what makes this girl so important?" She asked and Gaston smirked.
"She is beautiful, but headstrong. I will tame her and she will be grateful to be saved by me." He said and Regina smiled.
"I have always believed there are two kinds of people in this world, sheep and wolves. You my dear Gaston are a wolf for sure and that delights me. I will help you find this girl, what is her name?" She asked and Gaston smiled.
"Belle de Boire." He said, missing the way the woman's eyes shot upwards in surprise.
"Belle, what a beautiful name." She mused and Gaston nodded, oblivious to her absent, pensive expression. When next her voice ame he flinched at its harshness.
"Rooms will be prepared for you, you will stay here and we will plot together the next action forwards. Fear not Gaston, your precious Belle will soon be with you." She said and Gaston knew instinctively he was being dismissed. He bowed and staggered backwards, running into a man in black who led him silently downstairs and out to another building nearby. He was shown inside and smiled as a buxom beauty arose from a recliner to sway towards him. The guard grinned at him and Gaston winked. The door closed behind him and Gaston turned to face the girl, who looked to be no more than sixteen or seventeen at the most.
"On your knees." He ordered and she smiled, slinking slowly to the ground. Gaston fumbled for the front of his trousers and allowed his near bursting member to spring forward. The girl opened her mouth like a baby bird seeking nourishment from its mother and her sweet lips enclosed around him. Gaston's head rocked back and he groaned, all thoughts of Belle slipping from as his mind and the girl began to suck.
OoOoOoO
"What are you doing?" Gold asked warily as Belle walked into his office, a ladder under her slim arm and a triumphant gleam in her eye. He'd been able to gather a few hours' sleep in his room before re-joining the paper work that had somehow multiplied during his absence. For the last three days he had sheltered in the West Wing, avoiding all contact with the world outside and especially the pretty auburn haired cleaner who'd been on the lookout for him. At first it had been because he was furious, then fury had ebbed to remorse at blowing up at the girl for his own foolishness and finally shame. Shame was an emotion he had not felt for a long time and considering some of the things he had done over the years there had been plenty of opportunities for it to crop up. He had known she was searching for him and like the coward he was he'd ignored her, stayed holed up in the only part of the house he had forbidden her entry and watched from the shadows as she went about her days. Finally the solitude had gotten to him. Once he could have gone weeks without seeing anyone and it wouldn't have affected him yet, three days without speaking to Belle, without seeing her laugh or smile at something he said had sent him into a desperate state that would only rectify itself in her presence. He had been so worried, that morning when she'd walked in baring the tea. Her face had been so blank and impassive, her manner so cold, he'd nearly run in shame again. Then she'd looked at him and smiled, smiled like nothing had happened and he knew then he'd never seen a more beautiful expression on a human's face then in that moment. Now here she was, armed and determined to turn the quiet sanctuary of his office upside down. Sitting back he watched as she grinned at him and stalked to the window behind him.
"I'm taking down these curtains, there's much too much darkness in here." She said and he quirked a brow at her amusedly. She huffed and set the ladder against the wall, climbing it nimbly without a second thought. Gold watched her cautiously. She tugged at the curtain and all that fell was a shower of dust that had her coughing and him moving swiftly out of the way to avoid its fall.
"What did you do, nail them down?" She asked him sarcastically and he chuckled.
"Of course." He retorted and she looked down at him, hands planted on her slim hips. She waggled a finger at him faux-furiously and turned on the ladder to face the curtains again. It wobbled a little and she frowned.
"Maybe you should…" He began and she scowled.
"Un uh, I'm sticking to this…" She muttered and hauled at the suborn curtain, her knuckles turning white from effort as she tugged at it. It gave only a little and her triumphant smile disappearing as she became suddenly aware of the ladder beneath her that was reeling like a drunken sailor. She stepped down a bit and steadied it before moving upwards once more to grasp the curtain.
"Third time's the charm." She remarked and tossed the end of her shawl over her shoulder flippantly and narrowed her gaze. She gave the curtain a firm yank and two things happened. One, the curtain came loose in her hand and two, the ladder beneath her suddenly snapped like dried kindling. So preoccupied on its stability neither had noticed the hairline fracture that had worked its way across the middle of the ladder, causing it to weaken and finally snap with Belle's final tug. For a moment she seemed to dangle in mid-air and then she fell with barely a gasp towards the ground. Gold was by no means young or strong and his leg could barely hold his weight at times, let alone Belle's, but he reacted without thinking. He threw himself forwards as she came down and an arm slinked around her slim waist, taking her weight as she landed. His knee did give out and the crashed to the floor, her on top of his chest but miraculously unharmed. His nostrils were filled with the tantalising scent of wild violet, polish and that distinct Belle smell he'd come to recognise throughout his Palace. Gold shifted and opened his eyes to find a sight he'd never thought he see before him. Belle lay sprawled atop him, her glowing russet hair a wild mess as she lifted her head up off his chest to gaze at him in shocked wonder. Her azure coloured eyes were round and her cheeks the colour of fresh snow. She was unhurt and he was grateful, knowing that because of him his Belle was fine. His Belle? Since when was she his Belle? He shook his head.
"Thank you." She whispered and his thoughts instantly reconnected. With a start he remembered what kind of position they now lay in and so apparently did she. Her cheeks flushed a vivid crimson and she hastily scrambled off him.
"God I'm so sorry, are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?" She asked and her hand was on his shoulder before he knew which way was up or down.
"Yes, I am fine. Are you injured?" He asked and she smiled brightly.
"Thanks to you, I'm a picture of health… you shouldn't have tried to catch me though." She told him seriously and he grinned morbidly.
"Oh yes because I love cleaning the blood of eighteen year old girls off my hardwood floor." HE murmured sardonically and she giggled.
"You old rogue." She said and helped him to his feet. Gold grasped the table and twisted his leg gingerly, silently calculating if any damage had actually occurred or that he was genuinely fine. She returned with his cane and he grasped it gratefully.
"I'm sorry." She said and he glanced at her curiously. She indicated to the now ruined curtain, through which light, pure as snow filtered into his office. Its cave-like atmosphere disappeared like fog over the Hudson and he shook his head.
"I'll just have to get used to the dark dearie." He said and she smiled. They were less than a few inches from each other and he noticed that now, with her cheeks flushed and her eyes sparkling with adrenalin, Belle de Boire was by far the most captivating woman on the planet. She was gazing into his eyes and he found himself getting lost in their oceanic depths. The moment stretched and he was about to say something. A knock at the door interrupted them and he cursed silently as Belle stepped away, fixing her hair and moving to begin clearing up the fallen curtain and splintered ladder.
"Intrude!" He barked and the door cracked to admit Ruby Lucas who smirked at them, as if she knew what she'd almost interrupted.
"Evening Gold, some of the girls and I are heading out tonight… I'm not working on New Year's because I worked Christmas as did Mary and Ashley like you asked us." She said boldly and moved into the room to stand before his desk. Gold pursed his lips and stared at her.
"Indeed." Was all he said and she lifted her chin proudly.
"Yes indeed. I was coming to ask if Belle was allowed to come with us." She continued and Gold whirled at Belle's startled gasp. She was looking at them, expectation in her bright blue eyes. She peered at him and then down at the neatly folded curtain in her hand. He was on the verge of saying no when she spoke quietly.
"Ruby that's really nice of you and the girls, but if Mr Gold needs me here tonight then I'll stay." She whispered and Gold felt like a monster. Here he was, an old man, depriving a beautiful young girl the time she deserved, a party with friends on New Year's Eve. He cleared his voice and turned to face Ruby, knowing it would easier to say it to her then Belle.
"You'll take care of her won't you?" He asked and Ruby's dark eyes seemed to warm slightly.
"Won't let her out of my sight." She vowed and Gold felt instantly more relaxed, sure the pretty bartender meant every word.
"Very well," He said as nonchalantly as he could, moving to sit down at his desk and draw his papers towards him.
"You may go Belle, just listen to Ruby and stay with her at all…" He never got to finish because he was suddenly engulfed in the aroma of violets and Belle. He stiffened as her arms came around his shoulders and her lips connected with his right cheek lightly.
"Thank you Mr Gold." She whispered and walked away towards a shocked looking Ruby. Gold could do nothing but stare after her as she disappeared through the door and he fixed Ruby with his most piercing glare.
"If anything happens to her…" He warned and she smiled softly.
"Nothing will happen to her, I swear it." She repeated and rapped on his desk top cheerfully.
"Happy New Year, Mr Gold." She called merrily and skipped to the door, waltzing through it like some mischievous red coated sprite. Gold sat alone for a few minutes in heavy silence before slowly, his arm moved up and lightly brushed the spot Belle's lisp had graced but moments before. Dazedly he gazed at the papers before him and knew without a doubt, he was in serious, serious trouble.
Hope you all liked it, review and let me know because well, it's just how I roll. Next chapter will include Emma, Henry and a New Year's ball with Belle, Ruby, Mary Margret and Ashley. So excited, I'm already writing it…