Hey guys, once again thank you for the wonderful reviews, only one (maybe two) more chapters left after this!

Hopefully the auction scene is easy to read and understand, I had a bit of trouble writing it.

Belle gathered Mary-Margaret, Emma and Granny and they all made their way to the stage. Belle hesitated and she began to walk up the steps, looking back at Mary-Margaret she said "Belle you'll do just fine and I'll be right beside you." Belle stepped up to the podium "Hello everybody, I'm so pleased to welcome you to the annual Miners day auction. I would like to start by thanking everyone who has already contributed to the event, it has been a great privilege of mine to plan it" she scanned the crowd quickly but didn't spot Gold "And I would like to wish you all happy bidding" with that She stepped aside and let Granny start the auction.

The first few items sold no problem, all be it at rather small prices. Belle switched off paying attention to the auction and scanning for gold. The lights and crowd made it hard for her to be sure he was really missing. Some of the bigger items brought in a good amount of money and Belle thought that even if they don't hit the goal at least they would have a good amount to donate. Only as the last few items came up did she remember she was being auctioned too. Sure it was only for a date, but what if no one bid on her, she would die of shame.

"And now for our last to and most valuable items" Granny announced "first up, a date with our lovely sheriff's deputy Emma Swan"

Emma stepped on the stage, looking lovely in a tight black dress and black platforms.

"let's start the bidding at $50" called Granny.

Jefferson, a rumored to be wealthy, recluse that had recently taken an interest in Emma raised his hand

"great, do we have $75?" Neil Cassidy, David's friend from out of town raised his hand.

"Do we have $100" Jefferson raised his hand again.

Emma looked mortified, as much as Jefferson liked Emma , but she hated the guy.

"$125" Killian Jones, a local recently returned for the navy, raised his hand from way in the back.

"$150" Neil raised his hand.

"$175" Killian this time.

It went on like this for a while, Jefferson gave up halfway in and it was just Neal and Killian. The bid reached $300. Neil glared at Killian, but shook his head in defeat. Killian raised his hand.

"Going once, going twice, sold to Killian Jones" Killian sat back looking very please, and as Belle noticed, Emma looked rather happy herself. Belles stomach turned, she wasn't nearly as popular or well known as Emma so she surely wouldn't fetch as much, but she put on a brave face and stepped up.

"And for our final auction for the night, our lovely host Mrs. Belle French" declared Granny " lets start at $50"

There was a long pause, and then Ruby raised her hand in an effort to help her friend. Oh god thought Belle.

"Do we have $75" called Granny. There was another long pause before someone Belle didn't know raised their hand.

Alright, how about $100" Jefferson was about to raise his hand when someone from the back called

"I bit 2000 dollars" Belle was shocked, as was the crowed. She moved forward to get a better look at who it was. But she already knew, only one person in town had a Scottish accent.

Everyone stood in silent shock, until Granny had enough sense to announce Mr. Gold as the winner and give the podium over to Mary-Margaret to give the final speech. As Mary-Margaret spoke Belle exited the stage, all eyes still on her. Emma looked at her only managing to say "Damn". Mary-Margaret finished up, everyone applauded and began to exit.

Belle wormed her way through the crowed searching for Gold, she spotted him standing in a dark corner by the entrance. She fought for the right words to say, everything from accusing him of embarrassing her to questioning why he would do such a thing. The only thing that came out was "thank You".

"You're worth every penny" he replied with a small smile.

She wanted more than ever to be in his arms, but she just stood there awkwardly

"What are your plans for the rest of the evening?" gold added

It was already 11:00 and her only plans were to help clean up and then bed. "I think I have to stay and clean up"

"I was ever so hoping you would accompany me for a drink, I did just pay a rather large amount of money for some time with you" he said jokingly

"Give me a second" Belle said running off to find Mary-Margaret. She spotted her throwing way empty plates of food.

"I hate to do this to you, but is there any way you could handle this without me, I have somewhere I need to be" Belle blurted out.

Mary-Margaret smiled knowingly "Of course, we've got it under control"