Emma, Mary Margaret and Henry arrived at Gold's house at 3:00pm on Saturday. When Gold answered the door he looked genuinely happy to see them.

"Good afternoon, Miss Blanchard. " Gold took her hand and kissed it. Mary Margaret giggled a little. She wasn't used to such formality but liked it nonetheless.

"Come in, Henry." Gold shook his hand.

"Hi, Mr. Gold." Henry was eyeing him suspiciously. Emma hadn't told him about Gold's name yet but was sure it was going to come up.

"Emma, dear." Gold put his arm around her waist and kissed her on the cheek. She could feel Mary Margaret and Henry staring.

"Come in, come in." He led them through his house and out back to his patio.

The yard was abloom with flowers and Mary Margaret gasped in delight. "Your yard is so beautiful, Mr. Gold. I had no idea that you had such a lovely garden back here."

"Please feel free to walk around, Miss Blanchard. I'll be more than happy to give you any flowers you desire before you leave. It's nice to have someone to share them with."

Mary Margaret asked Emma to join her and they immediately set out to explore the grounds. "You coming, Henry?"

"No, I'm going to stay with Mr. Gold." Emma was nervous about leaving the two of them alone together, but there wasn't much she could do about it.

Henry was wary of Gold but decided that this was the perfect opportunity to confront him about the book and some other things that were bothering him.

"Do you think Emma's pretty, Mr. Gold?"

"I think your mother is very beautiful, Henry… both inside and out."

"Do you like kissing her?"

"Of course. I'm the frog who kissed the beautiful princess but didn't turn into a prince. I keep trying though, hoping it will happen."

Henry laughed. Gold had used the right approach with the kid. What better way to get to him than to reference a fairy tale.

"Did Emma tell you that you guessed my name correctly?" Gold knew that Henry had this on his mind so he decided to broach the subject himself.

Henry hesitated. Emma hadn't told him. He wasn't sure what to think. "Is it Rumplestiltskin?"

"Indeed it is, young man. You were the clever one to come up with it. Emma would have never guessed it without you."

Henry was thrilled that he had figured out who Gold was in the book, but Rumplestiltskin was evil. He wanted to like Mr. Gold but didn't think he should.

"Do you know anything about the Rumplestilskin in my book?" Henry didn't think Gold would reveal himself so he was going to try to trick him.

"I know all about Rumplestiltskin, Henry. I've made it my business to learn everything about him."

Henry was filled with questions that he was afraid to ask. He wanted to ask him outright if he was the Rumplestiltskin, but he didn't know how Mr. Gold would respond. And he knew that Emma would not be happy.

"Did you look at my book, Mr. Gold? Everyone in Storybrooke is in it. They're all under a curse and won't remember who they are until Emma believes and breaks the curse."

"How unfortunate. It won't be easy to convince Emma. Your mother is highly skeptical of everything." Henry didn't know if Mr. Gold was humoring him or admitting that the curse was real.

"Do you think you're the Rumplestiltskin from my book?"

There it was. Henry had asked him.

Gold moved closer to Henry and looked at him conspiratorially. "What do you think, Henry?"

Henry took a step back. "I think you're the real Rumplestiltskin. Mary Margaret is Snow White, David Nolan is Prince Charming, Emma is their daughter and my other mom is the Evil Queen."

Gold interjected. "Dr. Hopper is Jiminy Cricket, Leroy is Grumpy, Mr. Clark is Sneezy, Miss Lucas is Red Riding Hood and the wolf, Ashley Boyd is Cinderella…"

Henry was staring at him with a look of fear in his eyes. "How... How do you know?"

"Some of us know the truth Henry. I know the curse is real and I want Emma to break it."

"You really believe?"

"Yes, Henry, I really believe."

"Who else knows?" Henry was dumbfounded.

"Your mother for one."

"My mom knows?" Henry looked appalled.

"Your mother cast the curse so she's known about it from the beginning. I chose to lose my memories for 28 years until the day you brought Emma to Storybrooke. When I heard her name was spoken my memories were restored."

Henry was not sure what this all meant. If Mr. Gold knew all along… Did he really like Emma? Henry knew that Emma liked Mr. Gold even though she kept telling him that their "dates" were part of a deal.

"Do you really like Emma or is she just part of your plan?" Henry didn't want Emma to get hurt and he didn't trust Mr. Gold.

"I really like your mom, Henry… more than I can tell you… how I feel about her has nothing at all to do with the curse. I want her to believe, Henry, but I'll never be the one to convince her. She has to see things for herself."

"I know. She likes to see proof before she believes anything. Maybe you can help convince her?" Henry decided that Gold could be a valuable ally.

"I'll do what I can, my boy. Emma is remarkably stubborn." Gold grinned. "Now how about we get the hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill? It's not going to be good for either of us if your mom suspects that I'm encouraging your belief in the book. She's determined to believe that everything that supports your theory is a coincidence rather than proof. I don't think she even believes that my real name is Rumplestiltskin."

"What are you two looking so serious about?" Emma and Mary Margaret emerged from Gold's gardens just as Gold and Henry were ending their conversation.

"We were just discussing my name and how I now owe you a favor. Have you decided yet what it's going to be?" Gold skillfully deflected the conversation so that Emma was now the focus rather than he or Henry.

"Not yet, Gold. I told you that I wasn't planning to waste it. You're going to have to wait to find out."

"No problem, my dear. As you already know, I'm a very patient man." Gold gave her a knowing smile and a wink.

"Did you enjoy the gardens, Miss Blanchard?" Gold turned his attention to Mary Margaret.

"I'm so impressed, Mr. Gold. Your grounds are more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. And I really loved the fountain." Mary Margaret gushed.

"Yeah, Gold. The fountain was a surprise for both of us. A princess holding a frog in her hand and the frog's spouting water? Who knew you were so romantic and whimsical. Did you choose it or was it here when you bought the place?" Emma chuckled.

"I acquired it, my dear. It's one of my favorite possessions."

Henry laughed.

"What's so funny?" Emma looked from Henry to Gold.

"That's a little secret between me and Henry, Emma." He gave her his most innocent grin. "Now let's eat. Is everyone hungry?"

The meal was fun and filled with conversation as it always was with Gold. It never ceased to amaze Emma that somebody so anti-social in many ways was so adept at socializing when it suited him. Mary Margaret bonded with him over cooking and gardening and Henry was spellbound by his stories about knight's armor and swords. When the meal was over Mary Margaret insisted on helping Gold clean up (she was dying to spend time in Gold's state-of-the-art kitchen) while Emma agreed to show Henry the fountain.

"So you and Mr. Gold seem to be hitting it off, Henry. Do you still mistrust him as much as you used to?" Emma was anxious to hear what Henry had to say. He knew Gold's name now and Emma couldn't imagine what was going through his head.

"I like him, Emma, but he's Rumplestiltskin, the Dark One. "

Emma shook her head. "I really like him, Henry."

"I know. He really likes you too."

"What makes you say that?" Emma was always blown away by this young boy's ability to see what so many adults failed to see.

"I know that you keep saying that you're seeing him as part of a deal, but he kissed you today. Plus he told me that he really likes you. He said that you're the princess and he's the frog. He always hopes that he'll turn into a prince when you kiss him but it never happens so he keeps on trying. I guess that means you kiss a lot."

"He told you that?" Emma felt herself blushing a bit. She was a little embarrassed that Henry knew about them, but he was going to have to find out sometime. So Gold thought of himself as the frog… maybe he wasn't as sure of himself as he pretended to be. She found it sort of endearing.

"So you think he's the Rumplestilskin from your book?" Emma had to ask even though she knew the answer.

"Yes, Emma. He's Rumplestiltskin. Maybe he's not as bad as we thought, but you still need to be careful."

"OK, Henry. I'll try."

By now they had reached the fountain and Henry was enthralled. "The princess looks like you Emma. Even Mr. Gold thinks you're a princess. "

"Yeah, I know. Snow White and Prince Charming are my parents." Emma didn't even try to argue. She knew that Gold's name being Rumplestiltskin guaranteed that Henry would never change his mind about the book.

Emma and Henry returned to the house to find Mary Margaret and Gold making a huge bouquet of flowers from his garden. Emma smiled to herself. For someone who had been so terrified of Gold, Mary Margaret seemed to have warmed up to him pretty quickly.

"Hey, are you ready to get going? I have to get Henry home by 6:00."

"I'm all set, Emma." Mary Margaret turned to Gold. "Thank you so much, Mr. Gold. I really had a lovely time." She smiled and kissed him on the cheek. Gold grinned at her and then at Emma.

Henry shook his hand. "Thank you, Mr. Gold." Gold winked at him. "It's been a pleasure, my boy. "

"Thanks, Gold." Emma kissed him and he whispered in her ear. "Will you come back and spend the night?" She nodded. "I'll see you later."

Regina watched Emma, Mary Margaret and Henry drive off before she walked up to Gold's door and rang the bell.

"Regina." Gold seemed shocked to see her. "What are you doing here?" He almost growled.

"Never mind what I'm doing here, Gold. Why is my son spending time at your house when I specifically asked Miss Swan to make sure that she kept him away from you?"

"Oh, really? And why is that Regina? I don't recall that our arrangement had any restrictions attached."

"I don't want him near you, Gold. It's as simple as that."

Gold ignored her. "I'm glad you're here. It will save me from having to make a trip to see you tomorrow."

"Why? What do you want now, Gold?"

"I'd like you to extend our agreement regarding Miss Swan and Henry for another month."

Regina let out a shrill laugh. "Why ever would I do that?"

"Because I'm going to ask you nicely. I'd like you to extend our agreement for another month, please…"

Regina glared at him. "It's extended," she hissed with as much venom as she could muster.

"Perfect. It's a pleasure doing business with you, Mayor Mills. Thank you for stopping by." And with that Gold closed the door in her face.

"You and Gold seem to have bonded a bit today." Emma couldn't resist calling Mary Margaret out on her surprising connection with Gold.

"I know. I can't believe we have so much in common. I was dreading today and I ended up having a great time."

"So you don't think it's crazy for me to be attracted to him?" Emma was still looking for assurance that what she felt for Gold made some kind of sense.

P..lease! You two were made for each other. He's totally impossible and uncontrollable, Emma… that's a challenge that you can't resist."

Emma had to agree. "But what about me? What does he see in me?"

Mary Margaret rolled her eyes. "You're beautiful, intelligent, independent… you won't let him get away with anything… and same as you, he thinks he can control you, but knows deep down that it's a losing battle. You're a challenge to one another, Emma."

"You may be right."

"Of course I'm right. And let's not forget…. the best sex ever… I'm sure that counts for something." Mary Margaret laughed.

Emma had to agree. That was the one thing that was both undeniable and inexplicable at the same time. Gold called it magic at play, and as much as Emma wanted to deny it, that's what it was.

Emma arrived back at Gold's at 8:00pm.

"I was just going to have a cup of tea, Emma. Would you like to join me? Or perhaps you'd prefer a glass of wine?"

"Wine for me, Gold. It's been a long day."

Gold chuckled. "I hope I didn't make things too difficult for you today, my dear. I tried to be on my best behavior."

"No worries, Gold. You passed with flying colors. Mary Margaret thinks you could be her new BFF and Henry even distrusts you a little less than he did before."

Gold laughed. "I'm glad to see that I made such headway with both of them, especially Henry. The boy is wise beyond his years."

"He's convinced more than ever now that the curse is real and that you're the Dark One."

"What if he's right, Emma? What if we are cursed and I really am the Dark One?"

"Give me my wine, Gold. I can't even think about it." Emma laid her head against Gold's shoulder as they sat on the couch together. He put his arm around her and stroked her cheek. Within minutes she was fast asleep.

Emma woke up to the smell of bacon sizzling and coffee brewing. It took her a minute to realize where she was. She was lying on Gold's couch with a cushion under head and a blanket draped over her.

"I fell asleep?" Emma walked into the kitchen looking a bit sheepish.

"Good morning, sweetheart." Gold handed her a cup of coffee as he kissed her cheek. "You were out within minutes last night, Emma. I didn't have the heart to wake you so I tried to make you comfortable on the couch."

"Thanks. I'm sorry I wasn't very good company."

"On the contrary, my dear. I love that you're so comfortable with me. It's very sweet." Gold smiled at her. "Believe me when I tell you that I'm happy whenever you're near me." He put his arm around her and pulled her close.

Emma felt safe and cared for. She was getting used to feeling this way with Gold even though it still surprised her.

"So how would you like your eggs? Yolk broken over hard?"

"Yes, how did you know?" Emma couldn't help feeling that there was a sexual innuendo in there somewhere.

"I find it very easy to read you, Emma. I seem to know instinctively what you like. Call it a gift."

"To you or to myself?" Emma couldn't resist.

Gold laughed. "Well, if you put it that way… I suppose it's a gift to both of us. Nothing excites me more than giving you pleasure. "

"I can tell, Gold. And I appreciate it… more than you know."

They ate breakfast in companionable silence each thinking about how close they were to the end of their deal.

"Do you have a change of clothing?" Gold broke the silence.

"Yeah, in my car. I thought I might have needed it yesterday."

"Why don't you stay for a while? I'm not going to open the shop today. You can take a shower here and we can spend some time together."

As soon as he mentioned taking a shower Emma could think of nothing but the two of them enjoying that activity together. She didn't know if it would be something Gold would think about, but she couldn't get it out of her mind.

"Thanks, I'd like that. We didn't have any time alone yesterday." She tried to sound nonchalant, praying that Gold was not reading her mind. She glanced at him only to find him smirking knowingly at her.

"What's wrong, Gold?" she tried to sound annoyed.

"Nothing at all, darling. Why don't you get your clothes out of the car? I'm going to jump in the shower. You can join me if you'd like when you come back in."

Of course she wanted to and he knew it. She almost felt like making him shower alone just to make a point.

"Gold? " Emma knocked on the door before entering.

"Come in, Emma. I've been waiting for you."

Emma slipped off her shorts and top and stepped into his huge walk-in shower. There were several shower heads running. Gold turned around to look at her and she couldn't help noticing that he was already fully erect.

"Guess you were expecting me." She moved closer to kiss him and his arousal pressed against her. Emma took him in her hand and he groaned. "I can't help touching you. It excites me more than anything."

They kissed passionately while she gently stroked him and he caressed her breasts.

"Let me wash your hair, Emma." Emma obliged. Gold's fingers seemed to caress her scalp and Emma wanted to do the same for him. She loved running her fingers through his hair and this seemed so intimate.

When they had rinsed their hair thoroughly Gold proceeded to use his hands to soap her body starting at her neck and moving slowly down to her breasts. The feeling of the soap and his fingers on her breasts made a rush of desire start to throb between her legs. In response, Emma applied soap to his chest with her hands and caressed his nipples with her thumbs. Gold bucked his hips against her in response and let out a raspy moan. Emma applied more soap to her hands and moved her attentions to his erect member. She loved the feel of him in her hands and applied the soap to him lovingly and sensuously. He moaned and arched his back thrusting into her hands. Emma continued to stroke him sensuously and he thrust against her determinedly demanding more. Emma obliged and increased the pressure and speed, licking his nipples as she moved her hand on him. He was so hard and strong that she was almost losing control of him. She stepped behind him and wrapped her left arm around his waist and to better control her hold on him with her right hand. "Faster, Emma. Please." Gold moaned. Emma obliged and Gold wildly thrust with her until he let out a guttural groan and came all over her hand. Emma kept her hand on him and pumped him until he was empty. He pulled her in front of him and leaned his forehead against hers. "Thank you."

They stayed in that position while Gold applied more soap to both of her breasts with his hands and fingers. Emma was already almost coming from Gold's reaction to her attentions and she needed to have his hands between her legs. She whimpered and pushed her hips against him trying to send him a message. Gold chuckled. "I know, darling. I know exactly what you need." He moved his soaped up hand between her legs and began to apply soap to her folds and clit with the open palm of his hand. Emma gasped the minute she felt him touch her and she moved against him in response. Gold continued to use his whole hand and Emma opened her legs and moved against his palm whimpering in the agony of need. In response Gold let the heel of his palm press more firmly against her clit as Emma increased her movements against it. Gold met each of her moves as she cried out at the torment. Gold held his arm around her as she rubbed herself against his hand until she shuddered in his arms as she came. Gold continued to keep the pressure on her clit as she rode out the wave over and over again. Gold held her closer. "There's nothing more beautiful to me than seeing and feeling you come, Emma." They kissed under the water for several minutes. Both wanted to say more to the other but neither had the courage to do so.

Emma wrapped a towel around herself and dried her hair while Gold wrapped a towel around his waist and watched her through the opposite mirror. He couldn't keep his eyes off of her and kept thinking about how much he loved sharing his home with her. When she finished her hair he moved behind her, put his arms around her waist and leaned into her.

Emma felt his erection immediately. "You can't be ready again?" She met his eyes in the mirror and he shrugged his shoulders while giving her a wicked smile. He took her hand and led her to his bed. They removed the towels from one another and she lay back against the pillows. Gold pressed his body against hers and they kissed hungrily as Emma took him in her hand. "Amazing, Gold. I don't know how you do it." Gold eased himself down her body and knelt between her legs. He kissed her clit and she gasped. He then pushed 2 fingers into her and kissed her clit again. "You're as wet as can be, Emma."

"I know. I want to feel you inside me."

Gold raised himself above her and she opened her legs and guided him into her. The feeling of him inside her felt so right and so fulfilling. Gold kept still for a minute, kissing her lips and neck, and then held himself up so that he could look into her eyes as he began to slowly thrust into her. They kept their eyes locked on one another as he made every movement count for her and for him. Emma moved her hips in rhythm with him, feeling herself building slowly to a climax from inside out. Gold kept looking into her eyes. The man was making love to her and his eyes were saying everything that he could not voice. Emma knew that her eyes were responding and they had a silent intimate conversation that culminated in a climax that left both of them breathless and exhausted. Gold stayed in her as long as he could and they didn't say a word.

They spent the rest of the morning together, both wrapped in their own thoughts, but enjoying having the other near.

The gold envelope was on Emma's desk when she arrived at work on Monday morning.

You've made me feel something I've never felt before, Emma.

Please give us a chance.

I'll pick you up at 7:30 on Wednesday evening.

She was afraid of what he felt and she was even more afraid that she felt the same way. Could she take the chance?