Disclaimer: We haven't won the lottery since the past eight chapters, so nope, still not ours.

A/N Tinuviel Undomiel: Sorry this chapter took longer than we expected. Work got crazy, but we finally got it out and it's pretty long so I hope that makes up for it. I like the scenes with Gold in this story because it really shows his struggle here, his desire to have Rose but not knowing if he even has a right to her. I hope you all like it.

A/N Nerwen Aldarion:This chapter took a while but it is a good set up for the next one which I'm excited to get to, more answers coming then. But this chapter had quite a bit of Regina which I love!

Anonymous Reviews:

Guest: Why doesn't Rose say Rumple's real name? That's actually a calculated decision on our part. First of all, Rumplestiltskin is kind of a mouthful for a toddler. But the main reason is Rose actually knows very few people's Fairy Tale Name. Check out what she calls people. Archie: Bug. August: Wood Boy, Gus: Mouse. She calls Ruby Red not because she knows her real name but because of her red hood. She sees who they really are, but she doesn't always know there names. She doesn't call Mary Margaret Snow, she calls her "Mawry" for a reason. Plus, we don't want it to be too obvious that she knows who everyone really is. But another reason is because she doesn't necessarily see Gold as the greenish gold imp we all know and love. Remember, Belle never saw him as a monster either.

Mia: Your solution has arrived, but expect more cliff hangers, hehehehe.

guest: We have given you more. I hope you like it.

giu: Yep, Gold is going to suffer and unfortunately it's not over yet.

wveewa: LOL, you're not the first person to ask those questions. One will be answered in this chap, the rest in chapters to come. I hope you enjoy it.

Pesterfield: We picked Boston because that's where everyone and everything goes in the show, LOL. I wondered why too.

kana117: Sorry, you'll have to wait on those, but they will come soon, we promise.


Chapter 9: The Games We Play

With the mug shots done, Emma had no choice but to usher Mary Margaret into a cell and lock her inside. She stood there, biting her lip and shaking her head. "I'm sorry about this."

"It's not like you set me up," Mary Margaret said.

"I know, but I hate having to do this. I know you would never hurt anyone, hell you can barely discipline Rose." Emma turned to smile at the child in her playpen. "No offense, kid, but you run over her."

"Thanks," Mary Margaret said dryly. She met Emma's eyes again. "How long will I have to be here?"

"I don't know," Emma admitted with a sigh. "A couple of days, maybe. Until I can find some evidence that proves you're innocent."

Mary Margaret nodded once. "Okay…in that case, you'll have to take care of Rose on your own."

Emma's eyes flashed open. "What?"

"You're all she's got while I'm in here."

"But Mary Margaret—."

"Emma, you've been doing great with her these past few weeks."

"Yeah, because I had you to help me out," she reminded her, "I didn't have to change every diaper, sing her to sleep at night or make her macaroni and hot dogs. You're the one who knows how to take care of a baby."

"But you've been learning. You can handle this, I know it."

"I don't know about this."

"Emma," she said, "What choice do we have?"

None. That was the truth. Moe was still in the hospital, only just starting physical therapy. It would still be a few weeks before he could properly care for Rose, and even then he would still have to take it easy. Rose had no one else. Emma had agreed to the responsibility the morning she took Rose home, she couldn't give her up now. Especially since she loved her so much.

"Okay," Emma said with a nod, "I'll do it." She bit her lip again, fighting the nerves in her stomach. "You got any tips?"

"Well you know her schedule already," Mary Margaret said.

"Yeah," Emma said, "Cheerios at one, nap at three, bath at six, warm milk before bed and lights out by eight."

"And remember, she doesn't like Rock A Bye Baby she likes Twinkle Twinkle Little Star or Mary Had a Little Lamb."

Emma nodded. "Okay, what else? I know she doesn't like oranges."

"Or peas."

"Who does?" That made Mary Margaret smile.

Emma's smile faded when Rose called out, "Mawry! Mawry, play!"

"She's going to miss you," Emma reminded her.

"I know," Mary Margaret said, her voice breaking a bit, "But you'll be fine. I know it."

Emma knew her friend had full confidence in her, in both taking care of a feisty toddler and proving her innocence. But neither could be done sitting down. "I'm going to find some evidence," Emma promised her, "Hopefully I can get you out tonight." God I hope so."

"You'll do it," Mary Margaret said.

"Are you going to be okay on your own?"

"I have to be," she said solemnly.

"Mawry," Rose said from her pen. Emma walked over and scooped her up. She would have to take her with her anyways since Mary Margaret couldn't properly watch her behind bars.

Rose clutched her butterfly to her chest with one arm and stretched out towards her imprisoned caretaker with the other. "Mawry."

Mary Margaret blinked back tears as she reached through the bars to take Rose's hand. "Don't worry, sweetie. I'm fine. Emma will take care of you. She'll take care of us both."

Rose took her butterfly and held it out to her. "Mawry," she said softly.

Mary Margaret gave her a watery smile, tears rolling down her cheeks. "Thank you, honey. I'll keep Susu company until you come back."

Emma reached through the bars to squeeze her friend's hand. "I'll get you out. I promise."

It was a promise she desperately had to keep.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo OoOoOoOoOoO

Only hours later, Emma was discovering how difficult it would be the keep that promise. Instead of finding evidence to prove the frame up, she'd found more proof that her doe-eyed roommate had the heart of a killer. Of course, that knife had been planted but it still made Emma fell terrible for having to process it in the case against her friend.

"The heating vent?" Mary Margaret said tearfully, "Emma, I don't even know where the heating vent in my bedroom is."

No she wasn't lying, that was plain to see. "Well someone did," Emma said, "and they put a hunting knife in there. I checked for signs of a break in but there weren't any."

Mary Margaret sucked in a shuddering breath. "You don't believe me."

"Of course I do," Emma stated, stepping forward towards her frightened friend, "But what I think doesn't matter. The evidence is piling up by the hour."

Mary Margaret had her head pressed against the bars and her eyes closed. "Okay, what are you saying?"

"I'm saying, you should think about hiring a lawyer."

"An excellent idea."

That smooth as silk voice came out of nowhere. It was Rose from her pen that cooed out, "Gol," the only one not surprised to see him. She had her little fingers curled around the wooden bars, her brown eyes blinking up at the man who Emma knew was more than likely her father. Gold looked back at her, one corner of his mouth crooked up in a half-smile.

"Mr. Gold," Mary Margaret whispered out a greeting.

"What are you doing here?" Emma asked. Whatever it was, she knew it wasn't good.

"Offering my legal services."

"You're a lawyer?" She sounded more surprised than she really was. Weren't all lawyers snakes and cheats?

"Ever wondered why I was so adept at contracts?" he said, harkening back to the debacle with Ashley when he tried to steal her own baby out from under her. Funny how his own child (and with him standing in the same room as her, it was hard for Emma to deny it) was peaking at him with her intent little way. Good God, they even had the same expression in that moment.

"I've been following the details of your case, Miss Blanchard. And I think you'd be well advised to bring me on as your counsel."

"And why is that?" Mary Margaret asked.

"Well because the sheriff had me arrested for nearly beating a man to death, and I managed to persuade the judge to drop the charges." That smirk he had on his face was clearly meant for Emma. Oh he was proud of himself no doubt about that.

"Asserting your influence isn't what's needed here," she said, "We need to find the truth."

"Exerting influence may be exactly what's needed her," he argued. Oh yeah, he was definitely a lawyer.

Well, she'd always been stubborn. "What's needed here, is for me to do my job."

"Well no one's stopping you," he insisted now with some force, "I'm only here to help."

Rose suddenly let out a whimper, forcing three heads to swivel to look at her. "Damn it," Emma whispered as she hurried over to Rose's pen.

"Is she all right?" Gold asked. Whoa, was that actually concern she heard?

"Yeah, I think she's just allergic to your personality," Emma said as she scooped her out of the pen. That and she clearly needed a diaper change, but he didn't have to know that."

"It seems rather obvious that in your need to do your job you're neglecting her," he said, pointing to Rose with his free hand, "Perhaps if you let me help, you won't need to juggle so much, sheriff."

"I don't need your help, I've got this," Emma hissed.

"Enough," Mary Margaret said from her cell, "Please go."

Emma grinned at Gold. "You heard her."

"No, I was talking to you." Now it was Gold's turn to grin at Emma, damn him. Emma turned to gape at her friend. "Oh, Emma, he's right, I need help. And you need to do your job or else I'm screwed. So just…please, do your job the best you can, and you'll prove me innocent. Until you do, I need some practical help."

She was so certain that is was impossible for Emma to argue with her. She sounded like a mother telling a child all of the reasons why touching the stove would be a very bad idea. Emma had no choice but to listen. And Gold knew that.

"Trust me," Gold said, "This is in Miss Blanchard's best interests."

Like hell I'll trust you. But this wasn't there wasn't anyway to convince Mary Margaret. She had no choice but to let her friend do this.

So Emma found Rose's diaper bag and put it on her free shoulder. "Good luck, Mary Margaret." She looked over at Gold as she said, her eyes conveying every warning she could deliver, "I hope your best interests are what he's looking out for."

He grinned at her as she walked past him. Oh how she hated that smile. The only consolation is that with that devious smirk on his face, he looked nothing like Rose. She always smiled with warmth.

Emma took Rose to the bathroom and set to work changing her diaper. Rose babbled nonsense as she worked. After a few minutes, Rose was clean and buttoned all back up. "Well, at least I can still do some things right."

Rose laughed and grabbed a handful of Emma's hair. She didn't tug at it, just made a delightful game of batting it around for a bit. "You know not to trust Gold, right?" Emma asked her.

Rose blinked back at her a sucked on her thumb. "Okay, I know he might be your…you know, but we don't know that for sure and until I do…heck, I don't even know if I could trust him if it does turn out to be true."

Emma set Rose on the counter, blocking Rose with both of her arms by placing her palms on both sides of her. "Here's the thing, kid, I've only seen the nasty side of Gold. Truth be told, I don't even know if he has another side, it's just I found that stuff your mom was hiding and it makes me wonder if maybe there is. He's not exactly the kind of guy I imagine romancing a woman with a rose, but…I don't know. Your mom doesn't seem like the kind of person to let herself be used by someone. If I'm right…then I think she might have seen that other side to him. Maybe she's the only one who could."

Emma shook her head and let out a laugh. "Look at me. I'm starting to sound like Henry." Rose giggled around her thumb at her. Emma smiled back. "Okay, I promise that no matter what happens, I will protect you, Rose. I would never let anyone hurt you."

She kissed the top of Rose's head and breathed in that sweet, baby powder scent of hers. Anything that smelled like that was guaranteed to perk her up. "Well, I'm not going to save Mary Margaret from in here, now will I?" Emma gave her a big smile. "What do you say, kid, you up for being my sidekick?"

Rose grinned and continued to suck on her thumb. "I'll take that as a yes."

Emma picked Rose back up, took the diaper bag and swung out of the bathroom with her purpose renewed. She was all set to head back into town and find that evidence that would prove Mary Margaret as innocent. She didn't expect to run into Gold almost instantly.

"Quitting already?" Emma asked.

"Not at all, but I did want to have a few words with you," he said.

"Yeah, well, I'm kind of busy at the moment." She tried to walk away, but he blocked her path with his cane. "Really?"

"I know we've been at odds and you don't exactly trust me—."

"That's an understatement," she said.

He continued as if she hadn't spoken. "but we both believe Miss Blanchard is innocent. Now we can continue to avoid one another and work alone or we can actually work together to prove that fact."

"I'm doing my part," Emma said, "I'm just not sure you're actually doing yours."

"You're really going to let past offenses cloud your judgment?" he asked.

"Normally I give people the benefit of the doubt," she said coolly, "but with you, I don't feel so inclined."

He didn't look put out by her answer. He simply shrugged and moved his cane aside. "Have it your way, Sheriff."

For the second time, she was all set to make her exit but this time it was fate that stood in her way. Or actually his cane again.

This time the tip of the cane knocked against the partially open diaper bag, spilling out two of Rose's picture books. "Books!" Rose shouted and reached forlornly for her toys.

Emma was ready to wrestle the bag and the baby to retrieve the books, but she didn't have to. Instead she watched as Gold bent down and picked up the children's books with his long fingers. His eyes were on Rose as he held them in his hands. "Hers, I presume?"

"I'm not big on Elmo," Emma said as she took them from his hands, "Thanks, she likes to be read to. It calms her down."

His cheek ticked, like he was trying not to smile or something. "Her mother…she loved books."

Emma nodded. "And you gave her one."

"Yes, I did." His voice was soft, the words brittle as if he was struggling to contain them. He was choking on something. Maybe…his own heart.

He couldn't stop staring at Rose. And now…now she could see every identical facet in both of their eyes.

"You should get back to your client," Emma said.

He cleared his throat once. "Indeed, and you should return to your work, Sheriff. Good luck."

"Thanks," she said without really knowing why.

She hugged Rose tighter to her as she finally managed to walk away from him. That look in his eyes was no one she was going to forget soon. For the first time, she hadn't seen rage or cool calculation in those dark brown depths. They had held pain, and something else…something warm for once.

For a moment, they had looked just like Rose's.


After a truly terrible day with the case going nowhere except in the direction of Mary Margaret, Emma had no desire to fix a meal for herself. Which is why she stopped by Granny's with an unusually cranky Rose in her arms. An order of a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup would hopefully provide some comfort in these times.

"How are things, dear?" Granny asked sweetly.

"I'm okay," Emma replied even though it was certainly a lie.

"I just can't believe something like this happened in Storybrooke…it's so awful."

Emma nodded. "I really can't talk about an ongoing investigation though."

"Oh, I'm sorry, just ignore me."

"No, it's just…its kind of important that I keep the details to myself," Emma replied calmly.

Granny smiled warmly at her but neither one of them could say anything before Ross started whimpering again. "Is she all right?"

Emma shrugged. "She's been fussy all day."

"She hasn't eaten anything either," Granny noted, "usually she'd clean me out."

It was weird. Rose normally ate whatever was put in front of her unless it was green and leafy, especially if it was anything related to sugar. The fact that she wasn't eating anything was very strange indeed.

"She only started complaining once I arrested Mary Margaret," Emma explained, "I think she misses her. Mary Margaret knows how to handle her best."

"If you say so," Granny said still eyeing the child with uncertainty. "Are you sure you'll be able to handle this one alone?"

"I've got it covered."

"You could call someone in from Boston or Augusta to come help, even temporarily."

"Regina would love that," Emma snorted, "I don't want to give her any kind of satisfaction."

"Have you talked to the mayor about her."

"She likes to be updated, Regina loves to rule her little kingdom like a queen."

The bell to Granny's chimed and Rose piped up with the announcement. "Queen!"

Emma turned to see that Regina had just walked into the diner with her impeccably tailored look and business smile. "Oh, speak of the devil," she muttered and bristled with preparation for battle.

"I understand you made an arrest," Regina said giving Emma cool smile.

"I followed the evidence," Emma replied, "and I'm going to keep digging."

"You don't think Mary Margaret is guilty?"

"I find it hard to believe that the mild-mannered school teacher could cut out someone's heart," Emma pointed out.

"She was having an affair with Kathryn's husband, surely you see that's motive."

"Look, Regina, I'm doing my job, and I know you can't find any fault with what I've done so far."

Regina leveled her gaze with Emma. "No, but if I catch one whiff of favoritism on your part then I'll have to bring someone in who isn't emotionally involved."

"You can't do that until you have a reason to," Emma warned her.

"Then you better make sure you don't give me one."

"Believe me I won't," Emma said icily. Rose fussed a bit more and Emma looked down to see she was still just picking at her food. "Maybe you should get her some milk," Emma suggested to Granny, "see if she'll drink that."

"I'll do that," the woman said before going off the fetch the beverage.

Regina looked down at Rose, studying the child in front of her and Emma wondered if she saw a gleam of… something in Regina's eyes. "How are you handling the child?"

"What?"

"It cannot be easy taking care of a toddler while working on Kathryn's investigation."

Emma narrowed her eyes at Regina. "I'm doing just fine."

"But Mary Margaret was the one who was best with her, don't deny it. Now that she's in jail…well how will you manage to keep this one under control? You can't fool me, we both know that you aren't the motherly type."

"Things change, I've changed."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah," Emma said coldly, "I have. I'll take care of Rose and when this is all over, you'll see that everything will have worked out just fine."

"That's quite a promise, Sheriff Swan," Regina said with a smug smirk, "You better watch out what you say, promises…are not always so easy to keep."

She gave her another superior smile before turning on her expensive heels and leaving the diner behind her. Emma watched her go feeling equal parts uncertainty and rage. She was determined to prove the woman wrong in every aspect of her words.

Emma leaned over to look at Rose who was blinking with sleepy eyes and still looking miserable…but she was okay. "I'm going to do this, and we'll both be okay."

Rose murmured and snuggled up closer to Emma, breathing deeply. "That's right," Emma whispered softly, "I'll take care of you."

But Emma couldn't shake the feeling that things might only get worse from here.


It had been a very long day so when Emma finally got home, she put Rose to bed and turned in for an early night herself. She thought a good long rest would make her ready to find that critical piece of evidence to prove her friend's innocence. Unfortunately, that didn't happen.

Rose's cries forced Emma out of her dreams. She opened one eye which alighted on her alarm clock. 2:09.

She let out a groan, "Rose," she whined into her pillow, "Don't do this to me, please."

Rose didn't hear her.

Left with no choice, Emma crawled out of her warm bed and pattered down the stairs. Rose was sobbing into her sheets, her face red and scrunched up all tight. These weren't the whimpers of pain or attention, she was really upset. Did she miss Mary Margaret that much?

"Come on, Rose, it's o—." Emma's words died in her throat.

The blankets and sheets of Rose's bed were wet. Not with urine or tears, but a milky liquid that Emma suspected was the return of her nightly cup of warm milk. She reached down to touch her forehead and felt a heat of more than just warm flesh.

"Oh my God!" Emma cried. She scooped Rose out of her crib, the heat of the fever burning throughout all of her tiny body. Rose sobbed into Emma's neck during the trip to the bathroom. Mary Margaret had found a baby thermometer at Moe's house weeks ago when this all began and had thankfully brought it with them. Now Emma found it in the cabinet, blessedly with the box and instructions.

After inserting it into her ear and waiting for a few moments, Emma gaped at the digital reading: 101.3.

"Oh my God," she said, this time in a deadly whisper, "Oh my God!"

After that it was a mad dash for coats, hats, Rose's diaper bag and her car keys. Emma didn't even change into her own clothes, just threw a sweatshirt over her pajama top and then her coat over that. She did change Rose out of her pajamas since they were covered in her vomit. Once she was bundled and cleaned up, they flew out the door.

Emma broke a dozen different traffic laws in her mad dash to the hospital. Good thing she was the sheriff. Rose had stopped crying and was now dozing. This wasn't like her usual nap, she was lethargic. It had to be from the fever.

Rose whimpered when she was lifted from her car seat and brought into the Emergency Room. "I need help," Emma said as soon as she walked through the door.

A young, African American nurse in a white uniform and paper cap walked up to her with a clipboard. "What's wrong?"

"She's sick," Emma explained, "She's running a fever and she threw up in her crib."

"Name?"

"Rose French," Emma said, "She needs to see a doctor, now. I'm just her temporary guardian, I don't really know what do in this situation."

"You did the right thing in coming here," the nurse assured her. She proceeded to ask her questions: how high was her temperature, any other symptoms besides vomiting and any knowledge of her medical history. Emma answered as best as she could, but she knew nothing about Rose's previous illnesses.

It wasn't long before they were brought to an exam room. Rose didn't want to sit on the table alone, so Emma set her on her lap and let her hide her face into her neck, covered by her blonde hair.

Dr. Whale pulled back the curtain, a bright smile alighting on his face. "A pleasure to see you again, sheriff."

"Not really on my end," she said, gesturing to little Rose. She never really liked Whale much, but right now she was glad to see him.

"Of course." He sat down on a stool, his smile now set on Rose. "Hello, Rose. I see you're not feeling well."

He gently pulled Rose's face away from her hiding spot. Emma situated Rose on her lap so she was facing him. Whale checked her temperature again, finding it only slightly higher than before. He examined her lymph nodes, throat, ear and prodded her stomach to see if it was hurting.

"Well, based on the symptoms, I believe she has the flu."

"That's it?" Emma asked.

"Don't be mistaken, the flu in children her age can be quite serious. I'll prescribe an antiviral, but there are other things you'll have to do," he said, handing her a list of instructions, "Give her plenty of fluids, water is best. Baby aspirin will help for her fever. Make sure she rests and try to get her to eat, broth would be best if she continues to throw up."

"You're not going to admit her?" Emma asked.

"I wasn't aware that you wanted me to."

"I don't," she said quickly, "it's just…I've never cared for a sick child before."

Whale showed no interest in her fears. "You've managed well enough so far. Surely if you need help you can talk to Granny."

That was a small measure of comfort, but Emma knew Granny couldn't be there twenty four-seven. That left the bulk of load for Emma.

Now Rose wasn't the only one in the room sick to her stomach.


Emma gave Rose her first dose of the anti-viral in the parking lot of the pharmacy while thanking God that it was open twenty-four hours. It took some coaxing to get her to take it since it was a liquid and probably tasted like crap. Rose started crying once she swallowed it, but at least it was down the hatch.

Misery continued to permeate throughout the apartment. Mary Margaret was missed more than ever. She was the one who baked cookies, made homemade hot cocoa with cinnamon and knew just what to say to make everything seem all right. Right now the best Emma could do was put on Winnie the Pooh and let Rose doze on her chest. She liked being held at the moment. She still didn't sleep more than an hour before she started whimpering again. However, by six her fever was down to 99.1.

Emma took a brief nap herself, only waking up when some commercial with loud rock music came on. The clock read 7:13.

"Oh crap," she muttered. Rose murmured on her chest and the cried when Emma had to set her aside. "I'm sorry, sweetie, but I need to go check on Mary Margaret."

A quick call to Granny resulted in an immediate babysitter. Granny was over within twenty minutes with a big Tupperware bowl and a bag of bagels. "Hey," Emma said, "Thanks so much for coming."

"Well of course. I even brought some chicken noodle soup, it'll be sure to make the little lamb feeling better in no time."

"Great. I've tried to get her to eat, but she won't take more than water."

"Her tummy probably doesn't feel too good," Granny guessed, "Don't worry, I know a few tricks to get her some nourishment. You go take care of Mary Margaret. I'll be fine."

"I won't be gone long," Emma promised.

One of the bagels was for her and she ate it in the car on her way to the station. She only just pulled into her space when she saw someone leaning against the wall. Mr. Gold.

"Great," she said in a groan, "My lucky day."

She slammed the door to her car with a little more force than necessary. She was tired, cranky and worried about Rose, none of that equaled the ability to be polite to Mr. Gold. "You're late," he said when he saw.

"Didn't realize you were the Time Police."

"I just assumed you'd be eager to help your friend, was I mistaken?"

"Go to hell," she hissed as she fumbled for her keys, "I've got enough problems right now, I don't need to add you to the list."

He had the wisdom to be silent as she unlocked the door and followed her down the hall to the jail and her office. Mary Margaret was sitting in her bed and judging by the dark spots under her eyes, she hadn't slept either.

"Emma," she said, "I'm glad to see you."

"I'm sorry, but I can't stay long," Emma said. She passed the paper bag through the iron bars. "I need to get home."

"I thought you were looking for evidence to prove innocence?" Gold said from behind her. This time, Emma ignored him.

"What's wrong?" Mary Margaret asked. Maybe she saw how tired Emma was or maybe she just could see the worry on her face.

"Rose," Emma said, "I had to take her to hospital last night."

"What?" Mary Margaret gasped.

"What happened?" Gold asked immediately, "Is she hurt?"

"No, she's sick with the flu. She was acting weird all day yesterday and last night she had a hundred and one fever." Emma looked at Mary Margaret earnestly. "I didn't know what else to do so I brought her to the emergency room."

Mary Margaret patted one of Emma's hands that was curled around a bar. "You did the right thing."

"She will be all right?" Gold asked.

Emma blinked as she looked over her shoulder at him. That wasn't simply asking, he was worried. "Yeah, Granny's with her right now."

"That's good," Mary Margaret said, "Granny will know exactly what to do."

Emma walked Mary Margaret to the bathroom and then locked her back up. She gathered a few extra things and promised to be back later to bring her lunch and check on her. That left Gold in the station alone with her roommate. If Rose wasn't sick, Emma wouldn't have even considered giving him run of the place. God only knew what he would do with that kind of power.

Mary Margaret wasn't nearly as nervous as Emma on that score. Her thoughts dwelt on little Rose, no doubt in more discomfort than she at the moment. She had fallen in love with that little girl the day Emma brought her home. Her heart ached with want to be back in that apartment comforting her. She knew Emma could handle it and Granny would help in every way she could, but Rose was just as much hers as she was Emma's. She wanted to be there to help tend to her.

Gold began going over the parameters of her case, but she only caught a few things. She hoped Emma would know to put a cool washcloth on Rose's head, it would help soothe the fever. A warm bath when the fever was down could probably help put her to sleep. Now that Emma was gone there were dozens of things Mary Margaret wanted to tell her to do. More than anything, she just wanted to see Rose herself.

"Miss Blanchard," Gold's smooth voice cut through her thoughts.

"I'm sorry, I'm afraid my mind was elsewhere," she said. He was only trying to help her and all she could think about was a problem that was completely out of her hands.

"Yes," he spoke softly, "I quite understand."

If Emma was right, and Mary Margaret didn't doubt that she was, then it was his own daughter who was ill at the moment. Any good father would be concerned.

"I know it's silly to worry. Rose is in very good hands. She'll be better in no time, I'm sure." She didn't know if her words assured him or not, he was very good at hiding his emotions.

"It is never good when a child is sick."

"No," she had to agree, "But she'll be fine. Granny will help and no doubt the doctor already gave Emma some medicine. She really did do the right thing bringing her to the hospital right away. I know Emma will take care of her, no doubt about that."

"I'm sure you're right, Miss Blanchard."

Well that was a start. As they sat there, it occurred to Mary Margaret that she was free to talk to Mr. Gold openly, without anyone wondering why. Emma had tried to get him to open up about Alayna and their probably romantic involvement but with little gleaned from him. However, Emma could sometimes push too hard, too fast and Gold wasn't the type to back down from an assault. He'd built up his walls and he was comfortable to hide behind them while Emma battered at them to no avail. Sometimes, it took a gentle touch to get through impermeable things.

"Children sometimes just need affection when they're sick," she said, "They want their mothers."

Something dark flashed in his eyes. "That's impossible for her."

"I suppose it is for her to have her real mother," Mary Margaret said, "But I think Emma and I have become surrogate mothers to her, at least for now."

"How very modern," he said and opened his file again, "Now how about we return to your case?"

"She does remember her mother."

Gold gave her a startled look. "She—she does?"

"Yes. Oh I don't imagine she knows her well, but she knows her pictures. And one time she woke up from her sleep and asked for her mother." Mary Margaret gave him a small smile. "I think Alayna was very affectionate towards her before she left."

"I have no doubts."

It was the opening she'd been waiting for. "May I ask about her? Alayna, I mean?"

Gold frowned. "What makes you think I could tell you much about her?"

"Well I didn't say you were exceedingly close," though it was likely they were, "its just that I don't remember her at all and I think that's a shame. She seemed like a good person, and besides, how else is Rose to learn about her mother if no one tells her?"

There was no mistaking the sad resignation to his tone. "Yes, I suppose you're right."

Mary Margaret bit back her smile. "I know she liked books."

"Oh yes, the library in my house always received her utmost attention."

She chuckled at that. It was easy to imagine the young woman carefully dusting the shelves and organizing the books. Perhaps she even found a few that caught her eye and she would unwittingly abandon her duties to explore it's crisp pages.

"You're clearly well-read," Mary Margaret said, "You must have had a lot to talk about."

"We did discuss books often, yes," he said. One corner of his mouth crooked up. "And she was even more curious than you."

Now Mary Margaret actually laughed, partly because of his quip but mostly because she knew she was succeeding. He was opening up to her, telling her small things about Alayna. Things that betrayed his affection towards her.

"I'm getting the impression that you liked her," she said, quickly adding, "enjoyed her company, I mean."

"She was very pleasant, an intelligent woman who was not afraid to argue with me."

"Really? You like people to argue with you?"

"When they have a brain behind their words, yes. I always enjoy a good challenge."

She smiled again. Another picture formed in her mind, one of Alayna and Gold in deep discussion of something, taking opposing sides just to duel with their words. This certainly did speak more towards their relationship. It was clear she was not just an employee to him, not then and not now.

"It's a shame I never knew her," she spoke truthfully, "She sounds like an amazing person."

"Indeed, she was," he said.

"Did she have any faults?" She didn't know why that question occurred to her, but it would be interesting to see what Mr. Gold would have to say about that. He didn't answer right away, now having the far off look she'd had earlier.

Would he say something mundane, like she was terrible cook or laundress? Would he mention something more serious, such as being flighty or selfish? Alayna had been praised by many and yet she had this polluted black spot on her reputation of being a child abandoner. Many would be unable to look past that. Some saw her as an endearing soul, but others could only see her as a selfish woman. Mary Margaret wanted to know more about her, even her faults.

"She saw the good in everyone."

His answer confused her. "Isn't that a good thing?" she asked.

"Not if that is what ultimately destroyed her."

Her mouthed opened into an O as she stared at him with wide eyes. Destroyed? What did he mean by that? What good did she find in someone that turned around and ruined her?

Gold was staring off again, but this time she paid attention to his eyes. They weren't just focused on a memory, they were filled with pain and…guilt.

"We should return to the case," he said. She nodded because she knew she would get nothing more from him.

She had discovered something though, something Emma surely missed. Gold was certainly attached to Alayna's memory and whatever happened to her. She didn't know why Alayna did what she did or what exactly happened, but she had learned one important thing.

Mr. Gold blamed himself.


Doctor Whale and Granny both told Emma to make sure Rose rested until she was better. The only problem with that was Rose hardly slept. She managed to doze and hour or so every now and then, but Emma guessed she was feeling too poorly to sleep. Every now and then she would call out for "Mawry" or "Gampa", neither of them Emma could provide for her. In the night she called out for "Momma" and that broke Emma's heart. Alayna French was long gone, but her daughter still longed for her.

Granny came over often with soups and meals for both Emma and Rose. She promised the child lots of treats once she was up to it, but not even that coaxed a smile out of her. She lay on the couch with Emma and watched Winnie the Pooh and Bugs Bunny cartoons. The upside was that she wasn't crying as much.

When there was a knock at the door, Emma assumed it was Granny coming to check on them. She never would have guessed that it was Gold standing behind that slab of poorly painted wood. "Look, Mr. Gold, you're diligence in your work for Mary Margaret is appreciated," Emma said, "but I really don't have time to help right now."

"Oh I'm not here for that, at least not exactly."

"Then what are you here for?"

"Ms. Blanchard was very concerned about the child. I am here to check on her."

Yes, it would be like Mary Margaret to ask Mr. Gold to see about Rose himself. Not that she lacked faith in Emma, she was just worried. Emma would have done the same thing. Still, she'd updated Mary Margaret every time she went to the station, so this was a bit of overkill.

"She's okay," Emma said. Fine wouldn't really cut it. Sure, her fever was down, but not gone. It had dropped to 99.1 but then went back up to 100.0. She hadn't thrown up again, but she still wasn't eating as much as normal. Okay was probably stretching it.

"I'd like to see for myself, if you don't mind."

"My word isn't good enough?"

"Trust isn't what I'm known for."

Emma nodded. "That I can definitely believe." She thought about saying no, but since he was here on Mary Margaret's behalf, there wasn't much harm to it.

"Fine, but you can't stay long. She needs rest."

She moved aside to let him in. Rose was sitting up on the sofa with Susu in her lap. She was still awake, but groggy. Hopefully a nap would be forthcoming. Emma sat down next to her and she immediately moved to cuddle into her side.

"Has her fever broken?"

"Not yet." Emma stroked Rose's hair. "But it's not as high as it was before and she's eating a little bit now."

He nodded once without taking his eyes off of the child. "Has she slept?"

Emma shook her head. "Not enough."

"A warm bath might soothe her, at least that's what I've been told."

It wasn't a bad idea. Rose normally associated baths with getting ready for bed so maybe it would get her in the mood to actually sleep for a while. "Thanks," Emma said, "I'll try that."

He looked at Rose for a while longer and then simply bid them both a "Good evening," before he left the apartment. Emma had a feeling she would never understand him.

She did take his advice and set Rose in a warm water bath. It actually perked Rose's spirits up a bit. Emma guessed that this was Mary Margaret's idea, but it was still odd that Gold had even shown up. Of course, if Rose was his daughter this might suggest some parental concern for her. Could that be it? Was Gold worried about his child?

That might had made Emma feel a little better about her theory, but she still couldn't figure out why he didn't come out and say it. Sure it would be a bit scandalous, but Gold hadn't cared what anyone thought of him before. It was just odd.

Still, she couldn't focus on the enigma that was Mr. Gold. Rose was still sick and needed tending too.

After a little while, Emma scooped Rose out of the warm water and dried her off. Rose was drowsy as she was put into her pajamas so Emma set her down in crib and prayed she would sleep.

She did. Rose finally slept for a good four hours. She was smiling when she woke up that evening and calling out for "Emmy."

Emma picked her back up, smoothing the rumpled curls away from her face. Her skin was finally cool to the touch. "You're going to be all right, sweetie," Emma said with a smile, "You're going to be just fine."


Rose was feeling better, not one hundred percent since she still preferred to be quiet or sleep but at least she wasn't burning with fever or throwing up. Emma figured it would be all right if she took Rose to the station as long as she kept a careful eye on her.

Mary Margaret was happy to see both of them, especially Rose. "Hey, what are you doing here?"

"Her fever broke sometime last night," Emma explained, bringing Rose close to the bars so that Mary Margaret could get a good look at her. "She's still tired but she's not throwing up anymore, I think she's getting better."

"That's wonderful," Mary Margaret declared, reaching through the bars to touch Rose's hand. "You took good care of her."

"It wasn't easy," Emma told her honestly, "I don't blame you for sending Mr. Gold to check up on us."

"What?"

Emma saw a look of real confusion on Mary Margaret's face. "Mr. Gold said that you asked him to check up on her."

"I didn't ask him to do that," Mary Margaret said.

She thought about it for a long moment. "But if you didn't ask him why did he…" her voice trailed off.

Mary Margaret smiled softly. "Maybe he did it as a favor for me."

"When does he ever do favors for anyone?"

The schoolteacher considered the options. "Well if you are right that he's Rose's father…maybe he was concerned."

Emma wasn't quite as sure about that as her friend. "Maybe…or maybe he was afraid I'd damage his property."

"You really think he's that cold?"

"I don't know, I just know that it's impossible to trust him."

The conversation was cut short by the man in question himself. Mr. Gold walked into the station and noticed the two women deep in conversation. "I'm not interrupting anything am I?"

"No," Emma said coolly, " nothing important."

Her gaze was settled on him but Mr. Gold noticed Rose very quickly. "I assume the child is doing better."

"Yeah, she is." Emma remained standing there for a moment. "I have some paperwork to do, you can talk to Mary Margaret here." She caught the eye of her friend who gave her a look with wide eyes and raised eyebrows. She'd noticed that Mr. Gold had asked about Rose too. To Mary Margaret that was proof that he cared, to Emma it was just prove he could observe there was a sick child in the room.

She took Rose over to her pen where the little girl immediately curled up with her stuffed butterfly and quietly sucked her thumb. She was tired out already, hopefully she'd be back to her cheerful and energetic self very soon.

Emma stayed at her desk, just out of earshot of Mary Margaret and Mr. Gold. She occasionally watched them talk, she didn't know what he was saying but she could only hope it was a strategy to help save Mary Margaret from being convicted of a crime she could never have done. She found herself studying Mr. Gold though, she kept wondering if there was a beating heart hidden somewhere inside of him, a heart that actually cared about the child that may or may not be his.

But if she was his then what had happened between him and Alayna?

She didn't get to think about it for very long. Regina marched into the building with a smug look and a very high attitude. Emma remained at her desk and didn't bother to hide her disdain. "What are you doing here?"

"I want to make sure Kathryn's case is being handled properly," she looked over at Mary Margaret and Mr. Gold. "I heard she's hired Mr. Gold."

"She thought she needed some help," Emma replied, she didn't like her choice of lawyer either.

"Not usually the mindset of an innocent person."

"It is for someone who is afraid and confused," Emma said, defending her friend.

Rose let out a little whimper, interrupting the conversation for which Emma was grateful. Emma walked over to see if she could soothe her but noted the obvious look of disgust on Regina's face. "You brought a sick child here?"

Emma was caught off guard by that comment. "She's not that sick anymore," she pointed out, "and I have to bring her here if I'm going to keep an eye on her."

"Are you certain that you are doing an adequate job?"

"Excuse me?"

"Well clearly it isn't easy juggling your job here and a sick child, otherwise she wouldn't have had to go to the hospital in the first place." Emma flinched at the guilt of being caught like that, but she knew Rose's illness wasn't her fault. "I'm only suggesting that Rose might be better off in the care of someone else."

"Oh yeah? Who?"

Regina was quiet for a moment before smiling brilliantly. "I'm willing to take her off your hands."

Emma couldn't believe what she was hearing. "You?"

"What?" Emma was surprised to hear Mr. Gold say that in such a disdainful tone. She had no idea that the man was even listening.

Regina's smile turned into a smirk. "If you recall, I do have some experience with children."

"But you told me that I had to take care of Rose," Emma pointed out.

"That was when I assumed you would be able to do it."

"It's not my fault she got the flu," Emma said through gritted teeth.

"Of course not, but you cannot expect to manage this case while also taking care of a small child. I will take good care of her until her grandfather is well."

Emma narrowed her eyes at Regina. "Why do you want her so badly?"

"I just want what is best for her."

"You never cared much about her before, now suddenly you want to keep an eye on her."

"You sound suspicious."

"I am," Emma replied honestly. "Rose is fine, she's getting better and I am taking care of her. I will continue to do so until Moe recovers."

"You would be able to devote more time to Kathryn's case."

"I'm giving it more than enough time," Emma replied easily. "Now is there another reason that you are here or do you have some mayoring that you have to get back to?"

Regina's eyes were dark and angry as she studied Emma's face. She was furious, no doubt about that. "I'm keeping my eye on you, Sheriff Swann, if I see any cause for neglect, I'll bring Rose to a safer home."

"Good luck with that, Madame Mayor, you won't find anything."

Emma watched the woman leave now feeling quite smug herself. It was always satisfying to win a battle with Regina, even if she was probably losing the war. She hated that woman, she really did.

"You should never let her have Rose."

She turned around to see that Mr. Gold had come up behind her. He was giving her a very serious look. "I'm not."

"She does not want her out of kindness."

"I figured that out myself." He looked ready to go back to Mary Margaret but she stopped him. "Why does she suddenly want her?"

Mr. Gold gave her a tight smile. "Oh I have an idea."

"But you won't share it."

He smiled at her again. "I have work to do Ms. Swann."

Once more Mr. Gold left Emma with more questions then answers.


Mr. Gold waited for the opportune time to plant the key in Mary Margaret's cell. After the disastrous interview with the District Attorney and the fact that the evidence continued to point in her direction, he had no doubt that Mary Margaret would be desperate enough to use it. Of course he had his own plans on how to ruin Regina's scheme, but first he had to let the bitch crow with glee.

The former queen was in her office, no doubt delighting in fantasies of finally fulfilled revenge. "Is it done?" she asked as soon as he walked through the door.

"The key is planted, tonight Mary Margaret will find her salvation and she'll flee. Once she crosses the border…well you know what will happen."

Regina smiled with delight. "Wonderful. I'm impressed, this plan appears to be flawless."

"I'm always serious with my deals," Mr. Gold reminded her coldly.

"Of course."

"And you should be too," Mr. Gold told her.

She looked up at him, a bit startled by the tone. "Just what are you suggesting?"

"Don't toy with me, your majesty. Your clever games will never fool me," he warned her seriously.

Regina gave him a smirk. "Ah but your whole life was one giant game, you so enjoyed toying with people, pulling their strings to dance for you."

"It won't work, dearie."

"What?"

"The child," Mr. Gold explained carefully, "the child is of no concern to me."

"Even though the brat belonged to that poor unfortunate girl?"

"No," he said evenly, "I do not care about her. She means nothing to me. So you can continue to pursue this but it will only make you look more like a fool because it will not give you power over me."

Regina's eyes narrowed at him. "I don't believe you."

"I never lie, dearie."

"Now that's not true," Regina replied, "you most certainly have…to me in fact."

He just shrugged. "You can continue your game but I'll warn you, your majesty, you best be certain you know all of the rules."

Mr. Gold turned on his heel to leave, eager to escape this putrid office of the queen. Oh he burned with loathing for that woman but this had been necessary. She needed to know that Rose was not the way to get to him, even if she was aware that he was lying about caring for her.

He tried not to though…he still didn't know if she was his.


A/N: Poor Mr. Gold, for once he can't lie well at all nor can he spin the truth in his classic Rumple way. Unfortunately, he'll have to struggle a bit longer before it all comes out. But that is in sight, we promise. Please tells us what you think.

Next chapter: When trying to get Mary Margaret back, Emma and Rose are kidnapped by Jefferson who knows everything about Rose, including who her father is. How Belle wound up in the custody of the Queen is revealed.