Nine:

Wow guys, just a massive thank you to every single one of you who reviewed the last chapter, I have heard you and will endeavour to explain just a few of your questions before I move on (not too many because then this story wouldn't be worth writing):

For those of you who are a little worried that last chapter might be heading in a 'fairy tale' direction, please bear with me. This story is most definitely AU and everything that happens has a distinct, scientifically proven explanation. Sorry for any confusion

So now that that's out of the way, time for an angsty Belle/Gold chapter filled with lots of drama… because what's a good Rumbelle fic without a few of those?

When Ruby entered the kitchen she was curious to find that only Granny was about. More often than not Belle was there preparing tea or in the process of heading upstairs to Gold's office and even sometimes Ashley was around to talk to. Now, it seemed, only the Lucas women were awake so Ruby walked over to her grandmother and carefully wrapped her arms around her frail shoulders.

"Morning Granny." She said and kissed her cheek. Elizabeth Lucas turned and smiled at her grand-daughter.

"Ruby, it's good to see that at least you're awake." She said and Ruby drew up in surprise.

"You mean Belle…"

"Hasn't come down yet? No. I'm getting a little worried, last night…" Granny broke off and Ruby felt her gut clench tightly.
"Granny, what happened?" She asked sternly and the old woman sighed.

"Gold, he…" She began and Ruby gasped.

"Another one, but it's been months… I thought he had it under control." Ruby said and Granny shrugged.

"Apparently not." Granny said and Ruby sat down heavily in one of the stools. She bit her thumb nail absently as she fixed her gaze on one of the worn, clay tiles on the floor.

"Didn't Dr Hopper clear him in July?" Ruby asked and Granny raised her hands in mute appeal.

"I thought it was May. Ruby, Gold would never tell us whether or not Hopper cleared him; he's even less likely to tell us when." She pointed out and Ruby nodded dumbly. She pinched the bridge of her nose in exasperation.

"This is bad." Ruby muttered and Granny snorted scornfully.

"And here I was thinking we're all aboard the Good Ship Lollipop." She quipped dryly and Ruby threw her a filthy look.

"What set him off?" She asked shortly and again her grandmother shrugged helplessly.

"I don't know. Belle was the last one to see him." She said and Ruby frowned. Her eyes snapped wide and she clicked her fingers triumphantly.

"The bruises." She said and Granny quirked an eyebrow in confusion and alarm. Ruby rolled her eyes irritably, kicking herself mentally for not seeing it earlier.

"You didn't see them Granny, but I did. When Belle came in yesterday morning she had a circlet of bruises around her left wrist… apparently she was pestering him quite a bit but…" She broke off and shook her head. Granny made a distressed sound and Ruby grimaced.

"That doesn't make sense though; Gold's got more self-control than that. Not to mention, the fact that he'd never hurt Belle intentionally." She said sensibly and Granny nodded, though her brow was furrowed slightly.

"But as you said, it's been months since the last episode, we don't know if Dr Hopper has cleared him and, maybe, all the stress from New Year's affected him more than we previously thought?" Granny reasoned quietly and Ruby sighed, cupping her chin in her palm dazedly. All these months she and Granny had been living in the hope that their employer's condition had finally settled, this episode set back months of work and was probably even more devastating for the man himself. Lost in her thoughts Ruby was startled when a light hand felt on her shoulder. She jumped and swore violently at the person.

"Bloody mother- oh morning Ash." She said sheepishly as the short blonde blinked owlishly at her. A small smirk crept across the younger girl's mouth as she sat down next to Ruby, grabbing her own bowl of porridge from the group on the counter and blowing on it softly.

"So, what's got you in such a pensive mood? Don't tell me, you're studying philosophy?" She quipped and Ruby shoved her lightly.

"Oh nothing much, and it's theology actually." She retorted and Ashley sniggered. She ate a spoonful of porridge and crossed herself mock-seriously.

"Oh heaven forbid, Ruby Lucas… a nun?" Ashley cried scornfully and Granny chuckled loudly from the stove. Ruby sent her grandmother a withering glare, which the white haired woman ignored, and turned back to her friend.

"Theology covers all religions Ash, not just Catholicism… and, if I tried to become a nun, I think I'd be a bloody good one." Ruby complained stoutly making both women cackle slightly.

"Yeah right, you're a born flapper Ruby. Imagine a life with no men or booze, you'd either go insane or simply commit suicide." Ashley taunted sweetly, taking another large gulp of her breakfast and grinning cheekily in the face of Ruby's heated stare. Affronted the brunette stood and stalked to the door but, unsure as to where she could go, stopped and growled furiously at the offending portal. Ashley sniggered and turned to Granny.

"So, what actually had Ruby's knickers in a twist?" She asked and the older woman chuckled.

"Gold's taken another business trip, short notice as usual, and now Ruby's got to organise the speakeasies without him." Granny lied smoothly and Ruby nodded vigorously from her spot, her glare making the lie seem all the more legitimate. The only people in the Palace who honestly knew of Gold's 'episodes' were Granny and Ruby. Rumours sprung up amongst the ranks from time to time but no one had ever been able to confirm anything and, if Granny had her way, they never would. There was more at stake than just a man's reputation. Ashley nodded naïvely, accepting the lie.

"Damn, did he tell Belle?" She asked and Ruby spluttered.

"She knows." Granny said hurriedly and Ashley looked between the two of them curiously. A wary look entered her eye and she frowned slightly, pushing her now finished bowl towards the sink.

"Where is Belle? Usually she's here already." Ash asked expectantly and Ruby shrugged.

"I think she's slept in… I'll go fetch her." She said quickly, receiving a discreet nod from Granny and turning on her heel to walk out of the room. The elevator ride seemed slower than usual but Ruby was convinced it was simply because she was worried now about Belle. What had happened to bring this all on? The bruises, the episode and now, Belle's sleep in… The elevator came to a clanking thud at the fourth floor and Ruby stepped out cautiously. Gazing around she marvelled at the plainness of the floor. Shaking her head she wandered down the east corridor and quietly stepped onto the base of the ladder. She smiled as the sound of gentle snores reached her ears and hastily climbed up to peer around Belle's room. It was elegantly simple, sparse in decoration but exactly what she'd expected Belle's room to look like. In stark contrast to either her room or Mary Margret's, Belle's room was a dimly lit sanctuary of soft blues and sensible furnishings. The girl herself was asleep in the bed beneath a lone, curtained window, the covers pulled high over her head and a single, stockinged foot just poking out from beneath the blue comforter. She looked exactly like an exhausted child until a strange sound issued from the place where Ruby assumed her friend's head lay. Quietly she approached and saw that the robin, Calico, was sleeping on the pillow next to Belle, his head tucked into the warmth of his breast. He stirred as she approached and stared up at her, not alarmed but definitely inquisitive. As he moved Belle stirred and the comforter slipped down to reveal her sleeping face. Ruby gasped in shock and stepped back. Although Belle's eyes were tightly closed and her breathing regular, there were tears flowing down Belle's cheeks in a never ending stream of crystalline drops. Her russet curls were spread out beneath her head like a second pillow slip and as Ruby watched a single tear slipped out of the corner of her eye and slid silently down her cheek, landing in a patch of auburn that already appeared quite wet. Suddenly feeling intrusive Ruby tentatively reached out and touched Belle's shoulder. She awoke in a flash. Her eyes snapped open and she sat up, her back ram-rod straight, as though the brush of fingers had been a bolt of lightning sent down her spine. A breathless gasp left her lips and she gripped Ruby's fingers in a crushing, panicked vice. Belle stared at Ruby uncomprehendingly for a full second, then a delicate blush overtook her sublime features as her dream slowly faded and reality set back in. Even half terrified and inches from sleep, Belle de Boire managed to look effortlessly pretty. Her hair had escaped its braid during the night and framed her glowing features like a russet halo. Her eyes were wide with raw emotion that made them glisten and Ruby shuddered inwardly at the memory of her own appearance in the mornings, minutely jealous. Deftly Ruby pulled her fingers from Belle's now limp hands. The girl herself sighed and slid back down into her bed, pulling the covers to her shoulders and turning away to face the wall.

"Please go away Ruby?" She asked softly, in a voice barely above a whisper. Ruby was shocked. This was not the Belle she knew and by god she wasn't going to let this imposter stay very long.

"Belle, what's wrong? Do you feel unwell?" Ruby asked and sat down hurriedly on the bed, placing her hand on Belle's shoulder comfortingly. Belle flinched but otherwise stared resolutely at the wall.

"No, I just don't feel like working today... I'm a bit tired." She said lamely and Ruby gaped at her stubbornly turned back in dismay.

"Belle, what's wrong?" She repeated and the girl shrugged, stretching out a hand and running a finger down Calico's back. The robin chirped and hopped excitedly on the bed, peering at each girl as she spoke as though following the conversation himself. Belle giggled slightly before sobering quickly and letting out her breath in a heavy rush.

"Ruby, please make my excuses to Granny and Mr Gold… I just can't get out of bed today." She said and Ruby rubbed her face exasperatedly.

"Belle you can't just…"

"Can't I? If Mr Gold really needs me, I'll come down but until then… you know where to find me." Belle murmured; her voice a neutral monotone. After that she refused to say another word until finally, defeated, Ruby rose from the bed and exited the tower. She pelted to the elevator, stumbling slightly on her heels, and cursed the slow contraption continuously until it reached the ground floor. She tore across the atrium and burst into the kitchen where Granny whirled around at the sudden interruption.

"Ruby? What's wrong?" She demanded and Ruby paused.

"Belle, she won't get out of bed… what the bloody hell happened last night?" Ruby shouted and her grandmother flinched as though the words had been actual blows. The expression on her face was one of pure guilt and Ruby swallowed tightly. Ashley had long since sought her room and the ground floor was apparently empty of people apart from themselves. Granny shifted uncomfortably and sighed, running a hand over her sweating brow and setting her cooking utensils down.

"Belle went to give Mary Margret her dinner, then went upstairs to find Mr Gold… god only knows why. Anyway, the poor dear found his office empty and came back down here, asking for him." Granny said slowly and Ruby felt the re-clenching of her stomach actually make the damn thing sink like a lead weight to the soles of her feet.

"Go on." She breathed hoarsely and Granny groaned.

"I said I hadn't seen him and apparently she'd hadn't seen him leave the office all day. I realised he must have either gone upstairs for his work or… well, you know." Granny said and Ruby nodded.

"You were gone and the only person around was Belle, so I prepared the drafts and took it up to the office. I told her to leave it at the top of the elevator but when she came back down, it was like the devil himself were chasing her." Ruby's grandmother heaved a large sigh and Ruby felt sick. Oh god, this was worse than she'd thought. She stared at her grandmother in horror.

"Did she… see anything?" Ruby asked and Granny shrugged, her face a mask of concern.

"I have no idea Ruby. Did Belle say why she's acting like this?" Granny asked and Ruby nodded.

"She said she was tired. I don't know if that's the whole truth but I think it's safe to assume she didn't sleep well last night." Ruby explained and Elizabeth nodded.

"Anything else?" She asked and Ruby shook her head.

"She told me to make excuses to you and Mr Gold… but-" Ruby broke off. Her temples were throbbing a little now so she rubbed them frustratedly.

"So she wasn't upset about Gold?" Granny asked and Ruby threw her hands up in the air.

"How the hell should I know, the girl had her back turned to me the whole time." She exploded and Elizabeth clucked disapprovingly. Ruby sobered and raised her gaze heavenward, praying for patience.

"I don't know, I'd say it's a part of it but really, I was picking up something else as well… it's not just last night. I think there's another reason she doesn't want to do anything." Ruby said and Granny nodded solemnly. The two Lucas women fell into a steady silence and tried to think of the best way to deal with the Belle-situation.

"She may not stay there all day Granny." Ruby said hopefully and her grandmother nodded, turning back to the slowly boiling pot.

"Hm, it's definitely the best case scenario." She murmured and Ruby nodded, not wanting to contemplate the worst. As she turned to leave she swore she heard her grandmother speaking.

"Idiots, both of them." Ruby spun to say something but thought better of it at the last second. Intuition told her to leave it be and so she did. Taking her curiosity to bed, she walked out of the kitchen and out to the elevator. On the second floor she passed Mary's room and whispered a quick hello through the keyhole. She filled in what details she could about the situation.

"I know why she was looking for him." Mary Margret said when Ruby was done and Ruby frowned at the door, as though seeking to pierce it and see her best friend's beautiful brown eyes.

"Really? Why?" Ruby demanded and Mary sighed.

"For me… she was going to ask him to let me out." She said and Ruby chuckled.

"That sounds more like Belle." She admitted and Mary laughed half-heartedly. They lapsed into an uncomfortable silence.

"How long is Gold gone for this time?" Mary Margret asked and Ruby groaned.

"I have absolutely no idea… maybe a week." She said and something thumped against the door, presumably Mary's forehead.

"You mean I'm stuck in here for another week?" She demanded and Ruby chuckled.

"I doubt that Mr Gold would mind if you somehow, got your hands on a key and went for a wak… as long as you stayed in the building and returned each night to you room." Ruby suggested and Mary Margret laughed.

"You think?" she asked and Ruby nodded, forgetting her friend couldn't see her.

"Oh, uh yes… Belle has a key." Ruby said and yawned widely, the full night's work finally catching up with her. Mary Margret laughed.

"Go on, get some sleep. It's not as if I'm going anywhere anytime soon." She quipped disdainfully. Ruby patted the door softly and said her goodbye. She turned and continued down the corridor until she reached her own room. Pushing the door open she smiled as the familiar red and black colour theme met her gaze. She closed the door behind her and dimmed the lamp even further, until it once again mirrored the nigh. With a sigh she stripped off her suffocating black dress, kicked off her high heeled shoes, shimmied out of her slip and suspenders before crawling beneath her covers and closing her eyes. She tried to stay awake and worry about things but her mind was too tired to cope. Soon she was on the border of sleep then she relaxed and fell into nothingness.

OoOoOoO

Belle was tired. No, tired wasn't even close to a good enough name for how she felt at that moment. She was beaten, drained, entirely done in. Her heart felt like it was made out of the solid grey-stone that built the Palace; it was a pressing weight in her chest that ached every time she moved. When Ruby had left Belle had remained in her silent, still state, unable and entirely unwilling to move or speak. Her body was numb but her heart felt raw. To be honest she wasn't quite sure why she was like this. Being tired was an excellent label to put on, even if it wasn't an accurate one. The night's events had only a little to do with it, she felt hurt and betrayed that no one trusted her enough to tell her that something was wrong. Belle wasn't niave, she knew Gold would rather pull out his own teeth than admit he was anything other than perfectly healthy, but she'd thought that at least over the last week they'd grown close enough that he knew she could be trusted to help him. His rejection shook the foundations of what she herself was. Was she a friend, a caretaker or just someone he was using for now before moving onto the next desperate case he found walking the streets? She ran a hand over her cheeks to find that they were wet and scowled blackly at the wall. Crying, over something as stupid as this? She shook her head in dismay. If Robert had shaken her foundations then Ruby was another story all together. Anger was an unusual emotion for Belle de Boire but she realised that was exactly what she was feeling towards the confident, brunette bar tender. For two weeks she been in this house, and for two weeks she'd believed that her new friends would feel it necessary to tell her about certain things. Ruby it would seem had found it prudent to neglect telling her about apparently intergral parts of life here in the Palace. To be fair, it was likely that for some of it she hadn't been able to tell, but the fact of the matter was that she hadn't even given her a warning; instead she pretended that everything was fine and dandy. The anger motivated Belle to finally move and she slowly crawled out of bed and stood in the centre of her room, looking around the cozy tower loft calculatingly. She met her own gaze in the mirror's surface and pulled a face. Her eyes were red-rimmed and her face was tear stained, the whole mess was surrounded by a bird-nest worthy tangle of curls and Belle felt her self-esteem sink once again. The bruises around her eye and temple had faded but their slight discolouration made her face seemed off-balance. Casually, she reached behind herself and undid the buttons at the back of her shift, allowing it to slid off her shoulders and pool in a soft pile at her ankles. Her stockings were next and when she finally saw her entire body, visibly naked for the first time in over a year, she shuddered. Although the bruises had faded on her face, the ones on her chest where still vivid against her skin. She pressed a particularly nasty one just below her left breast and screwed up her nose with distaste.

"Ugly." She announced to the silent room and turned to look back at Calico who was now wide awake and fluttering weakly across the bed.

"What do you think Calico? Do I go downstairs and join the masses?" Belle asked and the robin chirped cheerfully. She frowned and turned back to the mirror. She tugged at a stray strand of hair and twirled it thoughtfully around her index finger.

"Alright then." Belle said bracingly and moved to pull on her brassiere, woollen stockings and navy dress from the trunk at the foot of her bed. She clutched at her hair brush and pulled it leisurely through her mess of hair, wincing when it struck knots. In a fit of frustration she flung it across the room where it struck one of the stones. To her surprise the stone gave way beneath the blow and a door swung silently open, just large enough to admit one person. She stared at it in shock. Another passageway? If this house was over 200 years old then it stood to reason that it would be filled with weird corridors and secret passages. The lead weight that was her heart lifted slightly at the prospect of adventure and she stood to move to the door. It was pitch black inside but she could see an uneven set of worn stone stairs, much like the one that lead to the kitchens, spiralling away into the darkness. She bit her lip and peered behind herself once. Calico chirped warningly from the bed and she walked back to him, scooped him up and placed him gently on her shoulder.

"Alright my little protector, shall we go?" Belle asked him and the little red breasted bird screeched. She smiled and cautiously stepped down onto the first stone step. With one hand pressed to the slimy stone wall Belle carefully descended the stairs until, with a sudden jolt, the landing appeared. She couldn't see a thing in the pitch black space and so, with her arms held out before her, warily made her way forwards. A loud scurrying about her feet made her aware of the mice or rats that dwelled in the musty corridor and she bit her lip to stop herself from screaming out. Calico was subdued and Belle could feel his little body trembling against her neck. Her own unease multiplied but she pressed on. She stubbed her toes against a raised partition of the floor that turned out to be the base of yet another set of stairs. This time Belle moved confidently upwards, ignoring the feeling that she was trespassing and actually enjoying the rebellion. Her hand fell on a smooth stone wall and she realised that she'd reached the end of her journey. She fiddled around in the dark for a latch or lever but couldn't find a way past. Why would someone make a passageway that lead to a dead end? She tried pressing the stones and even scratched at the mortar to see if it triggered a response. Nothing happened. Disheartened and backtracked carefully down the stairs and along the corridor. She all but ran up the stairs and slammed the surprisingly light door behind her. Calico had stopped shivering and now hoped down from her shoulder to the table. Belle stooped and picked up the brush from the floor and placed it on the desk. She ran a hand over her face and sighed heavily. She suddenly felt extremely alone. Whenever she'd felt alone or unhappy, there had always been someone she loved or trusted around to talk to. Lettie had always had an open door for Belle and Papa had at least tried to listen to her, when he wasn't at work or drowning in his drinks. Belle moved to the trapdoor in the floor and slid down the ladder, landing with a soft bump on the floor. She moved unhurriedly down the corridor and even sauntered into the elevator. Leaning against the gilded metal she rolled her neck gingerly as she stepped out into the atrium and moved to the kitchen corridor.

"Morning Granny!" She called cheerfully and the old lady spun around to gasp in surprise.

"Belle? I thought you were staying in your room today?" Granny said confusedly and Belle smiled thinly. Shaking her head she moved around the kitchen, lazily preparing herself a cup of tea. Leisurely she hoisted a black-bottomed kettle over the fireplace and waited for it to boil. As this happened she placed her three sugar into the base of a dainty, china cup then, when the kettle whistled cheerfully, poured a liberal amount of tea over the top. She allowed it to steep for a few moments before adding a dash of milk. Sitting down on one of the remaining stools she sipped it quietly, gazing over the rim towards Granny who was watching her warily from her usual station by the stove. To her disappointment it was nowhere near as good as the ones Robert prepared for her and after only a few sips she placed it down on the table, bring her elbow to rest on the counter she rested her chin in the palm of her hand.

"I thought about it, I wasn't feeling well." Belle replied finally and Granny bit her lip.

"Belle, about last night?" She began and Belle smiled.

"What about it? Has Mr Gold come down yet… i need to apologise for being so late." Belle remembered suddenly and Granny shook her head.

"Never mind that dear, he's gone." She said simply and Belle gasped.

"Gone?" She asked and Granny nodded.

"Left this morning on a business trip. You have to remember that he's a rather busy man dear, he does what he wants whenever the time suits him. He should be back in a few days." The white haired woman murmured and Belle nodded dumbly. The weight in her chest increased about tenfold and she sank down into her seat.

"Are you alright dear? Ruby told me you two had a fight?" She said and Belle frowned.

"Oh no, Ruby just found me at a bad time." She explained and Granny chuckled lightly.

"Not with Ruby Belle, Mr Gold." She said patiently and Belle felt her cheeks flood with colour.

"No, everything's fine." She said stoutly and rubbed at her wrist lightly, feeling the slight twinge. Granny gave her a disbelieving stare which Belle held out under for a few moments before sighing.

"I just wanted to apologise… I pushed him a little over the top and he bruised my wrist. It was my fault but he seemed so torn up about it. Now he's gone and I won't have a chance to make it up to him." Belle moaned softly and Granny Lucas smiled.

"Oh dear Belle." She teased and Belle shrugged, her already heated cheeks becoming twin furnaces on her face.

"I'd better go." She said swiftly and hoped off the stool to walk to the door. Grabbing her cleaning supplies from the cupboard she moved out into the atrium and began to work.

OoOoOoO

Knock. Knock. The rapid taps on the front doors made Belle look up from where she was bent over one of the tables in the club room, cloth in hand and polish in the other. With a small frown she put them down and stepped out into the sparkling atrium. A small, familiar face peered at her from behind the bars and she let out a breathless chuckle.

"My dear Sir Henry, what brings you to his place?" She asked and moved to stand in front of the door, peering out at the small boy who grinned at her. Under his arm was the book she'd seen him carrying on New Year's Eve and her hand was already fishing into her pocket to pull out the key before she registered what she was doing. He was just a little boy, what harm could it possibly do? She reasoned with herself. Not to mention, she was lonely and in this mood any break from the monotonous cleaning would be a blessing. Shaking away her doubts she opened the door, unlocked the bars and wrenched them apart just enough for Henry to squeeze through. He threw his arms around her waist and Belle embraced him tightly. She crouched down to meet his gaze, tweaking his nose fondly and chuckling when he frowned.

"What can I help you with?" She asked and he blushed, shuffling his feet slightly.

"Nothing, I just wanted to see you again." HE said and Belle cocked her head to look at him curiously.

"Does your Mum know you're here?" She asked and Henry nodded. Belle snorted.

"No she doesn't… I'll call her and let her know where you are so she doesn't worry." Belle said and Henry's face fell.

"Please don't, she'll only be more worried. If she knew I was here, she'd never let me out of her sight again." Henry complained bitterly and Belle's heart was torn. On the one hand she knew Emma would feel betrayed if Belle didn't let her know where her precious son was but on the other hand Henry's visit had brightened her miserable day and she was selfish enough to want him to stay… consequences be damned. Henry's eyes had taken on the pleaded puppy-like look that had Belle's will-power crumbling like charred paper. She sighed then smiled at Henry who grinned broadly and wrapped his arms around her neck.

"Thanks Belle!" He said and she laughed.

"No… thank you." She whispered and he drew back to look at her oddly. She shrugged and stood.

"Come on, we'll get you a hot chocolate and then you can tell me what you've been up to." She said and he jumped excitedly. They walked into the now deserted kitchen and Belle hurriedly made up the hot chocolate. With a smile she watched as the boy placed his beloved book down on the bench to take a huge gulp of the steaming drink, leaving a giant ring of chocolate smeared around his mouth. She shook her head bemusedly and walked out of the kitchen to restart her work in the club room. Henry followed and she smiled slightly when he exhaled sharply as they entered the room.

"Whoa! What is this place?" Henry asked as he stared around the enormous room and Belle frowned, her hands on her hips as she surveyed the surrounding mess.

"My job." She muttered tersely and picked up the polish and cloth she'd abandoned moments ago. Rubbing the table down she looked over at Henry who now perched happily on one of the oriental poufs drinking his hot chocolate.

"So, what has the valiant Sir Henry been accomplishing since last we met?" Belle asked and he shrugged, swirling the mug distractedly.

"Mum's been really busy so I've just been hanging around the station… its really boring sometimes." He said and Belle sniggered quietly.

"Not everything is fun and games but I say that trying to make the best of every situation has its own perks." She told him and Henry looked at her curiously.

"What do you do when you're bored?" He asked and Belle chewed her bottom lip thoughtfully.

"I have always loved to read. I simply love books." She said and Henry's eyes brightened.

"Really? I do too." He said excitedly and Belle smiled happily.

"There was this bookshop near my old house, it was run by a woman called Lettie Knolls. She used to give me free range of all the books in there and I'd take five or even six sometimes then, when I'd finished them, return them and trade them in for another five… oh how I loved that shop." She said and Henry held out his own book.

"I like going to the library. Sometimes I head to the park and play with Ava and Nicholas but most of the time… people think I'm weird so they stay away." He said and Belle stopped scrubbing the table to look at him.

"Are you weird?" She asked and he frowned.

"No." He said and Belle shrugged sadly.

"Mores the pity, I don't associate myself with normal people… they're ever so dull." She said and Henry grinned.

"Really?" He asked and she nodded.

"Even… even if they don't have fathers?" He asked and Belle felt her heart break for the wide eyed boy beside her. She put down her cleaning cloth and hugged him tightly.

"Especially when they don't have fathers… I don't have a mother, so I think that makes us kind of the same." Belle said softly and Henry nodded against her chest. She pulled back and stroked his cheek softly. Henry frowned suddenly and looked at her through half-squinted eyes.

"Why are you here Belle? Graham said this place is not for women like you." He said and Belle stared at him in shock.

"I beg your pardon?" She asked and Henry looked distinctly uncomfortable.

"Graham and Mum were talking on the way back from here. My Mum was trying to figure out a way to get you home but Graham said that sooner or later you'd find your own way. He said 'Belle's not the one to stand around and let fate have its way, she might need a hand from time to time but she doesn't belong in that place.'" Henry recited dutifully and Belle pursed her lips thoughtfully.

"How interesting, what do you think?" She asked and Henry shrugged.

"It doesn't matter what I think, children are to be seen… not heard." He said and the dismal way he spoke made Belle remember her own days at school when the same nonsense was spewed from the teachers mouths like rainwater from gutter pipes. She moved onto a particularly stubborn stain on one of the tables and attacked it with vigour.

"Henry, the people who change the world are the ones who never let someone else tell them what to do. If you have something to say, you say it and you never let anyone tell you not to… do you hear me?" She demanded and fixed him with a stern glare that made him bite his lip.

"Do you let people tell you what to do?" He asked and Belle nodded.

"All the time but I'm not going to change the world Henry. Your Mum is one of those people though. Every day she defies the expectations of everyone, including herself, and you could be just as great if you tried." Belle told him softly and he frowned.

"Belle, is Mr Gold nice to you?" he asked and Belle pulled up short, startled. She pulled a face and moved onto the next table.

"Mr Gold is… Mr Gold." She said simply and chuckled at the perplexed look on Henry's face.

"Sir Henry, you seem to be under the impression that I'm a helpless maiden under the lock and key of a monstrous beast." She quipped and he shrugged.

"Not helpless but you are under lock and key and he's not a good man." Henry said slowly and Belle frowned. Again with the whole 'not a good man business'.

"The thing about people is that, generally, we all make mistakes." She said and Henry picked up the book. He gazed at it's plain black cover and then at her.

"It's all in here." He said proudly and handed it to her carefully. She opened the pages cautiously and flicked through dozens of files and newspaper clips on Al Capone, his gang members, a woman called Regina Mills, several other gangland criminals and finally, to her surprise, Robert. She stared down at the page before her and cocked her head slightly. There were a few indescript articles involving fraudulent dealings he'd been a part of on Wall St, a few copied police files on supposed deals between Robert and Regina and many other slips of paper that loosely incriminated her employer. Belle read a few of them before turning give Henry a stern look.

"Everyone knows about Mr Gold Henry, he's involved in deal-making and pawn-brokering which, in this town, are sure fire ways to make people hate you. I could safely assume he's had run ins with people on Wall St but a lot of these articles are really heresay and circumstance." She said softly. To be honest she didn't know why she was defending the arrogant sod, it wasn't as if he were here to know whether or not she was loyal to him. Shaking her head she peered down at the mountain of articles and smiled slightly at a blurred picture of Robert, dated back to around 1916. He was standing, rather stiffly, in a group of men all dressed in identical uniforms. Army uniforms she realised with a start and peered closer.

"I didn't know he was in the army though." She said to Henry who nodded brightly and moved to sit beside her. He pointed to the group and licked his lips.

"He was part of a Scottish regiment, I can't remember which one, but that man there… that's his son, Baelfire." He said and Belle's stomach dropped in surprise.

"That's Baelfire?" She breathed and peered in close to see the pale faced man that stood beside his father. They were quiet similar, both tall and thin but where Robert seemed to shrink away slightly from the camera and his fellow soldiers, Baelfire seemed to glow proudly in his spotless uniform. Belle traced their faces and realised that her vision was blurring slightly. She remembered what Granny had said only yesterday morning, that Baelfire's absence had made Robert into the recluse he was today and wondered at the reasons behind his leaving. The two had their arms around each other and Belle smoothed the photo gently. She looked over at Henry to see the boy smirking at her.

"You have the same look my Mum gets when she thinking about Graham." He said and Belle blushed, drawing herself upright.

"What's that?" She asked, affronted, and Henry sniggered. He jumped up and ran to one of the raised platforms that held the silver poles, hopping up onto one and throwing her a taunting smile. Belle followed him, arms crossed and her quizzical brows lifted. He grinned at her then turned to look at the pole in confusion.

"What are these?" He asked and Belle peered at the poles, inwardly debating on how best she was going to answer the question. It had only been recently that she herself had been made aware of exactly how the poles were used but trying explain their purpose to a ten year old boy without damaging him was a difficult endeavour.

"There for dancing." She said finally and he frowned at her. She sighed and hoisted her skirts, stepping up onto the platform beside him. She slid one of her hands down the pole's length and shivered slightly. Turning to face Henry she smirked and twirled around it, swinging out and laughing as the head rush made her giddy.

"See, like that." She said and Henry frown deepened.

"Why would you want to dance like that?" He asked and Belle opened her mouth to answer but was cut across by a sharp voice from the door.

"Because wants and needs are very different things Henry Swan." Belle whirled to see Ruby standing in the door, flanked by Ashley and Granny who both looked at her in a mixture of shock and amusement. She shrank back and placed a steady hand on Henry's shoulder. Her smile slid off her face and she gazed at the trio coldly.

"Oh hello Ruby." She said and Henry waved awkwardly. Ruby ignored her and fixed her attention on Henry.

"Your mother know where you are?" She asked sharply and Henry shook his head.

"I think it might be a good idea for you to go find her then." Ruby said and Belle glared at her friend. Granny started slightly and stepped forward.

"Is that my cocoa I see?" She asked and pointed to the ring around Henry's mouth. The boy hurriedly wiped at his jaw and Belle smiled, crouching down and wiping the majority of it off. Henry looked guilty as all sin and Belle clamped a hand on his shoulder. She winked at him and they both stepped down from the platform. Belle approached the three women and, firmly ignoring Ruby, directed her speech in Granny's direction.

"Henry was just visiting." She said and Granny nodded. She reached out and laid a gentle hand on Henry's cheek. She looked up at Belle and smiled.

"You do know that Mr Gold doesn't appreciate strangers in the Palace right?" She asked and Belle shrugged.

"He's not here though is he?" She muttered and Ruby sent her grandmother a quick glance that Belle found somewhat disconcerting. Evidently there were more secrets about this house and Belle had just about had enough of them. She scowled blackly at them and pulled Henry to her in a close hug.

"Look here Henry, I think we'll have to cut todays visit short but feel free to come back… I'm not inclined to head out much these days." She said and Henry nodded.

"Alright, thanks for the hot chocolate Belle." He said and she nodded. Together they walked to the atrium and Belle opened the door again to let him out. Thankfully the sun was out and the temperature milder than it had been over the last few days so Belle didn't feel too guilty in expelling the boy into the cold. She blew him a kiss and he blushed. Waving goodbye to her and tucking his beloved book under his arm, he walked off towards the tram lines and she watched until he was out of sight before stepping back into the Palace and locking all the doors. She could feel three pairs of eyes on her back and whirled to face the three of them. Her furious expression made the trio step back and when she spoke Belle knew she was inches away from losing her temper.

"If anyone else is inclined to ruin my day further, please go right ahead since it appears I have nothing better to do than scrap filthy stains off tables and mop this bloody floor!" She spat and Ruby's cheeks blanched. Ashley stared at her in shock and stepped forward.

"Belle, what's wrong?" She asked and her sincerity made Belle's anger fizzle slightly.

"Why don't you ask them Ash, they seem to know everything that goes on in this place?" She muttered and, lifting her chin a notch, stepped past the thunderstruck trio to the club room. She turned to grasp the double door handles and glared at them.

"Granny, don't bother making me lunch… I'm heading upstairs after this and I don't want to be disturbed." She said and slammed the doors shut in their startled faces. Belle stared at the closed portals for a full five seconds before the reality of what she'd just done crashed onto her like a tidal wave. She backed away from the entrance and collapsed into one of the chairs.

"Great job Belle." She muttered and buried her face in her hands. In despair she sat and steeped in misery before picking herself up and numbly setting the room to its former glory. When she was done she snuck out into the atrium and caught the elevator up to the third floor. When she arrived at the storage rooms she let out her sigh of relief. Here, amongst the memories and belongings of others, she could lose herself. Methodically she rummaged through the shelves; taking things out, marking them down, giving them a clean and returning them to a neater position. Soon her mind began to wander and she lost track of time, allowing the mind-numbing work to wield its magic.

OoOoOoO

"Is that so?... Yes, thank you." Regina said into the phone and nonchalantly placed it back into its cradle. The man Gaston watched drowsily as she pressed her fingers into a steepled point and stared at him over their tops. He straightened slightly and tried to pay attention. His blue eyes were bleary and his hair tousled in an unmistakeable fashion. Her lip curled in repulsion. Let it be always known that men were abhorrent and the world would be better off without the damn things. She was brought back to the present by Gaston who coughed and tried to speak.

"Who was t-that?" He asked dazedly and she waved her hand airily.

"No one important, but the news they have to tell me is." She said and Gaston straightened.

"Is it about Belle?" He asked hurriedly and Regina shrugged.

"Not directly but it does give us a window of opportunity, however brief that is." She said and stood. Moving to the window she gazed out on the glittering isle of Manhattan and felt the familiar longing return to her. Queen of Brooklyn she may be but Gold was King of Manhattan. Nothing went on in the city without his knowledge and the resources he had at his disposal were enough to make Regina physically green with envy. Her own little patch of river-side turf was nothing compared to his glittering kingdom, her limitations were laughably tangible whereas his seemed almost non-existent. She turned to face Gaston and tapped her chin thoughtfully.

"Gold is out of town." She said finally and Gaston perked up.

"Where to?" He asked and Regina once again waved her hand dismissing the matter entirely. Her source had said that Gold had left that morning for business and would be gone for a few days. What excellent timing. It was just the right time to enact her latest plan.

"It's unimportant, the only important thing about this matter is that with him out of the way, you are free to steal into the Palace and find your precious Belle." Regina said and Gaston gaped at her.

"It's that easy?" He asked and Regina snorted.

"Of course not, she still contracted to work Gold and if I know him, which I do, he's got her locked into that deal tighter than a miser stores his coins. Even if you do find her, you won't be able to get her out without Gold hunting the two of you down. No this is a reconnaissance mission." She said and his blank gaze made her eyes roll irritably.

"It's a scouting mission idiot!" She said and he started.

"Oh yes, I know that." He said and she sighed heavily. Evidently it was going to be a lot harder to bring down Gold that she'd originally thought. But her plan was in motion and soon it wouldn't matter a great deal if the fool knew what reconnaissance meant or not.

"Anyway, when you see her… give her this." Regina said and handing him a small box. He cracked the lid and his eyes widened at the sight of the beautiful necklace inside.

"What is it?" He asked and Regina smiled.

"Diamonds. For your Belle." She murmured and watched as Gaston greedily tucked them into his pocket.

"Why would you give me this?" He asked and Regina smiled.

"You need to win her over, convince her that no matter how kind Gold might have been, if he has been at all, her loyalty should lie with her family and friends on the outside." She said and Gaston nodded.

"When she sees this she'll know we're meant to be together." He said and Regina smirked. Oh yes, that was exactly what it meant.

"Indeed, what woman would refuse such a gift? When you find her give it to her and make sure she's wearing it before you leave." She said firmly and Gaston nodded. He scrambled to his feet. The handsome man was rather unsteady as he stood but his eyes had lost some of their blear and Regina knew that in a few hours she'd be ready to tackle this part of their plan. She wrote out the address and handed it to Gaston who stuffed the slip of paper uncaringly into the opposite pocket. Regina sneered.

"Remember idiot, when you've given it to her… make sure you mention her father's sickness and how worried everyone is for her. Make her feel as though she owes no loyalty to Gold." Regina reminded him and Gaston nodded.

"Yes, I will remember." He said and Regina nodded. She rubbed her hands together and sat down at her desk. She pulled a few papers towards her and smirked. She began to write then paused. Looking up she gave Gaston a frigid glare.

"What are you still doing here?" She demanded and he started. Leaping away from the chair he'd just vacated he backed away, stumbling a little down the stairs and out of sight. Shaking her head in disgust Regina bent back over her work and smiled. Soon Robert Gold's little paradise would get the wakeup call it deserved and she, Regina Mills, would be the one to bring down the most feared man in all of New York City. Her lips curved into a dangerous smile and she began to laugh. High ringing cackles that echoed throughout the building and made the hairs stand up on the backs of her men downstairs. Regina pulled herself together and settled back into her seat. She licked her lips and smiled maliciously into thin air. The end game was in sight, time was all she needed now and really, what else did she have but time.

"You played your move Gold, now it's mine turn." She muttered and stood. Moving back to the window she leaned against the sill and stared out over the Hudson as night once again fell over New York City.

Dun, dun, dunnnnn! Here we go people. One more semi-depressing chapter ahead (I'm sorry for those of you who think I kind of downplayed the whole angst in this one but I'm not overly brilliant at writing about stupid drama that can be so easily resolve by acting like rational human beings and actually talking to one another) okay a little bit of a rant but that's okay. Please review and let me know what you thought, as always I cheers me to know when you like or dislike something so I can change it.