37. Hidden

"Gold? Are you here?" Charming called out as he walked in behind Mary Margaret. The shop was empty in the front room, despite the fact that the open sign was up. Mary Margaret glanced back at him, confused.

"Didn't he say he was going to meet us at his shop?"

Charming nodded, "Yea, he did say that." He wasn't surprised though. He knew better than to take the imp at his word. He had a habit of twisting things to his own purposes and showing when and where he felt like.

"Gold?!" he shouted one more time, beginning to head to the back of the shop.

Rustling and a muffled groan and female giggle made him pause. He waited for whoever to show as their footsteps neared the entryway.

Gold came into view, his clothes rumpled and his hair definitely not in its usual perfect order. He ran a hand through it and wiped a hand across his mouth. As he straightened his tie out he gave Charming a decidedly sharp look.

"Yes, Charming, what can I help you with?"

The prince studied him, "We were supposed to meet up, remember? We needed to talk about-"

"Yes, yes, yes, yes I remember," Gold cut him off impatiently. He seemed eager to get back to the backroom. "Can we perhaps discuss this at a better time? I don't have everything I require to continue this conversation."

Charming side-eyed him, "I suppose. Next time will you have everything ready? This is kind of important, and I'd-"

"Of course. I'll be completely ready for the next time. You have my word, Charming," he gave a friendly smile, but Charming didn't buy his nice guy act for one second. Something was up with the Dark One. He wondered who was back there with him.

But before he could voice his curiosity, Mary Margaret had begun to pull him away from the counter.

"At least we now have some time on our hands. We could go get some lunch." As they neared the door, she turned back to say something else.

"Um, Mr. Gold?"

The man had been halfway out of the front room. He stiffened and reluctantly rotated back around to answer her. "Yes, dearie?"

"Did Emma stop by? She was supposed to meet us here to discuss it with us, but she never showed."

For a second Gold looked as though he were restraining himself, but he quickly got himself under control. He gave her a confused look, "No, can't say she did. She hasn't stopped by since a few days ago."

"Hm," Mary Margaret pursed her lips, "I wonder where she is." She turned to Charming, but he could only shrug. "I'm sure we'll find her, Snow, don't worry. She might even be at Granny's for all we know."

"True…" she glanced back at Gold, who kept sneaking looks into the back room. His hand was turning white from how roughly he was gripping the doorjamb. When he licked his lips, she knew it was time to leave.

"Anyway- thanks Mr. Gold, for your help. We'll try again in a few days." She smiled as she stepped out the door. Charming exchanged nods with the former-pawnbroker and followed his wife.

The minute they were gone, Gold heard exuberant laughter fill the shop. He grinned and followed it as quickly as he could. As he turned the corner, he had to stop for a moment and take in the sight that greeted him.

Emma was still sitting on the desk in the back, her hair looking worse than his and her clothes half off. She was grinning from ear to ear and he thought she had never looked more beautiful than now. She beamed at him from her spot, her eyes alight with happiness and something else. He could do nothing but go to her.

"I haven't stopped by, have I?" she asked teasingly. As he came closer, she welcomed him with open arms, bringing him back into her warmth. He grinned and leaned in to nuzzle her ear.

"Technically, you didn't. You're still here, aren't you?" He growled playfully in her ear, hugging her to him. She responded in kind, chuckling into his hair as she ran her fingers through it.

"I suppose that's true," she laid a kiss on his clothed shoulder, continuing her progress from before her parents showed up and began slowly removing his shirt and tie again. She was able to unbutton it all the way, but when she reached for the tie around his neck, he pulled away slightly.

He looked serious and she tried to control her breathing to hear him out properly. He brought a hand up and brushed it across her cheek, watching as she closed her eyes in response. She couldn't get enough of this man, she realized. And she never wanted to.

"I want it to stay that way."

She opened her eyes to see him still staring at her with an intensity that made her heart thump.

"Stay in what way?" she asked breathlessly. He leaned in and she rose to meet him, but he evaded her when his lips ghosted over her cheek instead. He pulled away and she held in her groan of disappointment.

"I want you to always be here. With me." His thumb brushed along her jaw and she leaned into it. "And I don't want to hide it away."

At that her eyes cleared and focused on him. His eyes were wide with honesty and a touch of fear. It surprised her at how much he allowed his emotions to show around her, even after all this time. She reached a hand up to copy his position, cupping his jaw with a soft hand.

"And you think I do?"

His jaw moved under her hand as he clenched it, "Do you?"

Her eyes darted between his, trying to convey what she thought. Then she grabbed his tie and pulled him to her. He went willingly and she continued to kiss him till they were both breathless.

"No, I don't," she answered him honestly. He gently rubbed his hands up and down her back, holding her close. "I want everyone to know how you make me feel. I just wanted to keep it between us for a little while," she leaned in and nipped his top lip. "Makes it a bit more fun, don't cha think?"She grinned up at him.

"I suppose," he drawled, his accent making her shiver. He suddenly gripped her hips and pulled her against him. A moan strangled itself in her throat and she let her head dip back. One of his hands slipped into her hair from the back, holding her in place.

He kissed a sensitive spot underneath her jaw, "And how do I make you feel, Emma?" his voice went deep and husky as he growled it into her skin. She didn't hold back her moan this time.

She tangled her hands in his hair and brought him level with her. She whispered her answer before leaning in, knowing she wasn't going to leave anytime soon.

"Magical. Loved."