A/N: thanks to all who followed and favourited. Welcome to my new readers!
Erik'sTrueAngel: funny idea about the soundproofing! And yes, now they're both aware of how he's slipping into darkness, breaking the curse has become more urgent (although I'm sorry about it because a part of me doesn't want this story to end)
Valrie: there will be a few more chapters to go before the end. And see? I didn't make you wait too long :)
Lattelady, karolprado, AngelOfMusic44, crazykat77, Twyla Mercedes, OneMagician, orthankg1, Wondermorena, RaFire, deweymay, JosephineM, jewel415, ecinspired, spacecats, MyraValhallah: thank you for all your lovely comments x
Belle pulled back a little after a while, her arms still around him, tears staining her cheeks, but she kissed him nonetheless. He cupped her cheeks with gentle hands, pressing kisses to her forehead and her soft mouth, blotting the tears from her eyelids with his lips.
"I'm sorry, Belle," he whispered, and she nodded, resting her head against his shoulder with a sigh as his arms tightened around her.
"I know," she said quietly. "And I'm not naïve; I know sometimes people are a danger to us and we need to stop them. It's just – it's the way you did it. You know that, right?"
"I know." His mouth thinned, but then he took her shoulders and pushed her back from him so that he could look her in the eyes. "You know, you could always use the dagger…"
"No!" she said sharply. "I won't take away your free will."
"And yet I do things you despise," he said wryly. "Things you would have me stop doing. Is that not a form of control?"
She looked hurt, and he regretted the words almost as soon as he had spoken them.
"It's your soul I'm thinking of," she said gently. "I don't want to lose you to the Dark One, that's all. I'm aware that Midas will have to be stopped at some point. I just – don't want to hear about him swinging from his entrails on the news."
He sighed, and nodded. "No more torture, Belle. I promise."
"Not the sort of thing I ever thought I'd have to get my true love to promise," she said dryly. "We're not like normal families, are we?"
He was pleased to see that she was trying to lighten the mood, and kissed her again.
"No more torture," he repeated. "I give you my word."
She scanned his face, her eyes looking deep into his.
"Then I trust you," she said finally, and turned to the box containing the dagger. She opened it up, taking out the dagger and lifting it up on the flat of her hands, looking at him. He could feel his skin crawling with something like anticipation as he saw it, so near he could touch it. Belle didn't hesitate.
"I want you to take it," she said. "I will never control you with it, and I want you to know that. It's yours."
He took a sharp breath in, and reached out hesitantly, taking the dagger from her with hands that shook slightly. Immediately he felt a rush of something strange go through him, as though he was somehow more whole. He looked it over, his fingers caressing the blade, and it was then that he felt what the spell would need. A blood sacrifice. A soul to keep the essence of the Dark One within the dagger. The price of what they sought. He shook, his lip trembling as he felt the depth of the darkness within the blade, mirrored within himself. Perhaps he would have the strength.
"Are you alright?" Belle's voice was concerned, and he took a deep breath, calming himself. A complication, to be sure, but one he would deal with. He flicked his fingers and the knife disappeared, to be called forth whenever he should need it. He sighed again, some of the tension going out of him, and raised his head to look at her.
"I love you, Belle," he said quietly. "I'm sorry for the pain I've caused you, but I swear to you I will do my utmost to break this curse."
Her eyes met his, and she saw the depth of his soul in them, the whole of his love for her, his hopes for the future, his never-ending terror that she would be taken from him again. She smiled tremulously, wrapping her arms around him again as she pulled him into a kiss. He made a sound of contentment as he held her tight, his lips pulling at hers, before she drew back slightly.
"I should make breakfast," she said, nuzzling his chest. "Will you eat something? For me?"
He pulled a face, but nodded, and she set about making the pancakes while he put on more coffee and made a pot of tea. The comfortable silence in the kitchen drew the others through from the lounge, wary looks on their faces until they realised that there wasn't about to be a shouting match between Belle and Gold. Belle began frying and serving up pancakes, Emma slicing bananas and piling blueberries into a bowl for people to help themselves.
"Just so you know, Bellz, you've got a job at Granny's should you ever need it," said Ruby, stuffing a pancake in her mouth. "These are great."
Belle chuckled, adding fruit and maple syrup to hers before tucking in. She kept an eye on Gold, and true to his word he ate two pancakes and some banana slices, licking maple syrup from his fingers in an oddly sensual gesture that made her want to take him (and the maple syrup) back upstairs. He was oddly subdued, despite the fact that they had cleared the air and she was no longer angry with him, and she hoped he would be feeling better by the time Jefferson and Regina came to the house.
Snow and Ruby washed the dishes, and Belle was pouring more coffee for those that wanted it when the doorbell rang insistently. She frowned, putting down the coffee pot and going to the front door. A tall, thin figure, bobbing up and down on the balls of his feet, could be seen through the stained glass, and Belle cast her eyes to the ceiling with a grin.
"You're early," she admonished, as she opened the door, and Jefferson breezed in with a large bag in his hands, planting a noisy kiss on her cheek and dropping his bag by the coat rack.
"In my defence, Gold didn't tell me a time," he said. "And I find it's best, when hiding from people that may want to kill you, to get the hell out before they can try."
Belle grinned in response. "Coffee?"
"Hell, yes!" He clapped his hands together, striding into the kitchen and spreading his arms wide. "Ah! My lovely ladies! And Gold, of course."
Belle was amused to see that all four of the room's occupants rolled their eyes at him.
"You'll have to take the couch," said Ruby, without preamble. "Unless you want to stick Regina on it instead. We already called the other rooms."
Jefferson put a hand to his heart with a wounded expression. "The couch? Does this mean none of you delicious creatures wants to experience what I can offer? A night of pleasure without limits, without boundaries…"
"Without soundproofing, I should say not," remarked Gold dryly, and Emma snorted with amusement.
"Sorry, Jeff, we're all taken," she said. "Or intend to be, in Ruby's case. And not by you. Try aiming your flirting elsewhere."
"Not here," added Gold acidly, as Jefferson shot him a thoughtful look. Belle giggled.
"Very well," sighed Jefferson, with a long-suffering expression. "I suppose I'll take my bag upstairs for now and see what the evening holds." He flashed them all a grin and span on his heel before striding past Belle, then turned back as he ducked his head into the kitchen again.
"By the way, I brought a selection of alcoholic beverages," he added. "This is gonna be one hell of a sleepover!" He grinned again, and ran off up the stairs. Gold shot Belle a look.
"I'm regretting this already," he grumbled.
Belle, Gold and Emma spent the rest of the day looking into the spell they hoped to cast, although Emma said that Regina would know more about the details of it. Snow and Ruby chipped in every now and then, asking questions, and Snow made pot after pot of tea. Jefferson sprawled in a chair, interested in everything that was going on and having absolutely nothing useful to offer in terms of the spell. Malvolio appeared to have adopted him; the cat had followed him around the house all day and spent some time staring up at him adoringly, before jumping into his lap and curling up there. Jefferson scratched his ears absently as he kept half an ear on the conversation, and tried not to be obvious about eyeing Emma's figure as she moved about the kitchen.
By mid-afternoon, Belle decided that she needed to sort out something to eat for the evening, so Gold arranged for Dover to take her and Snow shopping for ingredients to make chilli. Belle was amused to find that Dover had taken his employer's strange new appearance completely in his stride, not batting an eyelid when Gold gave him his instructions. They picked up Doc from the university on the way back, and he joined Gold and Emma in discussing the spells that might be needed, while Belle cooked.
Regina arrived at seven sharp, dressed impeccably in a blue dress and black heels. Gold had decided to cast the glamour of his old form for the moment, and to reveal his true self once she was settled into the house and unlikely to run screaming into the night. He answered the door to her with a smirk.
"Glad you could make it, dearie," he said smoothly, taking her bag from her, and Regina frowned at the noise coming from the kitchen.
"Just how many people are involved in this little project of yours, Gold?" she asked suspiciously, and he smiled thinly.
"Please." He gestured towards the kitchen. "Go in and make yourself at home."
She curled her lip at him, but allowed him to take her coat, and stalked through to the kitchen. Her expression grew dark as she took in Belle, who was stirring the chilli with a large grin on her face as she watched Jefferson juggling avocados, Emma protesting loudly that she couldn't make the guacamole if he didn't stop being an ass, and Snow and Ruby giggling to the side of them. Doc was out of her line of sight, poring over a book Belle had given him.
Regina folded her arms across her chest and raised an eyebrow.
"This is what I have to work with?" she demanded, making the others jump and turn. Jefferson hurriedly passed the avocados to Emma and shot Regina a winning smile, as though that would somehow endear him to her. She frowned at Gold, who had entered the room behind her.
"You didn't say anything about this, Gold," she objected, and he shrugged lightly.
"To be fair, dearie, you didn't ask," he said dismissively. "I know you're capable of dealing with people you don't especially like, as you have to do it every day. So just suck it up, there's a good girl, and we all get what we want."
She scowled at him, but swallowed, and nodded grudgingly at the others, although her glare for Emma was wintry.
"So what is it I'm supposed to do?" she asked, turning to face him properly and tapping her fingers against her arm in irritation.
"Wait for it…" whispered Ruby to Snow, who giggled. Gold looked as though he was pondering something.
"It would be easiest to just show you," he said, and flicked his hand, making his cane disappear. Regina's mouth fell open as he smirked.
"How the hell did you do that?" she demanded, and his grin widened.
"Let me introduce you to an old friend," he purred, and a cloud of red smoke enveloped him before revealing his true form, leather clad and golden-skinned. Regina cried out and stumbled backwards, trying to claw her way through Jefferson to get to the back door. Jefferson spluttered and thrashed as he tried to haul her off him, and Regina eventually wrenched free on her own, glaring at him as though it was somehow his fault.
"Regina, it's okay," said Belle soothingly. "It's magic, that's all."
"Magic, you stupid girl?" she stormed, eyes flashing as her anger momentarily trumped her fear. "That's the Dark One! Do you have any idea...? How has this happened? We bound him! We bound you!" she repeated, blurting the words at Gold, and seeming to calm a little when she saw that he hadn't moved towards her. Belle had never seen her so uncontrolled; her eyes were wide, her chest heaving, and she could sense real fear in the older woman. She noticed that there were dark circles below her eyes, which Regina hadn't completely been able to hide with make-up, and felt a sudden sympathy for her. She would have suffered the nightmares and regrets too, just as all of them had.
"Are you seriously telling me it was Gold, all along?" she demanded, and turned her glare on him. "Have you just been toying with us all? And what the hell are you doing helping him?" She suddenly rounded on Emma furiously, who held up her hands.
"Regina, it's like we thought," she said. "It's a form of possession. Gold tried to kill the Dark One with his dagger and took on the curse himself by doing it."
Regina stilled, mouth open momentarily, before it snapped shut and a slow smile spread across her face.
"So," she said, a little smugly. "I was right. That miserable worm of a priest had me doubting myself for a while."
Snow leant towards Belle. "Clearly Father Thomas was a fantasist if he thought she'd sleep with him," she whispered, and Belle giggled behind her hand.
Regina looked Gold up and down insolently. "So you took on the curse," she mused. She put her head to the side, her gaze calculating. "How does that feel?"
"Actually, it feels great," he said indifferently. "But the love of my life is none too pleased when I use my power to flay and disembowel people, so we need to find a way to break said curse."
Regina looked shocked for a moment, but recovered quickly.
"So, you need my help," she said, her voice clearly weighing her options. He frowned at her.
"Don't think about trying to get more out of me than I've already agreed to, dearie," he said warningly, and beckoned to her with a crooked finger. "Come. Let me explain things to you."
He turned on his heel and left the room, and after a moment Regina took a breath, steeled herself, cast a glare at the others, and stalked after him. There was a moment's silence.
"Well, this should be fun!" said Jefferson cheerfully.
Gold walked into his study, soft light shining on the dark wood of his desk and the oak panelling of the walls. He gestured to one of the leather-backed chairs, and Regina sank into one, her eyes narrowed slightly as she watched him. She crossed her slim legs, hands gripping the arms of the chair. He could feel her eyes on him as he crossed to the drinks cabinet and took out the brandy. She nodded as he brandished the bottle, and he poured two large glasses, handing one to her. He noticed that her hands were shaking slightly. She waited for him to take a sip before she followed him, which made him roll his eyes, but she looked impressed as she tasted the smooth fire of the brandy.
"You have excellent taste, Gold, I'll give you that," she said dryly, and he smirked, leaning against his desk and cupping his brandy glass in both hands. She looked down briefly before running her eyes over him again.
"We bound you," she said again. It wasn't a question, but he treated it as one.
"Yes," he agreed. "Belle and Doc and I thought the Dark One was going to escape. All the signs pointed to it. Your shields were weakening. You see, we fought him ourselves, in a previous life, back in the ninth century. We bound him, too. He escaped, some centuries later. He always escapes, in the end." He looked suddenly weary. "We had heard, in our previous life, in the fourteenth century, of a weapon that could kill him. When we found the dagger, we assumed that's what it was."
"What happened?" asked Regina curiously, and he sighed, looking down into his brandy.
"I – allowed him to win," he said unwillingly. "I let him get under my skin and make me so angry that I stabbed him through the heart without thinking of the consequences. I was a fool." He grimaced, his mouth twisting. "The dagger kills the body only. The Dark One survives, and passes into the killer."
Regina pursed her lips, and to Gold's great surprise, her dark eyes displayed something approaching sympathy.
"Do you have his memories?" she asked, and he shuddered, pushing away from the table and standing with his back to her.
"I do," he confirmed. "And there are enough of them for the nightmares to last me an eternity, dearie."
Regina was silent for a moment. He heard her take a sip of her drink.
"Did you know it was me?" she asked. "The last time the Dark One was bound?"
"I did not," he admitted. "You were clever, to hide your faces, to hide your identities from me when you came for me, Mrs Winters." He turned to her with a gleam in his eyes, and she drew back slightly, before frowning and glaring at him. He waved a dismissive hand, walking back to his desk and leaning against it once more.
"I knew nothing of those that had bound me, other than that infernal priest, of course," he said, with a touch of bitterness. "Until Miss Swan awoke, that is."
Regina's eyes widened. "She's awake too? Hmm." She looked thoughtful. "Well, at least we can help with a binding spell. Although – how to get that thing out of you, Gold…" She looked a little wary, and almost regretful. "I don't know how to do that. I'm sorry." She sounded as though it were true, and he shrugged.
"Don't be. Belle has some ideas. We can do it. I merely need your assistance, and that of Miss Swan, in casting a circle and handling the power."
Regina hitched a shoulder, taking a drink. "That I can do."
"Excellent." He took a sip of his own drink, watching her. "Now. Let us discuss your payment."
She looked up sharply, her eyes glinting with anticipation. "When will you kill him?"
Gold's mouth twisted slightly. "It's – apparently – not time yet," he said dryly, and Regina glared.
"Says who? In my opinion it's past time."
"In mine, too," he acknowledged. ""There's a Seer." He held up a hand at her sniff of derision. "Before you start, we've known her since our first lives together. Tens of thousands of years ago. She looks exactly the same. I'm not sure if she's like us, if she lives a life over and over, or if she's something else. Anyway, she says she'll tell me when the time to kill Midas is." He grinned at her. "Which means he will be killed, sooner or later."
"But, that could be years from now!" protested Regina, and he shook his head.
"I highly doubt that, Ms Mills. For one thing, I have been systematically destroying his empire from under his nose. If you check with your lawyer's office, you'll find that you now own his casino, along with some lucrative commercial property in Boston."
Her mouth fell open, and she sat forwards with a shocked look, the brandy sloshing in her glass.
"What?" she said incredulously, and he twirled his fingers with a wicked grin.
"Magic. It can set you free! Or, in this case, provide you with a means of a revenge so complete and utter that you will destroy the man even before he dies."
Regina grinned widely, her dark eyes gleaming with interest. "Well, that sounds like something I'd be happy to deal with you for."
"Excellent." He took another swallow of brandy. "I can also ensure that a sizable sum is transferred to the bank account of your choice, if you so desire."
Regina stood up, walking slowly to the marble fireplace and picking up one of the bronze figurines that sat atop it.
"That's very generous of you," she said, and he shrugged.
"It's not my money. Only you know how much your mother was worth to you."
She turned swiftly, her eyes flashing. "Then make it very sizable!" she snapped, and he grinned.
"But of course." He pursed his lips. "There is the matter of his empire, of course. Once he's dead, there may be – complications."
Regina waved a hand. "Give me enough and I can pay everyone off, or else have them disposed of." she said. "I can see myself running a casino, if I can get a partner in with me to deal with the day-to-day annoyances, but running a criminal network is not on my to-do list. Besides, I hear rumours of what that odious creep gets up to. Any girls in his house, I want them freed."
"My thoughts exactly."
"Then we're in agreement." She turned to him. "Keep up your end of the bargain, Gold, and your days as – that…" She waved a hand up and down him, curling her lip. "…are numbered."
The look on his face was inscrutable. "Well, lucky for me."
When Gold and Regina walked back into the kitchen, Belle was putting the pot of chilli on the table, along with a dish of rice, and smaller dishes of salsa, sour cream, guacamole and cheese. There were warm tortillas for those who didn't want rice.
"Help yourselves," she said, a little breathlessly, wiping her hands on a dishtowel and taking a seat. They managed to fit around the table, although there was some jostling of elbows. Belle opened a bottle of red wine and poured for everyone. There was silence for a while as everyone ate.
"This is really good," said Ruby, her mouth full, making Gold wince. She took a slurp of wine and swallowed, pulling a face at him. Emma spread guacamole on a tortilla wrap and began layering it up with cheese, sour cream and chilli.
"So, what did you guys decide?" she asked, flicking her gaze between Gold and Regina.
"Ms Mills will help us," confirmed Gold, sipping his wine. "We'll discuss our plans in detail after dinner."
That seemed to be the cue for everyone to talk about frivolous things; Jefferson complimented Regina on her dress so warmly that she forgot to frown at him, Snow talked about her most recent date with David, which made Regina curl her lip, and Belle started discussing a book with Doc. More wine was poured, and the chilli gradually disappeared.
When everyone was full, Belle cleared the plates away and Doc and Ruby offered to wash up. She wiped down the table, setting the half-empty wine bottle where they could all reach it.
"No dessert, I'm afraid," she said reluctantly. "I didn't think we'd need it after that lot."
"I don't think anyone actually needs dessert," put in Jefferson. "It kind of has its own value."
"Either way, we have none," she said firmly, and was amused to see him pout.
"Well, now that's out of the way, shall we start talking about how we're going to do this?" suggested Regina, leaning on the table with folded arms. "The last time we bound him we had a circle of three, plus a priest who knew little of magic. That was for a simple binding. What you propose is more complex."
"We need two circles," explained Belle. "I believe that part of it is a blood ritual, so we'll need some blood from all of us. The enemies of the Dark One, throughout the ages, including those that bound him previously." She looked around at them all. "It won't need much, but we should each cut ourselves with the dagger before we start the spell."
"Well, that sounds decidedly unhygienic," said Regina suspiciously, but Belle waved a hand.
"I've looked into that. The magic will protect us from anything like disease, but you can always cast an additional protection spell if you want. Perhaps it would be advisable, in the circumstances."
Regina nodded slowly, sitting back. "And the rest?" she asked.
Belle sighed, pushing her hair back off her face. "This is the part I'm having difficulty with, so I'd appreciate any suggestions. The Seer said that we also need the triple goddess aspect, just as you had last time."
"Maiden, mother and crone, huh?" remarked Emma. She puffed out her cheeks. "Been a long time since any of us hasbeen a maiden."
"And none of us is a mother," put in Regina.
"Probably just as well," interjected Gold. "You seem to be the type to eat her own young."
Regina glared at him, fists on hips. "Remind me again why we're helping you, you asshole! The fact remains, we have no maiden, and no mother." Her eyes shot dark looks at them. "And if any of you for one second suggests I'm a crone, there'll be a problem."
"Well, you do like to play the evil witch, dearie," said Gold, tauntingly.
She glared at him. "Go look in a mirror, Gold, and then tell me who's evil."
He tutted softly, shaking his head. "Touched a nerve, I see. Don't deny what you are. There's a place for evil witches in Storybrooke. Perhaps we should find you a broomstick."
"Shove your broomstick up your ass!" she spat, and he shrugged.
"Well, the floor does need sweeping, but I'm sure there are less inappropriate ways…"
"Oh, cut it out, you two," said Belle tiredly.
"If we could get back to the matter at hand," interrupted Emma. "Like Regina says, we seem to have some gaps in our personnel. No maiden, for a start."
"Well, we know you're not," said Gold snidely. "When you're not banging Mr Booth, you're indulging in Regina's sloppy seconds."
Emma glared at him. "Hey, you know what? I'm with Regina. Why are we helping you?"
Gold smiled self-deprecatingly. "Because Belle deserves better than a monster," he said quietly, and Emma opened her mouth angrily, before closing it and shooting him a look, a strange mix of anger and understanding.
"Nice save," she said grudgingly.
"Nauseating," sneered Regina. "It doesn't change the fact that we can't perform this spell. We have no maiden. No mother, either." She shot a taunting look at Gold, flicking her eyes to Belle. "Should have knocked her up when you had the chance, Gold. I doubt she finds your current image sufficiently appealing." She grinned at him as he raised an eyebrow.
"I jumped him twice before breakfast," snapped Belle, thoroughly sick of the pair of them. Regina's eyes widened. Gold smirked, and Belle glared at him. "Could we get back to the ritual, if you two could stop bickering for five minutes?" She sighed. "Does anyone have any idea how we can do this? I thought we might be able to perform the ritual if we were all awake, but we have no maiden, no mother, and no crone. How can we get around that?"
"Well, that's not strictly true, is it dearie?" said Gold, gesturing theatrically as he got up from his seat.
"What the hell does that mean?" demanded Regina, and he gave her a snide look as he sauntered slowly around the table, fingers dancing in the air as he sang in a lilting voice: "One month down, eight to go, for a child that's pure as…snow." He stopped in front of Snow, clapping his hands in glee and grinning hugely. Snow's eyes were as round as saucers.
"What?" she gasped, and he extended a long finger, pointing at her belly.
"The charming Mr Nolan ought to be congratulated," he said smugly.
"That's – not possible!" spluttered Snow, and he waved a hand, turning away with a bored expression.
"Oh, so you've never had sex? My mistake, it must be an immaculate conception. Someone should call a priest, report a miracle…"
"But I – I mean we – we've been careful!" protested Snow, and he sniffed.
"Clearly not careful enough," he said. "I can smell it on you. Take a test, if you must, but you'll see I'm right."
Snow stood with her mouth open, her eyes wide, until Ruby squeezed her shoulder, whereupon her mouth shut with a snap. She hurriedly pushed her wine away, although she hadn't drunk much.
"Okay, so we have a mother," said Regina. "If the babbling madman can be believed." She rolled her eyes as Gold pressed a hand to his heart with a wounded expression. "What about the rest? Anyone know any virgins?"
Emma snorted. "In Storybrooke? Yeah, right. We have to make our own fun here, Regina."
"Kids, maybe," put in Ruby. "No one over the age of eighteen, I bet."
"And no one I'd trust to be a part of this," said Belle regretfully. "I'm beginning to think that this is impossible."
"No," said Gold quietly. "Very little is impossible."
She turned to him curiously. "So, how do we do it?"
"Simple," he said softly. "Symbolism can be just as important in magic as reality. The magic requires a maiden, so we make one."
"What?" demanded Regina incredulously. Gold, ignored her, continuing to stare at Belle, and she frowned, blue eyes searching his.
"I don't understand."
"Magic can return what was lost," he said gently, and gestured at her belly. "Your maidenhead."
She swallowed. "And the price?"
He looked at her steadily. "The pain when I take it from you."
"Okay, this is freaking me out," announced Emma. "This is beyond weird, Gold. And more than a little creepy, if you want to know the truth."
Gold ignored her, reaching up to caress Belle's face with his fingers. She leaned into his touch as he stroked her hair. His face was tense, as though he was anticipating rejection.
"I'm willing," she breathed.
"I'm honoured," he whispered.
"I'm going to be sick," announced Regina flatly. "Could you two keep your disgusting activities private?"
"Okay, so we have a mother, and a potential maiden," interrupted Ruby, briskly. "What about the crone?"
Regina smirked, folding her arms. "You gonna make one of those, Gold?"
He grinned at her, turning from Belle. "Well, I could," he admitted. "Spin the clock forward, dearie, make you eighty-seven." His finger turned circles in the air in front of her, and she slapped him away with a scowl.
"What about Doc?" asked Belle, and Gold frowned.
"You want me to turn him into a woman?" he asked, and sucked his teeth, tutting. "Tricky, dearest."
"But not impossible," put in Belle.
"Er – can I weigh in here?" asked Doc hastily. "I believe I have to be in my current state for the blood ritual to work."
"What about Granny?" asked Ruby, but Gold shook his head.
"No. Has to be one of us," he said brusquely.
"Ruby," said Doc suddenly, rubbing his head with a slightly dazed expression. "Belle, Ruby and Snow in a circle. That's the maiden, mother and crone. You'll cast the spell on Ruby. Emma, Regina and myself will be in another circle, directing the magic. Marcus will be in the middle of Belle's circle, with the dagger. That's what we need."
Gold stayed silent. There was still the matter of the blood sacrifice, and the soul that would be needed to contain the essence of the Dark One. The dagger needed it, he knew that. He hoped that he would have the strength, when the time came. For Belle, for Doc, for all of them. To keep them safe.
"I'll do it," said Ruby nervously. "You promise you can turn me back?"
Gold nodded wearily. "I can make the spell have a limited effect. An hour, perhaps. Enough to complete the ritual."
Ruby took a deep breath. "Okay then. Could we maybe do a practice run? If you're gonna lose your magic with this spell, I want to know that my crone state will disappear on its own." She gave him an uncertain smile, and he nodded slowly.
"Tomorrow," he offered, and she swallowed, before standing a little straighter and nodding. Belle hugged her.
"Thanks for doing this, Rubes," she whispered, and Ruby nodded again, looking a little more sure of herself.
"Well!" said Jefferson brightly. "Now that's all settled, shall we start the evening off properly?" He bounced out of his chair and went out of the room.
"He's going to mix drinks, isn't he?" said Emma warily. "Not sure I want to play that game. Belle, can I make a gin and tonic?"
"Help yourselves," said Belle. "I'll stick with wine. Lots to do tomorrow." She took a sip of her drink, eyeing Gold as he sidled closer and moved to wrap his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder.
"Feel free to put some music on, though," she added.
"So, an early night tonight, then?" whispered Gold in her ear, making her shiver.
"Perhaps," she said coyly, and felt him grin against her neck.
Jefferson leapt back into the kitchen, bottles in his hands and tucked under his arms.
"Well, my lovely ladies!" he declared. "Who wants a Jefferson special? I call it The Mad Hatter."
"How fitting," said Regina dryly, then shrugged. "Count me in. I feel as though I'm losing my mind anyway."
A/N: Regina vs Gold is so much fun to write.
Next time: the morning after, wherein everyone but Belle, Gold and Snow is somewhat fragile. More plans, and Gold sneaks off to Boston again.
