Author's note: I do not own Once Upon a Time

Chapter 8 The Art of the Deal

Her first entrance back to reality made her vaguely aware of someone scooping her up and strong arms holding her. Every bone in her body was sore, but it was her arm that screamed in agonizing pain. Her breath pained her too and left her with no voice to tell whomever it was holding her, and only a whimper came out when she jostled next to the large body and her arm shifted.

'Be careful with her, for Heaven's sake, Dove!' She heard as if coming from an ocean away. It was Mr. Gold, she was sure of it though she wasn't sure of much at the present moment. His voice sounded frantic, worried, and even through the pain, she had a strong desire to comfort him and it made her try to open her eyes to see him. Mr. Gold-the thought of him and suddenly she remembered some details of what had just happened. She pulled every thread of will power in her body and forced words to exit her lips.

'Bae' Her voice still sounded weak, and each breath hurt. 'Is Bae alright?'

The thump of his cane stopped for half a second before beginning again. 'He's fine, Miss French, unhurt.'

He was fine, unhurt. That thought let her allow the painful darkness to creep up on her again, hearing from a distance a frantic 'Rabbit!' and then she heard nothing else.

The second entrance back into reality was a little less jarring. She was no longer on the ground or in Mr. Dove's arms, but upon something soft, presumably her own bed. Her eyes fluttered open, slowly taking in her environment. The arm that had hurt so much before was still throbbing, but didn't evoke the same levels of pain as before. Her brain told her with hazy thoughts that the bone must have been set, as it was now set in a sling and positioned on a throne of pillows. She had been changed into her nightclothes and though her body felt sore and bruised, she was cleaned of any of the debris that must have come from falling off the horse. She shuddered from the memory, her arm moving in the movement causing a gasp of pain.

'You're awake, Miss! How are you feeling, can I get you anything? Are you in so much pain?'

'A little' Was the only answer Belle could manage to the barrage of questions. The more she woke from her blackened state, the more aware of just how much pain she was in. She was thankful, at least, that the heavy feeling in her chest had lifted though she still found it difficult to speak without discomfort.

'You scared us all, you know Miss French, Oh! Mr. Gold will want to know you're awake! He's positioned himself outside in the hall to know the second you came to'

Belle had no strength to question it, but with the door opened she could hear the scratch of a cane, and a heavy 'She's alright? Good, Good.' when Mary had proclaimed her awake. The scraping of the cane got closer to the entrance of the room. She turned her head to see him peering in as Mary had reentered.

'Mr. Gold' She breathed out, and he clumsily meandered himself inside, looking severely uncomfortable.

'I think I remember hearing you say that Bae was unhurt? He is alright? He was the closest to the horse, besides David-Is David unhurt as well?'

Mr. Gold looked so confused at Belle's questions and she hoped she was making sense.

'They are both very well, Miss French.'

Without looking at Mr. Gold, and looking a bit uncomfortable herself now that he was in the room, Mary sputtered out.

'The little Master is beside himself to see you, Miss, the very one that ran to fetch someone to help, as David was having a time trying to keep the horse from trampling you to death.'

Belle went wide eyed at the thought and her breath quickened painfully.

Mr. Gold's hand went tight around his cane and Mary seemed to sense that her words had brought more pain than comfort, so she excused herself for a moment saying that she would get Miss French some breakfast since it had been so long since she had eaten.

'Will you sit down, Mr. Gold?' Belle worried for his leg, his body seemed to tremble where he stood, then she thought that perhaps he was uncomfortable being there. 'I'm sorry, sir, you do not have to stay, I merely thought to offer.'

'Thank you, Miss French, I would like to sit down if I may. How are you feeling-truly?' His forehead knit in so much concern that Belle had a strong temptation to reach out and hold the trembling hand wrapped around his cane. She might have been a little drowsy but she had most of her wits about her, so she did not.

'I'm alright, Mr. Gold. I am in a little pain, but I am glad the horse was not running when I fell-could have been much worse, I am sure.'

'It shouldn't have happened at all!' Mr. Gold's voice was vehement and it shocked Belle a little. Such tones had not been heard since her first days at Dark Manor, and never a tone with such seething anger. She had a suspicion that thankfully, the anger was not for her. He took a deep breath and more calmly continued.

'I have been told by David that there was a burr on the underside of the saddle, a burr that he assures me seems to have been placed there. Dove believes it was placed with ill intent and by a particular person. Does this sound like something that could have happened, Miss French?'

Belle looked down at her slinged arm and nodded.

Mr. Gold's breathing quickened, and Belle looked up for an instant taking in the anger in his eye.

'Cilian Mills?'

'I believe so, sir.'

It was as if a switch went off, and he could see nothing but the goings on of his mind. He rose and crossed the room painfully leaning on his cane-more so than normal. She wondered how long he had been sequestered in the hall waiting for her to wake.

'You'll not have to worry about that family in the future, Miss French. They'll be gone within the hour. I just wanted to confirm Dove's suspicions, thank you, Miss French, I'm sure you'll be wanting to rest.'

'But the contract?' Belle's fears of upsetting the deal were now coming to fruition-it had been so important to him…

'Hang the contract!'

The words seemed to surprise them both.

'Excuse me, Miss French.'

And he was gone.

Mary came back soon with a tray of toast and jam and Belle was thankful to be able to eat without worrying about the contents souring in her mouth or stomach. The doctor returned to check on her and gave her something to help a little with the pain, and she found that she was soon back to the oblivion of sleep. When she woke again, it was Mr. Jeffrey that was peering into the room, his light knock must have been what had woke her up.

'Little Rabbit! Now what's all this then-falling off horses, having all the fun while I was stuck playing Backgammon with high and mighty Cora, hmm?' As light as his tone was, his eyes were riddled with true concern for her. 'How are you then, little one?'

'Better than before, Mr. Jeffreys, thank you for riding and getting the doctor for me.'

His smile tightened. 'You had the lot of us worried sick, you know. Your Mr. Gold was stalking the hall out there like a bear, and even Dove couldn't stop sweating and fidgeting with his hands-and I've never known the man to fidget since I've known him!'

'Everyone has been so kind.' Belle mused, smiling at her friend. Then she smirked. 'But I don't think you should call him my Mr. Gold, for he isn't, and there are many here who would share such rumors and then you would have to look for me another position.'

'You would certainly be offered a different position, I am sure.' He said slyly and if Belle's eyes went wide in understanding.

'Mr. Jeffery!' and he only laughed.

'By the by-how are you really feeling, my dear, hmmm? I think your little pupil-I may call him yours, can't I? He really is your pupil, I can't get in trouble for claiming that, can I?'

Belle shook her head at his teasing and allowed him to continue.

'As I was saying-little Bae would very much like to see you, I think. Rowland has finished throwing his guests out, and could probably use some of your calming presence about now.'

'I feel badly that he lost a deal because of me.' She felt miserable for that and hoped he wasn't too terribly upset by the loss of revenue.

'You shouldn't at all, my dear! The old grouch merely wanted to throw Cora's current poverty in her face, is all. Cora and our dear Mr. Gold had a history. Milah was a bit of a social butterfly and once upon a time your employer-well he was never exactly as handsome as your godfather, but he wasn't so bad, I suppose. He did have money, however, she had beauty and more brains than Milah did. She threw herself at Rowland at Milah's parties but though he is a bit of a killjoy, he has scruples. Wouldn't do it to Milah, even though Milah…well.' Jefferson eyed Belle as though he had almost forgotten who he was speaking to. His mind was miles away-or really years.

'Anyway, Cora found a man with some money and she taught him how to live on more than their income. They hoped to use Rowland as a way of somehow keeping their estate for their son Cilian, so he would have something to inherit, though they would be up to their hats in debt to Rowland. Rowland quite liked this deal, and had every intention of using their estate as collateral. They were desperate, and Rowland was a bit petty with his revenge. It did benefit him, though perhaps not in the way you might have thought. Now Rowland says he will not lend them the money, I doubt they will let out the property to try to gain some income, and rent somewhere more economical, so Cilian will in all likelihood have nothing of consequence when his time comes to inherit. In fact, the man you claim is not your Mr. Gold, will I imagine, make sure that Cilian is begging on the street as soon as he is of age.'

'Oh no! Don't say such things, Mr. Jeffery, surely not. I will not be the reason for such treatment. He is still young, perhaps he might grow and mature.'

Mr. Jeffery snorted.

'If you think you can talk him out of it, little Rabbit, I wish you well!'

'I don't think I have that sort of influence.'

'Do you not?' His eyebrows went up in amusement and meaning, and Belle couldn't meet his eye.

She was uncomfortable with the entire conversation. The knowledge of what the deal had entailed and what had been the result had her a little confused. She thought she could feel even Mr. Jeffery was squirming in his seat a little, so he got up.

'Anyway, do you feel up for your energetic charge, little Rabbit? Do not feel like you must say yes, for you still look as if you could shatter on impact, as it is-we can keep the little whirlwind away if need be.'

'I would very much like to see him.' She genuinely brightened.

'Very well then.' He smiled warmly and left her alone.

She had only begun to think how terribly quiet her room was, and how she hoped that soon she would be allowed to go back to her normal routine, though she imagined it would be somewhat modified, when quick steps could be heard bounding down the hall. A little whirlwind he was too-she could hear nothing and see nothing but his steps and his little body rushing in, wrapping his arms around her as if he had not seen her in months. Unfortunately he had no immediate thought for what had put her in that bed to begin with, and Belle couldn't help the yelp of pain that came out of her. Pain throbbed in her arm and every bruise flared with the contact he had given. Bae jumped back as if he had been burned, and at the same time Mr. Gold had now made it into the room and promptly scolded his son, his face a nest of worries and frustrations.

'Did I not tell you explicitly that we are to be gentle with Miss French?!'

'I'm alright now, Mr. Gold, it jostled me a little is all-I'm fine now.' And she nearly was too. The pain had gone down to more breathable levels and she determined herself to smile through it.

'I'm sorry Miss French. I'm sorry for everything!' and he began crying.

'Shhhh now, whatever do you have to be sorry for?' He had positioned himself on the edge of the bed, to the worry of Mr. Gold and to the assurance that it was fine by Belle and Belle began putting her hands through the brown mop comfortingly.

'All the bad things wouldn't have happened if you weren't watching me. Emma told me the things I didn't know happened when you-when you…' The image coming before Bae's mind must have been terrible, and Belle felt a sting of guilt for scaring him so, though it was through no fault of her own.

'After it happened, Emma told me how much she hates her family-she hasn't been told to say 'strongly dislike, Miss French- and then told me all the things they did to you-oh, Miss French, will you hate me forever now?!'

Mr. Gold's reaction to this was something that Belle couldn't quite read. His scars seemed louder than they normally did, and she wondered if it was because his hair was not allowed to cover them partially. They were on full display and it felt like the rest of his face was trying to match the grim tightness of the more gnarly half.

'None of the pranks were your fault, do you understand me Bae-you had no part of them and I was very happy to watch you.'

He nodded with tears in his eyes. Mr. Gold's grip on his cane became vice-like and he spoke through his teeth.

'What is this about pranks?'

Belle felt her heart plummet, not knowing exactly how Mr. Gold would respond. They had been childish endeavors that held varying degrees of discomfort, but she had been so loath for him to be bothered by them that her hand went down to her blankets and she stared at the blanket gripped hand, only stealing quick glances at her employer while Bae-eager for the distraction from his supposed guilt and his love of telling a story that he poured out the entire horrible week in Bae-like fashion.

'Emma isn't like the rest of her family-her family is mean.' Belle knew she would have seen his little nose all crinkled up if she had looked up. 'I-I knew about the pinecone on the first day, and-and Miss French knows Emma was very sorry about the ants.'

'Ants!' Mr. Gold barked.

'Emma came into Miss French's room early the first morning and poured a whole jar of ants in her bed-but-but-she says George made her do it and she was very sorry, Papa, really she was.'

Belle did not think the grip on his cane could get any tighter, and the quick glance she stole found his knuckles turning white.

'What else happened Bae.' Bae was unaffected by the tone, but it sent shivers down Belle, and now she was worried he would be upset with her for not saying anything.

'Let's see, Emma said you made a face with the porridge because Regina put salt in your it, and George put crushed bugs in your potatoes.'

'What?!' Belle was taken from her worries with horror. 'I did not know about that one.' She rubbed her face with her good hand. She wondered if she could be belatedly disgusted by something already eaten.

'Emma told me about the spiders in Miss French's hair and the wet slippers, Elina did the slippers. Why is Emma's family so mean, Miss French?'

Belle allowed her voice to be clear of the shaking she felt, having the horrible week described and reliving it again. 'I think they lack the attention they need from their own parents, so they try to get attention in other ways. I tried not to react, but I think they saw it as play-very naughty play. I am glad you are not naughty like them.'

'I would never do anything like that!'

'Of course, you wouldn't,' she smiled at him.

'Why didn't you tell me any of this? Or at least Dove or Jeffrey?' His voice was calm yet she could hear the horror in his voice. 'They were hurting you, disturbing your sleep.' Belle reddened a little at the thought of the library visit.

'I-I didn't want to disturb you, sir. I didn't want to be the cause of the important deal being lost. I'm sorry sir. I thought they would tire of such things after the first or second time. By the third or fourth day, I thought I merely had to endure a day or two more. I had no idea Cillian would attempt w-what he did.'

'No contract is worth your safety, Miss French.' He said quietly. A warmth lit in her chest and she smiled a little, making Mr. Gold look uncomfortable again.

'They will be very sorry they disturbed you in my home, Miss French, rest assured.'

'Oh no, Mr. Gold, please do not do so for my sake. From what Mr. Jeffrey tells me, they will suffer enough in the future from a lack of your deal. They are but children.'

Mr. Gold's eye shot up at her acknowledgement. 'Jeffery told you, did he?'

'I'm sorry if he shouldn't have-I think he was trying to make me feel better, though I can't say he was completely successful.'

'And so now you know the nature of the deal and how much you suffered for something so trifling. Come along, Bae, let's not bother Miss French any longer.'

'Mr. Gold, wait, please. I'm alright, and I bear no ill will towards you at all.'

'Then perhaps Mr. Jeffery didn't explain it clearly, for you should.'

Mr. Gold and Bae left her alone.

Author's Note: I am finally posting that third chapter that I pre-typed because...I had to completely rewrite it! It didn't do what I wanted, so I've been slowly getting it to be what I intended. It's a little longer than my other chapters, so maybe that will make up for me leaving you on a cliffhanger :)

I hope you enjoyed angry and concerned Gold-though, rest assured that these are quite subdued emotions that we get from Belle's POV since he's in front of her.
I am doing my best not to make cultural errors (As well as medical ones), but there is a good possibility I'll get something wrong. both Jeffrey and Gold coming into her room I don't know if it's exactly proper, but I wanted it to happen so... I am basing it on the fact that there were staff coming in and out and this isn't exactly a 'typical' household. please forgive me? :D
Thank you for reading :) I am loving all the comments! You are an encouragement to me!