TemperanceTales: I do not own Once Upon a Time in anyway shape or form and I give full credit to the creators.

Chapter Ten: Tea cup.

"I can't believe its Valentine's Day," Mary Margaret noted, as Emma swiped a French fry off of her plate. Emma nodded and said, "Yeah, I know. Time flies when trying to break an evil curse."

Mary Margaret giggled and said, "How is it going with Henry?"

"Regina is being a pain," Emma commented, "She won't let the poor kid out of her sight for very long. And she keeps trying to get Autumn to come over to her house. Poor kid is being driven nuts and it's not even by her own mom."

"Really?" Mary Margaret said, surprised, "Autumn's never had a problem going over to Regina's before. Why now?"

"I'm not sure," Emma said, frowning, "I just think Autumn isn't in town as much anymore. I mean, no one saw her last week."

"Probably because of her mother," Mary Margaret reasoned, "I mean she is taught school at home. Maybe her mother just wants to spend some time with her."

"True," Emma said, nodding, "I just feel bad for Henry; he doesn't get to see her as much."

"I know," Mary Margaret said, "I know he misses you too. Trust me; I'm with him six hours a day."

"Six hours? You take newborns because I would love six hours!" a voice piped in, causing the women to look towards a familiar face.

"Ashley! Hey how are you?" Emma asked, "I barely recognized you."

Ashley walked over and pulled a chair up to her table, saying, "With the baby on the outside, yeah it's been different. Shawn is busy working at the cannery so we haven't been able to do the whole getting married thing."

"At least he's working," Mary Margaret said gently and Ashley said, "On Valentine's Day? Yeah, he couldn't get out of it."

"I'm sorry, that stinks," Emma said, understandingly.

"Doesn't have to," Ruby said, suddenly coming over, "Why don't we all have a girl's night? We can all go! Emma too, as long as you leave the badge at home."

"I would, but I can't," Emma said rolling her eyes, "I have shifts today, Graham is out sick and I have to cover his. But you all go, have fun!"

Mary Margaret gave Emma a look, who shot one back at her. Ruby walked away excited as Emma's pager went off. Taking it out and Mary Margaret asked, "What's the matter?"

"It's the station, something's up," Emma said, "I'll see you later."

S.C.

"This is not the way to do business Gold!"

Autumn stopped, staring towards the source of the voice. She had just finished exploring the nooks of Storybrooke when she had heard the commotion. They were standing outside a flower stand by a white truck. Gold was standing, leaning on his cane with sun glasses on his face. Autumn wrinkled her nose as the man in the truck tried driving away with the van. Gold shook his head slightly as he said lamely, "I'll leave you two to finish this conversation."

"You are the lowest-people are not going to put up with this!" Mo French snarled as the van drove away. Autumn sighed, shaking her head a little bit. She crossed her arms as Gold crossed the street. He smiled politely at her as he said, "Well hello, dearie. Lovely morning, isn't it?"

"On Valentine's Day," Autumn said, "Really?"

"He was already two weeks late," Gold said, his business voice creeping in, "I was nice enough two weeks ago to give him time."

"Alright, I get it, I get it," Autumn said, throwing her hands up, "Business is business. I'm just saying, it's nice to know I'm not the only cynic in town that doesn't care its Valentine's day."

"Aren't you a little young to be a cynic?" Gold bemused as they started to walk together.

"No," Autumn said, "Anyone can be whoever they want."

Gold chuckled, only to stop at the sound of Mayor Mills' voice.

"Well that's the truest statement I've heard all day."

Autumn scrunched her nose before putting on a plain face. Turning, they both of them saw Regina standing behind them. She was smiling a bit coldly as she said, "Hello Autumn. I haven't seen you in a while."

"Hi," Autumn said, "I've been doing school at home."

"If only Henry was as dedicated as you were to school," Regina said, "He keeps skipping school."

"Sorry?" Autumn said, her voice unsure and confused.

"How about you come over tomorrow night for a sleep over?" Regina asked, "I'm sure Henry would like to spend some time with you."

"Okay," Autumn said, a bit slowly.

"I'm assuming you didn't stop us because you merely wanted to chat playtimes," Gold interrupted, staring at Regina impassively.

"Not only," Regina said, "I wanted to have a little chat with you."

"Yeah, and the moment you have something I want to discuss," Gold said, "We'll have that little chat."

"No, we are going to do this now," Regina said, stepping forward, "It will only take a moment."

"Is something eating you dear? Something you want to get out in the open?" Gold said as Autumn watched them carefully, "Because it's going to have to wait."

Regina opened her mouth as Gold deliberately said, "Please."

Autumn had to catch herself from snorting. It was a beautiful thing, watching him take stabs at her. Regina's face looked mortified as Gold stepped away from her, gently resting his hand on Autumn's shoulder. He didn't bother to look at her as he said, "Come, Autumn. Let's go have a bit of tea."

Autumn followed him, a little smirk on her face. Gold looked down at her as he asked, "Is something amusing you, dearie?"

"No, nothing at all," Autumn said, allowing him to lead her. They walked across the street and towards the entrance of the park. Autumn looked up at him quizzically as he shrugged saying, "I figured since it was a nice day, we could take a detour."

Autumn didn't protest, smiling up at him. They walked leisurely through the park, silent for a time. It was Autumn who finally broke the silence.

"I should have guessed you would hate Valentine's Day."

"What?" Gold asked, staring down at her suspiciously. They slowed in pace as his stare grew firmer.

"I mean, it's clear that whoever it was you loved meant a lot to you," Autumn said quickly, as if trying to recover herself, "So I guess it would be kind of a bitter day…"

Silence reigned as Autumn bit her lip a minute. Her heart caught in her throat as she noticed his face was impassive. Well now she had done it. All she had meant to do was try and get him to open up. Now she had poked a little too deep. Turning slightly, Autumn said, trying to sound purposefully care-free, "Well now that I'm done putting my foot in my mouth, I'll just be on my way."

"No," Gold caught her hand quickly. She stopped, looking at him with her own blank stare. Gold seemed to regain composure as he said, "No, you just caught me a bit off guard is all."

He gently pulled Autumn along and she followed. Autumn was quiet, afraid to say anything. Gold was quiet for a time as he took them down a more secluded path. When the sounds of other people slowly drifted away, Gold finally spoke again.

"I'm not used to talk about her with others." Gold said, allowing her hand to slip from his, "But you're right. The day is bitter for me. Especially since the way things ended was entirely my fault."

Autumn felt a pang at her heart. He reached a bench and sat down on it. Autumn followed, sitting so there was a space in between them. She didn't want there to be. However, she didn't think he would like her being that close. Staring up at him, she waited a minute before asking, "What was she like?"

Gold stared down at her, his brown eyes searching her curious blue ones. Sighing, he stared out at the park silently. Autumn was almost convinced he wasn't going to answer. But he did.

"She was beautiful," he said, "Both inside and out. She was brave, adventurous, and loving to anyone she met. She had a patience about her that I could never really understand. She had a love for books that match her eagerness to learn. She was perfect… how she ever put up with me, I'll never know."

Autumn's heart twisted. It wasn't that she was jealous. It was more she was discouraged. There was no way in a million years she was going to be able to compare to that. If that's what she had to be like just to get him to care about her, then the gap between them would always remain. Autumn was so entrenched in her internal thoughts that she almost missed his next comment.

"You two would have gotten along rather well."

"What?" Autumn asked, "Oh… why?"

"You two are a lot alike," was his only response.

"Oh." Autumn thought he was crazy. The only thing she knew Belle and her shared was the fact they both had blue eyes. Belle was his everything and Autumn was just a foster kid that wanted him to love her like a daughter. Gold sighed deeply before going into deep thought. His next comment complete switched up the conversation.

"Why do you hate Valentine's Day?"

"Oh," Autumn said, wrinkling her nose, "Yeah. I hate the mush."

"I'm sorry. The mush?"

"Yep," Autumn said, disgusted, "The kissing, the touching, just no. Public Display of Affection goes hand in hand with Valentine's Day. I don't like one, so I'm not going to like the other."

Gold snickered before saying, "Typical ten-year-old response."

"I thought we were going to have tea," Autumn huffed.

"I personally think you just want to go explore my house more."

"Can you blame me? You have so much stuff and some of it's actually cool."

Gold snorted as the two of them got up and made their way out of the park. They had made it back into town before Gold finally spoke again.

"So I see Regina's been on your case lately?" Mr. Gold said as he and Autumn walked down the street towards his house. Autumn groaned and said, "Yeah, I've been able to say no up until now. Paige is busy with her parents and I really don't want to go home tomorrow."

"I'll never understand you," Gold said, shaking his head, "You have a fairly nice home and you don't spend a lick of time in it. Except last week."

"Mom was home, and I had school stuff," Autumn huffed, "I just like being in town, I like Storybrooke. It's a lot more interesting."

"I see," Mr. Gold said, "Well, I know Henry missed your presence, especially with Madame Mayor tailing him everywhere he goes."

"Yeah, I know," Autumn said, feeling rather bad for Henry. She remembered talking to him earlier today, he was rather upset. They walked up the steps as Autumn said, "I wouldn't want to have her for a mother, I'd go crazy!"

Mr. Gold laughed and Autumn stopped short. He noticed and said, "Dear, what's the matter?"

"Your door." Autumn said blinking. "It's open."

"What?" his question was sharp as he looked at the door. Indeed it was, but he was sure he locked it this morning. Autumn began to walk forward but Mr. Gold grabbed her shoulder. She felt him move in front of her and opened the door more. They slowly walked inside the home together and Mr. Gold picked up a gun. Autumn followed behind him as they walked into the living room together. Autumn looked around and noticed a few things that had been there the last time she was here now missing. Mr. Gold had gone tense as Autumn looked up at him. Mr. Gold was walking when he suddenly whirled around, forcing Autumn behind him. She heard two gun click before Mr. Gold said, "Miss Swan."

Autumn peered out from behind him to see Emma pointing a gun at him. She said, "Your door was open, your neighbors called it in."

"It appears I've been robbed," Mr. Gold said, as Autumn bit her lip.

"Funny how that keeps happening to you," Emma said, still pointing the gun. Mr. Gold lowered the gun slowly and said, "Yeah, well. I'm a difficult man to love."

Autumn finally came out from behind him fully as Emma put her gun down. She spotted Autumn and said, "Long time no see kid."

"Hi," Autumn said and Mr. Gold said, "Autumn, go wait in the kitchen. I'll be there in a moment."

Autumn looked from Emma to Gold before walking into the kitchen. Sitting down at the table, Autumn heard Gold and Emma start talking. Sighing, Autumn had a feeling this wasn't going to end very well. What idiot would steal from Gold? He was the most feared man in town, who would have that much of a death wish? Judging by the scene she had watched this morning, Moe French seemed like a likely candidate. Staring around, Autumn looked out the window and saw the surprising blue sky. Valentine's Day… was it that close to spring already? It was like time was passing much quicker than she was expecting it too.

She was suddenly snapped out of her thoughts as she heard the door slam. Autumn looked over to see Mr. Gold moving quickly to the kitchen. Autumn frowned gently and said, "You're not going to kill Moe French are you? I told you he wasn't going to be able to pay that loan."

"Yes, but even you didn't think he would have the audacity to break into my home," Mr. Gold said, irritated. He opened a cabinet shifting around in it as Autumn said, "I didn't think he would have the guts to break into your house. Not unless he had someone with more strength behind him."

Mr. Gold glanced back at her and said, "Are you suggesting something?"

"Nothing I'm sure you don't know," Autumn said, "Want me to search her place?"

"No," his voice was sharp. He had turned around, his face almost glowering. He walked over to her and said lowly, "Do not get involved. Now, if you would please go, I have things I now need to attend to."

Part of Autumn was annoyed and part of her was hurt. Hurt because of his shutting her out and annoyed because he was falling into Regina's trap. But judging by the look on his face, for now she should leave him be. Standing up, Autumn walked over to the entry way and stopped. She looked back at Gold and said, "Just let Emma do her job, he's not worth your time."

And with that Autumn left, knowing full well she was going to have to stop this man from not taking her advice.

S.C.

"What are you looking for?"

Autumn looked up from telescope as Jefferson came into the room. She looked over at him and glanced at him before saying, "Making sure Gold behaves."

"Oh?" Jefferson walked over to her and leaned against the window sill. He looked down as Autumn peered through the scope again. Sighing, he said, "Why is he so important? Gold."

"You already know that."

"It doesn't mean I understand it. We've never messed with him before."

"Because," Autumn said with a sigh, "We'll need him."

"You know who he is," Jefferson said, his voice sounding urgent, "You know how risky it is messing with him."

"I'm not messing with him," Autumn said, sounding almost annoyed, "Look, trust me. Regina may have enacted the curse, but I highly doubt she created it."

"All the more reason to stay away from him," Jefferson said, almost angrily.

"Is it that hard to trust me?" Autumn said, almost exasperated. Jefferson suddenly grabbed her, Autumn yelping. A flash crossed her eyes, and she could have sworn she saw herself staring at someone familiar. Blinking, Autumn found herself staring into Jefferson's green eyes. Stroking her hair behind her ears, Jefferson said, "I trust you, and I know you are pure despite the circumstance. But this man isn't, he will use anyone for his goal."

"I know," Autumn said as Jefferson stroked her cheeks gently, "I know… just… you worry about Grace, I'll worry about him. Trust me, we'll get home."

"Some will say this is your home," Jefferson said quietly and Autumn said, almost harshly, "This world is NOT my home. It stopped being my home the minute I fell down that rabbit hole."

Jefferson was quiet after that and Autumn said, staring intently at him. She whispered, "Don't think I'm going to get distracted by him."

"But you love him," Jefferson said, "That's a distraction in and of itself."

"You love Grace," Autumn said, her voice calming, "The only difference is that she is your daughter and Gold doesn't care about me."

Jefferson didn't have anything to say to that right away. Autumn slide away from him and walked back over to the window. As she looked down into the telescope, she heard him asked, "So why bother with him if he doesn't care about you?"

Autumn paused, staring through the scope but not fully paying attention. She clicked her tongue, trying to formulate her answer. Patience always being his virtue, Jefferson waited. Finally, Autumn responded, "Sometimes that's all we have, Jefferson. Surely you understand that."

Silence followed for a while as Autumn said, "It's starting to rain, you should close up the windows downstairs."

Jefferson left the room leaving Autumn to herself. The rain wasn't coming down hard yet as she watched the streets near the convenience store Gold had gone into. She stayed like that for a while until she ran out of the room saying angrily, "Damn it, Gold!"

S.C.

"You had her love and you shut her out!"

Moe French yells filled the cabin as Mr. Gold beat him with his cane. Rage had taken over him, even though he would admit it to no one. The cup had become the furthest thing from his mind. All her could see was her face. The face of his beloved, as she stared at him with determined glassy eyes. The more he saw it, the more his anger boiled over. The more Moe French screamed, the more Gold gave him what he deserved for letting her die.

"IT IS YOUR FAULT-!"

"STOP IT!"

Suddenly, Mr. Gold felt someone grab his arm with two hands pulling him back. He whirled around out of the chair, sending the person back two steps. He would have nearly knocked the chair over if he hadn't grabbed it to steady himself. Autumn held firmly onto him though, staring up at him with wide eyes. Gold was barely registering that she didn't look fearful. No, part of him was angry. Angry at that man lying in pain on the floor, angry that he had been stopped, angry that she was here.

"What are you doing here?!" Mr. Gold said his voice cold. Autumn didn't seem perturbed as she seemed distressed by something else, "I followed you, you idiot! Did you really think I wouldn't know you would do this?!"

"Leave," Mr. Gold said roughly, attempting to pull away but she yanked on him saying, "No! Mr. Gold, please, you can't-!"

"I said leave!" Mr. Gold snapped and Autumn snapped back, "I will not! I can't let you hurt him!"

"Autumn-!" His voice had anger seeping into it at an alarming rate but Autumn screeched yanking on the cane, "NO! You can't chase me away; you will not chase me away! I can't let you do this!"

"Why does it matter to you!?" Mr. Gold snapped, "This is my business, now go home!"

He yanked the cane out of her hand with surprising force, spinning around so fast. He struck Moe French again but Autumn had pounced on his arm again screaming now, "No! Don't do this! Please, you'll only get in trouble!"

"It is of no concern to you!" Mr. Gold snarled but was shocked when she pulled his arm so hard that he fell over. He managed to catch himself but was hovering over Autumn. She was still trying to pull the cane from his hand but she failed. His brown eyes filled with rage as he shouted, "Go home! This is of no concern to you!"

"It is!" Autumn grabbed his cane and he snapped, "Why?! Why is it so important-!"

"BECAUSE I LOVE YOU!"

He froze, as did she. Oh God, she hadn't meant to say it. Not like that and not right now. However, anger bubbled up before she could stop it. Autumn pulled feebly as she said angrily, "Why are you so dumb!"

He jerked the cane back, only so he could pull her back towards him. Autumn watched him straighten up, an incomprehensible look on his face. Autumn hadn't realized she had let go of his cane until he managed to grab her and pick her up. She pulled her arms around his neck in shock, steadying herself. A flash crossed her eyes, feeling a brief moment of warmth that she hadn't felt in forever. Something in her body just immediately relaxed, but due to the circumstances Autumn felt too wary to give into such a reaction.

She was right not to as she came crashing back to reality as he dumped her in the next room before shutting and locking the door. How had he walked across the room with his leg?! She didn't even feel him do it. Running back over to the door, Autumn screamed while trying to force the door open, "Gold, don't do this! You can't get in trouble! I can't let you go away!"

Mr. Gold had already gone back to Moe, trying to ignore the girl in the other room. There was no dealing with her right now, he needed to find it. The sight of Moe stirred up rage within Gold again. But this time there was another reason. A reason he had yet to state. He then struck Moe saying, "Tell me where it is! I've no more patience for this nonsense!"

Autumn finally broke down, ceasing her banging the door as she began to cry. She didn't want to cry; she need to be strong. Crying wasn't allowed, but tears kept coming down her cheeks anyway. She wasn't sure if he was saying she was nonsense or not, but she was sure he wasn't happy with her now. Little did she know that someone had successfully taken her place in stopping Gold from beating Moe French. It wasn't until she heard the ambulance that she realized the commotion had stopped. Pressing her ear against the door, she heard Emma's voice. Panicking, she looked over to the window and hurried over to it. She couldn't let Emma find her back here, it would look even worse for Gold. Managing to open the window, she slid out of it.

It was still raining but not hard. She had to make it back to town, before it decided to rain even harder. Walking out from behind the house, she quickly ran to the bushes on the cabin's side and watched as Emma and Gold talked. He seemed agitated still and Autumn's heart fell as she saw Emma cuff his hands. Damn it… Autumn watched him look around and suddenly she found herself staring directly at him. She gulped as he still watched her as he was pushed somewhat gently into the car. Autumn kept low as the ambulance and the police car drove away. She then hurried out of hiding and stood there for a moment. A minute later, Excalibur came out of the forest and bent down. She climbed up onto his back, gripping the rope as he stood up. She had to get to town and fast. Spurring him on, Excalibur galloped after the two vehicles.

S.C.

"Rumpelstiltskin."

He hated telling her, but he wanted it back. At least he got the satisfaction of seeing the displeasure on her face. Standing up, he grasped the bars of the cell saying dangerously, "Now give me what I want."

Regina said with almost a smirk, "Such hostility."

"Oh yeah," Mr. Gold said, who was just about ready to beat this woman into the ground if she didn't already give back the item in question. She reached into her bag as he watched with an expectant frantic look. She pulled out a white tea cup with blue designs on it. His eyes were locked on that cup as Regina said, "Over this?"

She waved it back and forth as he reached to grab it saying, "Such a… sentimental little keepsake."

"Thank you," Gold said, taking the cup from her and made sure to add, "Your Majesty."

"So," Gold said, after making sure his cup was alright, "Now that we've been honest with each other, let's remember how things used to be, shall we? And don't let these bars fool you dear, I'm the one with the power around here. I'm gonna be out of here in no time and nothing between us will change."

Regina grabbed the bars leaning in saying with a dark smile, "We shall see."

She gradually let go of the bars as she walked away, leaving Gold to examine his cup. Examining it, he didn't even put it down as he said clearly, "You can come out dearie. The Evil Queen is gone."

At first, nothing happened. Then, Autumn slowly came out from behind one of the doors and walked over to him. He watched her intently as she came closer. He indicated towards the sofa but she shook her head. Mr. Gold watched her in surprise as she slipped through the bars. She didn't move to come next to him but instead leaned against the bars. Somewhat stiffly, Autumn said, "I see you got it back."

"Yes, I did," Mr. Gold said, putting his cup safely down. He then looked over at Autumn and said, "It's not a crime to sit down."

"It is when I'm breaking into a jail cell," Autumn said, and Mr. Gold said, "I'm sure Miss Swan will have no issue's letting you go free."

"You beat him over a tea cup," Autumn said, staring at it momentarily, "Why?"

"He took my property," Gold said and Autumn retaliated, "You mean he took the cup Belle chipped."

Silence was between them as Gold stood up. That dangerous Rumpelstiltskin smile had returned and Autumn was almost feeling rather nervous now. He walked over to her as she backed into the bars. He hovered over her and she fidgeted with her hands. He spoke as he grasped the bars for support, "Well, aren't you being Miss Smarty pants. I shouldn't be surprised; you are one of the few here who believe those stories."

Autumn stared up at him as he said, "Well since you know just who I am, dearie. You'd best be advised to listen to me and sit."

When Autumn didn't move, he sighed and she yelped as he managed to pick her up once again. She grasped around his neck, feeling that warmth return to her. It wasn't just a physical warmth necessarily, but an emotional warmth; this time she gave into that feeling. Mr. Gold tightened his hold on her as he whispered, "Why must you be so stubborn?"

"Because no one else will be as stubborn as you," Autumn said, into his jacket. He almost chuckled at that. Turning around, he hugged her a little more tightly. She wasn't protesting about it, so she mustn't be terrible mad. However, her earlier comments and his bad leg kept him from continuing his action. She almost protested as he put her on the bed, but knew better. Sitting next to her, Mr. Gold looked down as she asked, "Doesn't that hurt your leg?"

"Somewhat," Mr. Gold said, with his usually sarcasm, "So please do what I ask when I ask it, so I'm not forced to hurt it more."

Autumn looked away briefly but she felt him gently grasp her chin and tilt it back to him. His brown eyes showed no anger, but gave her a searching look. He then asked, "Now going back to our… disagreement a few hours previously. Why is it so important to you that I not end up here?"

"Well, it's rather pointless since you ended up here anyway," Autumn said, almost angrily. Mr. Gold then smiled coyly before saying, "Ah, but you see, you said three little words that interested me."

"Yes, and I meant them whether you return the sentiment or not," Autumn said, matter of fact. She clearly wasn't afraid to admit it. Which intrigued Gold all that more. He then said, "You still have yet to answer my question. Why is it so important that I not end up here?"

"Because you can't leave," Autumn said, gritting her teeth. She stared him down saying, "You'll leave and I'll be alone."

"Now I highly doubt that. You have a foster mother who seems to care about you, Miss Swan, Henry," Mr. Gold said, reasonably. Autumn pulled her head away, her eyes going glassy. Mr. Gold was shocked at this reaction as Autumn said, almost angrily, "Do you really think I spend all this time with you just because I'm bored?"

For once in all his lifetime, he was at a loss for words. She didn't look at him, but continued staring at the wall opposite of them. Finally, she felt him gently tilted her face to look back at his. Her blue eyes met his brown ones, and Autumn was slightly taken aback to not see a wall up. Instead, she saw gentleness that she hadn't seen in full. And never had it been directed at her. Tucking her hair behind her ear, he whispered, "Now, now. Don't fret dearie. I will be out of here sooner than you think. Now, why don't you go home and rest up? You're still damp from being out in the rain and I don't want you to get sick because of me."

Autumn watched him for a minute before nodding and he said touching her nose gently, "That's my girl. Now off with you, before Miss Swan comes back."

Autumn slid off the bed and slid back through the bars. He watched her go and made sure she was out of earshot before letting out a heavy sigh. He was getting soft, letting her get to him like that. But something in him couldn't help it, she was… special. It had been years since he had a fatherly connection with a child. She was most definitely not Baelfire, but in many ways she was beginning to feel like family. No, no he couldn't let himself ruin this young girl's life.

Guilt began to swarm him as he recalled the events of the past few hours. Not guilt in beating Moe French, but guilt for the sounds of her sobbing in the other room. It was the first time he had seen her panic and first time he had heard her cry. Autumn had been never one to cry, get angry yes, but crying no. She didn't deserve to be so emotionally entangled with him and yet she kept coming back. Worst of all, he kept letting her. Looking over at his cup, he picked it up and whispered softly, "Belle, I'm heading for disaster yet again."

Autumn was walking outside in the rain, not caring that her coat was already soaked. For some reason, she didn't really feel much better. In fact, now that she thought about it, Autumn realized he had never actually told her how he felt about what she said. All he had said that it interested him. Her stomach slowly dropped as she realized he now had the advantage.

Hurrying down the street, Autumn made it all the way to the back of the hospital when she saw Regina going out of a back entrance. Pinning her back against the Hospital wall, Autumn watched Regina hurry towards her car. Frowning, Autumn walked towards the door that Regina had come out of. Why was she coming out here? There was no way she was visiting Moe French; she would just leave out the main entrance. Grasping the knob, Autumn wasn't surprised to find it locked. Walking along the side of the building she came to see there were windows down at ground level. Peering into one of them, she at first couldn't see anything.

Suddenly there was a face that almost made Autumn scream. She fell backwards scratching her hands on the cement. Still staring, Autumn saw herself looking at a woman with brown hair and blue eyes very much similar to her own. Autumn's mouth was wide open as she crawled closer to the window. She recognized her picture, from the book. Autumn touched the window saying, "Belle…"

The woman tilted her head curiously as Autumn piece everything together.

Gold was going to kill the queen for this.

"I'll be back for you soon," Autumn said, loudly, hoping Belle would hear, "I promise."

S.C.

Regina heard the phone ring.

She was standing at the table, setting places as Henry did his homework. Frowning, Regina put down the silverware as Henry looked up at her. Walking over to the phone, she clicked the button and said, "Hello, this is Mayor Mills speaking."

"Oh hey. Is this Henry's mom?"

Regina frowned thoroughly at the female voice. Glancing at Henry suspiciously, Regina said, "Yes, who's asking?"

"My name is Felicity. I'm Autumn's foster mom."

"Oh Hello!" Regina said, "I was expecting her for dinner and a sleep over, is everything okay?"

Henry perked up his head a little more. Regina didn't pay him any attention as Felicity said, "I'm afraid not. The kid came home this morning cold and wet. She's got a fever of hundred and one."

"Oh my," Regina said, concern creeping into her voice.

"Yeah, needless to say, she's not going to be able to come over tonight. She wanted me to call you and let you know. She would have done it herself but she's not exactly up for talking."

"Understandable," Regina said, "Tell her I hope she feels better."

"Will do," Felicity said before hanging up the phone. She was sitting on Autumn's bed in the attic, cross-legged. Autumn was curled up in the blankets, writing in a notebook. She did not look well but she didn't stop her task. Felicity looked at her with a quirky weak smile as she said, "Well she sounds like I expected her to. Arrogant and fake."

"At least she won't try coming out here to check up on me," Autumn said, her voice scratchy.

"I still don't think it was a good idea in the first place to call her," Felicity said, rubbing Autumn's leg underneath the blanket, "We got lucky I was alone that one time. I really don't want another surprise visit."

"I know," Autumn said dejectedly.

Felicity watched the girl writing dots in the notebook. Autumn didn't even flinch when Felicity said, "You know, you can let those little dots rest for today. You need your rest."

"I have to get them down, I'll never get to sleep if I don't." Autumn said. Felicity nodded, but something in her eyes still seemed troubled.

"I know I'm not your mom, but my sisterly advice is that you get on Gold's good side," Felicity said, lazily, "He seems to like you."

"Maybe," Autumn whispered, "But he definitely doesn't love me."

Banging downstairs interrupted the conversation, making Felicity look down at the floor. Autumn hid further under the blankets as Felicity sighed.

"Love may not be a luxury we can wait for."

"Daddy?" the little girl asked, "Why you up?"

The man looked over from his desk to see his Lisie girl standing in the door way. She looked rather cute with her hair messed up and her green feetie pajamas a little wrinkled from sleeping. Smiling softly, he said putting his pen down, "I have work to finish. I think the real question is why are you still up?"

"I can't sleep," she said, her bright eyes sparkling with tears. Surprise filled his eyes as his heart felt a stab. Walking over to him, she crawled up onto his lap saying, "I had another nightmare."

"Oh?" he asked, rubbing her back, "What about?"

"That you disappeared," she hiccupped, "and didn't come back."

He hugged her, kissing the top of her head. Whispering softly, he said, "It's alright, baby, it's just a dream."

"But what if you really do disappear?" she looked up fearfully at him and he said gently, "Don't worry, if something really happened to me, Uncle August would take care of you."

"He can't take care of himself," huffed Lisie and her father chuckled. Stroking her hair, he whispered, "I love you Lisie girl. Even if I can't be with you, I will always love you."