" Well dearie, I can't say I pegged you for anger issues." Mr. Gold said as he leaned over the clock. When she brought it over gears were sticking out of it and the glass protecting the hands was shattered.
" I know, I know!" Dawn put her face in her hands. " But Marco comes over on Sundays and he'll notice if it's missing. Please say you can fix it."
He held it out to her. "I already have. I even put on a coat of polish so you have an excuse to have come here." She reached out to grab it but he pulled it away. " All you need to do to get it is tell me what's troubling you."
" I have things to do Mr. Gold. Just hand it over." She lunged for it again, once again failing.
" Technically repairs cost twenty five dollars. But advice is free." He smiled. She raised her eyebrow as if to ask if she was getting out of this. He raised his as if to say no. Dawn sat down on one of his decorative chairs.
" Look, work has just been a lot lately. I had a rough day and took it out on the clock." Luckily he handed her the clock and left it at that. For more than one reason, that was a relief. Dawn wasn't in the mood to have reality thrown in her face again. She couldn't quit her job, not after last time. This wasn't a fairy tale with a happy ending waiting for anyone to follow their dreams.
" You know, there's a whole world out there. It does wonders to go out into it."
" Believe me, I'd love to, but-"
Before she could finish, the doorbell rang. In walked Eugene, scowling like the victim of a middle school prank. Then he saw her and lit up. She would be lying if she said that it didn't make her heart flutter a bit to see someone who seemed so genuinely happy to see her.
" Hey Dawn." He stuttered for a second before finishing his thought, " Nice to see you."
Mr Gold apparently took notice. " If it isn't our newest resident. How's our humble town treating you?"
" Oh you know, it's a town. Very nice people. Very nice hot dogs." He began examining the various wares at the shop. Occasionally his eyes would widen. Perhaps he knew a bit about antiques.
" I saw the mayor talking with you," he continued, " I trust you made a good impression." His face soured at this. That made all too much sense. Regina Mills had all the enthusiasm and friendliness of a wet cat. Infinite pity went out to anyone who got off on the wrong foot with her.
" She's a bucket of sunshine soaked in rainbows."
Mr. Gold went on," You know, Dawn here was just saying how she'd like to get out more. And here you are, in need of a tour."
Too late she realized exactly what he was implying. Time slowed down as she motioned violent methods of death towards him. Alas not a single one affected him. In fact, his grin only seemed to grow. This stranger wasn't going to want to go on a date with her!
" If she's up for it I'd love to see the sights. I'd be a shame to never see the intricacies of this charming place." He leaned against the cabinet while flashing her a grin.
Apparently Fitzgerbert did have some charm after all. Despite it, that genuinely excited look stuck out like gold in a coal mine. Perhaps what she was about to say was a mistake. Most boys with boy band style hair took a woman out once just to prove they could. This guy seemed a bit more than that.
" I suppose it would be a shame. Meet me in the square at three thirty?"
" It would be my pleasure Blondie."
She subconsciously reached for her hair. It wasn't naturally blond, but it felt much more natural to dye it. Nonetheless, maybe this day could end up decent after all. Even if he did turn out to be a creep, she did sort of need to get out more.
Eugene obviously felt the same, because as she left, he flashed Mr. Gold a thumbs up as he left the building. Dawn held up her clock, looking unblemished by repairs.
" Great work again Mr. Gold."
" Trust me dearie, I know."
Before the curse:
Rapunzel draped herself over the table. Time and time again the servants chastised her. Time and time again she forgot their reminders. Eventually they reached a happy medium, but on days like today she had no mind for courtesy.
Looking out of the window never stopped being a part of her life. Days passed by in her childhood where all she could do was stare at the horizon and lean out to get a better view. Ever since she became queen she had more responsibilities than ever. As such, she had to stay in for most of her days. Again, she looked out the window. How often had she done that back in Gothel's tower? Of course, the difference was that the sun would always be waiting for her to frolic in its warmth. Now that wasn't even an option. As she looked out the window reality knocked her down yet again.
No seas of green twisted across the hills. Fields of gray and brown choked the life from the land. The citizens slaved over their crops, bones sticking out of their skin. They collapsed onto the ground, becoming just another lifeless accessory to the kingdom.
She hadn't even noticed the hand rubbing her shoulder. Her husband of nearly five years stood besides her, with almost as much grief etched upon his face. As time went by, words became less necessary to truly see their beloved's heart. They could see it by the way their eyebrows twitch when they tried not to cry, and the inflections of joy in their voice. Right now even a blind man could see the sorrow. The weight of the kingdom had finally collapsed on them, just as Rapunzel collapsed into her husband's arms.
