On top of the list

by Natjena

Rose Langly is a citizen of Storybrook. She has been living there all of her life yet the only friend she seems to have is mister Gold from the pawnshop. Sure the others would say hello, but most people ignored her. She knew something was wrong with this town, can she figure out what it is? Something special is about to happen to Rose when Gold proposes a deal...

9. Chapter 9

Chapter 9: on top of the list

"The year's over Rose."
"What? It can't be!" I replied shocked "You weren't even trying to get to know the woman I introduced! Obviously you were planning this all along. Tricking me, knowing there wasn't a bloody woman out there you want, so I could get my punishment."
"I'm not tricking you dearie, you just don't see it like I do."
"Failing to see what?" Gold turned around, throwing his cane aside. "Tell me Rose, how many names did you come across?"
"Not so many, 38 I think."
"39 to be exact." he countered.
"So what, I forgot someone."
"Tick tock, time's near."
"I still have an hour Rumpelstiltskin, summertime remember?"
"Sly as always. You and me are so alike dear." He mumbled "Look to your right."
I turned around and saw my reflection in the mirror. "I… I forgot myself. But I..."
"You don't love me. But can you?"
"No. I mean I do… I didn't think you would want me. You.. You have always been special to me." She said flustered "You were my first true friend in Storybrook. You always wanted the best for me.. and then when you gave me that necklace.. You caught me by surprise. At first I didn't believe the evil Rumplestiltskin and this sweeter version mister Gold could be one and the same."
"Well if you'd rather have me look like a dragon again?" he grinned "I'm both men Rose."
"Then why did you let me go through all the trouble of looking in the first place?"
"Really now, would you have consented to go on a date with me, back when you tumbled into my shop the first time?"
"I never told you what brought me here."
"Antiques, I suppose?" he huffed, not sure that it mattered.
"No, I thought I heard someone call out.. or something. It was pulling me towards the shop." She explained "I think it was destiny Gold. Ours to take, but I was blind to it." Rose took a step closer and kissed him.
Gold pulled at her hair, deepening the kiss, just as time ran out. "You win."

The dark one remained, he didn't need to give up his dagger of darkness. And Rose? She got her wish come true. Gold made her more popular. She wasn't a hero, neither was she a villain. No she was something special: the dark one's wife. And together they lived happily ever after.