A/N: Here is Chapter 5, sorry I didn't get it posted before the episode. As always, please review! I hope you enjoy it.
Emma wiped the sleep from her eyes, being woken by a soft knocking on her door. She groaned as she glared at the clock, just after 7am. She had hoped to sleep in until at least 7:30, having slept outdoors in the cold the last few nights took its toll. Emma begrudgingly tossed the sheets from her body, answering the door in her white tank top and sweat pants. Granny stood in the hallway with a coffee in her hand and a message.
"Good morning, dear. I'm sorry to disturb you but your father called and asked you to meet him at the station. Apparently there is something wrong with your cell phone." She said softly, handing Emma the coffee and small note. She rested her head against the door with a frustrated sigh, forgetting that her cell phone along with her gun was among the items lost in the Enchanted Forest. She'd have to get a new one entirely.
"Thanks, Granny…" Emma whispered with a half-smile. Granny nodded and began walking down the hall and Emma again saw August's door.
"Granny…" she called down the hallway, stopping the older woman in her tracks. "Have you seen August in the past few days?"
"Now that you mention it, I haven't seen him since the curse was broken…" she replied contemplatively. Emma nodded and thanked her, stepping back inside her room. One of the conveniences of staying at Granny's was the endless supply of coffee. Setting the coffee on the desk, she walked to the bathroom, washing her face with cold water in an attempt to wake up. She wondered what was so important that it couldn't wait the extra hour until her shift actually started.
Drying her face she walked back into the room, changing into her last set of clean clothes. She only brought enough clothing for about two days and she would either need to go to Gold's and get more clothes, or do some laundry. Emma picked up the jeans she had been wearing the last two days and retrieved her car keys from one of the pockets. Luckily, they weren't in her jacket where they would have fallen out. She pulled on her black leather jacket and left to go meet her father.
Emma drove the streets of Storybrooke with a new found appreciation; she never thought she'd be so relieved to see the small town. She had been so fearful to return and find everything in a state of chaos, with people settling old scores. But to his credit, James stepped up and restored balance. The thought had crossed her mind that she could use a deputy and James fit the bill perfectly. But she feared working with her father might prove to be awkward.
Emma saw James leaning against his pick-up as she pulled into the station parking lot. He looked so natural, with the gun strapped around his torso and the gun tucked safely at his side. James also looked calm, like there was nothing wrong that justified waking her up so early. He smiled brightly and waved as she parked, walking to the driver side of her car as she opened the door.
"Good morning," he greeted energetically, far too much so for so early in the morning.
"Morning." She said dryly, slamming the car door behind her. "What can I do for you?" She asked, following him into the station.
"Well, I'm going to be spending most of the day in the mines with the dwarves and I kind of wanted to catch you up with what's going on." Emma was confused, she knew the town had mines, remembering the day Henry and Archie almost died in one. Apparently a lot had changed in the two days she'd been gone.
"I would've just called, but –"
"My cell phone is somewhere in fairytale land." Emma interjected sarcastically as they walked into her office.
"Yea," he said, leaning against her desk. "I, uh, I tried to keep the paperwork organized for you so it wasn't such a mess when you got back. We have a missing person's bulletin set up at town hall; the nun's run it day to day. The dwarves are in the mine's looking for fairy dust; hopefully that can cure the memory loss of crossing the town border. And Regina has been removed from office."
"I'm sorry?" she asked with an incredulous stare.
"It's true, she was asked to resign and she complied."
"So who took her place?"
"Well, no one yet; I stepped in as Sheriff just to keep the peace until you got back." Emma couldn't believe her ears; she found it odd that Regina would vacate the office before they had someone to replace her. She also feared who would be taking Regina's place as her boss, though she couldn't imagine it being anyone worse.
"And it looks like you did one hell of a job." Emma said thankfully. James smiled brightly at the compliment.
"Thank you. Are we still on for dinner tonight?" he asked hesitantly.
"Of course..." James nodded with a tight smile.
"I just wasn't sure if you made…other plans." Emma could tell at the bitter edge that laced his words, it was another silent disapproval of her relationship with Gold.
"Look, I'm really going to try here; I don't want you to think…" Emma huffed, sorting out her words before she said anything else. "I want to get to know you and spend time with you as my father, but I need you to accept that I'm with Gold and to drop this attitude you have towards him."
James lowered his gaze as he shook his head. He knew he made a deal with Rumplestiltskin to give him a chance, and the last thing he wanted to do was fight with his daughter. She just didn't understand how evil that monster could be and how hard it was for him to be in the same room with him. To know that Emma loved him scared him more than anything.
"I don't understand, Emma, why you're with him –"
"You don't have to understand and you don't have to like him, but I'm asking you to at least try to get along with him for my sake." She said, trying to keep a calm demeanor.
"Alright, I'll do my best." James replied, sighing heavily in defeat.
"Thank you."
"Did you mean what you said last night, about me teaching you sword fighting and horseback riding?" Emma couldn't suppress her smile; realizing again that she was actually looking forward to spending time with her father.
"I did. I think it would be a fun way for us to spend time together. Mary said you always wanted a son, but –"
"You're perfect, Emma. I wouldn't trade you for a thousand sons; I couldn't be more proud of who you are. I only wish I could've been there for you."
"Well, you're here now; so let's not dwell on the past ok?" she pleaded, hoping to ease his guilt.
"Will you ever tell us what happened?"
"Probably not. It's not something I think you guys need to hear. But I told Mary if I ever do decide to tell you, I want you both together. This way I only have to say it once." Emma hoped that if she just said no enough times they would drop the issue. James nodded once more, raising his eyes to meet Emma's.
"I should, uh, get going…to the mines." He said softly. James stepped toward Emma slowly, gathering into his arms. He felt her body stiffen slightly at the contact, and he was relieved when she didn't push him away. James knew she was defensive and he hoped that if he just showed her enough affection, it would help her let her guard down a little more. He pulled back, pressing his lips to her forehead.
Emma closed her eyes as her father kissed her affectionately. Everything in her was screaming to pull away, but she couldn't have moved if she wanted to. Emma hated how vulnerable she felt in his presence, how much she wanted to tell him everything and let him comfort her. She inhaled deeply, her body tensing as she battled the tears filling her eyes. Her logic told her to remain defensive; to guard against him. But more than anything she wanted a relationship with her father.
"I will see you tonight." He said with a smile as he released her. Emma nodded in agreement, saying nothing as James left her office. Her body trembled with the raw emotion now coursing through her. She wanted to leave, but not much was open except Granny's. She decided to stay and sort through the piles on her desk. But before she did that she needed to order herself a new phone; as Sheriff she couldn't be without that. She turned on the computer, going through the first stack of mail as she waited for it to boot up.
Emma was restless as tossed the stack of junk mail in the trash bin; she was far too emotional to attempt just sitting here going through paperwork. She decided once her phone was ordered she would take a drive, if only to clear her head and feel less claustrophobic. All her life she prided herself on being alone, on being guarded; and right now she felt completely foreign to herself. Emma was never sure what she would do when she found her parents, but she never imagined letting them in so easily. Perhaps the fact that they were friends before they found out who they were made it easier.
She told Gold that she would kill him if he ever betrayed her and here she is contemplating forgiving him. A year ago she was still alone; now she's a mother, a daughter, and she's in love. In less than a year she'd become an entirely different person and at times she was proud of herself for it. Other times, she couldn't believe that she's allowed herself to become attached to these people.
Emma logged onto her cell phone company's website and reported her phone as lost. After she requested a new one, she was out of her chair and leaving the building. The mail could wait until a time when she could sit still for two seconds together. It was a warm, clear summer morning and Emma rolled the windows down for some fresh air.
Emma passed Gold's shop and saw his car outside; she was tempted to go inside, but instead she only drove faster. Even though she wanted to forgive him more than anything, she was still frightened what that would mean. What kind of message would it send him if she kept forgiving him? Before she let herself see Gold again, she had to know that she wasn't crazy; she had to know why she was forgiving him.
When Emma neared Archie's building, she parked her car, hoping he was still a shrink. There was no one else she could think to talk to. Besides, Archie was bound by confidentiality, a fact which she would use to her full advantage. She stepped onto the elevator and tapped her foot impatiently; Mary and James couldn't be objective as her parents and she had no intention of telling them her past and Gold was biased. Archie was paid to be an objective, silent third party.
Emma inhaled deeply, steeling her nerves as she raised her knuckle to the door. Other than Gold, she's never admitted what happened to anyone. She's not even entirely sure what she's doing here, or what she intends to tell him. The door opened and Emma stood frozen as Archie smiled kindly stepping into the hallway.
"Hey, Archie…" she said barely above a whisper.
"Emma…I'm so relieved you're alright." Archie said emphatically. Emma smiled and nodded, her lips suddenly feeling glued shut. She cleared her throat, shifted nervously under his gaze.
"Do you still, um, are you still a therapist?"
"I am…do you need to talk?" Emma could only nod her head in agreement as Archie stepped aside. Dropping her gaze anxiously, she stepped over the threshold into his office. She had been here more than once, mostly on Henry's behalf; she wondered if people were always this nervous when they sat on his couch.
"So, Emma, what can I do for you?" he asked, sitting in the leather armchair across from her.
"I've never done this before…" she admitted nervously, rubbing her sweating palms on her jeans. "Done what?"
"Spoken to a shrink, or anyone about my feelings; my life in general. I don't know where to start."
"Well, there's no real format; no right or wrong thing to say. It's different for each person and you don't have to talk about anything you're not comfortable with. Start with something easy, why did you come here?"
"I needed to hear from a professional that I'm not crazy." Emma answered quickly. Archie cocked his head to the side, intrigued at her statement.
"Why would you think that you're crazy?" Emma hesitated as she thought how best to answer, she didn't want to say too much.
"Before I fell into that portal, Gold and I had a huge fight. I stormed out, unsure if I could or would ever forgive him."
"Did he hurt you?" he asked concerned. Emma held up her hand, shaking her head in response.
"No, no; well, not physically anyway. He…kept something from me; it wasn't really a lie, he just withheld important information that had very serious consequences." Emma explained cryptically. "For the most part, Gold has been very open and honest with just about everything, so when this happened it just caught me off guard. I felt manipulated and betrayed; the two main reasons why I don't trust people."
"And for that reason you think you're crazy?" he clarified, confusion all over his face.
"No; it's the fact that I want to forgive him." Archie tried to suppress his chuckle but failed as he smiled warmly. "Emma, forgiveness is never a bad thing..."
"Even if you're ignoring a potentially dangerous sign of worse things to come?" she retorted sharply, cutting him off.
"That's not what forgiveness is. Ignoring a wrong done is denial and indicates an inability to confront one's reality. So if you came here and said that Mr. Gold did what he did and you were fine with it because there was no harm done – physical or otherwise; than I would be concerned. Forgiveness is when you confront a person with their behavior; you acknowledge the wrong done and the way it affected you and forgive them anyway."
"But why would a person do that? It gives that someone the power to hurt them again." Emma was known for her guardedness and she preferred it that way. Life was so much simpler when she was alone; she was also miserable and lonely.
"Well, there are many reasons the most common of them is love. We all make mistakes, Emma. Sometimes we've done things…terrible things that can't be undone. It doesn't make us bad people; it just means that in circumstances beyond our control we made a bad decision. Does that mean we should never give a person a second chance, or even a third or a forth in order to redeem themselves?" Archie spoke so intensely that Emma thought maybe he was projecting some of his own history in that statement.
"We are still talking about Gold, right?" Emma asked with a teasing smirk, uncomfortable at his small outburst. Archie breathed nervously and nodded his head. "Yes, I'm sorry."
"Can you describe your relationship with him? Why you want to forgive him?" Archie prodded in the awkward silence. A small smile formed on Emma's lips, there was no way to explain this without sounding certifiable.
"It started the night I arrested him actually…" Emma admitted with a nervous giggle. Archie's eyes widened, obviously waiting for her to elaborate. "…not our relationship; but it was the catalyst that started the ball rolling I guess. In the very beginning I think it was more about having the comfort of someone else's presence, just having someone to talk to who understood…"
"When I'm with him I feel safe, as crazy as that sounds. He's patient and gentle with me; I trust him with my life, or at least I did. I want to forgive him because I miss him and I want us to be together. I guess I'm just afraid if I forgive him to fast I'll get hurt again, or he'll think that I'm ok with what he did." Emma studied the ground, avoiding his knowing gaze. Archie leaned his elbows on his knees, trying to get her to look at him.
"There's no way to guarantee that we'll never be hurt in love, Emma. In fact, the opposite is true. Love is sacrifice; there is give and take, it's a choice. If you want to forgive him because you love him; you wouldn't be the first and it doesn't make you crazy. But if you feel that this betrayal is a sign of things to come and you want to end it, that's your decision and it also doesn't make you crazy." Archie paused when she finally lifted her gaze to meet his.
"Who initiated the conversation…at the station I mean." Emma stared at him blankly, remaining quiet as she felt her chest tighten at the thought of talking about it again.
"I guess he did."
"You guess…?" Archie repeated speculatively, fishing for the completion of that thought. Emma swallowed hard, her eyes dark as they focused intently on the ground. She reclined back against the couch with a deep breath.
"While he was in his cell I fell asleep at my desk…and I had a nightmare. When I woke up, he was genuinely concerned and he offered to listen if I wanted to talk." She began, her voice trembling as she spoke.
"I was tired and overwhelmed and I had been silent far too long; I admitted some things to him that I had never told anyone. And he in turn admitted some things to me that I never expected…it's the night I learned he had had a family…" her voice trailed off, picking at his leather couch.
"He was released that morning and then the following night we had dinner just to discuss what we had talked about. I had a good time and we had dinner again the following night. We almost had sex the third night but that was my fault…" Emma admitted breathlessly with a nervous chuckle. Archie didn't seem at all phased by her sudden admission.
"It was your fault that you almost had it or that you didn't have it at all?"
"Both actually. You know how when you've gone so long without being touched that when you finally experience it…" she stopped herself from finishing the thought as Archie nodded in understanding. It was awkward discussing something so personal with him, but at the same time she found it strangely cathartic. Emma took a deep breath, relaxing slightly as she continued.
"We were dancing; not romantically; he felt the need to prove to me that he could dance. But it was the first time I had ever just been held in someone's arms. I don't remember who kissed who first, but it just felt so good and I got carried away – well we both did. I thought I could do it; I had just found out that that man had been murdered and I was feeling untouchable. My whole outlook on life changed after that phone call; I felt fearless and alive. Then the next thing I knew we were on the couch and I was having a panic attack."
"Have you had sex since then?" Archie asked hesitantly, uncertain of how Emma would react.
"The first time we had sex was about two weeks ago, actually; when he took me away to his cabin. He didn't want me to feel like he was using me, so he planned this whole weekend just our 'first time' could be special and memorable. He's always been so…careful with me; I've never found someone who understood before. I guess I just grabbed on with both hands afraid to let go."
"That's the second time you mentioned him understanding. What are you referring to?" Archie asked intrigued. Emma pressed her lips in a tight line and diverted her gaze. She couldn't tell Archie of Gold's history, but she didn't know how to answer his question without giving that away.
"Obviously, you don't want to answer that one…" Archie said in her silence. Emma sighed in relief, grateful that he didn't make her answer. "Let me ask you this, you mentioned that you had a nightmare in the station that night. Do you have nightmares often?"
"I didn't have them for years until I saw Henry and moved here…" Emma answered without missing a beat.
"Are they about Henry; giving him away?" Archie asked.
"No, they were…uh, about his father…" Archie raised his eyebrows with interest at that, and Emma figured she'd save him the trouble of asking. "See, I was, um…I was raped when I was seventeen by a foster father."
"Oh, Emma…I am so sorry. I had no idea." He said, sadness filling his eyes. "So, he's Henry's father?" Emma nodded, barely whispering the word, "Yea…"
"Did you report it? Go to the police or the hospital?"
"No," though Emma's mouth moved, no sound escaped her lips as she shook her head. There was a moment of silence as Emma's chest heaved; Archie's eyes were filled with sadness and empathy as he studied her trembling form.
"So you just didn't say anything and dealt with that alone for ten years?" Archie asked in awe, his voice saddened as he stared at her sympathetically. Emma could only nod her head in agreement.
"What happened to him?"
"He was murdered in prison a few years ago."
"Do your parents know?" Emma met his eyes with an intense glare. "No, and you can never tell them."
"I couldn't anyway, Emma; but can I just say they'll want to help you."
"Archie, they sent me away to give me my best chance. If they were to find out about this it would destroy them; they already feel guilty for sending me through the wardrobe. There's nothing they can do to help…it's done and over."
"I understand…" he whispered hoarsely. "I'm sorry, and Mr. Gold was the first person you told?" Emma couldn't suppress her laughter at the question.
"Trust me…no one was more shocked than I was."
"Then why did you tell him?"
"I was exhausted and vulnerable. That night he showed me compassion, concern, empathy; he even reached through the bars and held my hand while I cried. He was surprisingly tender and it was such a contrast to what I knew of him. Since I came to Storybrooke, I was told he was evil, ruthless and manipulative. Which is true; he's done despicable things and I'm not arguing that fact. I sometimes wonder myself how we ended up together. But the more time I spent with him, the more I wanted to spend time with him; it became harder to go back to seeing him only as Mr. Gold, evil pawnbroker of Storybrooke."
"You know, I have to say, despite my personal feelings for Mr. Gold; it sounds like you are in a healthy, positive relationship. If he went to such lengths to be careful with you and to ensure that you didn't feel used; perhaps this betrayal was an isolated incident. But again, only you would know that."
"You really don't think it's crazy?"
"No, Emma, I don't think forgiving someone you love is crazy. As I said, it would be crazy if he was harming you, or was harmful for you and you were ignoring it. Just remember that it's ok to disagree and it's ok to acknowledge wrongs done; it's how we learn and grow as people. If he doesn't learn from his mistakes and keeps repeating them, then you might want to think about leaving."
"Thanks Archie…" Emma whispered gratefully, rising to her feet. "How much do I owe you?"
"Oh, Emma, please don't worry about it." He said, standing beside her. Emma went to protest and he held up his hand to silence her.
"I insist. Anytime you need or want to come back, please don't hesitate." He said emphatically, walking her to the door.
"Thanks again…" As Emma opened the door, she almost collided with none other than Regina. They exchanged startled, awkward glances and Emma stepped back. "Regina…"
"Sheriff Swan…" Regina said coolly, looking more worried than relieved. "I see you made it back alright."
"Yea, we just got back last night." Regina forced a tight smile, looking passed Emma to Archie.
"Should I come back, Dr. Hopper?" she asked, ignoring Emma's comment completely.
"Uh, no, I'm just leaving..." Emma said quickly, stepping passed Regina. She walked away in a hurry, overhearing Regina say 'I haven't used magic in two days...' as she pushed the button for the elevator. Emma couldn't help but wonder what had happened while she was gone, for Regina to have been removed from power, to not be using magic and have her in therapy.
Gold limped down the trail, leading away from the Toll Bridge as he headed back to town. The fact that Emma was home filled him with joy beyond measure, but having her so near and being unable to see her was twice as torturous. Being outdoors in the fresh air and sunlight helped him feel less caged; less trapped. The last time he was here, it was the dead of winter and he was surrounded by ice and cold wind, but today was warm and the sun was rising higher in the clear blue sky.
Emma had accidentally happened upon him as he tried to sort out his feelings for her. He had hoped that today by chance, she might stumble upon him again. But alas, she did not, he lamented limping through the brush to the sidewalk. As he turned the corner, he saw Emma's police cruiser across the street from his shop. She was still seated in the driver seat, watching the door with interest. Gold wondered if she had tried to go inside, or if she had yet to make that decision. Summoning every ounce of courage he had, he limped to the car, praying that she was in a good mood and wanted to see him. She seemed oblivious to his approach as he tapped the glass of the back window with the gold end of his cane. Emma jumped slightly, whirling around as she smiled in relief to see him. Gold leaned his hand on the roof of the car, as Emma opened the window.
"Am I under investigation, Sheriff, or do I need to press charges for stalking?" Gold asked in jest with a suggestive smirk. Emma chuckled lightly, gripping the steering wheel tighter. She studied him as he leaned against the door, unsure why she was suddenly speechless. She came here with the intention of doing what Archie said, acknowledging the wrongs done, but offering forgiveness anyway. She couldn't do that if she couldn't speak.
"Where were you?" she asked curiously, unable to think of anything else to say.
"I went for a walk to the toll bridge…such a lovely day and all. I was hoping I might see you today." He said, smiling down at her. Gold could sense her anxiety, knowing she was nervous when she didn't fire back with a quip of her own. Emma smiled but said nothing, watching confused when he opened the door for her. "Why don't you come inside, love…we can talk."
With a heavy sigh, Emma pulled the key from the ignition as she stepped out of the car. They walked side by side to his shop in silence; she needed to just say this and be done with it. They could figure out what comes next another day. Emma watched as he unlocked the door; he looked much better than he did last night, though he still looked worn around the eyes.
A gracious smile formed on his lips as he opened the door for her, following her once she stepped inside. She stopped in the middle of his shop, turning to face him. Gold wanted to offer her tea or to go to the office and at least sit down. He hoped that she was here to forgive him, but he could see the tension in her body. She didn't look angry much to his relief, but she wasn't throwing herself in his arms either. Gold leaned his weight into the cane with an intense glare, waiting for her to tell him why she was here.
"You know, I've had some time to think things over." She began calmly. Gold stiffened at her words, inhaling deeply in preparation for the coming blow.
"I know that you weren't the one who put Henry's life on the line and I know that you would never intentionally hurt him or me. But you put his life in jeopardy by lying to me. You used me…just like my foster father and all of those families before him; you needed something and you used me to get it for you…"
Emma's words stung as if she'd slapped him. Being compared to that monster was more punishment than she'd ever realize. For as much as a bastard as he was; as much as a monster, he never sank as low as that man had. But she was right, he did use her for his own purposes from the very beginning and there was no excusing that. He watched as she began pacing back and forth, obviously feeling those emotions all over again.
"I trusted you; I felt safe with you and you sent me into a cave with a monster without so much as a warning. That terrifies me. How do I know that you won't do this again? How can I trust you with my son if I don't even trust you with me? What happens the next time you want to find your son?"
"Emma, there won't be a next time. The potion and the well…they were truly my last chance to find Bae. Besides, we can't leave Storybrooke, so I can't even go look for him." Gold whispered hoarsely. He couldn't look her in the eye, but he made sure that she could see his; he wanted her to see he wasn't lying.
"When I dropped that potion into the well, I promised myself that this would be my last attempt to find him. So, if he doesn't come here on his own, then he'll truly be lost to me. I'm sorry for what I did to you…how I hurt you. I'm especially sorry for what I did to Henry. There's no excuse for putting my son above yours…" Gold swallowed hard, struggling not to cry at the thought of losing Bae for good.
"I've learned my lesson and I know now more than ever that I don't want to be without you. I know I don't deserve it, Emma, but if you could forgive me for this…I meant what I said Emma; I will spend the rest of our lives making this up to you. Just please…give me this last chance." He pleaded desperately.
Emma studied him closely searching for even the slightest trace of deception and found none. She could see his desperation and that he meant every word he said. She came here already intent on forgiving him, but actually saying the words was more difficult than she thought. The air stood still, neither of them moving as Gold waited expectantly for her answer.
"I had every intention of making you suffer, of making you wait. I wanted you to go out of your mind with guilt, to feel the full weight of what you had done. I was afraid if I forgave you too fast than you might be tempted to do something like this again. I'm still afraid, but…I think we've both suffered enough."
"What are you saying, Emma?" he asked breathlessly, not allowing himself to believe that she was actually forgiving him. Emma approached him slowly, stopping just inches before him.
"I'm saying that I forgive you." Gold laughed before he cried, unable to stop himself from pulling Emma into his arms. Emma inhaled deeply the familiar spicy scent as she rested her head on his shoulder. This was all she had longed for since she left, to be back in his arms where she belonged. Her eyes drifted closed as her fingers tangled in the silk of his hair fighting her own tears as he clutched her against him.
He hugged her against him, burying his face in her neck and hair as Emma slowly brought her arms around him in return. His heart constricted as he restrained the flow of his tears at her touch, needing to simply feel her in his arms. If he woke to find this a dream it would destroy him; all he wanted was to remain in this moment. The idea of letting her go was painful and he tightened his grip around her possessively. Emma winced sharply and pulled back, much to his dismay.
"Are you alright? Did I hurt you?" he asked concerned. Emma laughed lightly, pressing her hand over her hip; she lifted her shirt just enough to show her bruise.
"Emma, what happened?" he asked, staring horrified at the large blue, purple and green bruise that marred her fair skin.
"I, uh, I hope you didn't want that tea cup back…" Emma said breathlessly; his eyes widened in surprise as he ran his fingers tenderly over the discolored skin.
"The cup did that to you?" he asked incredulously as she lowered her shirt.
"Well, I had stuffed it in my pocket and I guess I must've landed on it just right…" Gold draped his arms around her waist loosely, their bodies pressed flush against each other.
"If I wanted the tea cup Emma, I wouldn't have given it to you. I'm tired of living the past…" he whispered, his eyes full of adoration and wonder. His heart overflowed with gratitude, somehow more in love with her than ever as he traced the edge of her face.
"You are my future…" Emma's eyes glistened with tears as she smiled brightly; words weren't her strong suit at the moment. Gold was uncertain how Emma would react to a kiss given the tension that had just filled this room. But he threw caution to the wind and dipped his head, kissing her as if he were a man dying.
She melted into him, moaning against his lips as her fingers fisted in his hair. This wasn't the same careful man she had left a few days ago; his kiss was bolder, he seemed more confidant as his tongue sought more her mouth. Emma was only too happy to yield to him, parting her lips to give him easier access; surprised that his grip somehow seemed to grow still tighter around her waist.
He broke the kiss if only to breath, catching her lips again as he pressed his forehead against hers. For a moment he just held her, panting for breath as the tears streamed down his cheeks. He swore to himself that if Emma made it home and if she forgave him, he would never take her for granted again.
"I missed you…" she whispered, lacing her fingers behind his neck.
"I thought I'd lost you; I missed you so much...I love you, Emma…" he whispered against her ear, panting for breath.
"I know. I love you too…" Emma kissed him one last time, relieved that the worst of it was over. They could move forward now, and leave all this mess behind them.
"I have a ton of work to catch on…" she whispered against his lips, breaking the kiss. Gold nodded in resignation, holding her hand as he walked her to the door.
"Will I see you for dinner tonight?" Emma raised her eyes to meet his, still trying to catch her breath.
"I'm having dinner with the family tonight…"
"Oh, will I see you afterwards?" Gold asked hopefully, selfishly wanting her in his arms while he slept tonight.
"I might stop by for desert…" Emma replied suggestively. His eyes fell at her words and Emma had to suppress her laugh. She had every intention of staying the night, but she wanted to surprise him.
"Then I'll wait up all night…" he said softly. Perhaps it was just too much to hope for; her spending the night so soon. But he wouldn't complain; having her forgiveness and sharing that kiss was more than he had a right to hope for. This was his last chance and he knew it, he would never let her down again. Emma smiled, kissing him one last time, wishing she could stay in his arms all day.
Emma opened the door and stepped outside, immediately stepping back in before the door even closed. "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course," Gold said, staring at her in confusion.
"What do you know of Regina's mother?"
"Regina's m–…why do you ask?" he asked, now genuinely confused. How Emma made the jump from forgiving him to Regina's mother baffled him, but he knew it couldn't be good.
"It's just that we met her while we were over there. Now Mary is all spooked that Cora is going to try to come here."
"I wouldn't worry about that…" Gold lied, knowing that if Cora were truly determined and found a portal she would get through. "Cora is a very twisted and evil woman and you should never, ever trust her. She will rip your heart out before you can blink."
"Ok then, I will see you tonight…" Emma said as she left the shop again. The whole concept of ripping out hearts seemed impossible. Her mind again flashed to Graham and Emma decided to pay a visit to Regina's father's tomb; she needed to see for herself this vault. She climbed in her car and drove toward the cemetery.
Regina watched as Emma drove off, having waited for her to leave. She was grateful she was still alive, but she needed to know how long Gold would leave her alone before he summoned the wraith. After all, she wasn't the one who brought them back. As she crossed the street, she thought twice about speaking with him. Maybe he would just forget if she didn't mention it. But then again, Regina knew she couldn't live with the threat of a soul-sucking wraith over her head without knowing his plans.
"Regina…" Gold said with a faux smile as she closed the door behind her.
"I see Emma is back…" Regina said, stating the obvious.
"Indeed she is; very observant, dearie." The tension had returned and Gold could feel Regina's fear. He's not sure what prompted this visit, but he's rarely seen her this nervous.
"How long do I have?" Regina asked suddenly. Gold stopped the globe, regarding her with a curious stare. All at once it made sense; Regina wasn't responsible for Emma's return and was waiting for him to kill her. A spark of compassion flared for her as he held her gaze.
"Regina, I won't summon the wraith…" he began softly, his voice calm and soothing. "…provided you don't give me a reason to. My actions were hasty and I regret them, but a wraith is the least of your worries." While the last thing he wanted to do was alarm her, she had a right to know what she might be facing.
"What do you mean?" Regina asked confused.
"Emma just told me something interesting…apparently she and Snow White met your mother."
"My moth – my mother?" Regina repeated fearfully, charging toward the counter. "Did she say anything else?" Gold shrugged dismissively, tinkering with an antique globe.
"Just that Snow is frightened Cora may try to get over here…"
"What if she does?"
"Then we'll defeat her…" he stated simply, as if it would be so simple.
"We? You'll help me?" Regina relaxed slightly at that, relieved that she would have the added advantage of the dark one's power if it came down to it.
"Of course, I don't want her here anymore than you do."
"Thank you…I need to go." Regina left in a hurry and Gold wondered what the real reason for her visit was. She asked about the wraith, but he got the sense there was something more. He was momentarily glad that Regina had her power, if Cora did get through, they would need all the power they could get. But for now, he remained on cloud 9; he would be seeing Emma tonight. Nothing in the world could ruin this moment.
Killian Jones stood on the beach, looking through his telescope at the tiny island of refugees. They were poorly armed and wide open for attack; he was curious at the three new faces that had appeared and disappeared so quickly. It was obvious the young woman in the jeweled head piece was the Princess Aurora; Philip's long lost true love. But there had been a blonde and a dark haired woman with them, and they were gone now. He could hear his partner in crime approaching as the wind caught the fabric of her dress, giving away her presence.
"Hello Cora…" he said, tucking away the telescope.
"Hello Hook…" Cora stopped when they were only from each other, a cruel smile on her ruby red lips. "I found it…the portal that can jump between worlds."
"Excellent. You'll get to see your daughter, and I'll get to skin myself a crocodile. When do we leave?"
"Patience…I might need some time to make it work again…"
"Then I await your command, my lady…" Finally, after all this time, he would get his revenge on Rumplestiltskin.