A/N: I am so sorry for the delay! I was very sick the last two weeks and I am still on antibiotics. Thanks to the lovely ladies who were kind enough to message me and make sure I was still alive. It was very kind and much appreciated! :) So, it's 2:30am and I decided to just post this. This chapter is told largely from Charming's point of view, but it switches back and forth. Also, I was using the name James until we discovered his real name. So, this chapter and from here on out, James is now David and I will go back and fix the older chapters too. I may do some more editing tomorrow, but it's done. I do hope you enjoy it...please review and let me know.
The day seemed never ending as David sat in Emma's office, the door closed to the ranting's of that lunatic. The urge to render him unconscious was rivaled only by the struggle to stay awake. Yet the day was far from over – he was still expected to attend dinner tonight. A dinner he would have to miss as he would be guarding King George. He knew there would be hell to pay for it, especially from Emma, but he hoped that as Sheriff she would understand and forgive him. He couldn't risk someone helping him escape, not after all the threats he has made to Snow, to Emma, even to Henry. They would have plenty of time to have dinners together and he would be there for every one, but not tonight. When silence fell over the station, he glanced at the king making sure he was still behind bars. His heart sank to see the stone cold expression of his wife and Leroy carrying his ax beside her. Perhaps he should have waited a while longer to send her that text message.
"Snow, Leroy…" he greeted tentatively as they approached the desk. He stood slowly, carefully avoiding his wife's piercing gaze. "What's with the ax?"
"Leroy is taking over for you and you are coming with me." Mary stated adamantly, not even giving Leroy the chance to answer. "We have plans for dinner with Emma and Mr. Gold and you are going to be there." David sighed heavily, placing his hands on his hips as he held her gaze. There was no room for argument in her voice, and with the obstinate glare in her eyes he knew this was a losing battle.
"Snow, I can't just leave –"
"Yes you can, Leroy is perfectly capable of keeping an eye on an old man behind bars." She interrupted sharply.
"But I need to shower and change…" he argued. Having been running around all day and dealing with a dead body, he wasn't lying.
"What you're wearing is fine, dinner is informal. Henry and I will be waiting in the car." With that Snow left, leaving her husband staring after her in stunned silence.
"This has to be hard for you…Emma and Rumplestiltskin." Leroy said softly.
"You have no idea..." David replied, returning his gaze to the dwarf, "but it has nothing to do with not wanting to go, well, not entirely. We left Regina alone for five minutes and she got taken at gun point which is what caused me to lose Emma and Snow. I don't want to risk letting the bastard slip his noose."
"That's what the ax is for…anyone comes in looking for a fight, they'll get one." David forced a tight smile, slipping his arms through his leather jacket as he made his way to the door.
"Thanks Leroy. Oh, by the way, Emma said don't talk to him at all. So, keep yourself occupied in here and if you feel like you're falling asleep, call for backup to keep you awake." he ordered adamantly.
"I will. Good luck…"
"Thanks…" with a smile and a nod, David left the office.
"Do I have to tell you to be on your best behavior…?" were the only words Mary said as he climbed into the car, barely looking at him as she drove. And he didn't push the issue. With Henry in the car this was hardly the time or place to have this discussion. All things considered, David felt he was handling the circumstances incredibly well, especially given how much he despised Rumplestiltskin in the Enchanted Forest. But this was for Emma, he reminded himself again.
The drive seemed to take even longer the second time around, exacerbated by the heavy and overwhelming silence. To his credit, Henry seemed entirely calm, which is more than he can say for himself. And he could hardly define what he was feeling. He wasn't nervous and he knew he wouldn't start a fight, but there was still an underlying fear. Not of the man himself, but of never being able to reconcile their past with the man he is now. Maintaining a relationship with Emma depended largely on his ability to accept Gold as the man she loved. Perhaps that was what he feared, allowing himself to forget some of the past in order to better accept their relationship.
Much had changed since the breaking of the curse – a blind man could see the changes in Rumplestiltskin. It was mainly in Emma's absence that Gold finally let his guard down enough to show his vulnerability and fear, proving that he was indeed human – that he loved Emma. And for Emma's sake he genuinely hoped those changes were real and sincere. The man was, after all, a master of manipulation and he could be very convincing when necessary. It didn't help that they were both being so secretive about their pasts and their relationship, and he hoped that somehow he'd be able to look passed all that. And he prayed, fervently prayed that he didn't screw everything up tonight as he already had with his wife.
The scent of brown sugar and cinnamon permeated the air as Gold paced the kitchen floor. The Charming's would be here any moment and Emma was taking her time waking up. He'd already burned the carrots and was making a new batch, obsessively watching the steak to make sure it didn't get ruined as well. Despite that her parents were being far more civil and supportive than he ever thought possible, his stomach was so knotted with anxiety it'd be a miracle if he would even be able to eat tonight. Instinctively he knew, especially where Charming was concerned, what a tight rope he was walking. While they were accepting of him now, he had a sneaking suspicion should even one thing go wrong, any and all civility would end. But his true fear was Henry. It was as if all his future happiness depended on his ability to impress him, or to convince him that he truly loved his mother; or quite simply to not terrify the child more.
"Smells delicious…" came her seductive voice in his ear, her arms slipping around his waist. Well at least she was awake, he thought, covering her hand with his. Her eyes traveled the length of his body as he turned in her arms, her smile widening as he pulled her against him. "Looks delicious too…"
"Behave love…" He chided teasingly. He loved when she let her flirtatious side show and on any other night he would've indulged it. She was close enough to kiss and leaning in closer, draping her arms around his neck. Her eyes danced mischievously, blatantly disregarding his words with a suggestive smirk, closing the distance between them. His eyes closed and his lips parted as she caught his lips softly – so soft he could barely feel her. Everything about her was calm and languid as he held her flush against him, gently cradling her head.
Few things in this world that had the power to move him the way her kiss did. Sometimes they were passionate, full of desperation and desire. Other times they were soft, just a gentle brushing of lips and whispers of I love you. Then there were kisses like this: soft, yet so deep and intimate it left him feeling vulnerable and emotionally exposed. And like balm on an open wound, she soothed his fears, warming the darkest parts of his soul with her divine light. And even though she's never asked for it, he wished he could give her more...
A heart that was whole, untainted by tragedy and the pain of love lost. A strong body; capable of protecting her from all that would harm her. A soul unmarred by evil, shrouded in thick layers of darkness and un-ending shame. Her kiss forced all the thoughts from his mind and for a moment he could almost forget all that he has done, all the reasons he didn't deserve her. And there was just her lips against his, delicate fingers tangled loosely in his hair, her hand resting over his heart. He could never get enough; she always left him wanting more – more of this…more of her. He groaned in protest when she broke the kiss, dropping his lips to the nape of her neck, clutching her against him.
"Mm, you taste like brown sugar…"
"I was testing the glaze for the carrots."
"Perhaps we should call my parents and cancel…" she purred in his ear. He shivered at her hot breath in his ear, letting out a hoarse chuckle as she nuzzled her face in his neck, her lips teasing his skin. He didn't know how Emma would be feeling when she woke up, but he didn't expect her to be quite so flirtatious. If she was nervous at all he would never know it as her hands moved over his back, sliding along his hips and down his thighs.
"I need to make our date night up to you. You could find those leather pants that you're hiding…" she lilted against his skin. Oh…he had so hoped she had forgotten that promise. Her lips moved up his neck and along his jaw line back towards his mouth.
"I take it you're feeling better…" he said gruffly.
"Much better…" she whispered against his lips, kissing him once more. He would happily cancel dinner if it meant spending the rest of the evening in her arms.
Emma rested her head against his chest remaining in his arms, unsure if it was more for the comfort of her nerves or his. The few of hours of rest seemed to be exactly what she needed, feeling refreshed and ready to face the night. But she couldn't help but worry that it was just too soon, that too much had happened today and it would be better if they just waited a little longer. It was too late now, though, and she knew it would be several hours before they were alone again. Hours that would be filled with awkward and uneasy tension. She wanted just a few more minutes to bask in the peace of the moment for all it was worth. And he didn't seem to be in any hurry to let her go as his lips fell to her shoulder, tightening his grip around her waist.
"Are you nervous?" he mumbled softly against her skin.
"Not really. I just feel like a teenager bringing home a boyfriend for the first time. Not that I really know what that feels like since I never brought boys to any of my homes, but I imagine this is what it would have felt like." Especially knowing that her father would prefer her to have nothing to do with the man she loves.
"Are you?" she asked in return, pulling back to meet his eyes.
"Not really…" He shrugged dismissively as he replied and Emma could see the lie in his eyes. But for right now she decided not to push, knowing how important it was for him to always have an air of confidence around him.
"Do you need help with anything?" she offered instead. An appreciative smile formed on his lips as he shook his head.
"No, the table is set, the wine is chilled, the water is poured; we just have to bring dinner to the table. It'll be a few minutes yet before it's ready."
"Is something wrong?" she prodded gently when he dropped his gaze to the floor. He let go of her long enough to smooth the hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear.
"I never told you how beautiful you looked…" his voice was low with an apologetic expression, bringing the back of her hand to his lips. A sheepish grin formed on his lips as Emma giggled, her hands sliding over his chest up into his hair. She knew that wasn't what was bothering him, but it was still nice to hear.
"Well, thank you, my love." He rested his forehead against hers, kissing her as tenderly as she had him. Though, he didn't need to tell her that she looked beautiful, or that he loved her. It was clearly reflected in his eyes every time he looked at her, and his kiss told her everything she needed to hear when his words ran dry.
"Are you sure there's nothing wrong?" she asked one last time, knowing her parents would be here any minute with Henry.
"It's nothing. I just…I wish Bae were here." he admitted breathlessly, his voice rough with suppressed emotion. "I'm not worried about your parents, I can handle them. It's Henry that has me worried."
"Why?"
"Well, if he doesn't approve, you've said we can't be together and I don't want to lose you. Not to mention, Emma, I haven't been a parent for three hundred years, even when I was I didn't do the best job. Henry has Charming who is young and athletic and can teach him sword fighting and horseback riding – can teach him all about being a prince. What can I offer in comparison?"
"You're not going to lose me." She promised, holding his gaze intensely. "If Henry was afraid of you, or didn't want us together he would've said something by now and we wouldn't even be having this dinner. And I think you seriously underestimate yourself as a man and as a father. Just because you aren't physically able to keep up physically with my father in no way makes you less valuable. You raised your son alone, Gold and you held it together when most people would've snapped."
"You give me too much credit, love…" he said, barely above a whisper.
"And you don't give yourself enough." A small smile formed on his lips, his fingertips tracing the edge of her face.
"I love you, Emma…so much."
"I love you, too…and I'm looking forward to having you all to myself tonight." She added, hoping to lighten the mood if only a little. She was expecting a kiss or at the very least a quip in response, but when the smile faded from his lips, she officially began to worry.
"Um, about that…" Gold began, his voice trembling and low. "We need to know what's going on with Cora…I was thinking that we should have them stay the night."
"Are you joking or just really a glutton for punishment?" she asked incredulously, not sure whether to laugh, cry, or yell.
"It would just be for tonight –" A persistent knocking on the door interrupted him, but Emma's eyes never left him. Gold was known for his cold and detached demeanor, yet ever since hearing the name Cora he's been obsessed over what she's planning.
"You're really afraid of this woman, aren't you?" It was a statement more than a question, and he sighed heavily as he held her gaze.
"I'm not afraid, but she is a monster and it would be better for everyone if she stays where she is." The knock sounded again and Emma pulled from his arms.
"We can ask, but don't expect them to say yes. And dinner will be tense enough as it is – please wait until after dinner to ask them?" Gold nodded in agreement, watching as Emma rushed to go answer the door. Bracing himself on the counter he inhaled deeply, praying to whatever God's were in this world that it would go well tonight. He listened as Emma was greeted by her family, checking their dinner once more. With another deep breath he straightened, putting on an air of superiority and confidence despite the fear coursing through him.
"Hi Mr. Gold…" He turned to see Henry entering the kitchen, a broad smile on his face. With all the tension he felt, Gold sighed heavily with a relieved smile.
"Hey Henry…how are you young man?"
"I'm good…" Mary entered the kitchen behind him, linked arm-in-arm with her daughter as the two laughed over some whispered secret.
"That's good." He replied, watching expectantly for Charming to trail in behind them. Much to his surprise, he didn't. Henry ran to Emma as Mary approached him, handing him a paper bag.
"Good evening, Mr. Gold…"
"Good evening, dearie…"
"I wasn't sure what you'd like more, so I brought red wine and white." He smiled gratefully, setting the wine on the counter.
"It's very thoughtful, dearie thank you." When Charming still hadn't shown up, Gold couldn't help but ask. "Is your husband with you?"
"Of course, he's just washing up in the bathroom." She answered breathlessly.
"Ah…" Emma moved to Gold's side as he leaned against the counter. Draping his arm around her shoulder he kissed her temple affectionately, never so grateful to have her in his arms.
David followed the sounds of conversation, and the delicious smell permeating through the air. He found the kitchen easy enough, but wasn't fully prepared for what he saw. Snow told him the dinner was informal, but he thought that applied only to them, fully expecting to see Gold in one of his impeccable suits. Instead he was in black jeans, and a dark green suit shirt, his arm draped around Emma's shoulders. He watched from the hallway, allowing the scene to sink in before trying to speak. Seeing Gold in jeans was unexpected to say the least, yet combined with his smile he somehow looked years younger and genuinely happy. Emma was relaxed against him, completely at ease in his arms. It was the only thing he envied about Gold – his daughter trusted him. A feat he had yet to accomplish.
They didn't look the least bit nervous, laughing easily at some story Henry was telling. It dawned on him that, with the exception of this morning, he's never actually seen them together. And even then Emma's focus was entirely on Henry. But actually seeing it helped to ease some of his fear. He still didn't understand or fully accept it, but there was no denying they were in love. The oven beeped, and Gold bent down to retrieve a platter of meat from the oven. The sight of it made David's mouth water and not wanting to get caught spying in the hallway, he cleared his throat.
"So my wife tells me you're quite the chef, Mr. Gold…" David said, entering the kitchen. Gold offered a small smile as David made his way to Mary's side.
"I suppose so." came his modest reply. "I've lived alone for most of my life…learning how to cook was kind of a necessity."
"Yes, perhaps you could teach him a thing or two…" Mary said teasingly with a gentle nudge to David's ribs. The two men locked eyes, and Emma could swear she saw the slightest hint of a smile pass between them before they looked away. She could sense the tension between her parents, seeing the rigid line in her mother's shoulders. She hoped it was something unrelated to dinner, not wanting to be the cause of any tension on their relationship.
"Oh, by the way dearie," Gold began, searching his pockets, "…the recipe for the carrots. My apologies for forgetting…" Mary smiled brightly with a slight giggle, stuffing the recipe in her pocket.
"Oh, it's fine. Thank you." David wore a slightly confused expression, looking between Gold and Mary.
"You're exchanging recipes with Rumplestiltskin?" Emma suppressed the urge to giggle as a crooked smile formed on her mother's lips, looking up to David.
"Just wait till you taste them…you can thank me later." While Emma had no desire to interrupt the tentative peace of the moment, she was starving and the smell of dinner had her stomach doing backflips. She stepped from Gold's side, grabbing the platter of meat from the stove.
"Henry, what do you want to drink?"
"Milk is fine, please…" came his polite response.
"I'll get it, love," Gold said softly behind her. At that Emma led Henry and Mary to the dining room and David grabbed the carrots and potatoes trailing close behind them. With one last deep breath to calm his nerves, Gold entered the dining room where everyone was still standing.
"Feel free to sit wherever you like…" he instructed, handing Emma the glass as he sat at the head of the table. Emma sat to his left and Mary on his right, her husband beside her and Henry next to his mother. "And there is plenty, so if you're hungry don't be shy…" he added. Emma didn't need to be told twice, and neither apparently did her father. They filled their plates to the brim, wasting no time in beginning their meal.
The meal began in silence, no one quite knowing what to say…or where to look. Gold sat at the head of the table, watching everyone staring intently at their plates. He wracked his brain for a topic they could talk about, but nothing came to mind that didn't involve the curse. And they couldn't reminisce about the good ol' days given that every memory they have of him somehow involves a deal, or him manipulating something out of them that set them up to be cursed.
When his eyes drifted to Emma he was met with a reassuring smile and flirtatious glances. He smiled gratefully knowing she was just trying to make him feel better, and for a moment it worked. But before long his thoughts focused on Bae and the fact that he wasn't here, wondering what Bae would think if he saw this. Probably would think that Gold had simply moved on, forgetting all about him and started a new life with someone else's family. Gold had much to pay for, he knew that, and the road to redemption would be long and arduous. He could only hope that if he proved himself worthy of Bae, then in the not too distant future they would have another family dinner where Gold would be introducing his son to Emma's family.
"So Henry, how was school today?" Emma asked, shattering the overwhelming silence. He shrugged, swallowing a mouthful of potatoes.
"Eh, kinda boring. I would much rather have been helping you and Gramps help Ruby."
"And for that very reason, I am so glad you were in school." David said emphatically. Henry looked down at the stern tone in his grandfather's voice, pushing the food around his plate. Emma couldn't help but feel a little guilty. Henry was such a loner always surrounded by adults, it's no wonder he was always looking for adventure and seeking escape. And she used to indulge him when he cut school to spend time with her and to discuss Operation Cobra.
"What's for desert?" Henry asked. Emma laughed out loud as did everyone else.
"My son and his one track mind."
"Ice cream…" Gold replied with a small smile. "…and I bought a pumpkin and a chocolate cream pie as well."
"What kind of ice cream?"
"Um, let's see…mint chocolate chip, chocolate peanut butter, vanilla, sherbert, rocky road, and a few others…" he let his voice trail off, smiling as Henry's eyes widened.
"Wow, why do you have so much?" Gold chuckled lightly and at the look that passed between him and Emma, David knew there was a story behind it.
"Well, it was right after your mother and Snow returned from the Enchanted Forest, Emma stopped by to let me know she was alright. Then she told me she wanted to come by the next night so we could talk. So, I went out and bought all her favorite flavors just to be on the safe side."
"You guys must eat a lot of it then, huh?" Gold huffed, nodding in agreement.
"Indeed we do…" Gold laughed to himself, looking to Emma as if asking her permission for something. She gave the slightest nod of her head, and Gold continued. "You know, the first night your mother and I had dinner together, I asked her to bring dessert. And she was so nervous she brought two pies, three cartons of ice cream and more toppings than an ice cream shop…" Emma giggled at the memory
"Was that your first date?" David asked curiously, jumping at the opportunity to finally get this glimpse into their relationship.
"No." Emma replied, dropping her gaze to the table. "We had some things that needed to be discussed and dinner seemed to be an easier, less intimidating setting."
"Was it about the favor you owed?" Henry asked innocently. It seemed so long ago that Emma had almost forgotten they made that deal.
"No. But it was the first night that I saw a completely different side to him that forced me to take a second look…and a third and a fourth and fifth and so on and so forth."
"So, who actually pursued who? Or was it an equal effort?" David prodded.
"Um, I think I was the more aggressive pursuer in the beginning..." Emma began hesitantly. A light blush painted her cheeks, and Gold was only too happy to let Emma answer this round of questions. He sipped his wine to hide his smile at the un-amused look on Charming's face at hearing Emma say she aggressively pursued the dark one. He might not be able to contain his laughter were he required to speak.
"But once Gold came around and admitted he felt the same way I'd say it balanced out." Charming sipped his wine, glaring menacingly at Gold over the rim of the glass. Mary tried to hide her smile from her husband, remembering just how aggressive Emma was. In particular, she would never forget the story of them running into Regina and Archie on the street. It was their first kiss even though they weren't yet dating, meant solely to get under Regina's skin. Mary had hoped in those days that their relationship would just be a fling, something that tickled Emma's fancy in such a small and boring town, but ultimately meant nothing. But it quickly became apparent that they meant more to each other with each date they had, and Mary witnessed Emma falling in love first hand.
She hated that it was Gold, and told Emma so at every opportunity, but it was so clear…even if Emma was in denial for so many months. And it was hard to stare at the pair of them without being noticed, but even now it was clearly stated in every look they shared how much they loved each other. Which is why she was so angry with David for trying to get out of dinner – David knows what a rare and wonderful gift true love is. She hoped that if he witnessed it firsthand the way she had, then maybe it would be easier for him to support Emma's decision. She knows better than anyone why he hates Rumplestiltskin so much, and she knows that being here is not easy.
"Can I ask you something?" Henry asked, his voice interrupting her thoughts. Gold and Emma locked eyes briefly before he responded, "Yes, of course…"
"Does my mom still owe you that favor?" Her heart dropped at his words, feeling David stiffen beside her.
"No, of course not…" Gold almost laughed as he replied.
"Did you have a favor in mind when you made that deal?" Setting his wine on the table, Gold leaned in closer folding his hands over his plate.
"I was going to ask her to help me find my son." He answered softly. "But I never expected to fall in love with her. And she is helping me with that anyway, so I no longer need the favor."
"My book says that you can see into the future…didn't you foresee losing your son? Could you have stopped it?"
"Well, no actually. You see, Henry, a very long time ago…I was just an ordinary man. I had no magic, no power, no wealth – and the name Rumplestiltskin didn't inspire fear in anyone. But I had my son, and that was all that mattered."
"So, then why did you learn magic?" Mary all but held her breath, her breathing intensified as she waited for his answer. She had intended to tell Henry not to ask personal questions on the drive over, but she was frustrated with Charming she'd forgotten entirely. But these were questions that had plagued her mind as well, and Gold didn't seem to mind answering for Henry.
"At the time, the Ogre's War was still being waged and just two days before my son's birthday the Duke of the Frontlands lowered the fighting age to fourteen…just a few years older than you are now. I had no money, no influence and no power to save him. So, I learned magic to spare my son the horror of fighting – I even went on to end the war."
"I'm sorry, you ended the Ogre Wars?" David asked beside her. But his voice wasn't sharp or sarcastic, carrying an edge of awe and disbelief. Gold locked eyes with David as if he'd forgotten they were in the room. His eyes were dark, lost in the memory of a time she's only read about.
"Well, at least that war. I walked onto the field of battle, and made it stop."
"I never knew that…" David whispered.
"Of course not, the dark one is only remembered for his evil deeds," came the bitter reply. "But power changes you, it corrupts you. And my son lost me long before I lost him."
"So how did he end up in this world?" Mary asked softly. At that his eyes glossed over, not speaking directly to any one person as he replied.
"Bae wanted me to get rid of the power, but the only way to do that was to kill me. So, we made a deal that if he found a way, than I would do it. The Blue Fairy gave him a magic bean that would open a portal to a world without magic. It wouldn't remove my curse, but it would inactivate it so to speak. I agreed to go, but when the portal opened, I panicked. I feared it was a trap designed to kill us. My son slipped and I lost my grip and before I knew it he was gone and the earth closed over him. It was the only deal I've ever broken, and I've regretted it forever. Even more, I regretted that though I was there for him his entire life, his last memories of me were as a monster."
"How do you know he's here? What if he got sent somewhere else?" Henry asked.
"Because I know…and I know I'll be reunited with him. I just don't know how…"
"Can I ask you something?" David asked before Henry could continue his questions further.
"Of course…" came the polite reply.
"If you could see so much of the future, why didn't you…or rather, how do you expect me to believe that you didn't foresee you and Emma together? That all of this wasn't your plan all along?"
"There are certain events in the future that are destined to happen, and they can only be seen in flashes – brief images that can be easily taken out of context. The trick is discerning what will be from what could be. Emma was destined to be our Savior – that was set and that was really all I knew. I didn't foresee our relationship simply because I never thought that she would love me. I was still carrying a torch for Belle and the idea that I would love anyone else never even crossed my mind. But free will is a very powerful thing, and it shapes many things in the future."
"If you find your son and you marry my mom, that would make him my brother."
"Henry…" David pinched the bridge of his nose, shaking his head as he laughed incredulously. It was way too soon to imagine Emma and Gold getting married. Henry looked around in confusion as a tense laughter erupted around the table, not understanding what was so funny. Gold locked eyes with Emma for the briefest of moments, a challenging smile spread on her lips as if approving the idea before it was asked. His grin stretched ear to ear at the thought, looking to her son.
"Yes, it would."
"I think it would be cool to have a brother."
"I'm sure Bae would like that as well, he was an only child like you." Henry went back to eating his dinner, seeming satisfied with all the answers. He was relieved that it was over, and as Gold began eating again, he heard the young boys voice once more.
"How did you hurt your leg?"
"Henry…" Mary and David whispered incredulously. Emma practically held her breath wondering how he would answer.
"No, no, it's alright." Gold knew the boy would have questions, personal questions that he had no desire to answer. And while he would rather be talking about anything else, he knew that if he was going to be any kind of father figure then Henry needed to feel safe to ask whatever questions he might have. Obviously he would have to omit certain details, but he would answer every question as honestly as possible. He smiled warmly, returning his gaze to Henry.
"When I was a just a few years younger than your mother, I was called to fight in the Ogre Wars, the same wars my son was called to. To make a long story short, my entire company was killed and I was…severely injured." Gold stated flatly, his face emotionless as he spoke. Though he could hardly mention that it was him who injured himself, nor what happened when they caught up with him.
"You fought in the Ogre Wars?"
"Indeed…I honestly didn't think I'd ever walk again." Gold stated glibly, reclining back in his chair with a heavy sigh.
David had never felt more uncomfortable in all his life, feeling like he somehow violated Gold's privacy just by listening to the answers of Henry's questions. All he ever knew of the dark one was that he was evil; he had never given his origins much thought. Even when he found out about Belle in the infinite forest, David just assumed he found a woman who could see passed his evil. Nothing could've prepared him to find out that there was once a time when he not only wasn't the dark one, but that he had fought in the Ogre Wars and eventually ended them. It was ironic and incredibly tragic that even though he succeeded in saving his son's life, it didn't prevent him from losing him in the end.
'All magic comes with a price…' Rumplestiltskin's infamous line echoed in his mind. Perhaps he had learned that lesson the hard way, paying the ultimate price by losing his child.
"Anyone ready for desert?" Gold asked abruptly, rising from the table.
"I am…" It was no surprise that Henry was the first one with his hand up.
"Well, come with me young man…you can pick out your flavor…" Emma smiled at Gold as Henry rushed to his side, marveling once more at his ability to contain his emotions. He forced a tight smile, following her son into the kitchen.
"I'm so sorry, Emma…" Mary said in hushed tones.
"For what?"
"I meant to tell Henry not to ask any personal questions and I completely forgot."
"It's ok; really, Gold knew Henry would have questions. I just don't think he intended on answering them all tonight."
"Is he alright?" David asked.
"Yea, he will be. Just don't call attention to it and don't pity him." At that Emma stood, gathering the dirty plates. "Come on, let's clean up so we can have our ice cream." Between the three of them, they carried all the leftovers and dirty dishes to the kitchen.
"Well, my compliments to the chef…" David said as they entered the kitchen. "Everything was delicious and I hope we can do this again sometime…" Emma went straight to the sink and ran the water, watching as Gold added a mountain of whipped cream to Henry's pumpkin pie and vanilla ice cream.
"Thank you Charming, I agree…" when he saw Emma doing the dishes, he moved to her side, trying to pull her away. "Leave the dishes dear, I'll take care of it."
"No, I'll do the dishes, you cooked." Emma argued, shooting Gold a playfully stern glare.
"I'll help you…" David offered, joining her side. Gold looked around, not sure what to do with himself as Mary cleaned up the leftovers and Emma did the dishes. He dished himself a bowl of mint chocolate chip, trying to ease the quivering of his nerves. He hadn't been prepared for all of Henry's questions, but he was glad it was over. They all knew his horrid past now, and with any luck they wouldn't ask again for a very long time. Now there was the matter of Cora, and how he would get them to agree to stay the night.
Emma's phone buzzed in her pocket, and by the way she excused herself, David knew the test results were in. He desperately hoped that in this one thing they could gain a victory. They would still have the threat of Regina, but at least his family would be safe from the bitter hatred of King George. It would also give him the excuse to leave early and the sooner he got home the sooner he could sleep. He inhaled deeply when Emma returned, practically holding his breath to hear the news.
"Alright, the test results came back…King George is guilty. I'm gonna go formerly charge him and file the paperwork. I shouldn't be gone too long." She announced, kissing Gold affectionately on the cheek.
"I'm going with you." David offered, drying his hands on a dish towel.
"Um, this may sound strange, but I was hoping that you all might stay the night." Gold stated quickly before Charming could leave. An oppressive silence fell over them as all eyes glared at him. "It's just that we need to know what's going on with Cora and just in case we need to think or act fast, I can be here to instruct you."
"Absolutely not." David stated firmly.
"Do you have something in mind?" Mary asked, ignoring her husband. Gold spoke directly to Mary, also ignoring him.
"Yes. But it would require you to go in Henry's place." Gold replied. David stared incredulously between his wife and Gold, the blood rushing to his face, no longer able to contain his temper.
"Wait, why? I'm going there anyway!" argued Henry before he could even get a word out.
"I know Henry. But your grandmother knows the kingdom, and she knows Cora. At least this time, I need her to go." David shook his head in disbelief that not only were they having this conversation, but that Henry wanted to go back to that fiery inferno.
"Alright, we'll stay…" Mary announced, looking directly at David. He opened his mouth to speak, but closed it in defeat as he shook his head once more. There was no sense in arguing – he knew better than anyone why Mary feared Cora. Were it not for that woman, Regina's true love would have lived and the curse may never have happened.
"I guess I'll go home and pack us a bag…" With that he stormed from the kitchen, and Emma could hardly believe what she just witnessed. She was certain it would've been a no, but apparently her mother was as afraid of Cora as Gold was.
"I'll see you guys later…" Emma said, hugging Henry tightly. She heard the front door slam and waved to Gold and Mary, rushing to catch up with her father. The three of them stood in awkward silence, and Gold forced a tight smile as Mary held his gaze.
"So should we just do this now?" she asked hesitantly. It was only eight o'clock, but if she was willing to go to sleep early he wouldn't stop her.
"If you'd like…" Gold replied gently. Mary nodded in agreement, clearly nervous and unsure. "Then I'll show you to your rooms."
I know it was awkward, but no matter how many times I wrote this scene that's how it came out. So I do hope you enjoyed it. Thanks to everyone for all the lovely reviews and the faves/follows. Y'all are the best! :)