A/N: First off, I am so, so, sorry for the extended delay. Lots of RL interference. But college is done for the summer and I am back to working one job, so I hope to update more regularly. So, I hope you enjoy!
"What does a man have to do to eat around here?" Spencer snapped, his voice echoing through the station. Emma rolled her eyes in aggravation, realizing they never gave him dinner last night. She hoped the dwarves remembered to feed him when she had completely forgotten.
"I'll call and order you something…" Emma shouted, not moving from behind her desk. She sent Ruby a text rather than call to place the order. She sent a second text to her father asking him to pick it up for her on his way in, certain that Ruby had no desire to see his royal highness right now, or ever again. She set her phone down, picking up her pen to continue filling out the transfer paperwork. Now all she had to do was convince Archie, the conscience, to do something unethical and illegal.
"I want to post bail…" came his voice again. She stopped writing, glaring at the man beneath hooded eyes. His majesty sat on the edge of his cot, staring indignantly at her through the glass walls of her office.
"Bail would have been set at the arraignment. You'll have to wait until Monday for that." She answered, cringing at the thought of putting up with this man for two more days. He hadn't shut up since she set foot in this building and if Gold hadn't suggested moving him to the psych ward, she likely would have.
"I should've been arraigned this morning…this violates my rights!" he informed her angrily as if she didn't already know that. Emma pushed her chair from beneath her, walking to the doorway of her office so she wouldn't have to scream. Leaning her back against the doorframe, she crossed her arms over her chest keeping her distance.
"Yes well, given that you are the DA there's no one to prosecute you, so again, you'll just have to wait until they can find a replacement." She informed him glibly. He shook his head, his eyes burning a hole straight through her.
"I'll have your badge for this…" he spat maliciously. Emma didn't argue, knowing if anyone decided to do any real digging he could easily make good on that threat. Then again, knowing he was actually guilty of murder and that she had the evidence to prove it helped to ease her conscience.
"Emma…" She jumped slightly at the sound of his unexpected voice, turning her head to see Archie walking towards her accompanied as always by Pongo.
"Archie…you're here earlier than I expected." She said smiling brightly, petting Pongo as he nuzzled his head into her hand.
"Yes, well, I have an early appointment. Your message sounded important and I figured I would stop by before I went to the office." Emma smiled in relief that he didn't make her wait, stepping from the doorway and inviting him in. A tight smile formed on his lips as he complied, an even more curious Pongo excitedly investigating these new surroundings. Emma closed the door, quickly moving to sit behind her desk.
"How is…everything?" Archie asked awkwardly as he sat down. Emma stared blankly, unsure if he was referring to her recent visit with him or just in general.
"Oh, everything's fine…" she answered vaguely.
"So you and Mr. Gold are still together, then?" he prodded gently. Emma couldn't suppress her smile, dropping her gaze with a nod of her head. "Doing well…?"
"We are…" her smile widened, thinking back on all that's happened in just a few days. "We're doing very well actually."
"Excellent…" he replied, smiling warmly. A short silence extended between them, Emma not entirely certain how to even broach the subject. Her gaze focused intently on Pongo as he sniffed and explored her office. Her heart constricted when he spent several minutes sniffing Graham's leather jacket.
"So what can I do for you?" Archie asked, solving her dilemma for her. Taking a deep breath Emma shifted her focus back to him, reclining in her chair.
"You've heard that the DA killed a man and tried to frame Ruby for it and then tried to lynch Ruby?"
"Yes, the whole town knows…" he stated matter-of-factly.
"Well, I can't send Spencer to trial because than he'll be sent over the town line on his way to state prison…" She paused before she continued, watching Archie nod his head as realization dawned in his eyes.
"Where he'll lose his memory and forget he killed that man…" Archie finished for her, eyeing her skeptically.
"Exactly…" Archie's smile faltered, shifting anxiously in his seat.
"Why do I get the sense I'm not going to like where this is going?"
"Because you're not..." Emma took a deep breath before she said, "I need you to sign off that he's crazy and get him admitted to the psych ward…" His eyes widened in shock as if he'd just been slapped across the face, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Emma that is highly unethical, not to mention illegal…" he stated, leveling her with an incredulous stare. "Why can't you keep him at the station?"
"The law doesn't work that way. Murderers go to state prison – they don't stay in county lock up. Storybrooke isn't like any other town and if I try to keep him here that'll raise red flags. The only way to legally keep him in Storybrooke is to send him to the psych ward…" Archie rubbed his eyes, bringing his fingers to pinch the bridge of his nose. Emma leaned her elbows on her desk, threading her fingers together nervously.
"Look, I'm not any more comfortable with this than you are, but he did chop a man in half and then tried to frame and murder an innocent woman to get back at my father. That has to count as something…psychological." Archie scoffed at her words, nodding in agreement.
"Well, yes, there's no doubt the man is psychologically unstable…" he paused, as if saying those words somehow gave him permission to be unethical. "How long will he have to stay there?" Emma tried not to smile when she thought he might agree.
"Just until Gold can break the curse of memory loss…"
"So hopefully not too long then…" Emma nodded in reply, practically holding her breath as she waited for his answer. He didn't look happy, but he didn't look angry either as his eyes lifted to meet hers. "Alright, I'll take care of the paperwork a little later. I'll call you when everything is set and I'll meet you at the hospital."
"Thank you…" she sighed in relief, unable to get rid of Spencer fast enough. Archie pressed his lips in a tight line, calling Pongo to his side as he stood from the chair.
"Now if you'll excuse me, I have an appointment."
"I'll walk you out…" Emma offered, rising from her chair. Archie held the door and Emma slipped passed with a grateful smile. They walked through the hallway in relative silence and Emma couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking. Even though he agreed, she knew he wasn't comfortable with it. She wondered how long it would be before his guilty conscience got the better of him.
"Emma, I don't mean to overstep my bounds, but have you reconsidered telling your parents about the rape?" Emma faltered for a split second as she stared at him, stammering for a response. She had expected him to lecture her about ethics or ask something else about the case. Archie quickly apologized in her silence and continued to walk.
"No, it's ok…" she said quietly, his eyes and gentle smile putting her at ease. She cleared her throat, regaining her composure before she continued, "I have decided to tell them…I just have no idea when."
"The sooner the better…" he said emphatically. Emma shrugged her shoulder nodding in agreement. If only it were that simple.
"That's the problem…no time seems like a good time." She admitted breathlessly. Archie regarded her with a curious stare, silently prodding her to continue. "My birthday is in a month, Thanksgiving is the month after that, and then Christmas. If I tell them now that'll pretty much ruin the holidays."
"If I may, Emma, there will never be a good time to tell them. Just get it out…if you need any help practicing or if you want to tell them in my office, I can help ease the blow." Emma smiled gratefully, albeit sadly as they reached the front door.
"That's very kind, Archie, but I need to tell them on my own. And honestly, I don't think anything will ease the blow." She swallowed hard the lump in her throat at the sympathetic smile that formed on his lips, squelching the rising emotions. If she couldn't even talk theoretically to Archie about telling her parents without getting emotional, how was she actually going to succeed in telling them?
"Well, my door is always open…" he offered once more.
"Thanks Archie, have a good day…" Pongo's bark echoed in the hall and Emma laughed as she knelt down in front of the Dalmatian. "Have a good day, Pongo…" he wagged his tail happily as she scratched his ears and head, rising slowly to her feet.
"Good day, Emma." The door closed slowly behind him, and Emma stuffed her hands in her pockets heading back to her office. She had been back less than a week, but with all that's happened she felt as though a month had gone by. She wanted – no, she needed a day off from all this; just one day to rest without having to worry about murder, or curses, or that she would eventually have to break her parent's hearts.
"I didn't know Dr. Hopper made house calls…" Spencer said as she re-entered the station. Emma inhaled deeply, praying her father would arrive soon – she couldn't take too much more of this. "Do mommy and daddy know you're in therapy?"
"Actually, he wasn't here for me…" Emma replied with a smug grin. His expression turned serious and almost fearful.
"Then what was he doing here?" he demanded, rising from his cot and gripping the bars.
"I'm sorry, that's official police business and I can't discuss it with you…" she replied smugly, ignoring his response as she entered the office closing the door behind her. It didn't completely block out the sound of his voice, but it was enough that she could finally concentrate. She hoped to have all the transfer paperwork done before Archie called, eager to get this man out of the station. She had barely written two words when a soft tap echoed on the glass. Emma dropped the pen with an exasperated sigh looking up to see Gold at her door, holding his cane in one hand and a coffee and paper bag in the other. Emma smiled brightly rushing to the door, taking the coffee and muffin from his hand. He smiled thankfully, following her in as she set them on her desk.
She turned back to him, and before he could even say a word she gripped the lapels of his suit jacket, pulling him into a kiss. A delighted moan vibrated against her lips as she closed the door behind him, draping her arms loosely around his shoulders. His lips moved lazily over hers, his tongue making brief forays into her mouth before retreating again. Emma groaned as his palm slid up her spine, curving around her nape. Every day it seemed she desired him more and she could hardly believe how much had changed between them in the four days she's been home.
Even though they were always together, it finally felt like they were a couple, moving forward at last. Without the oppressive fear of her rejection, now that she knew almost all his dark secrets, he was finally trusting her to love him. Despite all the chaos around them, they were getting stronger. A thrill of excitement tore through her at the prospect of exploring this new chapter in their story. He pulled his mouth from hers, resting his forehead against hers. Emma stroked his cheeks, slipping her fingers into his hair at his temples, just smiling to see him.
"Good morning to you, too…" he said gruffly, finally opening his eyes.
"It is now…" she said with a playful smirk as his arms tightened around her, holding her against him. "Sorry that I kinda bailed on you this morning, but I wanted to let the dwarves get home and sleep a little." She said regretfully. Gold shrugged dismissively, his hands moving slowly over the expanse of her back.
"Don't worry about it love, I understand."
"So what brings you here so early?"
"Well, I had a feeling you didn't eat this morning, and even though it isn't a full meal, I figured at least it's something."
"Well thank you. What would I do without you?" she teased, winking flirtatiously.
"Starve, most likely…" he teased back. Emma allowed herself to giggle, kissing him briefly once more. She missed him this morning, regretting that she had to leave so early. Her fingers tangled loosely in his hair, moaning against his lips as she reluctantly broke the kiss. She stepped back from his arms, leaning against her desk. Picking up the coffee, she took several large gulps in a desperate attempt to gain some kind of energy to make it through this morning.
"So how did everything go?" she asked nervously, only able to imagine how awkward it must have been.
"Oh, it was fine. I made breakfast…my chocolate chip pancakes were a huge hit with Henry." Emma smiled, knowing just about anything with chocolate would be a huge hit with her son. "Mary had a hard time waking up your father, so she let him sleep in and I drove them to school. I imagine he'll be in shortly."
"Yea, I already texted him, in all the chaos last night I forgot to feed the DA."
"How tragic…" Gold replied sardonically. Emma shot him a playfully stern glare, and Gold's mischievous smirk only widened.
"Oh, I almost forgot, the computer is supposed to be delivered later this morning…" she said suddenly, worried they wouldn't be able to get there with everything going on.
"My maid will be there, will that work?" Emma nodded, wondering if she would ever meet the mysterious maid.
"That will work…" she replied. She stepped back into his embrace, hugging him against her as she forced a tight smile. She didn't know how to tell him that she'd had no luck finding his son through the station computer, and she wasn't holding out much hope of finding him with this new computer at home. If he didn't know another name Bae could be under, or where he came through and when, she had no idea how to tell him she wouldn't be able to find his son.
"Anyway, I best be getting to the shop. I've called Regina and left several messages, hopefully she won't keep me waiting too long." Emma nodded sadly, not wanting to let him go – wanting more than anything to go with him. The idea of him going somewhere with Regina to effectively kill her mother left her anxious to say the least. What's to stop Regina from hurting Gold in a desperate attempt to save her mother?
"Good luck today. Will you keep me posted?"
"Of course…" he kissed her once more, pulling her tight against him. "I'll see you later, love…" He smiled with a nod and Emma followed him to the door. She stopped when he stopped, watching as he glared at the former king in his cell.
"What are you staring at, imp?" came Spencer's sharp voice.
"Just wanted to see if you needed a lawyer." he mocked him. Emma pursed her lips in a tight line, suppressing the urge to laugh.
"Given how my last two dealings with you ended, I'll be representing myself, thank you." The king spat bitterly.
"Have it your way…" He turned back winking at Emma before limping from the station. Emma sighed heavily watching him go. She knew they couldn't kill him without the dagger, but knowing that fact did little to ease her mind.
"You do know who that is, don't you?" Emma closed her eyes at the sound of his disgusted voice, entirely prepared to duct tape his mouth shut.
"Of course I do…" she replied, an edge of annoyance to her voice.
"I can't imagine your father is too supportive. Did you know that he's the one who gave me your father's twin?"
"Yep, they told me all about it."
"And yet you're still with him?" Emma hardly heard him, smiling in relief to see her father approaching her with Spencer's breakfast in his hand. Hopefully that would shut him up for at least five minutes. "You must be a special kind of whore to stay with a man so evil…" The smile faded from her lips, her mind taking a moment to register the words he had actually said. At the rage that etched her father's face, she knew she hadn't imagined it.
"What did you just call her?" David demanded angrily as he stormed into the station. Spencer looked surprised for only a moment before happily repeating his words. Emma grabbed her father's arm as he lunged forward, taking the food from his hand. Removing the plastic knife from the styrofoam tray, she approached his cell, passing the food through the cell door. His eyes never left hers as they danced maliciously – she was tempted to drop it at his feet as he took the container from her hand.
"Enjoy your breakfast…" she stated calmly, feeling a familiar sense of detachment. She turned her back and headed straight into her office, her father hot on her heels. She avoided his gaze as she sat down, trying to make herself as busy as possible.
"What did I miss?" he asked gently. She could feel the weight of his stare as he sat silently across from her, waiting for an answer. With a deep breath she lifted her eyes to meet his.
"Nothing, he just hasn't shut up all morning. It's giving me a headache." She mumbled, grabbing the paper bag that had her muffin.
"Has he been saying stuff like to you all morning?" her father demanded angrily, leaning his elbows on his knees. Emma shook her head, swallowing the mouthful of muffin as she sipped her coffee.
"No. It was just general – accusing me of being lazy for leaving the dwarves in charge, demanding to be arraigned and make bail, demanding to see Regina, asking for breakfast, threatening to take my badge. Archie was here, he agreed to commit Spencer." She added quickly, changing the subject.
"Well, that's good news. When?"
"He had an appointment, said he'd call when everything was ready." David nodded, watching as she devoured the last of her muffin.
"You should've ordered yourself breakfast, I could've picked it up for you." Emma smiled, surprised she didn't think of that herself given how hungry she was.
"I guess I was a little distracted…"
"Yea, I guess so." Emma couldn't shake the feeling that her father was holding something back. Whether he really just wanted to punch Spencer in the face, or if he was truly disappointed in her for being with Gold, she couldn't quite put a finger on it. She watched as her father rose abruptly, confirming her firm that something was wrong. "Well, I am going to go check on the dwarves in the mines. Call me when Archie calls you, I'll come back and help you."
"I will," she promised watching him go. The king still sat in his cell, eating his breakfast slowly. She rubbed her temples, slightly confused by the awkward exchange with her father. She didn't want to leave Gold, but she honestly couldn't see her father accepting their relationship any time soon. But she didn't want to lose her father on account of the man she loved and the idea that she may have to choose was weighing her down more every day.
Gold paced his office still waiting. At this rate Cora and Hook would make it through simply because Regina couldn't be bothered to check her messages. It was almost 10am and still he had heard nothing from her. He leaned against his desk, taking his weight of his leg for a few brief seconds. He couldn't sit down – couldn't relax knowing what was coming. It wasn't that he was afraid of them, just what havoc they could wreak in his life and countless others. Hook has been steeping in his hatred, planning his vengeance with pleasure for three hundred years. With the return of magic, Gold knew he couldn't be killed here without that dagger. There's no telling who Hook would take it out on. Emma and Henry were the obvious choice – the only two people who could easily be used against him. Given all that has happened to Belle on his account it made him fearful that history would repeat itself, and Emma would constantly find herself the target of his enemies.
He resumed his pacing, his eyes glued to the clock as he tried to block the memories from his mind. He once loved Cora and no matter how hard he denied it, she would always have a place in his heart. Was she here only to reunite with Regina? Or did she have a darker plan hidden beneath the surface as always and would use her daughter to get it? But ultimately, he feared what seeing her again would do to him. If it came to kill or be killed, would he be able to do it? He knew he would do it…and that's what truly terrified him. In the end, he always chose himself and he feared that despite his efforts, that the pattern would repeat itself with Emma. The bell rang over the door and he rushed through the curtain, relieved to see Regina closing the door behind her.
"Ah, Regina, here at last." Gold greeted impatiently, limping behind the glass counter. She glared at him as if he'd somehow offended her, taking slow steps towards him.
"It's not like you left me much choice with the seven voicemails and constant phone calls. I'll have you know that you interrupted a very important appointment. This better be as urgent as you say." Regina stated with an edge of annoyance to her calm voice. Gold scoffed, laughing at her indignation over something so trivial. Clearly, she hadn't listened to a single voicemail.
"Have an early morning meeting with Dr. Hopper, did you?" he jabbed, knowing how much she desired that to be a secret.
"What am I doing here?" she demanded, the fire rising in her eyes.
"Do you remember poisoning Henry?" Gold asked coming straight the point, not missing the chance to rub her face in it. Regina leveled him with a glare as poisonous as the apple turnover, stopping dead in her tracks.
"It wasn't meant for Henry…" she replied adamantly, her voice low and threatening. Now there was the evil queen he knew…and he smiled to see her.
"Of course not. However, Henry's soul has been traveling back to that netherworld where he has met another victim of a sleeping curse." Confusion blended with fear, battling for dominance on Regina's face.
"His soul is traveling where?" she asked fearfully, looking genuinely concerned and panicked for the safety of her son.
"To the netherworld where all souls that have been woken from a sleeping curse go to..." he explained further. At the confused horror on her face, Gold stared at her in disbelief and some measure of disappointment. "You know it's amazing to me that you would cast a curse you know so little about."
"My victims are not supposed to wake up, so I certainly never cared about what happened to them. What the hell is happening to my son?" she demanded, pressing her palms to the glass, gripping tightly.
"Oh you know, a room full of fire, no escape…" the anger fell from her face at his glib words, replaced with an intense shame and fear. "Not to worry, dearie, I've given him something that will help control his experiences in that world. And once one controls something, one no longer need fear it." There was no mistaking the underlying message in his words as he held her gaze intensely. She barely flinched, holding his gaze defiantly as she waited.
"Anyway, while Henry was in that world he met a young woman named Aurora, the princess our old friend Maleficent put to sleep. She informed Henry that your mother has killed an entire region of people and that their small group of survivors has been tracking her." Gold watched as the blood drained from her face, practically holding her breath as she leaned in closer.
"Are you saying…?"
"Looks like your mother is planning a family reunion…" Regina shook her head, her eyes moving frantically in confusion, shock and fear.
"This doesn't make any sense…I saw her body – she was dead." She whispered in disbelief, more to herself than to Gold.
"Apparently not…" He muttered glibly.
"Did this…Aurora say anything else?" Regina asked, lifting her gaze to see him. He leaned in closer, his eyes burning with accusation as he glared at her.
"Only that Cora appears to be working with a one-handed pirate…" Realization dawned in her eyes at his words, taking a step back. The guilt disappeared from her face, replaced by a calm, unreadable expression. "Something you need to tell me, dearie?"
Regina shrugged dismissively, "I hired Hook to kill Cora. Apparently she made him a better offer and they deceived me." She stated with cool detachment, crossing her arms protectively across her chest.
"You are…a dreadful liar. You hired Hook?" he spat, an incredulous and mocking edge to his voice. "Hook cares only about himself; no one hires Hook to do –"
"Ok, fine, he broke into my castle and tried to get the location of your dagger from Belle. When she didn't know he was going to kill her and I stopped him and I promised him that if he killed my mother than I would help him kill you." She yelled sharply, though he had stopped listening. Hook knows about Belle…he was going to kill her? The revelation knotted in the pit of his stomach, his breathing intensified as he fully realized the danger Belle was in. If it was vengeance Hook was after, hurting Belle would be at the top of that list.
"I could've let him kill her – you should be thanking me for saving her life…" her voice continued - that smug, pleased smirk that she always wore when she was hurting someone was plastered on her lips. If Gold didn't need her help, he would've killed her with his bare hands.
"You only saved her because she was of no use to you dead." He growled through clenched teeth. "You kept her alive so you could kill her when it suited you. A fate worse than death…which in case you've forgotten is exactly what I have in store for you if you cross me…" The witch had the nerve to look shocked, with wide pleading eyes as if dangling Belle in front of him as bait would do anything other than enrage him.
"You said you wouldn't kill me…" Regina reminded him, and he regretted ever showing her mercy.
"I said I wouldn't summon the wraith as long as you didn't give me a reason. And if any harm comes to Belle, Emma, or her family that definitely gives me a reason…" Regina swallowed, nodding in understanding.
"So what are we going to do about Cora?" she asked tightly, changing the subject. Gold pulled the wand from the inside of his suit jacket, waving it in front of Regina.
"Fairy dust…I borrowed some from the mines…it'll be enough to do what we need."
"So, when is –?" They both turned when the ringing of the bell interrupted them.
"Mr. Gold, I –" Henry paused in the doorway when he caught sight of Regina, his eyes impossibly wide as he stared between them.
"Henry, what are you doing here, why aren't you in school?" Regina demanded gently as she approached him. Gold quickly returned the magic wand to his suit jacket, curious himself as he watched him intently.
"I faked a stomach ache to get out of class so I could go to sleep…" he replied approaching Gold breathlessly. "I saw Aurora again, she said time has run out…that they're on their way to Lake Nost-is?" Henry annunciated the word, obviously unsure if he was saying right. Gold smiled as he knelt to the ground before Henry, more grateful than ever for the boy's stubbornness.
"Yes, I know it. Thank you, Henry. I appreciate you coming to tell me. Regina and I will take care of it." He pushed himself to his feet, setting his hand over Henry's back as they walked to the door. "Now, let me give you a ride back to school before your mother kills us both, eh?"
"I can take him…" Regina offered, though her words were more of hopeful plea; her eyes full of desperation. Gold turned slowly, eying her skeptically.
"I'm sure you could…but I will take him." As Gold turned again and reached for the door, Henry stopped him.
"Um, it's ok Mr. Gold; my mom can take me…" Regina's face lit up at his words, quickly moving to his side before he could change his mind. Gold smiled and nodded, opening the door for them.
"I'll know who to go after if he turns up missing…" he threatened calmly. "I'll let you know where and when to meet me." Regina nodded, tightening her grip on Henry's shoulder as she led him to her car.
Not wanting to waste a single moment, Gold locked up the shop and limped to his car. He prayed by the gods they weren't too late, that Cora hadn't already defeated the small group and made it through the portal. As Gold passed the library, he suddenly remembered that he had promised Belle he would help her move in today. He knew he didn't really have time for this, but he pulled over anyway – not only to explain why he couldn't help her, but to see if she remembered Hook and ensure that Regina wasn't once again lying. He limped quickly to the front door, stepping into the silent building. He looked around, impressed at the completed renovations, smiling that he could give Belle this small comfort. He could hear distant voices and laughter as he stepped further inside, though other than Belle he couldn't distinguish them.
"Belle? Are you here?" he called out, not wanting to surprise her. There was a shuffling and the hushing of voices coming from the back of the library. Gold limped closer to her apartment to investigate as a very flustered Belle appeared from the shadows.
"Yes, Mr. Gold, I'm here. Is everything all right?" she asked, a tight smile across her lips. At her anxious demeanor and the blush of her cheeks he could tell he was interrupting something, though he didn't dare speculate as to what.
"Oh, I'm fine, dearie. I just wanted to check on you. I know I promised I'd help you move, but there's just so much –"
"Oh, it's fine," Belle interrupted breathlessly as if she'd just run a marathon. "I managed well enough on my own." Gold nodded, intrigued at her odd behavior but hardly able to stay and investigate. He leaned both hands on his cane, meeting her eyes as he leaned in closer.
"I'm sorry, Belle, but I have something I need to ask ya, dear…" she inhaled nervously as he paused for breath, collecting his thoughts. "While you were being held prisoner by the Queen, did you ever meet a man there, perhaps he told you he was another prisoner? He would've had a hook for a hand…" It only took a moment as her eyes widened with the realization.
"Yes, yes, I do…he broke into my cell. At first he said he wanted to rescue me. He was after a dagger or something to kill you; he told me you were attacking my father and his kingdom."
"That was a lie…" Gold stated ardently, hoping Belle would never believe that he would hurt her father or kingdom.
"I know, because when he learned that I didn't know where your dagger was or how to kill you, he hit me –"
"He hit you?!" he interrupted angrily, his voice echoing in the silent space.
"Knocked me unconscious…" she continued casually, "I don't know what happened after that. I was actually very confused when I woke up, I was certain he was going to kill me." Gold shook his head in disbelief, wanting to reach out and hug her or comfort her – to somehow find a way to apologize for all that has happened to her on his account. His hands remained glued to his cane – the best way to apologize would be to ensure she was never hurt again.
"Belle, promise me that if you ever see him in Storybrooke you will call me immediately, no matter what time it is and then hide someplace safe. Alright…"
"Alright, I promise, I will." Gold nodded in relief, ever more determined to ensure Hook never made it through alive. As he turned away, the look on her face gave him pause, like she was just waiting to get rid of him. His curiosity flared, and he decided to stay a few more moments while Regina was still with Henry.
"Are you sure everything is alright, dearie? You seem so…flushed." If ever there was a time that looks could kill, it was right now as she leveled him with an indignant glare. He pressed his lips in a tight line, doing his best not to laugh.
"I'm fine," she repeated again. It was then he heard the shuffling again and his eyes widened in realization.
"Is he here?" he asked almost excitedly, looking hopefully to Belle. A look of intense fear filled her azure colored eyes, confirming his suspicions that her mystery man was in the building.
"Who…?" she asked, her voice tight and slightly higher than usual.
"Can I meet him?" Belle stared blankly, her mouth opening and closing with no sounds escaping her lips. But before she could respond, someone else did it for her.
"It's alright, Belle…" Gold froze at the sound of his voice and so did Belle, her body rigid as her eyes closed. No, it couldn't be… But he'd recognize that voice anywhere. Gold inhaled deeply tightening both hands on his cane, watching in stunned silence as none other than Jefferson walked towards them. The mischievous, defiant smirk he always wore tugged at the corners of his mouth, clasping his hands behind his back as he stared at Gold beneath hooded eyes.
"Well, well, I honestly didn't see that coming…" Gold admitted bluntly, suddenly feeling awkward.
"And here I thought you could foresee everything…" Jefferson replied sarcastically. The air grew thick as the tension mounted in awkward silence.
"Jefferson…" Gold greeted darkly as the young man walked closer.
"Rumplestiltskin…" came his curt reply. Belle stood like a statue as Jefferson joined her side, careful not to touch each other.
"You two know each other?" Belle asked incredulously, looking between both men as they stared each other down.
"Oh, yes…we go way back. Are you still living it that big house, spying on the rest of us?" Gold asked acerbically, letting Jefferson know he knows about what he did to Emma.
"Living in the house, yes; spying; no." Jefferson replied sharply.
Gold struggled with whether he should warn Belle or not. An eccentric man he was, but Jefferson was hardly evil and Belle could do much worse. The arrival of his daughter and the death of his wife changed Jefferson completely, and in the end he made the right choice. Besides, it wasn't his place to divulge Jefferson's past and his recent stunt of holding Emma and Mary and gun point. Who was he to judge others when it came to making horrible decisions out of sheer desperation? Of the two of them, Jefferson was the better man, and if he made Belle happy, he would let them work it out in their own time.
"So, are you two, um…?" Gold asked with raised eyebrows, his eyes dancing mischievously. Gold didn't think it was possible for Belle to blush more, but he watched as her face flushed an even deeper shade of crimson.
"Right now I'm just helping a friend move into her new apartment…" Jefferson stated calmly.
"Ah…" Gold looked to Belle who appeared ready to crawl out of her skin and back to Jefferson. "Then why bother hiding?"
"I just didn't want anyone to know yet…" Belle interjected softly. "I asked him to stay out of sight."
"It's your life dearie; I just wanted to make sure you were safe." Belle smiled thankfully, dropping her gaze to the floor.
"So, what can we do for you, Rumpelstiltskin? Belle isn't yours anymore so I see no reason for you to be angry…"
"I'm not angry; I'm just looking out for a friend." He winked at Belle, before returning his gaze to the Mad Hatter. "I'll be the least of your worries when Emma finds out…" he mumbled softly, unable to stop himself. Confusion flashed in Belle's eyes and Jefferson looked like a deer caught in headlights. Obviously, he had failed to mention that little detail. Not wanting to intrude any longer, Gold turned away with a slight nod of his head.
"Please remember to keep your eyes open, dearie…" Gold said as he reached the door. Belle nodded with a reassuring smile and Gold glared daggers at Jefferson.
"I trust you'll take care of her…" it was more of a subtle threat than a question. Jefferson's expression softened, his eyes locked intensely on Gold.
"Of course I will…" Jefferson promised firmly. With a nod of acceptance he opened the door and left them in peace.
Once out of the library, Gold allowed himself to laugh at the discomfort of it all. Belle and Jefferson…?! The idea still didn't seem quite right, but just like he and Emma, Gold had a feeling they would be good for each other. Within seconds Gold remembered that he needed to get to the well. After making sure no one was watching, he vanished in a cloud of smoke, arriving in the thick brush of the forest. He sent Regina a text message, letting her know where to meet him. He clutched his phone in his hand, his thumb tracing over Emma's face on the screen. He couldn't guard both Emma and Belle at the same time, unsure which of them would be the target. He limped towards the old stone well where he had brought magic back, staring down at the murky, undisturbed water. He wondered if they were too late – if Cora and Hook already made it through the portal.
"You think this is where they'll come through?" came Regina's voice behind him.
"This well is full of the water from Lake Nostess – it's the place where things once lost to us return…" She joined his side at the well, her fingers fidgeting nervously as she stared down at the water. Almost as if on cue, the water began to bubble, creating a whirlpool pattern. They weren't too late…
"The portal's been opened…" Gold whispered, looking to Regina. She looked frightened, and he wondered if she was questioning her ability to cause the death of her own mother. Given how easily she killed her father, Gold hoped she wasn't getting cold feet.
"Then what are we waiting for…?" she asked icily. Gold pulled the wand from his pocket as he and Regina stepped away from the well, standing side by side. He raised the wand to the sky, the thick clouds devoured the sun and blue skies as thunder and lightning flashed across the sky. Gold aimed the wand at the well, the lightning bolt striking inside. The green vortex that filled the well reminded him of the portal that Bae fell into.
"Nothing's getting through now…" Gold said confidently. Regina smirked watching down the well from a distance, trying to watch the show. Now, there was nothing left to do but wait.
The tension in the elevator was suffocating in the already small space, and Emma couldn't wait to get out. David stood on the other side of the elevator with Archie in front of them, with Spencer tucked in the middle. By the time Archie called her at eleven, Emma had the paperwork completed and was ready to go. Spencer was less than cooperative, especially when she informed in the car of where they were heading. Emma gripped his elbow tighter as the elevator beeped, leading him into the crowded hallway. They drew the curious and disapproving glances of almost everyone as Archie guided them to the psych ward. Given how vocal Spencer's been all morning he's remained surprisingly quiet much to her relief. She kept a detached, calm air about her as she looked around anxiously, somehow expecting someone to jump out in an attempt to stop them.
The sense of guilt that had been plaguing her all morning was dissipating. The last time she was here was to free Sydney from his cell, unable to leave an innocent man in prison with a clear conscience. The hospital had been virtually empty as everyone had just regained their memories. But of all the people who have been held in the prison below, it seemed the man beside her was the first person who truly deserved, or needed, to be there. On some level she hoped that just by being here, through therapy and whatever meds Archie was prescribing, he might change for the better.
"Good morning again, Dr. Hopper…" The nurse greeted with a bright smile. "Have you returned with your patient?"
"Yes, I have…" Archie said, approaching the desk. The nurse stared intently at her computer screen, Emma growing ever more impatient with each keystroke. Finally the young woman stepped from behind the desk, entering the code on the padlock that opened the door to that cement staircase.
"Is she in a good mood today?" Archie asked, almost as if making a joke. David looked confused, and Emma knew Archie was talking about the frightening nurse at the bottom of the staircase.
"Isn't she always?" the nurse teased back. Archie laughed, descending the staircase. David motioned for Emma and Spencer to go first, no doubt fearful the King may still try to run. Emma almost held her breath, that overpowering damp and musky smell permeating the air made her nauseas. She kept a firm grip on Spencer's arm as they stepped down slowly in the tight space.
"Dr. Hopper, what a pleasure to see you again…" The nurse greeted coldly, not an ounce of emotion on her voice.
"Good morning…" Archie said cheerfully as always. The nurse handed him a key motioning with her head to the long hallway.
"You know the way…" Archie started down the long corridor and her skin was already crawling. This place was every bit as eerie and haunting as she remembered.
"What is this place?" she heard her father whisper behind her.
"You can't leave me here Sheriff…I'm not crazy – this is illegal…" his voice was pleading and trembling with something akin to fear. It renewed her guilt full force and she had to force herself to remain unsympathetic, reminding herself he was a murderer.
"If I were you, District Attorney Spencer, I would spend the next few days seriously evaluating your life. It's not ideal, but you can play along with the insanity defense and stay in Storybrooke, allowing Dr. Hopper to be your therapist. Or, you can take your chances in state prison with hardened criminals who would sooner kill you than talk to you." Emma stated matter-of-factly. They stopped outside the door that had been Belle's room and Emma wondered why out of all the rooms down here they would choose this one.
"Alright, here we are…" Archie said, the creaking of the door echoing through the hallway. A fearful sigh escaped him, staring in incredulous fear at what would be his home for an undetermined amount of time.
"I'll be on my best behavior…let me stay at the station…" he pleaded again, struggling against her as she followed Archie into the cell.
"You know we can't…" The king fell to the plastic mattress with a heavy sigh, his eyes distant and hopeless as he shifted uncomfortably. Emma could the see the full weight of his circumstances setting in, weighing down his shoulders as he slumped forward.
"You can, but you won't…" The threatening edge to his voice was gone, his eyes pleading and fearful instead of bitter and hateful. Rather than a vengeful king he looked like a defeated old man, and her resolve was weakening. Emma lifted his hands, unlocking the handcuffs that bound his wrists.
"I'll be here Monday for your arraignment…" Emma said quietly. "Think about what I said. This place may be awful, but at least you'll avoid state prison. It's up to you." She joined her father's side in the corridor where he waited, still looking around in anxiously at their surroundings. Archie mumbling something to Spencer before he joined them, closing the door behind him.
"I'm gonna stay, do an official interview and see if I can't diagnose something concrete."
"Thank you again for doing this, Archie…" David said, and Emma could see the conflict and discomfort on Archie's face.
"You're welcome…" he replied, barely able to meet his eyes.
"Are there patients in all these rooms?" her father asked nervously and she could understand his concern; this place was an endless labyrinth with far too many doors.
"No, just a few…" David nodded at Archie's reply, relief evident on his face. "Well, if there's nothing else, I'll see you two later than…" Archie smiled, politely excusing himself. Emma smiled in return with a slight nod, watching him disappear back into the cell. Part of her felt she should stay if only to ensure that Spencer didn't hurt Dr. Hopper. She relaxed slightly, feeling her father's hand gently caressing her back, allowing him to lead her away from the door.
"Is Gold any closer to breaking the curse?" David asked as they walked side by side through the corridor.
"He didn't have much time to work on it the last day or two. I don't know how close he was before." She replied, checking her cell phone again. Still no calls… She wondered where he was, hoping he was alright.
"Well, hopefully Gold and Regina can stop Cora and things will get back to normal around here…" Emma nodded in agreement, forcing a tight smile for the nurse who was glaring at them.
"Yea, whatever that is…" Emma mumbled as they began their ascent up the staircase. The bright lights of the hospital instantly flooded her with relief – the damp darkness of this place never ceased to make her skin crawl. She was comforted by her father's hand sliding soothingly over her shoulders as they emerged, leaning into his side as she rested her head on his shoulder. She smiled as his arm tightened around, affectionately kissing her temple.
"Sheriff Swan…Mr. Nolan," Dr. Whale greeted, stopping in his tracks as he caught sight of them. That cocky smile was plastered on his lips as he approached them, and she could feel her father stiffen protectively beside her, tightening his grip around her. "What brings you two here today?
"Um, just dropping off a new patient for the psych ward…" she said tightly, lifting her head from his shoulder. Whale quirked an intrigued eyebrow, closing the folder he held in his hand.
"Can I have a moment of your time?" he requested politely. Emma smiled hesitantly, looking to David, nodding her assent. The watchful eye of her father focused intently on Whale as he released her.
"I'll be waiting in the car…" Emma nodded, staring after him as he approached the elevator. She returned her gaze to Whale, smiling as she fell into step beside him. He avoided her gaze as he silently escorted her to the stairwell. He obviously wanted privacy.
"So, what can I do for you?" she asked finally after several moments of silence, her curiosity peaked.
"Is it true that you were transported to our old land?" he asked quietly, watching her intensely. Emma held his gaze a moment, his eyes a blend of hope and fear.
"It is true, Mary and I just got back earlier this week…" she answered, eyeing him warily.
"Huh, so the queen lied to us…" he noted bitterly, talking more to himself than to her. Emma could see the wheels turning in his mind as his gaze returned to the floor. He never told her father, or anyone, who he was before the curse struck and she wondered what he was planning. His eyes were saddened, more ashamed and full of regret and she felt a spark of compassion for him. While she didn't want to return there, she still wished there was a way back for those that did.
"It's still there, then? Still a functional place to live?" She didn't want to crush his hope, but at the same time she didn't want to give him false hope either. She and Mary only saw the Enchanted Forest and if Whale was from another world, for all she knew it was still perfectly intact.
"Um, yes it's still there, but I wouldn't call it a functional place to live. The ogre's have control over most of the land and just about every place we saw was destroyed." He nodded thoughtfully, remaining uncomfortably silent as they descended the stairs.
"Just out of curiosity why do ask?" she pressed in his silence. Whale shrugged his shoulder, the words 'isn't it obvious…' came to mind at the expression on his face.
"I'd like to get back to my home. I have some…unfinished business to attend to." He explained vaguely, piquing her interest even more.
"You're unfinished business didn't come with you?"
"No, certain things were…left behind. Is there a way back?" he added quickly.
"I don't think so…" Emma stated quietly, saddened by the way his face fell.
"Well, I'm sorry to have bothered you, Sheriff, but I thank you for your time." He rushed off before she could reply, heading for the elevator.
"Anytime…" Emma mumbled; her curiosity rampant as she left the hospital. She decided tonight she would ask Gold who he was and find out his story. As promised, her father waited in the car, parked right outside the door.
"So, what did Whale want?" David asked as soon as she closed the door.
"Oh, just to ask about what happened while I was in the Enchanted Forest…" she replied. David nodded wordlessly, pulling the car from the parking lot.
"How about I treat you to lunch?"
"Sounds good…" Emma said with a smile, checking her phone again.
Gold didn't know how long they'd been there, but as far as he could tell nothing had happened. Had they even tried to come through? Were they already dead? Did Lancelot and Mulan succeed where he was so certain they'd fail? Were they still fighting? Had his visions of Cora making it through been a nightmare, or would she find another way? Not knowing – not being able to know for certain one way or another – was driving him mad. Regina looked equally as anxious, her gaze fixed fearfully on the well. He wondered what she was more afraid of: the idea that they had succeeded and her mother is dead, or the idea that they had failed and her mother was already in Storybrooke hiding in plain sight. She stepped further back from the well, moving uncomfortably close to his side.
"How will we know it's worked?" she asked, tearing her eyes away from the well for a brief moment to look at him. He shook his head shrugging his shoulders, at a loss for words for the first time in centuries.
"I'm not sure…" he answered honestly. Regina nodded, returning her focus to the well. A short silence extended between them and Gold could feel the anxiety coming off her in waves.
"How do you do it?" she asked abruptly. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion, looking to the woman beside him.
"Do what, dearie?"
"Get Emma to love you so completely when you've been so evil?" she clarified.
"I don't get Emma to love me – she chooses to…" Regina rolled her eyes, looking away. It took him a moment to understand why she'd asked, but at the lost look in her eyes it wasn't too hard to figure out. "Henry does love you Regina – he just wants you to stop trying to kill his family. Is it that hard to understand?"
"No, I just want my cake and to eat it to…I can't accept that I did all this for nothing." She spat bitterly.
"Well, you don't get both dearie, decide which is more important."
"Snow White killed Daniel –"
"Cora killed Daniel!" he snapped. Why she was so intent on blaming Snow when she literally watched her mother rip out Daniel's heart baffled him. "Snow was an innocent child who was manipulated by your mother."
"And I was an innocent child who was manipulated by you." She fired back.
"Because of who…?" Regina looked away angrily as Gold continued, "You summoned me to get away from her. You're mother did you no favors, dearie – she doesn't deserve your love or your loyalty. She was never loyal to anyone except herself and power – it's all she wanted and she sacrificed you to get it."
"You had that in common…I was either my mother's puppet or yours. I was never allowed to lead my own life…" There would never be a way to apologize or take back what he turned her into. Ultimately, it was always her choice who she became, but he always provided the push in the direction of whatever he needed.
"Well, dearie, now may be an excellent time to remedy that. You have the chance to decide who you will be with no one around to dictate your actions or manipulate you. But this time, you will have no one to blame for who you choose to become…so choose wisely."
"Why did you allow Emma to change you? Why didn't you just pretend to love her and use her like you do everyone else?"
"Regina I have found someone who not only accepts me as I am, but who genuinely loves me and challenges me to be better. She accepts my flaws and even gives me room to make mistakes. That hasn't happened since…" Gold was relieved that he stopped himself before he mentioned Baelfire.
"Since Belle?" she provided for him.
"Yes…" he lied coolly, tapping the ground repeatedly with his cane. "I have been alive for over three hundred years…I'm tired, Regina. I've found love, peace and joy with Emma and this is my last chance to experience it."
Regina stared at him a moment longer, eventually turning back to the well. A silence settled over them, standing side by side, waiting for something – for anything – to happen.
David stared out the window at Granny's, the silence between them becoming unbearable. Emma had been unusually silent and he didn't know what to say, or rather, what he was allowed to say. When he arrived at the mines this morning, the dwarves told him all the fairy dust had been stolen. There's only one person in town who would need it, or know how to harvest it. Should he even ask? Or will he forever be on eggshells around her, trying not to say the wrong thing.
"Here we go: a burger and fries for you and a grill cheese for you…" Granny said with a bright smile, setting their plates in front of them.
"Thank you Granny…" David said with a tight smile, smothering his fries in ketchup. He released a quiet and heavy sigh when Emma didn't even look up, watching as she obsessively checked her phone again – no doubt anxiously awaiting word from Gold. Granny left them in peace and he began his meal in and more he felt as though he was being split down the middle, serving two contradictory agendas. On the one hand, he has his conscience to contend with and remaining true to who he is. Accepting Rumpelstiltskin as Emma's true love was just not possible. On the other hand, he is trying to connect with his daughter and be supportive of her decisions. It gnawed at him that he couldn't ask his daughter about past or anything personal, and he couldn't even be honest with how he felt about Rumpelstiltskin. The aggravation he felt was all building beneath the surface and he feared not being able to remain quiet forever.
"Are you waiting for a phone call?" David asked, frustrated when she continued to ignore him and her food. Emma finally lifted her gaze, dropping the phone on the table with an apologetic smile.
"Sorry…when Gold stopped by this morning I asked him to keep me posted about Cora. I haven't heard anything all morning – I don't even know where they are." She took the first bite of her grilled cheese, watching the phone from the corner of her eye.
"Well Emma, if they need to use magic to stop Cora, his hands are probably busy doing something else." He said, trying to ease her mind. His greatest fear in all this was that Rumpel and Regina would join forces with them and the four of them would overtake the town. Though he could hardly suggest that to Emma – Rumpel was known for always aligning himself with the winning side.
"I guess that's true…I just wish I knew what was happening." Emma said.
"I know, me too." He agreed quietly. They likely wouldn't know anything for certain until Henry went to sleep tonight.
"So are we still on for our picnic tomorrow?" Emma asked, much to his pleasant surprise. He nodded in reply, quickly trying to swallow a mouth full of French fries.
"As far as I know, I didn't cancel anything."
"Good…I've really been looking forward to that picnic. Mary sent me a message earlier this morning and cancelled girl's night tonight because of everything going on. I just wanted to make sure…"
"Well, I have no intentions of cancelling, so unless your mother has…"
"Nope…" he smiled in return as she smiled brightly, relieved that she at least wants to spend time with them. Despite all his behavior, he was glad that Emma didn't seem to hold it against him and that she hadn't written him off yet as he feared. It had been an unusual day to say the least and he was glad that all this was almost over. He hoped that in a few day's time this threat will be a distant memory and that Henry's nightmares would end. His thoughts shifted to King George and the harsh words that he spat at his daughter, beyond relieved that he was no longer a threat to his family.
"Emma, can I ask you something?" he asked hesitantly. There was already tension between them and he didn't want to make it worse.
"Sure…"
"How much did Gold tell you about his past?" he asked, not even sure he wanted to know the answer. Her eyes narrowed as she looked up and he couldn't quite tell if she was angry or shocked.
"Um, well, most as I can tell..." she answered vaguely.
"So, he's told you about his deals, including about me and my brother, and you just accept that?"
"Well not all his deals, there's simply too much to discuss. I don't accept it quite so easily, but I can't change it either. By the time I found out who he really was I was already in love with him…"
"So undo it…" the words were out before he could stop them, and at the furious expression on her face, he prepared himself to watch her storm out.
"Undo it?" she repeated quietly. He couldn't respond for fear of making it worse. Emma leaned her elbows on the table, holding his gaze defiantly. "Let me ask you something…you were engaged to Kathryn when you met Snow, right?"
"Yes..."
"Did King George approve? Did he tell you not to worry about the contract and to go find the woman you loved?"
David scoffed, shaking his head as he responded, "No, he ordered me to forget about her and marry Abigail…"
"And did you?" he didn't even have to answer, the look on his face saying it all. "And it's the same for me. I could no sooner leave Gold because you want me to than you could forget about Snow and marry Kathryn, or Abigail. Please stop treating me like an ignorant child because I happened to fall in love with a man you hate…"
"I apologize…" he said as calmly as possible. Emma nodded her acceptance, returning her focus to her phone. The rest of their meal was shared in heavy silence, unspoken words on both sides widening the gap between them.
The sun was sinking lower in the sky and Gold found himself standing alone before the well. Regina had long since left him getting restless when it appeared as though nothing was happening. But Gold couldn't bring himself to leave – not until he knew for sure. Without Henry, he knew there was no way he could know for certain what actually happened. He could hear someone approaching behind him, and he didn't have to turn around to know that it was Emma.
"Hey Gold…" Emma whispered against his ear, her arms wrapping around his waist from behind. He closed his eyes, moaning softly as she kissed his ear, his cheek, and his neck, pressing herself against him. His hand covered hers, glancing over his shoulder to see her.
"Hello, Emma…" he said softly. She smiled as their eyes locked, her eyes calm and reassuring as she held him against her.
"What are you still doing out here? Regina said she left like two hours ago…" She asked, resting her head against his shoulder. Gold nodded, looking back to the well.
"I just wanted to be sure, love." With a heavy sigh, Gold recalled the spell, returning the well to its normal state. He limped to the edge of the well and peered over it, hoping to see bodies – to see any kind of proof that Cora and Hook were dead. He saw nothing but murky, stagnant water. The portal had closed.
"Has Henry fallen asleep yet?" he asked nervously as Emma joined his side.
"Not yet…" Emma's hand slipped beneath his arm, clutching his elbow with hers, pulling him away. "Come on…the threat has passed for now. Let's go home…"
For now… being the operative phrase. He clutched her closer, fearful that he wouldn't be able to foresee how they would arrive – that he wouldn't be able to protect her. He had never met two more determined people than Cora and Hook and he was certain they would stop at nothing to get here. It wasn't a question of if, but when. The threat was still very real in his mind, and he would spend the next days trying to figure out exactly how, where and when Cora would strike.
A/N: As always, I hope you enjoyed it. Feel free to review!