A/N: Whoo hoo! I was able to get some of these prompts done over my break. I know some people have been asking more for these verses so I figured this is my Christmas treat to all of you! Also, I want to add that NONE of these story prompts are "over." These are driven by you—the readers—and your requests. I may add my own ideas because this is the only way I can write these ideas without committing to a longer story. But I want to include you in the experience as well, especially if you want a remix, a future fic, etc. And if it's something I haven't seen or read, then I'll do the best I can to incorporate it once I do.
With that said… I believe some One Night Stand is in order. *chuckles* Enjoy!
One Night Stand
Prompt: Ryan Gold has now moved to Storybrooke and life is getting better for the divorcee. He is finally doing something he loves and Bae has been adjusting very well. He is making friends and is spending a lot of time at the library. One evening, Bae has a special request for his father… (Rated K+)
It wasn't long before Ryan Gold officially moved to Storybrooke. He found a lovely Victorian house that was well-kept and maintained that he instantly fell in love with. Even Bae gave his approval despite the pink exterior. Of course, Ryan told his son it was more of a salmon color, which the boy responded: "It's still a pink house." However, Bae was sold when he saw how big his bedroom was going to be.
Ryan also bought a failing pawnshop (the owner was all too glad to give it away) so he could setup an antique and homemade wool spun products. For the first time since the divorce, Ryan was doing something enjoyable with his life.
As for Milah, she was strangely supportive of this new venture. More than likely she was simply glad Ryan was moving on. In addition, she was all right with extending the length of time each had with Bae so they wouldn't have to do the constant back and forth every week. It was more than what Ryan could hope for and it didn't bother him that Milah instantly moved in with Killian Jones.
Well, maybe a little.
She was his former wife and Bae's mum. You can't erase that history. However, both were finding happiness in this newfound arrangement and they were able to forge a friendship that was better than when they were married.
And Bae…
His son was going through changes as well. The move to Storybrooke (like Ryan hoped) did wonders for Bae. He was finally coming out of his shell and returning to his once carefree and lively being before the divorce. He loved school and he made a new friend—a very energetic blonde girl named Emma. She was a rascal all right with the penchant for mischief, but she made his son laugh and try new things, a feat Ryan never could do.
Then, there was the library.
That became Bae's favorite place to visit after school and on Saturdays. The children's librarian, Miss Belle, helped Bae to discover his newfound love in books and always gave him a silly joke to share.
Ryan was so pleased that Bae was flourishing. He wanted to meet Miss Belle to thank her for her kindness towards his boy… He always seemed to miss her. Regardless, he sent Bae a note with his appreciation, which Bae reported that Miss Belle was only too happy to see Bae there every week eager for a new book.
As for the mystery woman he spent that one life-changing night with… Ryan decided it was best to abandon his search. Despite the not so far distance of the bar and motel, it was obvious she wasn't from around here. It was better for him to resign that night as a
brief flicker of light in his dark world when he was in pain.
Perhaps there was a reason he met her and he was able to live again after the divorce. It had to count as something, right?
At least that was what Ryan told himself.
xxXXxx
"Papa?"
"Yes Bae?"
"Remember Miss Belle I told you about?"
"I remember," Ryan said with a lifting curl at the corner of his mouth. Whenever Bae mentioned her, Ryan felt this inexplicable urge to smile. "What about Miss Belle?"
"Well, I haven't told you but she's having a baby. And I was thinking… more like wondering…"
"What son?" The news of a baby is a happy occasion; however, Ryan felt his chest clench. Why he should feel that way when he never met the woman was a mystery to him. Shaking his head, he waited for his son to continue.
Bae took a deep breath. "I want to get her something. She's been super nice to me and she makes reading so much fun. I wanted to do something nice for her. I know you made me a blanket when I was a baby so I was hoping you could make her one."
It was a fine idea, a wonderful gesture in fact. Ryan knew how much Bae loved his blanket as a babe and as a toddler he would take it everywhere. He still had it… Although the blanket had seen better days.
"I suppose I could fit it in among the rest of my orders," Ryan teased, winking at his son. "Has Miss Belle told you what she's having?" If he knew the gender, then he could really custom it for the wee one.
Bae shrugged. "She didn't say. I've heard her say she is going to be surprised."
"Ah." Well, Ryan supposed he could stick to neutral tones and shades. The more he thought about it… the more he could see the blanket coming together in his mind. Grinning widely, he felt confident that the children's librarian would now truly understand the importance and gratitude he wanted to express for the things she has done for Bae.
"Very well, my boy," Ryan told him. "Miss Belle will have a blanket."
An earsplitting smile stretched across Bae's face.
xxXXxx
Ryan prided himself in how his shop was very unique in the process of creating the
products his customers wanted. It was a lengthy and time-consuming task but he carded his own wool so he could control the consistency he wanted and the strength of the fibers. He spun his own yarn and did his own dyeing as well to give it that authentic touch, which was far more satisfying than buying the materials already premade.
Since this was ultimately Bae's idea, Ryan wanted to add his son's input so it would be more personal. The design would be similar to Bae's own blanket, which was a chunky cable knit so it would be comfy to wrap up in. As for the colors, Bae selected a light oatmeal shade with a pale yellow contrast crisscrossing in the weave.
Once it was decided, Ryan began to craft the blanket. It was a tedious practice but Ryan loved it. There was something so soothing and wonderful about the combing and the spinning and the knotting and the knitting that it was a truly a labor of love. He could almost imagine the look on Miss Belle's face… Of course, he had no idea what she looked like or if this was her first, second, or third child. But since Bae told him that she wanted it to be a surprise… he could only surmise that it must be a firstborn.
The days stretched on in endless minutes and hours as the blanket grew and grew. He worked on it in between customers and other orders. He worked on it at home when Bae was fast asleep.
And when the blanket was finally finished it was indeed a magnificent masterpiece to behold. Ryan outdid himself with this creation and the look on Bae's face was all he needed to know that the lad was very happy on how the gift turned out. He was so excited that he wanted to give it to Miss Belle right then and there, but Ryan insisted that they would give it to her during the daytime and when the library was opened.
So on the rare occasion, Ryan decided to close his shop down just so he could accompany his son to the library on a Saturday morning to give her the gift. He was finally going to have the chance to see her for the first time and thank her properly for everything she has done for Bae. Plus, he hoped she would like the blanket.
Stepping inside, Bae led the way to the children's section with the gift bag clutched in his small hand. It took everything within his willpower not to break out into a sprint (not that he would run inside a library but he just couldn't wait to get there!). At last the section loomed close by and Bae quickened his pace despite his father's protest.
Instantly, Bae sought out Miss Belle, watching as she was already shelving books from her cart. He didn't bother to look back to check on his father as he walked up to her.
"Miss Belle?" he asked, clearing his throat. When he got her attention, Bae told her that he wanted to get her something for the baby.
He knew she was going to say the usual "you didn't have to" but Bae didn't waste a second as he shoved the bag into her hands.
"My Papa owns a shop where he spins and stuff. He made me one when I was a baby and I thought your baby would like it too. Hopefully the colors are all right. I picked them myself but since you wanted it to be a surprise… I hope this is okay." He was rambling but he was nervous. He didn't think she wouldn't like it but he didn't want to assume as she removed the tissue paper to reveal the blanket within.
Her slight intake of breath was enough for Bae to relax as he saw her eyes well up at the sight of the blanket.
"It's beautiful…" she whispered, delicately touching the fabric. "Your Papa made this?"
Bae nodded. "He's really good at it. There he is now." The boy pointed as Belle turned around.
Ryan Gold immediately felt a swift punch in his gut as he gazed into the blue eyes of the woman he had called Rose months ago.
I know I'm probably evil for stopping it right here. But hey… a cliffhanger is always good for the soul.
