Dr. Archibald Hopper wasn't a big fan of social gatherings. He was a psychiatrist and understood why he prefered his own quiet office than a room full of activity. But it doesn't give him an excuse to miss the hospital's program on the new building being built all thanks to the generous donation of Mr. Zozo Greene.
The program in question was a very small one, consisting of a few doctors of Storybrooke General, some other prominent figures of society and of course writers of the Times.
"I see I'm not the only one not in his comfort zone," whispered a voice as a man stood beside Archie.
Archie smiled and focused on the stage as Dr. Victor Whale welcomed their benefactor Zozo Green to the stage.
"Sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zone to grow, Adam," replied Archie finally turning to his boss in the Times. "I see that our little event has gotten your attention."
"Anything he does gets my attention," replied Gold. "And I would like to keep an eye on things especially when Zozo Greene is concerned."
"How's Ethan?" asked Archie as he paid no attention whatsoever to Greene's speech, more intrigued with the man standing by him. At the corner of his eye, he could see Victor walking their way.
"He says he's fine but I know he's still in pain," replied Gold. "He has two weeks left and the idiot wants to get back to work right now, totally forgetting that he almost died a few weeks ago."
"I'm pretty sure he's just bored," said Victor finally standing by them. "I remember correctly someone being like that when he was brought to the hospital because of a viral infection."
"Different circumstances," said Gold. "I didn't almost die, Victor."
"Yeah but you were just as insufferable as Ethan was," fired back Victor with a smile that earned him a glare. He then turned to look at Greene. "What's your take on this little showcase?"
"Getting favorable opinion," said Gold. "Election time is coming. He needs to have a clean slate if he wants to win at all. And everyone is already suspicious of what he truly wishes to achieve."
"Everyone or you?" asked Victor. "Don't get me wrong, I don't trust the man myself but a lot of people aren't exactly seeing the bad in him."
"That's why the media exist Dr. Whale," said Gold with a sly smile. "We're here to inform people, help them make an educated choice."
Victor snorted as everyone else clapped the conclusion of Greene's speech. "Well I just hope I don't see anymore of my colleagues in the ER in the pursuit of information."
"You and me both," replied Gold as he eyed Zozo Greene who surprisingly walked towards them.
"Thank you for that superb introduction Dr. Whale," said Greene as he offered his hand to the head of trauma for the hospital. "Very inspired."
"My pleasure," said Whale with a small smile, his tone different from his earlier conversation with Gold and Archie. "If you'll excuse me, Dr. Hopper and I have to see to flow of the program."
"We do?" asked Archie, an eyebrow raised and Whale just took his arm and dragged him elsewhere, knowing that it would be safer for the two of them not to take part in the ensuing conversation.
"I'm surprised to see you here, Adam," said Greene, turning to the younger man. "Isn't a fundraising event usually a job for one of your correspondents and not a job for a Senior Editor?"
"My writers are busy following a lead," said Gold. "Besides, free food is not something I turn down."
"Really?" said Greene with a smile that disturbed Gold to his bone. The man was up to something and looks like Gold had just gotten himself trapped. "Then why don't I treat your for lunch tomorrow? Get some things out in the open."
"I'm a news writer Mr. Greene," said Gold. "I don't do features on people, particularly those who have openly expressed their intentions for the coming election."
"I'm sure you can do that for your Sunday magazine," answered Gold. "Besides, doesn't the Times feature the candidates one by one to help the public decide on who they should vote for. I'd gladly volunteer to be the first one."
Gold eyed the man. There was some sort of triumphant smile on Greene's face that Gold wished to wipe off. There's was no way that he would let Greene have the last word.
"I'll have to inform my editor of your request," said Gold, a smile forming on his own face. "But I'm sure we can come to an agreement although it might not be as soon as tomorrow, Mr. Greene."
"Of course," replied Greene, his voice losing a slight beat in them. "Protocol must be followed. But I'm sure Ms. Mills would gladly accept my offer for an interview."
"Oh is that what it was," said Gold. "I thought it was more of damage control on your part."
Greene's expression faltered and Gold knew he had the man. "If you'll excuse me Mr. Greene, I have to discuss certain matters with Drs. Hopper and Whale. Good day."
Gold walked away before Greene could reply and went towards Archie and Victor who were both watching the conversation.
"What did I just say about not wanting to see my friends land themselves in the ER?" hissed Victor as Gold stood beside them.
"He had it coming," said Gold, as he took the drink Archie offered. "Thinks he can just move us like were pawns in his game. No bloody way. He wants to have an interview, we do it in our time and conditions."
"You're right about the damage control thing," said Archie. "Everyone of course is theorizing about the attack on Ethan and if Greene were to have a casual conversation with people from the media, it would of course decrease the finger on him."
"Like we can prove anything," said Gold. "But hopefully we will before he can hide behind his position."
"And I hope that it won't take a couple of journalists in hospital beds to do it," added Whale.
"I never thought eating without prying eyes was difficult," said Gold as he ate his fries, earning him a giggle from Belle as they ate their lunch in his car at the parking lot of the building.
"Yes well our colleagues must be at their wits ends figuring out where we've gone," replied Belle. It had been two weeks since their impromptu snack at the cafe and ever since Gold has had the courage to always ask if Belle was free to either have a late breakfast, lunch or afternoon snack with him.
Of course they have now considered them as dates, to each other but not saying that to their colleagues faces.
"Well it's either that or I kill the next person who shares a table with us," replied Gold. First it had been Milah and Killian who sat with them at the cafeteria on the second time Gold had asked Belle to eat with him. Then it had been Ruby and Jefferson, when Belle and Gold had went back to the cafe to have coffee one morning. Followed by Regina, Robin, Sydney and Mal when Gold and Belle headed to the Rabbit Hole for lunch.
"I'm really torn from telling them that we are dating," began Belle. "But I know for sure that if I do tell them, the constant interruptions will just increase."
"Yes, I think that's about right," said Gold, putting the last bit of his burger in his mouth. "Maybe I should up the game then."
Belle gave him a confused glance but a smile was on her face. "And what would you have in mind Mr. Gold?"
"Well," began Gold. "I could invite you over to my house for dinner. I am a fine cook if I don't say so myself and it'll be without us sneaking around and making sure we're not being followed by our nosy colleagues as we eat a meal together."
"Plus I get to see your imp of a son," replied Belle. "But I don't think that qualifies as a date though."
"Yes well if that doesn't count as a date then this is only our second," replied Gold. "Seeing as the meals we've had over the past two weeks have been mostly with our annoying colleagues and their smug faces."
"Well that will make dinner at your house the third one," said Belle, her tone playful. "And third time's the charm...maybe you'll get a reward."
Gold raised an eyebrow. "And what reward do you have in mind Ms. French?"
"You'll have to find out tomorrow night, Mr. Gold," replied Belle as she finished her own burger. "Do you have to go back to your office already? Can't we stay just a bit longer?"
"Don't have anything pending for another hour or so," said Gold. "I'm all yours."
"Oh you'll regret saying that," teased Belle. "You might just be in for a grand inquisition."
"By all means," offered Gold. "Let's have a deal. We both take turns asking the question. Although I should warn you, I am a news writer."
"Deal," said Belle. "May I go first?" Gold nodded. "Everyone in the Feature Section would tease me about you...was your own section doing the same thing?"
"Yes," said Gold. "I'm actually surprised that you didn't see it seeing as my staff fails in subtly."
"Well the feature section isn't known for it as well," defended Belle. "Meaning you should have seen it as well."
"I do have a reputation Belle," said Gold. "I don't think the both sections would actually annoy me about my feelings for you. The board on the other hand have been nothing but insufferable."
Belle laughed as she remembered Gold's tale about their meeting the day they went to the cafe. How Gold didn't know where he got the courage from and asked Belle to share a late snack with him and playfully tease about having a next time just as the lift doors closed.
"Well I am glad that they manage to annoy you so much that you asked me to have a sandwich with you," said Belle. "Your turn."
"Besides writing, what else do you love to do?" asked Gold and Belle turned to him.
"Really? You brag about your great interviewing skills and that's your question?" asked Belle, smiling.
"Were you expecting a great philosophical question about why we exist Ms. French?" asked Gold with a smile.
Belle lightly nudged him on the shoulder but laughed all the same. "Well when I'm not writing, I actually play pool to relieve myself of stress. I have a table back in my flat."
"You should probably teach me how to play," said Gold, impressed. "I'm more of a football guy myself, not to mention chess."
"Now why am I not surprised with the chess part," said Belle. "But seriously? You and football? I would never have guessed."
"If you must know, I was a centre forward and a darn good one," said Gold, feigning to be hurt by Belle's words. "Ask Milah if you don't believe me."
"I do believe you," said Belle, and Gold noted how she observed his physique which resulted in both of them blushing.
Gold cleared his throat. "Your turn."
"How come you and Milah decided to keep Bae?" asked Belle and Gold had to smile. That question has been asked dozens of times but he never grows tired of it.
"Because we love each other but not in that way," said Gold. "And we love the child we were going to bring to this world. That night was a mistake because we were both drunk and thought everyone else was thinking we were hooking up, might as well justify their suspicions. But what came out of it was a blessing."
"I'm glad you did," said Belle with a smile. "Bae is a true treasure."
"We actually were afraid what the other wanted," remembered Gold. "I said we both write down what we wanted on a piece of paper and hand it to each other. We both wrote we wanted to keep it and it was the greatest thing that has happened in my life."
"And then you introduced her to Killian," said Belle.
"Well," began Gold. "Killain was always a man who annoyed be to no ends and I just met him. I knew he and Milah would be great together. Only problem is, Killian was much of an egotistical jerk that he is and was to afraid to even talk to her."
"So you had to arrange the first date yourself," finished Belle.
"If Emma hadn't pushed him, I think I would have arranged the second date as well," said Gold. "Jones took about 3 weeks before he could speak to Milah again."
"I wished I had someone like that," said Belle. "Someone I could consider a sibling."
It was true that Gold regarded Milah like a younger sister and Milah also had a sibling instinct when it came to him. "What about Ruby?"
"She is the closest thing I have to a sister," said Belle, with a smile. "The sister you wished would get her nose out of your business."
They laughed and Belle pointed out that it was his turn. "Why did you leave Australia?"
"I wanted to have an adventure," replied Belle, looking outside the car window. Sure the view was the building parking lot but Gold knew she was seeing something else. "My father wasn't supportive of it at first but he eventually let me decide what I wanted to do with my own life. He's more of a man of science you know. Inventing and tinkering with things. I was always a reader and had my head in the clouds most days."
"Working for the Times is an adventure?" asked Gold. "I think we have different definitions of the word, Belle."
Belle laughed and playfully slapped his arm. "Remember what I told you when we talked about your aunts? I want to do that. See the world and all it's glory. But of course I need to finance a trip around the world. So when I saw the vacancy for the Times, I left my post at the library and tried my luck. I'm glad Mallory thought I was a decent writer. And the rest as you say is history."
"You're more than just a decent writer Belle," replied Gold, remembering that Belle was up for the book editor post that Mallory still has not announced to her section which was making Blue impatient.
"Thanks," replied Belle with a smile and a slight blush. "I'm turning the tables then. Why did you leave Scotland?"
"Well that was more of an act of rebellion," replied Gold. "My aunts adore me and I them but I wanted to try being independent for a change so when Milah suggested we look for universities abroad, I jumped at the opportunity. I still visit my aunts from time to time but I just grew to love this place and is now my home."
"I know what you mean," began Belle. "When I first got the job here, I just wanted to save money so I could travel...but then it just felt right to be here. Don't get me wrong. I still want to see the world. But I'd love to do it some other time…" When I can travel with someone who means the world to me, Belle added in her head.
"I've ran out of questions," began Gold. "Why don't you go again."
"Alright," replied Belle. "What's one thing you want to do before you die?"
Gold raised an eyebrow at her. "Just answer the question."
"Well…" said Gold, thinking about it. There was really nothing exciting in his life that he would like to do. "I don't know...see Bae have his own child so he'll know what I had to endure with him."
"Come on," probed Belle. "Something for yourself. Like some crazy dream that you haven't done given your money and numerous awards."
Gold playfully scoffed at her. Yes he had won different prizes for his writing and had managed to save a lot of money because of it...but he wasn't going to go crazy and buy a sports car or a mansion to live in.
"Come on," chided Belle. "There must be one thing you wanted to do as a kid. Fly a plane, walk on the moon."
Marry you.
"Well," said Gold. "I wanted to do magic." Belle's eyes widened and prompted Gold to continue. "I wanted to learn how to create that illusion you know...make kids believe that there is that sort of wonder and amazement in the world."
"You and magician," began Belle. "Again something that I never suspected. You're certainly full of surprises today."
"Maybe my next answer will surprise you as well," said Gold, suddenly realising another dream. "I've always dreamed having my own restaurant. Like a small side cafe or bakery."
"Now I'm more excited to have dinner in your house," said Belle. "Still my turn?" Gold nodded. "Besides writing and cooking, any other hidden talents?"
Gold smiled. "Maybe you'll just have to wait and see, Ms. French."
"Come on," said Belle, glaring at him. "You can't possibly expect me to take that as an answer."
"Yes you will because now I have a question," said Gold which only made Belle pout but nod her head to tell Gold to continue. "Do you ever think about opening up your own library or bookstore?"
"If ever I do, I'd imagine it would be like the one in the movie 'You've Got Mail'," answered Belle. "A little shop around the corner where I know each and every book and which to recommend people. But I'd probably be the worst person to do that because I would end up buying everything."
Gold laughed and could just picture Belle buying her own stocks or as a librarian, borrowing all the books. "I dare say, now I understand why they call you the Librarian in your section's floor."
Belle made to reply but then both their phones buzzed and Gold groaned. "Looks like we're being summoned."
Gold nodded. "Well it was great while it lasted. Are we heading to the house together tomorrow or you want to go home first."
"I think riding together is the best option," replied Belle as they both exited the car. "I tend to get lost most of the time when I'm alone."
"Well then Ms. French," began Gold, offering his arm for her to take. "Your chariot will await you here tomorrow afternoon."
"It's been two weeks and we've got nothing!" complained Killian as he slammed the papers he had on his desk. "I thought we had finally manage to get Hodor on murder charges but Greene still managed to cover it up."
"There's no point in taking your anger out on your desk, Jones," fired back Emma. "Sit and let's go over it again."
"Like we bloody can, Swan," said Killian, kicking his desk. "We have nothing. All those days of looking and trying and we come up with nothing."
"Emma's right Killian," began David. "We won't get anywhere with losing our cool. Just take a breather alright."
"How can we possibly take a breather when Greene is lounging somewhere thinking that he's going to get away with hurting our friend." demanded Killian as he got into David's personal space.
"Jones," came the warning call and the trio turned to see Gold walking from his office to their desks. "May I ask why you are gracing us with your loud voice at this time of day?"
"Sorry, boss," began Killian, finally doing as he was told and sank down on his desk chair. "It's just so bloody frustrating."
Gold watched his three correspondents and their defeated postures. "Maybe we're going about this the wrong way."
"What do you mean?" asked David, raising his head to study their editor. "We've looked at every possible angle to Greene's current activities."
"That's the thing Nolan," said Gold. "Greene is an expert weasel now. But he wasn't always," he studied his three top writers and was not at all surprised when it was Emma who finally caught his drift.
"When he was starting," said Emma, both men turning to her. "When Greene was just beginning his reign of terror and corruption, he wasn't an expert in tying loose ends. He would have made a small mistake, forgot a small detail. That's where we have to look."
"Someone give Ms. Swan a prize," said Gold with a small smile and a hint of pride. "Greene wasn't always squeaky clean. It's not about turning each and every angle now, it's about going back in time and looking at the past. That's what you haven't done."
"We're going old school!" said David excitedly which made Gold raise an eyebrow at him. "Not that I'm saying you're old or anything or that…"
"Can it Prince Charming," said Killian with a smile. "Before you say anything else that'll get you fired."
"I will have you know," began Gold leaning on the desk in front of Killian's. "The best research is the one where you go to the archives and rummage through the past documents there."
"You mean go through years of dust and who knows what other things are down there," said David.
"I do believe, David," began Gold, a mischievous smile on his face. "That you've volunteered to be the first person to do research downstairs. I might just join you after my meeting with Sydney." Gold then turned and walked toward his office where Sydney now stood just outside his door.
"Which means," said Emma, exchanging a smile with Killian. "That you have to be down there until he arrives."
David let his head drop down on his desk. There goes his plans with Mary Margaret.
"Adam, it's dinner not a bloody banquet," said Milah as Gold placed yet another plate of whatever concoction the man was trying to make in front of her. Milah always had dinner with Gold and Bae at least once a week to give the boy some sort of family dinner.
Tonight found Milah staying over as Gold had asked her help in deciding what meal to serve Belle. Bae had homework but said that he would join them as soon as he had finished them.
"i thought you said you were going to help," hissed Gold as he glared at her over his shoulder, most of his attention still on the stove in front of him.
"I am helping!" said Milah. "Relax and cook something special not extravagant. Something simple, so you'll still have time to also make dessert."
"Am I cooking for Belle or for you?" asked Gold with now an amused look. 'Who said anything about dessert?"
"You want her to stay longer in your house right?" said Milah with a grin. "Appetizer, main course and then dessert and maybe time for tea and some chit chat. Then maybe it'll be too late for her to go home."
"There's an 18 year old boy living in the house," growled Gold, not liking the turn of the conversation.
"No longer boy don't you think?" said Bae, choosing the perfect time to enter the kitchen. "Besides, I can sleep with my headset on so I won't hear."
Milah barked with laughter as Gold's face reddened. "Oh come on Dad, it's not I don't know these things already."
Gold opened his mouth to retort but could not form any coherent reply so he just turned back to the stove as Milah's laughed harder.
"He got you there, Adam," said Milah. "Looks like Bae is turning to be a smart ass just like his father."
"Oh mom," began Bae, draping an arm around her shoulders. "Don't give him all the credit, I learned a lot about being snarky from you too."
This time it was Gold that was barking with laughter as Milah's smile dropped and she smacked Bae behind the back of his head. "Your father is becoming a bad influence on you, Baelfire."
"I think it's more of the combined influences of Papa, Killian, Neal and Jefferson," said Bae with a smirk as he tasted whatever dish there was still on the table. "I like this one but can you do something that will be ok for your son as well. Like a pizza?"
"I am not cooking for you Bae," said Gold as he went over to get some ingredients from the drawers.
"But he does have a good suggestion," began Milah, looking at Adam with a wide smile and Gold knew he was done for. "Why don't you have something that three of you can make together?"
"When I suggested pizza, I didn't want to cook it myself," said Bae, his face falling at his mother's idea.
"But it'll be fun," said Milah. "You'd do your grand inquisition of Belle and turn your father's face into a bright tomato and embarrass him until the next century. Plus, I'm sure Belle would have fun and enjoy it."
Gold glared at his best friend but knew the idea was a good one. He knew because it was what he suggested as a second date for Milah and Killian but instead of making a pizza, they made grilled sandwiches in Milah's apartment. Killian got over his awkwardness around Bae when the boy started a food fight that totally wrecked Milah's kitchen but bridged the gap between the two.
"Fine," said Gold, keeping away all the other food ingredients he thought of trying. He leaned o the kitchen counter and glared at Bae. "But you total my kitchen Baelfire Neal Gold and you will be grounded until you are 21, do I make myself clear?"
"Yes sir!" saluted Bae as he stood on alert and gave his father an over the top salute, a big smile on his face and Milah just laughed at the ridiculousness of it all. Gold shook his head, this could either be the worst or best idea in the world.
