Sorry it's taken me so long to update. I was so busy with school and finals that finding time and energy to write was difficult. I'll try not to let that long of a break happen again.

Thanks to CharlotteAshmore for betaing this chapter. She has been a wonderful help.

Also, thank you to everyone sticking by this story. I really appreciate it.

Now on to criminals, detectives, and best friends who are way too nosy for their own good.

"Ready to have some fun?" Ruby asked, holding up a bottle of wine, as Belle opened her apartment door.

Belle laughed, shaking her head. "We have work tomorrow morning," she said, inviting Ruby in anyway.

The other girl shrugged. "So? We can still have a couple of sips." Ruby plopped down on Belle's tacky couch, reaching out to rub the back of Eyre's head. The little kitten rubbed her head into her hand, purring.

Belle snorted. "You never just have a 'couple of sips,' Rubes. I think that's an impossibility for you." She scooped up the kitten in her arms, sitting down across from Ruby.

Ruby raised an eyebrow. "That...is true." She nodded, acquiescing. "It's not my fault I like wine."

Belle laughed again, petting Eyre. "And scotch, and vodka, and those fruity drinks that are always named after somewhere exotic."

"So, I have diverse tastes." Ruby went to Belle's kitchen and grabbed glasses. "Makes life more fun."

Belle lifted the bottle, squinting at it. "A little too much fun."

Ruby sighed, sitting down. "Belle, you are such a Debby Downer. This is why you're still a virgin. You don't know the definition of fun."

Belle rolled her eyes. "Yes, and spending my nights with men who will promptly forget me the next morning is just what I want."

Ruby mocked gasped. "Ouch. You don't have to judge."

"Like you do me," Belle teased.

Ruby laughed. "True. I do." She looked at Belle steadily. "You know I just tease you, right? I don't seriously think you're no fun."

"I know, Ruby. That's why you're my friend. You help bring out my exciting side. Otherwise, I would just be a lonely bookworm, surrounded by hundreds of cats."

Ruby looked pointedly at Eyre. The little kitten was on the floor, playing with a fake mouse. "Well, you're on your way."

Belle laughed, chucking a pillow at Ruby, who dodged before getting hit. "I'm not a cat lady. You won't let me become one."

Ruby snorted. "You're damn right, I won't." She took a sip of wine, thinking. It was the one time Ruby wasn't opening her mouth to say some double entendre. "Speaking of bringing out the excitement in you. How are things with Gold?"

Belle stilled, grabbing up her own glass and pouring a cup. Belle wasn't normally one to drink, but she knew talking about Mason to Ruby would require some liquid courage. "He's taking me out again Friday."

"Where to?" Ruby asked, suggestively. "His huge penthouse, where he plans to cover his bed in roses and take you for one night in a passionate display of deflowering?"

Belle coughed, as she took a sip of wine. "Ruby, why in the world do you say these things?"

Ruby shrugged. "Because they're fun?"

Belle just laughed, shaking her head in exasperation. "Uh, no. We exchanged numbers on our last date, and he said he would call me to make plans. It's only Tuesday. When he asked me out, it was sort of spur of the moment, since we randomly ran into each other on the street. He still has to make plans."

Ruby rolled her eyes. "Belle, a man like Mason Gold probably already has plans to take you out on his yacht, and just doesn't want to come across as over eager, so chances are he's prolonging the moment. He doesn't seem the most spontaneous of all men."

"Though, going on his yacht would make up for that," Belle muttered, winking when Ruby's jaw dropped.

"You know," Ruby said, sitting forward, "you could decide where to go. Captain Mills would probably appreciate you taking the initiative, instead of waiting for Gold to deal out all the hands."

Belle bit her lip, thinking. "I don't know. Mason seems a bit seems more old fashioned. I don't want him to get offended if I make the decisions."

Ruby snorted. "Belle, we're living in the 21st century. I don't think Gold is going to be upset if you take charge. He'll probably find it hot."

Belle petted Eyre as she thought. She did make a promise to herself to be more spontaneous and brave. Taking charge would probably be good for her. Finally she nodded. "All right. I'll call him."

Ruby grabbed Belle's phone from the coffee table, handing it over. "Good."

Belle shook her head. "I didn't mean right now!"

Ruby rolled her eyes. "When else are you going to do it? Call him."

"But I don't have anything planned. I wouldn't know what to say to him." Belle stood up, going to put her glass away in the kitchen. Mostly, she was hoping to get away from Ruby. The ruse didn't work for long, as Ruby just followed right after her.

"Call. Him. Belle," Ruby emphasized.

Belle sighed, slumping her shoulders. "You're right." She took the phone from Ruby's outstretched hand. Before she pushed the button to call, her phone began to ring. Belle squeaked in surprise. "It's Mason." She showed Ruby the phone.

"Well, I'll be dammed. Speak of the devil," Ruby muttered. When Belle continued to stare at her cell, Ruby snapped. "Answer it!"

Belle quickly answered, hesitantly bringing it up to her ear. "Hello?"

"Miss French," Gold greeted.

"H-hi," she said, haltingly. She was a little flustered with Ruby looking at her, raising her eyebrows in a suggestive way. She was also a little flummoxed by the fact that her phone was wired to record any conversation she had with Gold. She knew it was a part of her job, but it was still a little unsettling.

"How are you?" Gold asked, being polite, when really he just wanted to get right down to business. He was pacing his kitchen floor, quite in the same way as his beautiful fixation. He felt anxious speaking to Belle over the phone. He was normally so sure of himself, but there was something about discussing affairs over the phone that he did not like. He much preferred looking at people eye to eye. Make them feel intimidated. Worked great for work, not so much in trying to speak with a beautiful woman who fascinated him quite a bit.

"Good," Belle responded. Ruby slapped a hand over her forehead at her friend's utter lack in conversation.

She waved a hand at Belle, trying to hurry Belle along. Take charge, she mouthed.

Belle nodded, trying to act confidently. "I was wondering, Mason..."

"Yes," he asked, a smile in his voice.

"I know we have plans this Friday, but-" she broke off, biting her lip. She really was terrible at taking charge.

Gold frowned, worried that Belle was cancelling their date. "What is it, Belle?"

Belle smiled, hearing him call her by her first name instead of her surname. It gave her confidence. "I was wondering," she repeated, "if I..could take you out instead."

Gold's chuckled, his lips quirked. "And here I thought you were trying to flee."

Belle's eyes widened. "Oh, no! I was just nervous about asking you out."

"Miss French, if memory recalls, I asked you out on a date."

She started to smile, then gulped, realizing something. "You weren't calling to make plans, were you?"

He laughed. "Actually, yes." He sat down at his kitchen table, lying his cane next to the leg. "But, if you wanted to..." He drifted off, trying hard not laugh at her. It had been awhile since he had dated a woman who was so...innocent. Many of the women he had spent time with were much more forward than Belle, that he found her antics extremely attractive. The fact that she was trying to get up the courage to take charge, well...let's just say that it made him very happy.

Belle quickly spoke. "Yes, if that's all right. But if you already had plans..."

He shook his head, even though she couldn't see him. "No," he lied. "I was checking in with you first before I did anything." He rolled his eyes at his words. He didn't want to take away Belle's confidence, but hell, he sounded like he was in high school all over again. Both of them dancing around each other, it wasn't his usual style. He blamed it on the cell phones. He would have much preferred to see Belle's face, but knew he couldn't risk going to the flower shop again, what with Moe being there. He didn't need that secret coming out.

He glanced down at a pamphlet on the table, showcasing an art gallery opening this weekend. He figured Belle would enjoy it, seeing as she had an appreciation for literature, he assumed she would like art as well. He wanted to take her, liked the idea of doting on her, but he didn't want to shut her own ideas down.

Belle sighed, relieved. "Great. Umm..." She bit her lip, not knowing what else to say. She glanced around her kitchen, wondering. "Can you hold on a minute?"

"All right," he said, smirking at her nervousness. So it seemed she didn't actually have anything planned. He was a man who liked order, but for some reason Belle's disorganized way of acting made her more attractive.

Belle whipped the phone away from her ear, covering it so she could speak with Ruby. "I don't know what to say! What should I suggest?"

"You don't have any clue?" Ruby was trying extremely hard not to laugh.

Belle rolled her eyes. "No, Ruby, I don't. I have no idea where to take him!"

All the while Belle was freaking out, Gold, despite Belle's hand over her phone, could hear her frantic muttering. He just sat in his kitchen, trying not to chuckle.

Ruby frowned, biting her lip like Belle. "Uh, well...oh!" Her eye's brightened as an idea formed. "I met this guy a couple days ago, named Peter. He's a local artist. He's showing at this gallery this weekend. You could go. You would enjoy it, and I'm sure even stodgy, old Mr. Gold would like it."

Belle nodded, liking the idea, starting to raise her phone, then paused. "He's not stodgy. Or old," she added.

Ruby snorted. "I just call them like I see them." She held her hands up in surrender.

Belle rolled her eyes, lifting her cell. "Mason?"

"I'm here." He smiled, indulgently. "I haven't left. Being a man with a cane and all, one tends to not get very far."

Belle laughed. "I'm sorry. So, apparently there's this art gallery this weekend at..." She looked questionably at Ruby.

"A shop called HOPE," Ruby staged whispered.

Belle told Gold the name. "I thought it could be fun."

Gold smirked, staring at the pamphlet on his table. "I think so too. Sound's interesting." He didn't bother telling her his original plan, since it seemed to have worked out anyway. What was one little white lie?

"Good," Belle breathed. "I'll meet you there?"

"Of course. Unless you want me to pick you up?"

Belle hesitated, taking in her surroundings. She knew Mason wouldn't judge her meager apartment, but she wasn't ready for him to see it yet. "No, that's all right. I'm a capable girl. I can get myself there."

He chuckled at her teasing tone.

They ended their conversation, Belle breathing a sigh of relief when it was over. "I did it. I took charge."

Ruby stared at her, as if Belle was the cutest thing she had ever seen. "Good for you. Even though I had to practically drag you along."

Belle shook her head, ruefully. "Thank you, Ruby. Now I just have to mentally prepare myself for the date."

"Still uneasy around him?" Ruby asked.

Belle nodded. "Yes. Not only because he's a criminal, but...because I feel guilty lying to him. I like him. Irrational I know, but I do."

Ruby rubbed her best friend's arm. "Well, think of it this way. He's lying to you as well."

Belle realized the truth in those words. She took charge for once, and liked it. She nodded, resolved that she would continue to do so. Right then and there, Belle decided to start acting like the actual detective she was.

"Are you insane?" Captain Mills asked, spinning around in her chair, as she stared ludicrously at David.

"Is that a trick question?" David asked, in his one and only attempt at being funny. Ruby snorted, anyway.

Captain Mills rolled her eyes. "I thought you were smarter than that!"

Ruby glanced at Belle, giving her a knowing look. Belle tried not to laugh. There was a running joke around the precinct of Detective Nolan. The joke being that he wasn't exactly what one would call smart.

"You set up a meeting with Gold?" Captain Mills asked. "You need to be staying under the radar, not meeting face to face with a shark!"

"Belle has to," David exclaimed, "and she has a lot less experience than I have at detective work."

Belle startled at her name, not wanting to be dragged into anything. She lowered herself into her seat, though Ruby had an opposite approach.

"Belle is extremely capable!" Ruby said, passionately. "Give her some credit."

David sighed, shoulders slumping. "I'm sorry, Belle. You are capable. I just hate waiting around."

"So do I," Lieutenant Swan added, "but if the Captain tells us to do something, we listen. We don't go off on our own, without her permission. This isn't like you," she commented, softly.

While David was dealing with his own reprimand, Belle was stealing herself for her own. She wasn't sure how Captain Mills would take the news of her next date. "Captain?"

Regina lifted her head to look at Belle. "Yes, French?"

"I have a new date set up with Mr. Gold."

Regina's eyes lit up, at the same time her body stiffened. "Good. When is it?"

"This Friday, at an art gallery. It's near Downtown Crossing."

Captain Mills nodded. "We'll get you set up with a mic."

"Captain?" Emma asked. "Do you think we should set up cameras as well? Follow Belle more closely, than compared to her first date with Gold."

Regina pondered, then shook her head. "No, not yet. I seriously doubt even Gold is conducting illegal meetings with business cohorts on a date. Audio will be just fine, for now. Once we have more information about Gold's dealings, then we'll up the game."

Emma nodded, agreeing.

Belle hesitated. "Captain, what if Gold doesn't let on to any secrets that he may be keeping? Do we just keep setting me up on dates with him, hoping he'll open up?"

"No, not forever," Regina said, rubbing her temple. "But for now, earn his trust and hopefully he'll open up to you."

"What if I never earn his trust?" Belle asked, softly.

Regina sighed. "Then we resort to other measures. For now, between you and Nolan, one of you will hopefully discover something. Nolan, continue trying to find Hook. French, continue putting up with that shark." She looked squarely at Belle. "You're being very brave, you know."

Funny, Belle didn't feel that way. In fact, she felt quite the opposite.

Belle arrived at the art gallery Friday night, holding her breath. She had on a teal, lace dress that Ruby said would make Gold's 'barley beating heart' flutter. Belle had just rolled her eyes.

She stood in front of the shop for a moment, collecting herself. She finally nodded, resolved to be strong and brave. Be a detective, she told herself, repeating it like a mantra. It was just a date with a criminal, one she had already been on a date with. She could do this.

Only her annoyingly, over cliché young woman self couldn't do anything when her eyes landed on Mason.

He was walking to the door, having just gotten out of his car, his cane tapping away on the cement. She couldn't help herself for ogling the man. He looked extremely handsome in his button down shirt and waistcoat. He didn't have a jacket on, for it being unseasonably warm out. It was the first time Belle had ever seen Mason without a suit jacket on...and she really liked the sight of it.

She shook her head at her admiring, and walked up to the older man.

"Mason," Belle said his name, directing his attention to her.

He smiled, his eyes lighting up when he saw Belle. "Miss French," he nodded.

"You could call me Belle, you know. I don't mind," she teased, trying not to wring her hands. She made a pact to herself, with Ruby's help, to be strong and sexy. Sexy, in Ruby's mind anyway, meant teasing and flirting. Belle had never really done either.

Gold smirked, holding the door to the exhibit open for her. As she crossed the threshold, he spoke. "All right. Belle," he said her name as they stepped inside. He also happened to say her name right next to her ear, in the most seductive tone she could ever remember hearing out of a man's mouth. Belle had to resist the urge to swoon. Swooning was not detective like. Though it was extremely difficult not to with a handsome Scotsman speaking her name romantically into her ear. She really needed to get a grip on herself.

She subtly pressed a finger against her hidden mic, rubbing her hand across her collarbone as if she had an itch. Feeling the tiny piece of technology helped center herself. She was on a mission to find out what Gold was hiding. Only, it was a little difficult when the two of them made their way towards the first exhibit. Belle had never really been interested in art before, but seeing it first hand, made her a little distracted.

"Why this art gallery?" Gold asked, as they circled a sculpture, which looked to be a cross between a fish and a woman giving birth. It wasn't exactly pretty. He figured that's why the exhibit was titled: Decadent Dissent: Defying Urban Experience. That sculpture was defying something, he thought.

"Oh, um, because I thought it would be fun," Belle stammered out, still a little awestruck on the sculpture.

Gold slyly glanced at her. "Is that the only reason?"

Belle blushed, trying to keep her head up. She wouldn't be embarrassed. "Well, my friend Ruby suggested it."

Gold chuckled. "So that's who you were speaking with while you were on the phone with me." His eyes widened at a painting of a multicolored goat chewing the head of a dog.

"You heard that?" Belle asked, sheepishly.

He shrugged. "Not distinctly. I just heard you speaking to someone, sounding frantic." He winked at her, joking.

Belle shook her head, laughing. "Well, I'm trying this new thing where I start to take charge."

"How's that working out?" Gold asked, as they continued to meander.

Belle smiled. "It got you here, didn't it?"

He glanced over, surprise lifting his eyebrows. "You're speaking with more confidence." Before Belle could wonder if he meant that as a compliment or not, he continued. "It's a...how shall I put it? A sexy quality." He smirked at her, his eyes blazing.

Belle gulped. "When you say things like that, it's difficult for me to be confident."

"Why?" They stopped in front of a row of people decked out in nude colored suits. Neither had a clue to what this was supposed to represent.

"Because, when you say things and look at me like that, I always want to blush."

Gold shrugged. "You can blush, Belle. I'll let you in on a little secret." He leaned down, holding a hand close to his mouth. Belle giggled at his antics. "It's a sexy quality as well."

Well, that stopped Belle from laughing. Really she just wanted to kiss that knowing glint right off his face. Really, she just wanted to kiss him.

Belle, trying to redirect the conversation, knowing that her team at the station would hear every word of this, pointed at the nude suit covered people. "I really don't understand this exhibit."

Gold chuckled. "Good, because I wasn't understanding it either."

Belle laughed, shaking her head. "You know, I think this sort of...art is a little too extreme for me." The nude suit people started throwing themselves on a pile of clay. "Yeah, uh, very extreme."

Gold nodded, agreeing. "Then let's leave."

Belle's eyes widened. "But, it's only," she checked her phone, "eight. You don't want to end our date that early?"

Gold shook his head. "I never said anything about the night being over. We're both adults. I'm sure we can figure something out."

"What do you suggest?" Belle asked as they left the gallery. Ruby's new boy toy Peter sure had a strange take on things.

"Didn't you want to take charge?"

Belle sighed in annoyance at the smirk on his face. Annoyance for his words, and annoyance for the fact that she found his smirk attractive. "Why don't you decide?"

"Belle," he said, quietly. "You decide."

Belle paused, thinking, knowing she wasn't going to get off the hook. Then she had an idea. It went against all her self preservation and embarrassment, but if she was going to be bold, might as well go all out.

"Do you want to go to my apartment?" She asked.

Belle hesitantly opened the door to her apartment, tucking her keys away in her jacket pocket. She turned around to the man behind her, and nodded to let Mason in, all the while trying not to trip over the threshold of her door.

Once both were inside, Gold stopped to observe his surroundings. They were standing inside her quaint kitchen, with her mismatched cupboards and doorknobs.

"I know it's not much," Belle said, really trying not to wring her hands. "You're probably used to much finer things."

"You're right, I am," he said, sticking his hands in his pockets.

Belle let out a rush of breath. "Wow, you don't sugar coat things, do you?"

Gold chuckled. "I was teasing, Belle. Your kitchen is just fine."

"Just fine?" She teased as well.

He turned, looking at her directly. "It's perfect."

Belle snorted. "All right, now I know you're joking." She pointed to her living room. "Want to sit down?"

They took a seat, both on her shabby couch. Belle tried not to wince as she saw him place his perfectly pressed slacks on her couch. It wasn't like it was dirty, or anything. It just seemed to pale in comparison to Mason's finery. He looked too put together to be on her couch.

Gold placed his cane against the coffee table, stretching out his legs.

"So..." Belle drifted off, pulling her feet up.

"So..." He winked back at her.

"So...," she repeated. "Tell me more about you. I feel like I don't know enough." Wasn't that the truth?

Belle propped her chin on her hand, as Gold spoke. "Am I that secretive?"

"Extremely. Tell me about your job," she recommended abruptly. She noticed Mason stiffen at the request slightly. He then relaxed, easing back into the couch.

"My job... well, you know I own my own company, and that I'm a lawyer." Gold tried not to flinch when speaking. He didn't need Belle finding out the truth about what he also did on the side.

"I know all that." Belle shrugged. "I just wasn't sure if there was anything else about your job you wanted to tell me. It sounds fascinating, running a company." She was really trying for subtlety, and she hoped and prayed she was doing it right.

"It gets tedious sometimes. A lot of people I have to keep track of."

"How many people?" She asked. "What do they all do?"

Gold lifted an eyebrow. "Does it matter?"

Belle narrowed her eyes. "Why won't you answer the question?"

Gold paused, staring at her. "Why do you want to know so badly about my company?"

Abort! Abort! Thought Belle, quickly backpedaling when she saw him getting suspicious. "Oh, umm..." She had no clue what to say.

"Belle?" Gold asked, still looking at her strangely.

Belle didn't know how to talk herself out of this one, so she did the one thing that had been on her mind all night.

She leaned forward quickly...and kissed him.

Well, it was more like she smacked her lips into his, almost hitting her head against his, in her nervousness to get that suspicious look removed from his face. She quickly pulled away when she felt him jump in surprise.

They stared at each other for a moment, Belle beginning to blush, Gold still having surprise written on his face.

"I'm sorry," Belle said. "I don't know what I was doing. I just..." she fumbled off when Gold lifted his hands to embrace her face.

"Don't apologize," he breathed against her lips. "I just wasn't expecting you to do that, but I have to say, I am extremely happy you took me by surprise. I'm just a little upset I didn't get to kiss you first."

Belle relaxed into his hands. "That's all right," she breathed as well. "You can do it now, if you wish." She blushed at her words, not expecting them to be so forward.

"I think I will," he smirked against her lips. Instead of rushing like Belle, Gold took his time.

He slowly brushed his lips against hers, causing Belle to catch her breath, the kiss was so tender. He began to add pressure, bringing their lips together, fully. He seemed content to take his time, almost too patient, while Belle felt like jumping in anticipation. She didn't want to be patient, so she leaned into him, wrapping her hands around his neck, and bringing them even closer on the couch.

The speed of their kiss increased, as did their passion. The kiss didn't exactly scream first date kiss, but more like...well Belle didn't really know since she hadn't gotten very far with men. She had kissed before, if the one boy back in high school who about stuck his tongue down her throat making Belle pull away in disgust, counted. All Belle knew in this moment was instinct.

Kissing Mason felt...right, easy, and natural. So right, easy, and natural that she didn't hear her door opening up, and Ruby walking right in on them.

"Wow!" Ruby exclaimed, backing away, shielding her eyes as if in pain.

Belle and Gold pulled apart quickly, Belle blushing when she felt him move his hand away from her lower back where it had moved from her face while they had been 'distracted.'

She removed her hands from his neck, standing up to glare at Ruby. "What are you doing here?! You only use the key I gave you for emergencies."

Ruby held up her hands, placating. "I'm sorry. I didn't think you and, uh, Mr. 'Hot and Heavy Pants' would be here."

Belle shook her head, sighing, as Gold stood up, grabbing his cane. "I should be heading home anyway. I have work to catch up on in the morning."

Belle frowned, but nodded. It was Friday night. She seriously doubted he had 'work to catch up on' in the morning. "I'll walk you to the door." She headed towards her kitchen, glaring at Ruby as she left.

"I'm sorry," she said, once she and Gold were alone. He was on the threshold about to leave. "I didn't know she would show up."

Gold shook his head. "It's all right, Belle. I'll speak with you soon. We'll make plans."

"Absolutely," she said. She just hated how awkward their goodbye felt. After they said goodnight, Belle walked into her living room, dreading every second of it.

"Goodnight, indeed," Ruby said when Belle sat back down on her couch. Ruby was sitting across from her, flipping through a magazine. "With the way you two were going at it, I'm surprised you didn't lose your virginity right then and there."

Belle rolled her eyes, leaning down to pick up her kitten. "Rubes, what are you doing here? And now of all times? You knew I was on a date."

"I know." She put the magazine down. "I got into a fight with that guy I had been seeing, Victor. He was being a total asshat and I didn't feel like staying at my apartment. I thought, once you got back home from your date, we could hang out. I didn't know you would be here. With Gold. Making out."

Belle rolled her eyes again. "We weren't making out. It was just one kiss."

Ruby snorted. "Yeah, a kiss that went on for like, five minutes. Did you take your mic off?"

Belle's eyes widened. She hadn't taken if off when she and Gold were kissing. That would be an embarrassing event to recount when Captain Mills listened in on the audio. "No," she murmured.

Ruby's eyes widened as well. Then she proceeded to burst out laughing.

Belle scowled. "It's not funny."

Ruby pretended to wipe away a tear. "It's a little funny." Thankfully for Belle, Ruby decided to change the subject then, after she stopped chuckling. "Do you have any information yet?"

Belle sighed, letting Eyre snuggle into her side. "Not exactly. I did ask him more about his job, which he seemed to tense up about. He wasn't comfortable with me asking questions."

"Well, that's something, at least. We know he's a criminal. With him giving reactions like that, hopefully he'll confess something in the future. We'll just have to wait."

Belle nodded, feeling sad for some reason. "I know. I just hate waiting."

Killian showed up at the restaurant, Cucina Roma, not sure if he would regret meeting up with the suspicious Mr. Gold. He squared his shoulders, and stepped inside. He was a little intimidated to see that the place was a little more upscale than the usual pubs and coffee shops he inhabited.

He slowly walked up to the hostess' desk, the woman looking at him questioningly. She probably didn't see the likes of him much at the restaurant.

"Yes?" she asked, clearly trying to be polite, and failing.

"I'm here to meet, uh, a man named Mr. Gold." He tugged at the collar of his black shirt, starting to sweat.

"Oh?" she asked, skeptically. Killian, at first thought the hostess 'hot,' now found her irritating. "Mr. Gold comes here quite often. He doesn't normally have meetings with," she eyed him up and down, "people like you." Yeah, Killian was really starting to hate this lady.

He huffed, annoyed. "Well, he is expecting me. Can't you just check your ledger thing there?" He pointed.

She disdainfully looked down at the paper in front of her. "Sorry," she said, glancing back up, "you're not listed on here." She looked too smug for Killian's liking.

"This is bullshit," he muttered.

Just as he began to leave, a man strolled up to the hostess desk. "Where do you think you're going, Killian?"

He spun around to see Mr. Gold standing next to the bitchy woman, raising an eyebrow.

Killian jerked a thumb behind him. "I was leaving. This bitch wouldn't let me in."

The woman gasped, as Gold chuckled. "I apologize, for both of us. I forgot to inform you to wear something a little more suitable than jeans and...sneakers." He sneered, looking at Killian's shoes.

Killian rolled his eyes. "That would have been nice to know. Seriously old man, if you just wanted me to come here so you could get in a laugh at the poor, runaway kid, then fuck you. I'm outta here."

Gold, surprisingly, walked extremely fast and intercepted Killian from leaving the restaurant. "Wait a minute, Mr. Jones. I didn't invite you here to mock you. I invited you here because I think you will be a good asset to my business. Please, come sit down with me, and we'll talk."

Killian wavered, finally sighing, and nodded his head. "Don't make me regret this, old man."

Gold chuckled. "Never. You already did that to yourself by coming here."

Killian whipped his head to stare at Gold, disbelief written on his face. "What does that mean?"

Gold shook his head, a piece of brown hair falling on his cheek. "Patience, Mr. Jones. It's the first key to success."

Killian raised an eyebrow. "Seriously? You say I'll regret coming here, and then give me cliché advice?"

Gold chuckled. "Actually, Mr. Jones. It was a quip."

Killian decided, right there, that he didn't really like Gold's humor.

David confidently entered the lobby of Gold's office. Captain Mills had reluctantly agreed to his meeting with Gold. David knew he had dodged a bullet when it came to Captain Mills' verbal scoldings.

David, as he continued into the lobby, noticed that the pretty assistant was there again. Blanchard, he recalled her name.

The black haired woman glanced up, seeming suspicious. "You're here for your appointment with Mr. Gold," she said, before he could speak.

David raised an eyebrow. "You remember me?"

She laughed, hesitantly. "I could hardly forget." She nodded towards a door right on the outskirts of the lobby. "I'll check you in, and then you can go inside. Mr. Gold has been waiting for you to arrive."

If that didn't sound ominous, David didn't know what would.

After Miss Blanchard checked him in, David was finally able to meet Mr. Gold face to face.

The older man opened his office door, greeting David with a hand shake. "James...Nelson, I presume."

David nodded, remembering his fake name, and stepped into a finely decorated office. His eyes widened at the sight of glass, jade, quartz, and other fine materials. Mr. Gold was a man with expensive tastes.

"What can I do for you today, Mr. Nelson?" Mr. Gold settled himself behind his desk, smirking like he knew a secret.

David pointed at the chair across from Gold, sitting down when Gold nodded his permission for David to sit. "I'm here for a...loan."

Gold smiled smugly, leaning back in his chair, as he shook his head. "No, you're not."

David straightened up in his seat, pondering on how to answer. "You're right. I'm not," he finally decided to say, figuring some truth wouldn't be a bad thing when it came to Gold.

The older man leaned forward. "I don't know exactly who you are, James Nelson, but if I could offer you advice, I would tell you to leave my office, and never look back."

David could feel sweat start to form at the back of his neck. Hell, Gold was intimidating. He had no idea how young, innocent Belle could be around the shark. "I'm sorry, Mr. Gold, but what have I done to make you question me?"

Gold barked a laugh. "The fact that you are clearly lying, and that even Miss Blanchard was suspicious."

David swallowed. "I'm not leaving here until I get some answers."

Gold eyed him up and down, sneering. "Answers for what, Mr, Nelson? You presume to order me around in my own office?" He glanced around the room, making a big show of mockery.

David internally swore. He knew he was blowing this entire meeting. No wonder Captain Mills warned him away from coming, yet he'd insisted, and she had put her faith in him. David had never buckled under pressure before, but there was something about Gold that was extremely intimidating. David figured since he was screwing up so badly that he would just go in for the kill. "Do you know anyone by the name of Kieran Hook, Mr. Gold?"

A twitch of the older man's lips was the only emotion which showed on Gold's face. "No," he answered swiftly. "I don't know anyone by that name." Before David could ask another question, Gold continued speaking. "As to why you would be idiotic enough to come into my office and ask me that question, Mr. Nelson, confirms my suspicions. You are a terrible detective, and I suggest you leave. My condolences to your Captain. It must be difficult to have someone on a team who is so incompetent."

David froze for a moment, then tried to outsmart the man who invented the term. "By knowing I'm a detective, you inadvertently implied that you have something to hide. Something you don't want a detective finding out."

Gold smirked, and nodded his head. "Possibly, Mr. Nelson, possibly. But I assure you I am hiding nothing." He leaned back in his seat, hands clasped across his chest. "But the next time a detective decides to come around snooping and asking questions, I hope it's someone more suitable for the job. Now get out of my office."

David stood, trying hard not to blanch in worry. He knew he completely messed up. He should have listened to Captain Mills. Next time, he would be wiser.

"There won't be a next time, Nolan!" Regina exclaimed. This time, only David was in the Captain's office. It wasn't a protocol meeting.

He hung his head in embarrassment, taking Captain Mills' scolding.

"I trusted you to get valuable information on Gold, and you only exposed your position within the first minute of meeting him. I told you it wasn't a good idea, and yet I foolishly decided to listen to you against my better judgment." Regina slammed her hands on the top of her chair. She was pacing, too anxious to sit down.

David nodded. "I know, Captain. I'm sorry."

Regina turned on him. "Be more than sorry, Nolan. I'm taking you off this case."

David whipped his head up in shock. "What? B-bu-"

Regina held up a hand, cutting him off. "You are being too rash and impulsive. It could blow our whole cover. We need to find more information on Hook and Gold, and I can't have you messing up."

David stared wide eyed at his Captain. "But Captain, I was the one to find the tiny piece of information that Gold might be working with Hook. Me! Don't you think this is a rash decision?"

Regina raised an eyebrow. "Funny, coming from you."

David flushed, embarrassed.

The Captain sighed. "Look, I apologize, Nolan, but you are being taken from the case. Lieutenant Swan is taking your place. She is a more experienced detective, and hopefully won't set up foolish meetings with the man we are trying to catch."

"But what about Belle?"

"What about her?" Regina asked, sitting down.

David flung a hand in the direction of Belle's desk. "I have a lot more experience at being a detective than she does, and yet you have her going on dates with Gold! She's practically a child!"

Regina calmly looked at David until he calmed down. "Belle French is proving herself to be a good detective. Unlike you, Gold hasn't figured out that she is an officer. From the way French and Lucas describe Gold, it seems he is smitten with our young detective. If anyone can find out the truth about Gold, it's that young woman whom you call a 'child.' Now please, lower your voice and accept what is done."

David didn't know what was coming over him. He had never been impulsive before. He didn't hate Belle. He liked the girl. He just didn't like being upstaged by her.

The only thing David could do, was leave Regina's office with his head held high. All the while, his head felt as though it weighed a million pounds. It was difficult to keep it up.

David stormed out of Captain Mills' office in a flurry of anger.

Ruby raised an eyebrow, licking the spoon she held in her hand, as she ate from a bowel of yogurt. "What's gotten into him?"

Belle turned to look up from her lunch after the upset man, frowning. "No idea."

David paused when he saw Belle and Ruby, quickly walking over to their desks.

"Hey, hot head," Ruby murmured, "what's up?"

David was really trying not to fume. He placed his hands on his hips, taking a deep breath. "Captain Mills took me off the Gold case."

Belle's eyes widened. "Why did she do that?"

David huffed. "Because the appointment I set up with Gold didn't go over well. He guessed I was a cop within the first minute of speaking with him. Now the Captain feels I'm being too impulsive, and apparently, that's not good for the case."

"That sucks," Ruby added, not helpfully. Belle shot her a scolding look.

"How do you do it, Belle?" David asked. When Belle raised an eyebrow, he elaborated. "Spend time with Gold without him catching on to the truth of you being a detective?"

Belle could have answered that it was because Gold and her flirted, and kissed, and did un-detective like things. She wasn't about to tell David that though. "Well, I met him before I knew the truth about him, so I didn't have my guard up then. I think he's learning to trust me. I don't interrogate him, or anything like that."

David huffed again. "Well, it wasn't like I interrogated him, either."

Ruby shot Belle a look, widening her eyes mockingly. "Seriously doubt that," she muttered to herself.

David wasn't always the most subtle of men.

"Look, David," Belle said, "I'm sorry this happened. There's nothing I can tell you that will help get you back on the case. Mason Gold is a...mysterious man. Who knows how he thinks and acts. It's not a simple operation."

David nodded, finally calming down. "I know. It never was." With those words, he turned and walked away.

Ruby rolled her eyes dramatically. "Someone's a drama queen."

Belle laughed, tossing a piece of lettuce from her salad in Ruby's direction. "He's upset, Ruby."

"I know. I'm just surprised you didn't mention the reasons why Gold hasn't figured out the truth about you yet to David." She then proceeded to make kissing noises and puckered her lips.

Belle rolled her eyes. "We kissed once, all right. Drop it."

Ruby stopped, to Belle's delight. "I do know the real reason why Gold hasn't figured out the truth, though."

"And what is that?" Belle asked, taking a bite of her salad.

Ruby looked at her steadily. "I think you have him wrapped around your little finger. With David... not so much."

Belle wanted to laugh at Ruby's joke, but her words drew her up short. Did she really have Mason 'wrapped around her little finger?' If she did, it would make earning his trust easier. It also meant her guilt intensified by a hundred spikes.

Why did she have to feel so confused? It was really starting to get annoying.

Emma sighed, stretching out her sated body next to her boyfriend. They were lying in bed, having just partaken in extremely pleasurable activities.

Neal groaned, slumping onto the pillow next to her.

"Take a lot out of you, did I?" Emma teased, tapping his chest.

Neal chuckled, shaking his head. "Never. You know I'm always up for round two." He raised his eyebrows suggestively, causing Emma to laugh.

"Jesus, Neal. Do you have to be so corny?"

"Yes," he said, straight faced. "Always."

Emma laughed again. After a moment, she quieted, thinking. She put her head on Neal's chest, her brow furrowed.

"What's wrong?" Neal murmured against her hair, his face against the top of her head.

Emma sighed. "Nothing. Just thinking about work."

Neal moved his head to look at Emma's face. "What about work? Catching criminals tiring? Because I doubt that, as you totally caught me."

Emma snorted, rolling her eyes. "You are sometimes such a dumbass."

Neal barked a laugh. "You still love me."

Emma settled her head back on his chest. "That I do. Anyway," she flicked a hair from her eye, "I'm just going to be busy with a mission my team is working on."

"I thought you were already busy," Neal said, kissing her neck.

"I was, but now I'll be even more so." She arched her neck towards Neal's mouth. "Captain Mills assigned me a new role which will be challenging and completely time consuming."

"That sucks," Neal muttered, lips against her throat. "While I feel for you, I would much prefer to be doing other things than talking about work."

Emma nodded, agreeing.

Just as the two of them began to kiss, Neal's phone started to buzz. They broke apart, startled.

He sighed, reaching for his phone. When he saw the number, he froze.

"Who is it?" Emma lifted her head to look, a frown on her face.

"Uh, no one," Neal said, quickly hanging up the call.

Emma raised an eyebrow. "You know you aren't immune to my super power, Neal. Who was it?"

Neal swallowed. Sometimes he forgot how much dating a detective could be a pain in his ass, especially when said detective could tell whenever he was lying. "Just my dad," he finally answered.

Emma sat up, wrapping a sheet around her chest. "I didn't know you still spoke with him. I thought you guys had a falling out."

Neal nodded. "We did. Apparently he wants to get back in touch."

Emma frowned. "You never speak of him. He must have affected you a lot. I don't even know his name. Well, other than his surname."

Neal didn't reply. Emma didn't need to know that he was the son of notorious Mason Gold. After he had met her, while she was handcuffing him for stealing some watches, he knew he was love. He shaped up and never looked back to his punk days again. The wonderful thing about having a father who deals with legal issues, one learns how to change their file so the police don't know the truth. All Emma ever needed to know, was that his name was Neal Garner. She would never find out that he was really Neal Gold.

Killian sat down uncertainly at the finely, decorated table. He picked at the linen table cloth, never having felt anything so soft before. He glanced around at the other occupants, noticing their suits and dresses. He shifted in his seat, pulling down his ratty t-shirt.

Gold quirked an eyebrow at him. "If you're worried others will stare at you for not dressing appropriately, I wouldn't worry. You made a big enough spectacle at the hostess's desk that I'm sure they're staring at you because they're worried you'll 'mug' them, or something equally horrifying."

"Yes, because that made me feel so much better," Killian muttered, still tugging on his shirt.

Gold's lips twitched. "You're a sarcastic fellow, Mr. Jones. That mouth of yours will get you into trouble." He opened a menu, perusing the food selections. Killian was a little annoyed by Gold's nonchalance and superior attitude. He wanted to punch the older man, but Killian guessed that would be giving in to the claims of being a 'mugger.'

"Like speaking with a crime war load?" Killian asked, incredulously.

Gold set his menu down, clasping his hands together to stare at Killian, unblinkingly. "Not war, Mr. Jones. More like..." Gold shrugged, thinking. "Persuasion."

"What the hell does that mean?" Killian asked, as Gold took a sip from his water glass.

"Persuasion? Well, it means coaxing someone into taking action, into doing what you want them to do."

Killian rolled his eyes. "Never thought 'smartass' would be a definition linked to you, Mr. Gold."

Gold chuckled. "Young Killian, you don't know much about me. You have so much to learn."

"I would like to, if you stopped speaking in riddles."

Gold raised an eyebrow. "All right. I'll tell you what I want from you. Like I said before at that...disgusting bar, I see potential in you. I want you to be my apprentice, of sorts. I...don't have a ...son to pass on my legacy as I get older." He looked pained for a moment. Killian wondered what he wasn't saying. "I need an heir to train, and you're the perfect candidate."

"This really is like the Godfather," Killian muttered into his drink, taking a moment to think on what Gold was saying. "So you want to train me in your business?"

Gold nodded, not saying anything.

"What would that entail, exactly?" Killian asked, hesitantly.

"A building of an empire. You would conduct business transactions, help train other men looking to become a part of my organization."

"But, I'm only seventeen. I know nothing of 'business transactions.'"

Gold tilted his head. "That is why you'll be taught. I don't expect you to know all that I ask from you right away."

Killian knew that pondering this job and taking it, could have serious consequences later on. But he was a teenage runaway, without any money. When would he be offered something like this again?

"How much would you pay?" The younger man asked.

Gold smirked, like he had been waiting for Killian to ask that. "You would be paid more money that you can even dream of. It all depends on your performance."

"Are you speaking, like, hundreds of thousands?" Killian sounded greedy, but he didn't care. If Gold was offering to pay him a shit load of money, he knew he would instantly take the apprenticeship.

"Higher," Gold said, smiling smugly when Killian's eyes widened.

"So...like millions?"

Gold didn't say anything, letting Killian fill in the blanks.

The young man took the job right then and there.

Neal was working on fixing a motorcycle. The battery died, and he had to get it fixed before tomorrow, otherwise his boss, August, would probably fire him.

He sighed, stretching his limbs as he rose from a crouched position, looking around at the workshop. He started to wipe his greasy hands, when August strolled up.

"Hey Neal, there's someone here to see you." His boss jerked a thumb in the direction of the front door.

Neal frowned. "Who is it?"

August shrugged. "Some older man. Says he needs to speak with you."

Neal hesitantly walked into the main lobby...and instantly spun on his heel to leave. The sight of his father standing at the entrance wasn't a pleasant sight.

"Wait, Neal," Gold called out, holding out a hand.

Neal stopped walking, but kept his back turned. "What do you want?"

Gold struggled to speak, the first time lost for words. "I wanted to see you," he finally managed to say.

Neal snorted, beginning to walk again. "I don't want to see you."

"Please," Gold said, subdued.

Neal paused, wavering. He had never heard his dad say those words before, nor had he ever heard something akin to pain in his voice.

Neal turned around, crossing his arms.

Gold took this as his opportunity to speak. He stepped forward, his cane tapping on the concrete floor. He nodded at the building. "I see you're a mechanic now."

Neal huffed. "Obviously." He removed his arms from around his chest, letting them hit the side of his body. "Are you here just to state the obvious, or here to gloat in my face that I'm not a lawyer like you are?"

Gold frowned, taking a step back. "I-," he broke off. Seeing his son for the first time in over a year was challenging. They had an on again and off again relationship. He constantly tried to reach out to his son, but Neal never responded.

Gold sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Neal, I'm not here to judge you. I'm here to make amends."

Neal shook his head. "You got me sent to jail, and you expect me to forgive you?"

Gold paused, holding up a finger. "Technically, it was your mother who told the police about the watches you stole."

Neal was disgusted. "Seriously, dad? Does it matter? Mom. You. Either way I was sent to jail because you wouldn't help me."

"You committed a crime, son," Gold said, even though he recognized the hypocrisy of the statement.

Neal walked forward, invading his father's personal space. He wanted his dad to feel uncomfortable. "And the perfect lawyer doesn't stand for any injustice or any crime. I'm your son, not a chess piece in the games you play."

Gold lowered his head. "I thought jail would be good. It would teach you to not make the same idiotic mistakes again."

"You seriously believe that?"

Gold raised a hand and eye in a 'what would you have me do' manner.

Neal huffed again, walking away. "I'm done with this shit, dad. I don't answer your calls because I don't want to hear the same excuses you always make. Stop trying to reach out. You will never get my forgiveness." With those words, Neal walked into the back of the shop.

Gold stared helplessly after him. He could have fought harder for his son, yet each time he saw Neal's face, he froze. He could never seem to say the right words. What hurt him the most, past remembering seeing his eighteen year old son be taken away to jail, was the thought that Neal would never know the truth: he let his son go to jail, because he didn't want Neal to become like him. Thankfully, for both men, jail knocked sense into Neal, and he turned his life around.

The same couldn't be said for his father. Gold never could walk away from doing the wrong things.

Upcoming: Emma starts on the Gold and Hook case, David starts to have a meltdown, and Belle starts to gain confidence.