Chapter 6

Belle woke with a start. It was dark; she could barely make out Jefferson's form resting on the couch across from her. She glanced over at the clock in the kitchen, it was 3:40am. She was about to attempt to fall back to sleep when she heard a noise coming from the bedroom area. It was a slow creak, as if someone was tiptoeing around.

"Alice?" Belle whispered. She sat up, looking around the room. No one answered so she started towards where she heard the noise.

"Alice is that you?" Once again there was no answer. She made her way slowly towards the curtains. The noise continued.

Her curiosity was getting the best of her, she gently pulled one side of the curtain and peeked in. Alice wasn't there nor was anyone else. That was strange, she thought. Where could Alice be?

Suddenly a loud pounding came from the front door. He heart dropped as she froze in place. Who could that possible be? One of the guys?

She looked over at the lump on the couch, waiting for Jefferson to wake up from the sound, but he didn't. The pounding continued.

Hesitantly, she approached the door. Whoever it was really wanted to get in here. Perhaps someone was in trouble and needed help. She thought about waking Jefferson up, but he was clearly sound asleep. Conjuring up all the nerve she could, Belle removed the chain and opened the door.

No one was there. This didn't make any sense. She began to peek her head out when all of a sudden she felt an arm wrap around her throat, dragging her back into the apartment. She tried to think of all the training she had learned these past two weeks but whoever it was had a strong grasp on her. With little success she tried to scream out for help or at least see who it was that had her, but it was no use.

The person stopped, whispered in her ear, "You're in trouble now." At that moment, a woman walked into the room. Her hair black and short, her eyes dark and threatening, striding in with such poise and fervor, it was impossible to not know who she was. Regina had found them.

A malicious smile spread on her face as she approached Belle.

"Well, well, well look who we have here. You really thought I wouldn't find you?" She raised an eyebrow, watching Belle struggle against her assailant.

"There's no point in struggling Belle. You're not getting away this time." Belle remembered Jefferson laying on the couch, hoping that he would wake up. However, as she looked over at the couch she saw that it was empty. Putting the pieces together, she noticed that Jefferson's ring was on the man who had his arm her neck.

"Jefferson! Jefferson please!" She cried as she spun herself around enough to see that it was he who attacked her. His face was emotionless and unaffected by her pleads.

"Why are you doing this? Why are you helping her?" She begged for answers, but his only response was tightening his grip. Her training was useless against him, he was prepared for her every move. When she tried to elbow him in ribs, he moved in time and pinned her arm behind her. She attempted to head butt him but he was able to avoid getting hit.

Regina moved so that she was inches away from Belle. Then she grasped her face in her hands, taking in Belle's pain with utter joy.

"I can't wait to have you back in the asylum. You're in for a few surprises." A cruel smile formed as she let her go and directed Jefferson to bring her out.

Belle began to scream, twisting and turning as much as she could to break loose but it was no use.

"Help! No please! Alice! Help me!"

But all she could hear was Jefferson's insane laugh in her ears.

Then it stopped and she felt herself being shook.

"Belle. Belle wake up," she heard softly in her ear. Her eyes flung open and then she jumped back. Jefferson was sitting in front of her, confused and worried.

"Hey, hey relax. You were having a bad dream." He stroked her arm lightly, trying to calm her down.

It was a dream. Just a dream. She took a deep breath and smiled to herself.

"I'm sorry. It was terrible. Regina was here and she was going to take me back to the asylum. And you were working with her." Jefferson chuckled.

"That's absolutely absurd."

"I know. I know, I'm not sure what brought that on. I guess I'm just nervous for tomorrow."

"It's understandable. We've put a lot of preparation into this, but everything will be fine. " Belle smiled and leaned forward, embracing him gently. He rubbed her back.

"I promise you no matter what you will not go back into that asylum. I won't allow it." He comforted her.

"I can't believe it came so soon. Felt like just yesterday you were telling me about the plan."

"It does. But we are ready."

"What…what if it doesn't work? What if she figures out it's us before…"

"Don't think like that. It's a flawless plan; they have been working on it for years now. Besides, you and I have the easiest job."

Belle wasn't sure if she agreed with that. They were the ones being exposed to the public. They were the ones dressing up and putting on a show. But she supposed what he meant by it was that they weren't the ones doing the actual killing. That was going to be left up to Alice and the men.

"We've practiced over and over. We are prepared for any surprises. It has to work." Jefferson assured again. But Belle could tell there was a slight tremble in his voice. He was worried too.

They let go of their embrace, smiling reassuringly to one another. Jefferson then got up and put the television on. Walking over to the kitchen, he began making some tea. Belle began to flip through the channels aimlessly, looking for something that would take her mind off the next day.

However, as she clicked through, an image on the screen caught her eye. She flipped back to the channel. It was the local news channel for Storybrook and there staring back at her was Jefferson's face.

"Jeff…Jefferson! Look!" She screamed over to him. He stopped what he was doing and slowly made his way over to her, staring at himself on the screen.

"What the…" He began.

"Local resident Jefferson Balin is still missing after taking a young mentally-ill patient hostage two weeks ago. Police continue the search but no new leads have been found. However, Emma Swan, acting sheriff of Storybrook, continues to stay hopeful that the culprit will be found and that the hostage is still alive."

Jefferson's picture was replaced by footage of an interview with Emma Swan, a pretty blond woman who looked uncomfortable being on camera.

"We are continuing the search and every effort is being put forth in finding this man. But we still could use all the help we can get so if anyone has seen or heard anything please report it to the police immediately." She said, attempting not to look directly at the camera.

Belle looked over at Jefferson, unsure of what to say. It was clear he was baffled at what he had just seen but there was also anger. He looked enraged at the screen, as if he was about to kick it over. Belle gently touched his arm.

"I can't believe they think you kidnapped me…where would they have gotten this story from?" She asked. He didn't answer right away.

Then he finally said, "I have a few ideas." He stood up and went back to the kitchen. Belle followed.

"Care to explain?" Belle asked, a bit frustrated herself.

"What's there to explain? Clearly I'm the insane psychopath that captured a poor mentally ill girl who I am now holding hostage or doing God knows what to. Damnit!" He yelled, knocking over a cup. He leaned forward into the counter, with his head down. Belle wasn't sure what to say.

"It's…it's not true though. Who cares what they report? You and I know the truth…"

"Yes but what they report will have detrimental effects on how our plan works out tomorrow night. They put my picture on the news." He said quietly.

Belle hadn't thought about that.

"It wasn't a big deal when only a few people had known my face but now the whole town is going to be on the look out. Who knows how long they have been showing my face! I didn't think to look at the news, I didn't even imagine they would still be looking for us! This…this isn't good."

Belle walked over to him and rested a hand on his shoulder. There was no way she was going to let all their hard work be ruined because of this.

"Well.. Then I guys we are going to have to get you a really great mask." He looked over at her, she was smiling. He returned the smile and then nodded.

"You're right. The show must go on." He leaned in close to her, pressing his forehead against hers and sighing. Then the expression came back, the one he had a couple weeks ago when he had tried to kiss her. Since then he had kept his distance, never trying to make her feel uncomfortable.

She wasn't sure why, maybe it was because she was nervous for tomorrow night, or because she felt sorry about what just happened but she didn't know if she wanted to stop him this time. He stared into her eyes, and she returned the gaze. They continued this for several seconds. Jefferson was waiting for something, an approval, a sign to continue, a sign to stop. She did neither, so he took a chance once more and leaned his lips close to hers. This time they touched. She didn't move back, didn't push him away. As strange as it felt, she didn't want him to stop.

His lips were smooth, warm, and they felt wonderful against hers. She couldn't remember ever being this close to anyone and in all honesty she craved it. She returned his kiss, leaning in closer to him and wrapping her arms around his neck. He placed his hand in her hair, running his fingers gently through it while the other hand rested on her cheek.

The longer they kissed, the more passionate they got. Jefferson softly pressed her against the wall, moving his one arm to her waist. She touched his soft hair, pushing him closer to her. He sighed against her lips, only stopping briefly now and again for air. Neither of them at that moment was keen to stopping.

However, the front door opened abruptly and Alice stood there watching the two of them falter as they tried to hide what they had just been doing. She stared at them, surprised, and then smiled slightly.

"Sorry to interrupt." Belle smiled back, embarrassed but not ashamed. Jefferson on the other hand looked uncomfortable.

He moved away and continued making tea. Belle began to walk towards Alice, eyeing the large , flat bags she had in her arm.

"What are those?" She asked.

"These are your outfits for tomorrow night." She laid them over the arm of the couch and then took out two masks. Belle stepped closer to take a look.

Her mask was black and beautifully embroidered with gold and black beads as well as intricate lace designs. It was gorgeous. She then looked over at Jefferson's, which was much larger with one half of the face having more skin covered then the other. It was the perfect size to conceal him enough where no one could identify him. Even Regina will have trouble recognizing him, she thought.

"Alice these are perfect!" She praised. Alice smiled back.

"This will work out perfectly for Jefferson. We need him to be exceptionally concealed. You won't believe this but they have his picture up on the local news station!" Belle told her.

Alice looked unmoved.

"Oh I know. It's been in the papers as well." Suddenly a crash came from the kitchen, Jefferson had dropped another cup.

He slowly turned towards her. "You knew? You knew what they were saying about me this whole time and you never said anything?" He asked her, clutching onto the counter.

"Of course I did. What difference does it make?" She said coolly.

Jefferson was stunned. "What…what difference does it make? It makes all the difference! People are looking for me! They know my face now!" He gestured at himself, looking as if he'd just been betrayed.

"Hence the mask that I bought you. Honestly Jefferson you need to relax. Everything is under control." He continued to stare at her, confounded by her blasé outlook on the situation.

Alice lifted up the bag with his tux in it and revealed it to him, smiling widely, hoping this would make him feel much better.

"Do you like it?" She asked. It was all black, just as he preferred, with a gold tie to match the specks in Belle's mask.

He didn't answer.

"Well I think you'll look wonderful in it." She laid it down gently and then picked up the other, much larger bag. As she unzipped it, gorgeous black and gold material was revealed. She lifted it up, showing its entirety; Belle stepped back in awe. The dress was strapless, with a black lace corset top that faded into gold sparkles as it made its way to the waist. Then it flowed out into an intricate four-layered gown. The sheer black chiffon spilled over black lace, attached with a large black bow in the back. The front of the dress was gold with elaborate beading and sparkles that reflected the light. It was the most beautiful dress Belle had ever seen. She gently touched the fabric, admiring its beauty.

"Alice…Alice this is…"

"I know right. It's perfect."

Jefferson stepped forward, taking it in as well. He analyzed it for a few seconds then turned towards Alice.

"Could you pick a more conspicuous dress? We are trying to not draw attention to ourselves." He spat at her.

She rolled her eyes.

"Jefferson we are trying not to draw attention to you. Therefore we make her look like a princess and the problem is solved. They won't be able to take their eyes off her, giving you a chance to go along unnoticed and get away when needed." She had made an excellent point, Jefferson knew it too. But he wasn't going to admit it.

He rolled his eyes and sat on the couch.

Belle continued to stare at the dress, closely examining just how glamorous it really was. Then she thought of something.

"Alice…how did you get this? It had to be very expensive."

Alice didn't make eye contact, "Oh. Yes it was. But it's all worth it." She smiled slightly and then carried everything into the bedroom. Something wasn't right. But Belle tried not to linger on it. She sat herself next to Jefferson who seemed distracted.

"Hey. It'll all work out perfect. I have a good feeling about this." She said to him. He turned towards her without saying anything.

She all of sudden felt very tired. She rested her head on Jefferson's shoulder, while he gently ran his fingers through her hair. After about ten minutes she was fast asleep.

Alice came out of the room, hands on her hips, staring at the two of them, clearly irritated. She went over and pulled him away. He tried to get her to let go so he could lay Belle down gently so she wouldn't wake up. Alice motioned for him to follow her into the kitchen.

Once he was able to rest her on the couch, he made his way over. He knew she was angry and he had an inkling as to why.

"What do you think you're doing?" She whispered angrily at him.

"Alice don't start…"

"Don't start! Jefferson you are going to ruin everything! You're letting your emotions get involved…"

"No I'm not!"

"Oh so kissing her isn't getting emotionally involved?"

"No…it's…it's not like that."

"Right. If you ruin this I swear!"

"I'm not going to ruin anything! There's nothing going on between us."

"Oh please I've seen the way you look at her. Honestly, I'm happy for you. But this couldn't happen at a worse time. You and I both know how dangerous involving emotions can be when following through with plans. I need your word that you will do your job as we've discussed."

He took a moment to answer, looking back at Belle.

"Jefferson!"

"Yes. I swear. I would do anything for you Alice, you know that."

She didn't look as if she really believed that, but nodded anyway.

Jefferson decided to change the subject.

"So. You bought the dress huh?" He eyed her suspiciously.

She smiled knowingly, "Not exactly."

"I didn't realize you took on stealing as a new hobby."

"I didn't. But I can't speak for the guards."

Jefferson laughed softly. "Should have known."

Alice shrugged, not wanting to give more details on the matter. She began to walk away but Jefferson blocked her.

"While she's asleep I did want to discuss something else with you. Something that's been bothering me." He said. Alice nodded, appearing a bit concerned.

"I know why I remember everything. But why do you remember?"

"Well tell me something Jefferson. What is your theory as to why you remember? Why all the guards remember?"

"I suppose because we were Wonderland. I assumed that since we weren't technically in Regina's land the curse sent us here but didn't completely take hold. Part of our punishment is knowing what we have lost."

Alice stared at him, trying to figure out if he was being honest.

"So are you going to tell me or no?" He asked her.

"Honestly, I don't know. I've tried to figure it out for a while now. I have a few theories, some connect it back to the Queen of Hearts, others to Wonderland as a whole, but I don't know for sure. If I spent my time worrying about it than nothing would get done." Jefferson nodded.

He began to head towards the couch when Alice grabbed onto his arm. He turned back.

"Thank you," She said to him. "For everything."

"Anything for Alice." He grinned.

He turned back towards the couch where Belle was laying, and his smile faded. Tomorrow was going to be a very long night.

Hi everyone! Just wanted to thank you for reading and for the comments, keep them coming! Wanted to assure you that this was the last chapter without the typical once upon a time characters. The next one is going to involve much more of the main characters as will the rest of the story! So much drama! Hope you enjoy