Once Upon A Time: The Devil's Next Step, Part Two

By Rebekkalee Mouri-Hibiki

Emma put the key in the lock but didn't get a chance to turn it as the door opened, jerking the keys from her hand. Mary-Margret gasped and seized her before she could fully comprehend what was going on. " Oh God, Emma! You're alright! "

Emma hesitated then put her arms around her. She was still lost in her own thoughts about what had just happened at Mr. Gold's house and Mary-Margret had taken her by surprise, " Uh yeah. I'm fine. "

" We got home and the door was unlocked and you weren't here and... " The words spilled forth in a flood and were almost unintelligible. She took a deep breath then said, " I thought something happened to you. "

" Something came up and I had to go take care of it, " Emma felt her explanation was lame but it seemed to work. She was just trying to keep it together long enough to make it to somewhere private and release all of the pent up emotions she had struggled to control as she sat across from Mr. Gold and Belle. She sighed, " Police stuff. "

" Oh, " Mary-Margret said and slowly released Emma. She stepped aside, " I guess I should let you in. "

Emma stepped into the apartment and looked around, avoiding eye contact with Mary-Margret. " Where's Henry? "

" Emma! " Henry said before Mary-Margret could answer. Emma looked and found an abandoned comic book splayed across the kitchen table. Apparently, he had been sitting there but Emma hadn't had a chance to notice.

Emma braced herself as he grabbed her in one of his powerful hugs. She almost lost her balance anyway. " Hey kid. Miss me much? "

" We got home and you weren't here, " Henry's voice was muffled by Emma's side as he maintained his python like grip. " We were really scared. "

" I can tell, " Emma said. " Another hug like that and I think something will get broken. "

Henry loosened his grip and turned his face up to her, " Sorry. Where were you? "

Emma sighed, " I'm still the sheriff and emergencies are still going to happen. "

Henry furrowed his brow, " Are you okay? You look... sad. Did someone die? "

Emma shook her head, " No. Nothing like that. I'm just tired, not sad. "

" Emma! " David was standing in the kitchen but Emma hadn't noticed until he spoke. " You're back. What happened? "

Emma rolled her eyes, hoping the short explanation would work on David, " Police stuff. "

" Oh, " David nodded. Emma was relieved he didn't question her any further. She was getting anxious to get away from everyone and suffer in silence. None of them would understand the pain she was feeling.

David gave her a puzzled look then brightened, " Well, I'm glad you're home. "

" Me too, " Emma said as Henry finally let her go.

" Have you eaten? " Mary-Margret walked towards the kitchen. " I can fix you something... "

" I ate at the station, " Emma put a hand up. She felt a pang of guilt at the lie. She sighed, " All I want is a shower and to go to bed. "

" Sounds good, " Mary-Margret nodded. " You really do look tired. Are you sure you're alright? "

She took a step back, " I'm fine. "

" If you say so, " Mary-Margret still looked concerned.

" I say so, " Emma said. She looked at the couch where she had left the storybook. " Henry? "

" Yes? " Henry replied.

" Can I read your storybook tonight? " Emma looked at him.

Henry gave her a giant smile, " Sure. "

" Thanks, kid, " Emma walked over to the couch and picked it up. She then looked at Mary-Margret, David and Henry, " I'm going take this upstairs and get my stuff I want to put on after the shower. "

" That's fine. I need to go get ready for bed anyway, " Mary-Margret said then looked at Henry. She put on a stern face, " As do you, young man. You have school in the morning. "

Henry frowned, " School? Really? Even with the magic back? "

" Yes, " Mary-Margret said. " Now go get your pajamas and I'll make up the couch. "

Emma felt a tiny half grin curve her lips at the normalcy of it all. It was a refreshing after the strange experiences she had been through. The corner of her mouth fell again as she reached the bedroom, her strength beginning to crack as tears crept into her eyes. She tossed the book on the bed and went to her dresser.

She blindly grabbed out a pair of shorts and a tank top, willing herself not to cry. She had to wait until she was behind the safe barricade of the bathroom door. She wiped her eyes quickly, hoping she could out-walk her tears as she went back downstairs. She was numbly aware of Mary-Margret and Henry bickering over his bedtime, which was already much later than it should have been.

It was something that would have amused her if she weren't being slowly crushed by the growing feeling of abandonment. She had felt it so many times before but now, it was so much more stifling. She thought everything she and Mr. Gold had been through meant something but it obviously didn't mean as much to him as it did to her. He had been the one beseeching her to trust him and, when she finally started to, it seemed as though he slapped her in the face.

She made it to the bathroom, closing the door behind her. The tears overwhelmed her, her last bit of strength snapping much like the lock when she clicked it into place. She rushed to the shower, turning on the water full blast to mask the sounds as she began to sob...

Mr. Gold leaned against the doorjamb of Belle's room, watching her. Her back was to the door so he couldn't tell if she was sleeping or not. He wanted to talk to her and it couldn't wait until morning. He took a deep breath then quietly called her name.

She startled slightly then said, " Yes? "

" Were you sleeping? " He asked.

Belle sighed, " No, not yet. I've been laying here, thinking. "

" About what? " Mr. Gold cocked his head to the side. He had seen questions in her eyes at the table but he wanted to be alone with her to answer them.

Belle rolled over and sat up, switching on the bedside lamp. She looked him in the eye and frowned, " Who was that woman? "

" She told you, " Mr. Gold said. " She's Emma Swan, the sheriff. "

" The way she looked at me, " Belle's voice trailed off.

" What do you mean? " Mr. Gold had noticed that Emma had been paying attention Belle with a guarded manner. It was the same way she had approached most strangers. It was the way she had approached him at first.

Belle looked away, " It was like she didn't believe me. "

" Emma has an issue with trusting people readily, " Mr. Gold explained. " Don't take it personally. "

Belle looked at him again, " And then there was the way you were staring at her when she spoke. You've had quite a bit to do with her, haven't you? "

The observation stunned Mr. Gold. He had tried to keep his attention focused on Belle for most of the time they were talking but he had given Emma a couple of long stares, probably letting on more than he intended to. He struggled for an answer then finally said, " We've had to work together on many occasions. She even saved my life once. "

" So she's more than just the sheriff to you, " Belle replied.

Mr. Gold nodded, " I suppose. "

" How much more? " Belle's voice trembled slightly as she asked.

Mr. Gold was once again at a loss. He couldn't tell her just how much because she would be devastated. He sighed, " She's a close friend... or as close to a friend as I have. "

" I see, " Belle nodded. " You didn't have many if I remember correctly. "

" Besides you, no, " Mr. Gold replied.

" You think of me as a friend? " Belle looked a little hurt by the statement.

Mr. Gold sighed, " No, my dear. You were my friend at first... then you became more. "

" And it scared you, " Belle said.

" That it did, " Mr. Gold replied. He had vowed to love nothing or no one until he found his son. He hadn't counted on Belle coming along though.

Belle scooted toward the edge of the bed closest to him, " Does it still frighten you now I've returned? "

" We're still in the same situation as when I threw you out, " Mr. Gold said quietly. " I need my powers and cannot lose them until I'm finished. "

" When will you be finished? " Belle had a hint of desperation in her voice. " Haven't you had time to get those things straightened out? "

Mr. Gold sighed, " No. My son is still lost and now I have to deal with Regina. And I must... "

" You must what? " Belle asked sharply.

Mr. Gold shook his head, " I don't think you'll understand even if I explained it to you. "

" Maybe I could if you would just tell me, " Belle's voice came up. Her blue eyes twinkled with the spirit that had enchanted him so many years before. " I'm not stupid. "

" I'm not saying you are but you were locked away for quite a while. I'm not sure if you are aware of the gravity of the situation, " Mr. Gold countered. " What do you know of the Dark Curse? "

" What do I need to know? Isn't it broken? " Belle looked confused. " Isn't that why I remembered? "

" Only the first step has been completed in breaking it, " Mr. Gold said.

Belle blinked, " And the next step involves her, doesn't it? "

Mr. Gold sighed, " It does. Actually, all of it involves her. "

" Tell me, Rumplestiltskin. Please? " Belle's voice had a hint of pleading to it. " I need to know. "

" There's only one person who will be able to defeat Regina and it's her, " Mr. Gold said. " But, as of right now, she isn't able to control her magic. She aware she has it but doesn't know what to do with it. "

" And you're going to teach her how to use it? " Belle was more perceptive than Mr. Gold thought she would be.

He nodded, " Yes. "

" How long will that take? " Belle asked.

" I don't know, " Mr. Gold sighed. " She will learn though. "

Belle quirked her mouth, " When will you give up magic? Once she's learned how to use hers? "

" No. Not until I find my son and Regina is rotting in her grave, " Mr. Gold knew Belle wouldn't like the answer but it was the truth. He quirked his mouth, " If there anything left to rot once Emma finishes with her. "

Belle looked at the bed, " I see. So I have to wait for you? "

" Indeed my dear, " Mr. Gold nodded. " Do you think you can? "

" If I can't, will you make me stay here? " Belle looked up and straight into his eyes.

Mr. Gold frowned, " That will be up to you if you want to stay. "

" I see, " Belle breathed. She shut her eyes, " All I ever wanted... "

" Yes? " Mr. Gold took a step into the room.

" All I ever wanted was for you to be an ordinary man again, " Belle said quietly. " I thought I would get it too when my memories came back as we walked to that well. "

Mr. Gold felt cold, inside and out, at her words. She still hadn't changed. She wanted him but not the way he was. " Perhaps someday, " He muttered.

There was an awkward silence, Belle looking in every direction but directly at him. Her eyes focused on his bad leg then said, " What happened to your leg? I noticed you have a limp now. "

Mr. Gold looked down and frowned, " Regina left me to die in a prison cell. There were earthquakes when the curse took a hold and I was trapped. I got hit in the head and blacked out. When I came to, my leg was trapped under the rubble. "

" Couldn't you heal yourself? " Belle looked horrified.

" The Blue Fairy had cast a spell on a quill I used and my magic was made impotent. The cell I was in also restricted it, " Mr. Gold said. " It didn't matter. By the time I regained consciousness, the magic was gone. All that remained was my immortality. "

" But you said Emma saved your life, " Belle looked puzzled. " How did you almost die if you're still immortal? "

" I couldn't tell her that I was so I let her believe she did, " Mr. Gold said. " She just found out my true identity shortly before you found me. "

" Oh, " Belle said.

Mr. Gold sighed, " Do you wish to rest now? "

" Do you want to stop talking to me? " Belle arched an eyebrow.

Mr. Gold cocked his head to the side, " I would like to rest and I believe you need it too. You've been pacing the grounds all day. "

" I enjoy it. It's so beautiful. Not like your house in the mountains. All that snow... " She sighed.

Mr. Gold looked out the window, " Yes. It is much better here. "

" It's been so long since I was free... " Belle said.

" I understand, " Mr. Gold said. " You don't realize how precious your freedom is until it is taken from you. "

Belle nodded, " Yes. "

" You can stay here as long as you like, regardless of your feelings for me, " Mr. Gold took a deep breath. He couldn't fathom losing her again but he needed to let her know he wasn't going to force her to do anything she didn't want to do.

" Thank you, " Belle said.

" I will bid you good night then, " Mr. Gold said with a slight bow. " I have things to do tomorrow. "

Belle nodded once, " Goodnight. "

Mr. Gold turned on his heel but stopped when Belle said his name again. " Yes? " He glanced over his shoulder at her.

" Do you think we can find my father? " Belle asked. " If he remembers then I'm sure he wonders where I am. "

Mr. Gold bit his lip, sure she wouldn't approve of what he had done. He sighed, " Perhaps. We'll worry about that later. "

" Alright, " Belle said. " Sleep well. "

Mr. Gold nodded but said nothing. He headed for the stairs, hoping a glass or two of whiskey would quiet his mind. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get Emma's face out of his mind. He knew her well enough to know when she was stifling emotions and she had been trying to push down some pretty heavy ones...

Emma lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling as she clutched Henry's storybook to her chest. Silent tears slipped from her eyes as she processed the stories she had just read. She wasn't going to but something inside of her urged her to look, to try to understand Rumplestiltskin. She knew so little and she really wanted to find out more in spite of how she felt about Mr. Gold.

She had combed the book for everything she could find about the imp, finding out more about him than she ever knew. The thing that touched her most was what he had done to save his son. She felt a strange connection to him as she read the tales, a new wave of tears coming on when she read of Baelfire's fate.

If anyone could understand Rumplestiltskin reasons, it was her. She would have done anything to save Henry and she had. She had fought a dragon, thinking it would save him. She felt a little bad for doubting him, especially when it came to Henry for now it looked like he was jut trying to keep her from making the same mistakes.

She had also read the story of how he had taken Belle to be his servant in order to save her village. Even though he hadn't intended for it to happen, he had fallen in love with the girl. She wanted him to change though, to give up his power even though he hadn't found his son. She had tried to break his curse, unaware of the fact the only way was to kill him with the dagger that had made him what he was.

She had been tricked by Regina, damaging Rumplestiltskin's trust in the girl. He was angered so by it, he threw her out. Everything he had told Emma earlier in the night matched up perfectly with the story. The only part matching anything Regina had said being the lie she had told Rumplestiltskin that Belle had killed herself.

Now, she was back. Mr. Gold's long lost love had returned to him. Emma was certain after seeing the way he had gazed at her and hung on her every word, she had once again been tossed away after being used.

" Emma? " Henry's whisper caught her by surprise. She wiped her eyes quickly and sat up. He wasn't visible except for the top of his head because he was standing on the stairs, probably halfway up. Emma was fairly certain he couldn't see her.

" What? " Emma whispered back.

" Can I come up? " Henry asked.

" You should be in bed, " Emma said.

Henry sighed, " I can't sleep. "

" Want to tell me what's wrong? " Emma asked.

" Can I? " Henry came up. He was in blue pajamas with white piping. He was barefoot and padded across the floor before sitting down on the edge of Emma's bed, looking like something heavy was on his mind.

" What's up, kid? " Emma furrowed her brow at the troubled look on the boy's face.

" I just remembered something from when I was... when I was under my mom's sleeping spell, " Henry said, looking a bit scared.

Emma blinked, " You were aware of what was going on? "

" Yes. Totally, " Henry said. " I know you apologized and said you believed. I could feel you when you touched me and I knew you put the book under my pillow. Grandma was there too. She read to me. "

Emma furrowed her brow then realized he was talking about Mary-Margret. She still had trouble thinking of her as Henry's grandmother and she was pretty certain it would take a long time to get her head around it. She was still having trouble thinking of Mary-Margret and David as her parents because they were so close in age. " Did she? " Emma asked.

" She read her story to me but it was before she knew it was hers, " Henry said. " I guess she thought it got grandpa to wake up so maybe it would make me wake up too. "

" What did you remember Henry? What was so important you needed to tell me now? " Emma asked.

" It was when my mom was there, when you two were going somewhere. You told her she had ten minutes and she was really sad " Henry said.

Emma frowned, " Of course she was. She was trying to get rid of me... "

" But that's not what I wanted to tell you about, " Henry cut her off. " It was after she apologized to me for what she did. "

" What happened then? " Emma frowned.

" She was talking to someone, " Henry said. " She was talking to a man. She had made a deal with him to get the apple using magic. "

" Was it Mr. Gold? " Emma asked, every muscle in her body tighten. She didn't know if she could take another betrayal after everything he had done and seeing the way he was with Belle.

Henry shook his head, " No. I think his name was Jefferson... and they were talking about my classmate, Paige. "

Emma went cold, her stomach clenching at the mention of the name. She felt sick as she whispered, " Oh my God. "

" Emma? Are you okay? " Henry looked puzzled. " You look sick. "

" I feel sick, " Emma nodded as the puzzle pieces started coming together in her mind. If Belle's story was indeed true then it was Jefferson who had released her. She got a sick feeling in her stomach then looked at Henry, " Do you remember anything else they talked about? "

" Mom left the room after she said they were done, " Henry said. " They didn't say anything else. "

" Did this man say anything to you? " Emma leaned closer to Henry. " Anything at all? "

He thought for a long moment then shook his head, " I heard him leave right after mom. If they talked after they left me, I don't know. "

Emma thought it over. She wondered if it was some twisted plan of Jefferson's own devise or if Regina had something to do with it. If it were the latter, Mr. Gold would be in danger... how soon was anyone's guess.

Emma sat in the beetle, staring at Mr. Gold's summer house as she fought the urge to cry once more. She still felt empty and cold from the night before when she had met Belle. She had rationalized a little bit while she lay awake in the wee hours after Henry went back to bed though. She knew she needed to make sure he wasn't about to fall into a trap set by Regina.

From reading his stories, she knew he was a bit likely to be blinded by emotion when it came to those he loved. After all, he had killed The Dark One in order to save his son without fully understanding what he was getting into. It was much like when she said she would do anything to save Henry before she found herself facing down a dragon. She sighed at that thought, still a bit angry at how Mr. Gold had convinced her to do it and saying it would save Henry.

She had been so desperate, she probably would have tried anything. If she had only thought of True Love's Kiss before going to Mr. Gold for help, everything would have been normal... or so she assumed. He hadn't even given her the chance to find out, releasing the magic shortly after she saved Henry.

She could have just walked away and tried not to pay him another thought but that would have been selfish. She needed him to show her how to use her magic so she could stop Regina. She had seen how the witch could be without her power and she was fairly certain it would be a lot worse now she had magic once more.

Even though she still felt a little reluctant, she knew what she had to do. She knew she would find the strength inside of her to carry out the duty that was bestowed on her. How she would do it with him by her side still remained a mystery.

She sighed, taking her foot of the brake and slowly pulling into the driveway. She crept along, still unsure of how she could face him without a wellspring of complicated emotions bubbling up. She almost continued to follow the circular drive back out to the road but stopped. She had a feeling deep in her stomach that something just wasn't quite right.

She put the car in 'park' and shut the engine off. She took a deep breath, letting out slowly as she told herself she could do it... that she could face him without becoming a mess. She reached for the door, opening it and got out. She stared at the front porch for a long time before making her way to it and scaling the front steps.

She took another deep breath and pounded on the front door of the summer house. It was still early but Mr. Gold usually woke before dawn, this she knew for a fact. She shivered, recalling the night they had shared again. She had to take a deep breath to keep the memory from completely ruining her.

She couldn't believe she had been so weak and gave into her deepest desires, thinking he felt the same. The night had been like all the dreams she had up to that point, save for the fact he had been kind and gentle. He had been by far the most attentive and skilled lover she had ever had, just the mere remembering of the night making her skin tingle with want for his touch.

She forced it back, banging on the door again and trying to refocus her mind. Her breath caught in her throat as he opened the door, giving her a tender smile that made her knees weak. " Ah, good morning Emma. "

" Good morning, " Emma replied, trying to keep her voice steady. She didn't know how she was standing in front of him after he had used her so. The reason almost came up immediately, lessening her angst to a degree. He had helped her and guided her in the right direction in spite of her stubbornness to trust him.

In spite of everything, she felt she had a bit of an obligation to keep her eyes open for him when he had done so for her. She felt like there was some unseen plot at work and didn't want to take any chances. She hoped she was just imagining things but she couldn't ignore the strange feeling she had about the whole situation. Something about it just didn't seem right.

" I am to assume you've made your decision? " He arched an eyebrow. He seemed to be looking her over, his expression becoming slightly concerned as he did. She wondered if he could sense how she felt though she tried her best to hide it.

Emma nodded. She was still unsure of how wise of an idea it was to accept his offer but she wanted to stay close in case her fears were indeed true. She quietly said, " Yes. I will let you help me. "

" Good, " Mr. Gold smiled tersely as he opened the door completely. He was already dressed in a charcoal gray suit, dark rose colored silk shirt and a black tie. " Come inside. You look a bit flushed. Are you alright? "

" I'm fine, " Emma stepped inside, finding the house warm and inviting. She slipped off her jacket, Mr. Gold taking it from her as she did. His hand brushed hers, the familiar tingle of his touch running the length of her arm straight to her belly. She fought the feelings it sparked in her, knowing the chance of them ever being together like that again were slim.

They had never spoke of it, too many things happening so soon afterward so she was unsure of his feelings about the whole thing. The way he looked at her had become a bit more tender, as if she were a valued friend. She frowned inwardly, hoping that she meant more than that after everything they had been through. " I did a lot of thinking about it last night. "

" I was afraid you would take a much longer time to decide, " Mr. Gold said quietly as he gazed at her. He gave her another tender smile. " Have I mentioned how lovely you look with your hair like that? "

Emma blinked at the comment, her eyes catch his for the briefest of moments. Her hair was slightly curly from her shower the night before and she hadn't taken time to do more than run a brush through it. She chuckled nervously as she felt herself blush a bit regardless of her feelings, " Blame the humidity. "

" And you look so lovely when you blush, " He added. He then turned and put her coat on the coat rack by the door. He then motioned to the living room, " Come sit. Alston's in the kitchen and doesn't like to be disturbed while he's cooking. "

" Oh okay, " Emma nodded. His compliments were making it hard for her to keep her thready composure. If she didn't know any better, she would have sworn he was trying to make up for the night before just a little bit. They were making her think he still actually gave a damn.

Mr. Gold walked to the den, glancing at her over his shoulder as he did. " Did you sleep well my dear? You said you did a lot of thinking but did you bother to rest? "

" I tried to, " Emma followed him. She tried to not let his concern get to her, telling herself he was just being polite. She knew that was all it could be. She took a seat on the couch she had woke up on the evening before. " I had a lot on my mind. "

Mr. Gold took a seat close to her. He cocked his head to the side, " Did you go home and read the book like I told you to do? "

" Yes, " Emma felt familiar unwanted feelings continue to rise at his proximity and gaze. She mashed them down, not wanting to get let down. Instead, she decided to focus on the things she had learned from reading his stories. " I... think I understand you a little better now. "

Mr. Gold nodded once, his expression becoming a little somber. He sighed, " I hoped you understand that all of that would have just been too painful for me tell you. I also hoped you would understand my intentions a little better. "

Emma looked at her hands, trying to get herself to calm down. She closed her eyes, " You've been trying to help me see what was best for Henry, haven't you? "

" That was my intent, yes, " Mr. Gold nodded. He frowned, " I could see you starting to make the same mistakes I had made with my son. "

" Oh, " Emma muttered. " You could have said something. "

" I found you don't accept things that are told to you, my dear. You tend to need to find them out for yourself, " Mr. Gold quirked his mouth. " After all, you had to see proof the curse existed before you believed it though you were told it was real. "

" I just... My life has made it hard for me to have faith in anything, " Emma shook her head. " I came to depend on things I knew were real. "

" I know, I know. But the point is you believe now, correct? " Mr. Gold arched an eyebrow.

" Obviously, " Emma scoffed. " We wouldn't be where we are if I didn't, would we? "

Mr. Gold nodded, " You've already seen many fantastic things but you will see many more before we're ready to fight Regina. You need to learn to accept them because they are real. Do you understand? "

Emma nodded, " I can't make any guarantees but I'll do my best. "

" Your best isn't enough, " Mr. Gold took Emma's right hand in his left. " In order to seize your destined potential, you have to accept the things you will see. You must if we are to defeat Regina. "

Emma's heart pounded in her chest at his touch as he gazed deeply into her eyes, connecting with her on a whole new level. Her skin tingled and she could feel something inside of her growing stronger. It was like she was plugged into a gently escalating current, her unfocused magic blending and swirling with the magic she could feel coming off of Mr. Gold. His brow furrowed suddenly as if sensed something that had surprised him.

" Oh! " Belle's voice startled them both.

Emma gasped when Mr. Gold let go of her hand, breaking the connection. She blinked, trying to gather her wits as Mr. Gold looked away from her. The magic dissipated, going back to feeling like strong static in the air. It had been amazing, making her wonder what it would be like once she could control her magic.

" Belle, " Mr. Gold breathed. " I see you're awake. "

Belle nodded slowly, her eyes wide at what she had undoubtedly witnessed. She lamely motioned to the back of the house and stammered as she said, " Yes. I was... just going... for my morning walk. "

" Ah, " Mr. Gold said. " Alston is preparing breakfast for us as we speak. Please don't stay out too long. "

Emma looked at Belle and she looked back, bewilderment evident in the woman's eyes. " Is she joining us? " Belle looked at Mr. Gold, her tone letting Emma know she hoped the answer would be 'no'.

" I was hoping so, " Mr. Gold said. " We have a lot of work to do. "

" I see, " Belle nodded. " Well, you know where to find me. Excuse me please. "

Emma waited for Belle to leave the room before she looked at Mr. Gold again, " You want to start TODAY? "

" The sooner the better, " Mr. Gold replied. " Regina won't stay in hiding forever. "

Emma knew he was right. Though Regina hadn't been seen since the magic returned, she knew it would only be a matter of time before she showed herself. When she did, Emma knew she would be a force to contend with. " I guess not, " She said.

Mr. Gold looked towards the foyer, " I believe your phone is ringing. "

Emma furrowed her brow as she listened, finding he was right. The sound was so faint she could barely hear it. She stood up, " I had better see what it is. "

" Perhaps you should, " Mr. Gold got to his feet as well. " It could be important. "

" Oh, there's no doubt about that, " Emma said. She looked towards the front door then at him again, the words that come out of her mouth seeming strange as she spoke them, " I'll come by later and we can get started. "

Mr. Gold nodded, " Sounds good. "

" I better go, " Emma said but stopped when Mr. Gold reached out and grabbed her right hand with his left. She looked at him, their eyes locking. He leaned in and gave her a brief kiss on the cheek and said, " Take care, my dear. "

" I'll try, " Emma nodded as he stepped back and let go of her hand. She walked out to the foyer and got her phone, trying to tell herself to calm down. The way he had acted made her think she had jumped to the wrong conclusions after all. She repeated mentally to take it one step at a time or the fall could be horrible.

She looked at it, finding it was the number for dispatch. She called it back, waiting as the operator answered. She sighed, " You called? "

" Oh yes, " The dispatch operator said. " I just got a call from Miss Hudson over on Miller. Something about a noise complaint. "

" I'll head over there right now, " Emma sighed. " Thanks. "

" I assume you aren't staying for breakfast then? " Mr. Gold startled her.

Emma glanced at him, " Sorry. Duty calls. "

Belle picked at her food, not looking at Mr. Gold as she did. She seemed lost deep in thought and he was wondering just what about. He reached over and took her left hand in his right, " Is there something bothering you? " He asked gently.

Belle frowned, " It's nothing. "

" It wouldn't be bothering you so if it were nothing, " Mr. Gold said. " Please tell me. "

Belle set down her fork and sighed, " I thought we could spend time together today. "

" We are spending time together right now, " Mr. Gold started. In fact, he had not left the house since bringing her to it for that sole purpose. He had taken care of all his business affairs via telephone, having Frederick go collect payments and other things from his renters.

" I meant all day, " Belle cut him off. " Without you taking care of business over the... phone. I thought we could start looking for my father as well. "

Mr. Gold frowned. There wouldn't be much looking involved. Moe French was under house arrest for his petty theft charge, only able to leave to work in his flower shop. Since he had no criminal record, the judge had given his a lenient sentence and a year's probation.

" Don't you think it's a little soon? " Mr. Gold asked, trying to sound concerned. " I mean, you're still in very poor shape from being in locked up for so long. "

" I'm fine, Rumplestiltskin. I may be a little pale but I'm fine, " Belle said. " I wouldn't be able to walk the grounds all day if I weren't. "

" But there's Regina. What if she sees you... " Mr. Gold countered, surprised when Belle cut him off again.

" She's in hiding. I heard you say it to that Emma woman. Now would be the best time for us to look, " She said firmly. " Before she comes back. "

" You heard that? " Mr. Gold thought Belle had left the room.

Belle nodded, " I was coming back to ask you a question and I heard you tell her that. "

" Oh, " Mr. Gold said. He thought he had been more careful. He wondered just how much she had heard or if she knew he had kissed Emma on the cheek.

It had been a simple gesture he hoped would quell the anxiety he sensed she had. When they had joined hands, he could feel it more than just by looking at her. She would want an explanation but he wasn't ready to offer one just yet. He needed to sort out how things were going with Belle first.

" Why are you making excuses for me not to see my father? " Belle furrowed her brow.

Mr. Gold blinked, " I... I'm not making excuses. I'm giving you very valid reasons why we can't do it right now. "

Belle frowned, " I haven't heard one yet. "

" You are unfamiliar with town, " Mr. Gold said firmly. " You've known nothing but that cell and The Enchanted Forest. I do not want you getting overwhelmed with the things you might see. An overload of your mind could have disastrous results. "

Belle rolled her eyes, " Oh, it can't be that bad. "

" It could be, " Mr. Gold replied. He gave her the most earnest look he could muster, " It's nothing like our world out there. Even I was a bit overcome with everything at first. "

" But I've seen magic happen, " Belle looked down at their entwined fingers and sighed, " I think I can handle anything I see out there... if you're there with me. "

" I don't want to take any chances, my dear. Please just listen to me about this, " Mr. Gold said. He really was scared for her safety but he was more afraid of how she would feel when she found out he had almost killed her father. It was something he knew would not go over well with her.

Belle was silent for long moment then sighed, " Fine but as soon as you think I'm well enough, I want to look for him. "

" It is for the best, believe me, " Mr. Gold gave her hand a squeeze. He furrowed his brow when she pulled her hand away from his and stood up. " Where are you going? You've barely touched your food. "

" I've had enough, " Belle said quietly. " I have a book I want to finish before lunch. "

Mr. Gold nodded once, " As you wish my dear. I will be in my office if you need anything at all. "

Belle left the kitchen and Mr. Gold got up, stacking the dirty dishes together and picking them up. He walked to the sink and set them down in it. He then looked out the window over the sink, pondering how Belle really felt about him and how it would change if she ever found out about the depth of his relationship with Emma.

Emma pulled up to the bed and breakfast. She grabbed the storybook out of the front seat of the beetle before getting out of the car and heading inside. She went to August's room, preparing herself for the sight of him. After the purple cloud had vanished, she went to find out if he had come back to life and found an even stranger sight than watching him turn to wood.

He was alive again but in a different way, the way he had been before The Blue Fairy had changed him into a real boy. He had explained to Emma how he had been carved from an enchanted tree, the tree's magic returning when Mr. Gold brought the magic back to Storybrooke. The unpredictable nature of the magic had left him as wood but he was alive. Emma was happy for the small miracle but didn't know how the rest of the town would feel.

August was uncertain as well, staying locked up in his room at the bed and breakfast. Granny and Ruby understood, remembering Geppetto's son from before the curse, keeping him there free of charge. He hadn't mustered up the courage to go see his father though, still a little ashamed for abandoning Emma. Emma still wasn't sure how to feel about the situation but she was going to deal with it the best she could because she had no other choice it seemed.

She knocked on the door, waiting for him to answer. The door opened just a bit, a carved wooden eye appearing in the tiny crack. " Oh hey Emma. What are you doing here? "

" I need to ask you about the book, " Emma held it up. " I need to know what stories you've put in it while you've been here. "

" I see, " August said. He shut the door, fumbled with the chain then opened the door again. " Come in. "

Emma walked in, glancing at the human sized living puppet that had been a man only a few days before. " I need to know. "

August looked at her, " About what stories I added or why? "

" Both, " Emma put the book down on the bed. " I know you put stories in there. You admitted you put YOUR story in there. Did you put any others? "

August walked to the bed, " A few. "

" Like which ones? " Emma arched an eyebrow.

August sighed, " A couple more. "

" Damn it, August. Stop being so damn vague and just tell me, " Emma was getting impatient.

August stood there for a long moment before he spoke, " I added 'The Golden Bird' and a few about... "

Emma didn't like the way his voice trailed off, " Rumplestiltskin? "

August nodded, " Yeah. "

" And they're true? " Emma arched an eyebrow.

August nodded. He cocked his head to the side, " What are you asking? Did something else happen between you two? "

Emma shook her head then frowned, " Belle's back. "

" Belle? " August sounded surprised. " As in his long lost love Belle? "

Emma nodded, " Yes. "

" Oh Emma, " August moved towards her, putting his wooden arms around her. The hug felt strange but she needed it. She needed someone to care about the way she felt. She couldn't tell Mary-Margret now she remembered. It would have just been plain awkward to tell her mother she had slept with Rumpelstiltskin.

In fact, the only other person that knew of the encounter was the puppet man that was holding her. " I'm so sorry. "

" It's okay, " Emma sighed though it wasn't. " I just have to deal with it I guess. I mean, he didn't know she was still alive. "

" No, " August said. " Regina had him convinced she wasn't. "

" But how? " Emma leaned back and looked at him. " He's supposed to be clairvoyant... "

August sighed, " Sometimes magic can block that. How do you think he didn't know about me for so long? "

" I thought it was because you weren't around much, " Emma said.

August chuckled, " Nope. The Blue Fairy's enchantment protected me. I suspect Regina's magic blocked him from seeing Belle was still alive. "

Emma sighed, " I don't understand anything about magic at all. I have so much to learn. "

" You do, " August took his arms from Emma. " Perhaps you need to see someone who can help you. "

Emma frowned, " Someone's offered to help already. "

August looked at her, " Don't tell me. "

" Yeah, " Emma nodded. " He said he was the only one who could. "

" I doubt that, " August scoffed. " You need to go see someone else. He could be trying to screw you over again. "

Emma sighed, " That's what I'm afraid of but I'm more afraid... "

" Afraid of what? " August asked.

Emma backed away a couple of steps, " I'm afraid that Belle's return could have something to do with Regina trying to harm him. "

" And where did you get this idea? " August asked.

Emma sat down on the bed, " It's a long story. "

August sat down next to her, " I'm willing to listen. "