Once Upon A Time: The Devil's Next Step, Part Five
By Rebekkalee Mouri-Hibiki
(This chapter refers back to the first stories in this series so if you haven't read them, I suggest you do.)
Emma drove down Main Street, keeping her eyes open for any sign of Belle. August sat in the passenger seat, looking out for her as well. She turned down 3rd Avenue, driving slowly as she approached Moe French's flower shop. August looked at her when they stopped, " Game Of Thorns? Why are we at a flower shop? "
" Yeah, " Emma said. " I'll explain later but Gold thinks she might be heading here. "
" Why's that? " August arched an eyebrow.
" I said I'd explain later, " Emma narrowed her eyes. " Once I'm done with you. "
August blinked, " You mean we weren't finished? "
" Oh no, " Emma scoffed. " Far from it. "
August frowned, " Oh. Thanks for the warning. "
" Watch the car, " Emma said. " I won't be gone long... I hope. "
" Gotcha, " August nodded. " I'll keep an eye out for Belle. "
Emma opened the door and stepped out of the car, scanning the street and the sidewalk. When she saw no sign of the woman, she walked around the front of the car and stepped up onto the sidewalk. She walked to the shop, pushing the front door open. A cowbell tied to the door announced her arrival, Moe French coming out of a back room.
" Sheriff Swan, " He blinked. He looked rather puzzled as he said, " What brings you here? "
Emma blinked, unsure of how to approach the situation. She couldn't flat out tell him his daughter was looking for him. He had probably fallen victim to the same lie as Mr. Gold, possibly believing Belle was long deceased. She had made no mention of ever returning home when she told her story of life after leaving Rumpelstiltskin's castle so it was quite possible.
" Uh, " Emma remembered he was under house arrest, only able to leave for work. She motioned to his ankle monitor, " We got a signal at the station that you were in an unauthorized place. "
" I've been here since five this morning, making arrangements, " Moe looked confused. " Perhaps the way the town is now is interfering with the signal. "
" Could be, " Emma nodded. She looked around, " So are you doing okay? "
" I could be better, " Moe scoffed. " Still trying to figure out how Mr. Gold got away with practically killing me while I'm a prisoner in my own house and shop. "
Emma didn't like the disdainful look he was giving her. Word had spread quite fast after Mr. Gold's probation was cut short because of the things she had said in her reports and she was sure Moe had not been happy about it. Emma didn't know how the information got out but was sure it had something to do with Regina and her never ending attempts to make her feel like an inadequate sheriff. The people that mattered to her still trusted her so that was good enough for her.
" It's quite funny how justice works these days, " Moe said sourly. " Don't you agree? "
" I just arrest people, Mr. French. What happens afterward is out of my hands, " Emma replied.
Moe's frown deepened, " Is that so? "
" It is, " Emma desperately wanted to change the subject so she did. " Have you had any visitors today? "
Moe shook his head, " I just barely got the shop open half an hour ago. You're the first person to come through that door. Not that I get much business here anyway. It's mostly deliveries and I had to hire someone to do that. "
" I see, " Emma nodded. " I'm going to need to take a look around. "
" Why? " Moe blinked again. " Do you think I'm hiding something? "
" No. It's procedure, " Emma said. " I have to do it even if it's a false alarm. "
Moe frowned, " Fine then. There's not much to the shop so it won't take long. "
Emma walked behind the counter. It was small and tidy with a receipt book next to a telephone. A cash register was at the other end. The walls of the shop were lined with empty vases, some with bouquets and each one of the arrangements had a tag hanging off of them with a number.
A chart hung behind the register that had number that corresponded to the numbers on the tags. Emma motioned to the bouquets. " Are these orders waiting to go out? "
" Yes, " Moe nodded. " I begin taking orders at seven am. I'm waiting for my driver to get here so I can start sending them out. They stay in water until they're about to go out the door. "
" Ah, " Emma nodded. " Interesting. "
It was indeed a small shop and nothing looked suspicious. She then went to the open door that led to the back room. Bundles of flowers lined the walls, waiting to be arranged and a half finished bouquet lay on the work table. She glanced at Moe, " Any storage rooms? "
" No, " Moe shook his head. " What you see here is my entire stock. "
" I see, " Emma then walked to a heavy looking metal back door. " This leads to the alley? "
Moe nodded, " And the dumpster. "
Emma tried the door, finding it was locked. " Can you open this? "
" Certainly, " Moe grabbed a ring of keys that hung next to the door. He plucked one out of the bunch and unlocked the deadbolt. He then pushed the door open for Emma. She poked her head out and looked both way, seeing nothing to raise any alarms.
She sighed, " Well I guess I'm finished now. I'll let your probation officer know your ankle bracelet malfunctioned when I report this. "
" Please, " Moe said. " I honestly didn't go anywhere. "
Emma nodded once, " I'll take your word for it. I have to go now. "
" Good day then Sheriff, " Moe said.
" Same to you, " Emma said and left the shop. She walked back to the police cruiser and got in. She put on her seat belt and looked at August. " She's not here. "
" I figured that much, " August said. " So what's the plan? "
Emma sighed, " I guess drive around until I find her. "
" Sounds like fun, " August smiled.
" Oh yeah, " Emma sighed. " Loads. "
Mr. Gold sat in front of the fireplace, trying to concentrate on Belle and her whereabouts. Frederick was looking in the woods and he was certain Emma was doing her best in town. He couldn't sit idly by and not do anything though. He stared into the flames, focusing on them in hopes an image would appear.
He hadn't used his clairvoyant powers since bringing back the magic and hoped they would be stronger with the added help. He took a deep breath and cleared his mind of every other thought than those of Belle. He frowned, thinking of how she had been behaving. It was obvious she was unhappy but he could fix anything unless she told him how.
He did have his limits though. She couldn't ask him to give up his magic or stop seeing Emma. The future depended heavily on their continued partnership, something that could be easily jeopardized unless great care was exercised. Perhaps once the final battle was finished, he and Belle could continue where they had left off and see where it would go.
As he concentrated, a weak image did begin to form. It was of Belle in the yard and she was sneaking out through the side gate, the sky still dark as if it were night or the wee hours of the morning. He felt troubled that he had not sensed her leaving when his intuition was usually so strong. He pondered it for a few moments, wondering if it was because of his troubled attachment to her.
He then thought back to how he had believed Regina when she said Belle was dead. It was another time he could not sense her, leading to take Regina's words as the truth. He didn't dwell on the thoughts long for it was making the image in the fire almost vanish and it was vital he saw where she had gone once she fled through the side gate.
He refocused, another vision coming together through the flames. It was Belle as she walked down the road, using a flashlight to light her way. As she walked, a black older model car approached, pulling alongside of her. He couldn't quite make out the model or type in the darkness for the headlights were turned off.
It stopped and she began talking to the driver. Mr. Gold concentrated harder, trying to get a glimpse of the person behind the wheel. He hoped to see an identifying piece of jewelry or clothing. Just as he thought the vision was getting a little clearer, the phone in the corner of the room began to rang.
" Damn it! " He shouted as the vision vanished. He got to his feet, grabbing his cane before walking to the phone. He picked it up, trying to sound calm as he said, " Hello? "
" It's me, boss. I don't see any sign of her anywhere, " It was Frederick.
Mr. Gold frowned, " Not a trace? "
" No, " Frederick said. " I've checked everywhere. I've even checked the ditches. "
Mr. Gold sighed. He had sent Frederick out long before he called Emma to pitch in so it was possible he had looked everywhere as he said. He shut his eyes, " Fine then. Go into town and help Sheriff Swan look for her. Don't let her know you're helping though. If you find her, I will let her know and if she finds her, let me know. "
" Right boss, " Frederick said and hung up.
Mr. Gold hung up the phone and looked back at the fire, deciding he was just too anxious to get anything accomplished. It was a strange feeling since he was normally so calm but he decided it had to be because of his deep seated feelings for the stubborn girl that had cursed his heart so many years before. " Mr. Gold? " Alston had come into the living room unnoticed.
Mr. Gold didn't look at him as he said, " What is it? "
" What do you wish to have for dinner tonight? " Alston asked.
" Anything will be fine, " Mr. Gold replied, still not looking at him. He couldn't think of food at that moment. Belle and her safety dominated his mind as did the hope that Emma would find her unharmed.
" And how many will there be here for dinner tonight? " Alston almost hesitated to ask.
Mr. Gold thought for a long moment then quirked his mouth, " Three. "
" Very well, sir, " Alston said.
Mr. Gold listened as Alston walked back to the kitchen. Once the chef was gone, Mr. Gold walked to the foyer, going to the front door and staring out, hoping Emma was having better luck than Frederick had...
Emma had driven circles around the town center, making sure to go down every cross street and connecting alleyway she could think of with no luck at all. She glanced at August, who was turned away from her as he looked at every person he could see. She still wasn't finished talking to him but finding Belle was much more important at that moment.
She still couldn't believe Belle would put herself in so much danger so soon after escaping from being imprisoned. Regina was bound to know and not be happy about it. There was also the little matter of not knowing who was still on Regina's side. After all, she did have an army at her disposal before the curse struck.
Emma wasn't sure if she had a royal court besides but people with power always seemed to have a group of groveling brown-nosers close at hand. She then wondered what had become of Sidney once the curse had broken. The court had suggested a psychiatric evaluation and he had been sent to Storybrooke Hospital for rehab shortly before August had driven her to the woods. She was beginning to wonder if there was some other plan at work since it seemed Regina liked to stick people in there as an impromptu dungeon.
" Emma!" August put his gloved hand on her shoulder. " There she is. "
Emma turned and looked, finding Belle was walking along the storefronts. She had on a mingled colored coat, a kind of reddish tweedy thing with a hood and a grayish-blue lining. Under it, she wore a pretty yet simple black checkered dress with a square neck, the pattern almost matching the shirt Mr. Gold had on the first time Emma ever met him.
Emma felt that was an odd thing to think about at the time and found it even more strange she remembered it at all. It was the only time she had ever seen him in anything but a dark color. She pushed the thought away as she slowly followed Belle as she walked down the sidewalk. She was looking at the ground as she walked, seemingly unaware that she was being watched.
" Cross street, " August said as he pointed to the corner they were approaching. " Quick. Cut her off. "
" I'm on it, " Emma said as she sped up and turned so Belle's path would be blocked. She threw the car into park and jumped out, speed walking up to Belle as she neared the corner. " Hey. I've been looking for you, " She said when she was close enough to touch her.
Belle looked up and blinked, " You. Why are you looking for me? "
" I'm the sheriff, remember? Who did you think Gold would call when he found you were missing? " Emma said.
Belle frowned, " Tell him I'm not going back there. "
Emma frowned in return, " You know I can't do that. "
" Why? Because he controls you? " Belle said sharply.
" Nobody controls me, " Emma said firmly. " I'm doing this because... "
" Because? Because why? " Belle arched an eyebrow. " Can't think of a reason besides what I just said? "
Emma narrowed her eyes. She had lots of reasons, most of which she didn't want to share because they were personal and some because she didn't fully trust Belle. It was just too hinky how she had just showed up... to her anyway. " It's my job as sheriff to look for missing people and runaways. "
" Right, " Belle sounded skeptical. " I'm sure that's all it is. "
" Hey, " Emma said. " If you have a problem with me then tell me. "
Belle frowned, " I do. "
" Care to tell me why? " Emma arched an eyebrow.
" I think you know, " Belle said, her voice trembling just slightly. " You're ruining everything. "
Emma scoffed, " What am I ruining? "
People had began to stop, looking at the two women curiously. Emma became aware of it and grabbed Belle by the arm. " What are you doing? " She said sharply.
" We need to take care of this in private. Come to the car, " Emma tugged Belle along. She was shocked at how delicate she felt as she pulled her along to the car. August got out, grabbing the back passenger side door and opening it as Emma neared the car.
" I'm not going anywhere with you! " Belle pulled back, her sudden surge of strength surprising Emma.
Emma turned to face her, " You aren't safe out here. We need to go before... "
Belle pulled her arm loose from Emma's grip and slapped her across the face. She let out a surprised squeak when Emma seized her again, " Let me go! "
Emma used her free hand to get her handcuffs, " Not now. You just assaulted a police officer so I'm putting you under arrest. August, a hand if you can lend it. "
August came over, taking Belle by the shoulders, " Sorry about this but you really shouldn't have done that. "
Belle looked up in his face, her defiant glare quickly becoming one of dumbfounded shock. " Oh my God. What are you? " She whispered as Emma cuffed her. " You're made of... wood. "
" Ah, we can talk about that later, " August sighed. He looked at Emma, " Got her? "
" Yeah. Help me get her into the car, " Emma sighed.
August nodded, taking Belle by her right arm as Emma took her by the left. They walked her to the car and put her in the back. They then got in, Belle glaring at Emma, " So are you taking me back to Rumplestiltskin? "
Emma frowned, " Not yet. I want to talk to you "
" I have nothing to say to you, " Belle said quietly.
Emma looked at her in the mirror as she shifted the car into gear, " I have plenty to say to you... and a few things I think I need to clear up. "
" You can't keep me here forever, " Belle said sourly. Emma had been kind enough not to put her in the cell, taking into consideration her long imprisonment. She had, however, pushed the couch up against the bars of the cell and handcuffed her there in a way that allowed her to sit comfortably.
" I don't intend to, " Emma was sitting at the deputy desk. She had dropped August off at the bed and breakfast after Belle refused to answer any questions in the car in front of him. Emma acquiesced for he had nothing to do with the issues the two women needed to work out. Besides that, Belle seemed a bit shaken by the sight of human-sized living puppet.
" Then how long? " Belle glared at her.
" Just until I find out what's going on and why you think you should hate me, " Emma said. " I don't remember giving you a reason to. "
" You've given me reason enough, " Belle frowned.
" Have I? " Emma arched an eyebrow. " Do you care to explain? "
Belle sighed, " What are you to Rumpelstiltskin? I mean, really. "
" What I am to him? " Emma didn't know if she could answer that question. She was still unsure of how he felt about her. What was more, she didn't know what he had told her.
She couldn't tell her everything they had been through and everything he had done for her. Anyone who hadn't been involved first hand would assume the wrong things and maybe some right ones. She was sure he wouldn't have shared anything too intimate for that was something they hadn't even discussed with each other. He had mentioned it briefly but it wasn't the conversation she wanted to have with him about it.
With Belle around, she was sure she would have to wait for that talk. She wanted to know why he had broken down like he had, almost begging when he asked her to stay. Until that moment, he would back off before anything got too intense. However that night, the way he sounded as he asked... it made Emma's want for him explode within her and she agreed.
She pushed the thoughts down as they strayed to the way he had made love to her, her body starting to get hot. It was as if he were seeking something, something he tried to find each time they had done the deed. She shut her eyes, taking a few deep breaths to get a hold on herself. Just thinking about it made her feel like it was happening all over again and she couldn't have that.
" Are you alright? " Belle asked. " You're not answering my question. "
Emma forced her eyes open, " I'm fine. Just thinking about something. "
" About what? " Belle's tone was sharp.
" Your question, " Emma replied. " It's not easy to answer. Perhaps you could tell me what he's told you and I can elaborate. "
" He's told me very little, " Belle replied. She rattled the handcuffs then looked at Emma again, " How long are you going to keep me shackled? "
" Until I'm sure you aren't going to try to escape, " Emma said. " Now, tell me what he's told you about me. "
Belle sighed and shifted on the seat, " He's told me you are The Savior and you will break Regina's curse. "
" That's true, " Emma sighed. " I didn't ask to be but it's what I'm supposed to do. "
" And he says that the two of you have to work together in order to do it, " Belle's tone let her know she didn't like the idea. " He has to help you learn to use your magic. "
Emma sighed, " Yeah well it looks that way. I tried to find some help somewhere else but he's the only one I can work with at this point. "
" Who did you go to? " Belle cocked her head to the side.
Emma quirked her mouth, unsure if she should answer the question at all. She leaned forward on the desk slightly, " It doesn't matter now. They couldn't help me. "
" Oh, " Belle's shoulders slumped a bit. " Why are you afraid to tell me? "
Emma sat back, " I'm not afraid. I just don't think it's important since they couldn't help me. "
" I see, " Belle replied. She thought a moment longer like she was thinking of something else. She looked Emma in the eyes, " He said you saved his life. "
Emma nodded once, " He was attacked and left for dead in the river. I pulled him out before he got hypothermia and he also had a concussion. The doctor at the hospital told me he could have died if I hadn't found him in time. "
Belle mulled it over, " He only told me of the concussion. You do know he is immortal, right? "
" I didn't then and apparently the doctor didn't either. His injuries would have been life threatening if he were an ordinary man. At the time, I thought he was, " Emma explained. In fact, she hadn't known his true identity or even that he remembered everything until recently. She had assumed he had been affected by the curse like everyone else in town.
" So he has told you very little about himself? " Belle arched an eyebrow.
" I know enough, " Emma said. She felt apprehension about telling Belle any more than that. She didn't think it would be wise to mention the book until she knew which team she was batting for. " He's rather private and I try not to pry too much. "
Belle let out a strained chuckled, " That he is. Even now, I know very little. Tell me, has he told you about his son? "
Emma nodded, " A little. Not a whole lot. Why? "
" What he has told me couldn't fit on the head of a pin, " Belle looked a bit sad as she spoke. She then looked at Emma again, " And what of his former lovers? "
Emma furrowed her brow. She knew of them but not a lot outside of the lies Regina had told her, trying to drive her away from Mr. Gold. " I know a bit but none of which he told me. I've heard it from... other sources. "
" I see, " Belle said. " He told me he had a wife once but said he had lost her. "
Emma recalled the story Regina had told her of how his first wife had hung herself. She remembered how he had been at the bridge when she took him out there to look for more evidence. Belle seemed like she didn't know as many details as she did though. Emma was fairly certain she didn't know the whole story either, just enough.
" That's about all I know too, " Emma replied. She leaned forward on the desk, " Like I said, he's very private and I try not to pry. He seems to have had a lot of painful things happen to him and he doesn't want to remember. I try to respect that. "
" Did he ever mention me to you? " Belle asked. " I mean, before that little incident we had in the garden. "
" Not really. Regina told me you were dead and had killed yourself because he threw you out, " Emma replied. She shook her head, " She made up this fantastic tale that I thought could have been true. "
" So he never told you of me? " Belle arched an eyebrow.
" Not a word until the other night, " Emma sighed.
Belle glanced down at the couch and sighed, " I see. "
" Is that all you want to ask me about him? " Emma asked.
Belle shook her head, " No. I have more questions. "
" Then I'd do my best to answer them, " Emma said. " But then you have to answer some of my questions. Do we have a deal? "
Belle blinked, " You sounded like him for a moment. "
Emma rolled her eyes, " That phrase isn't exclusive to him. "
" No, " Belle chuckled nervously again. " I guess it's not. "
" So what do you want to ask me? " Emma arched an eyebrow.
" He says you've been through a lot together recently. Do you care to explain what those things were? He refuses to tell me much more than that. "
Emma nodded, " We've had to work together on a few things, yes. Where would you like me to start? "
" At the beginning if you would, " Belle said.
Emma sat back in the chair, thinking back to the first time she ever worked with Mr. Gold. " He came to me because someone broke into his shop and stole a contract. I was still new in town and I had only met him once before that. "
" I see, " Belle nodded. " Why did the person steal the contract? "
Emma quirked her mouth, " It was about some merchandise. The person who agreed to sell it changed their mind. "
" What was it? " Belle seemed curious.
Emma frowned. She wasn't about to tell her Mr. Gold was trying to buy a baby to sell to someone else for a higher price. She sighed, " It was some merchandise. A high dollar item he was already making a deal to sell when the person reneged on the deal. I convinced him to let it go. "
" He doesn't usually break deals, " Belle said. " I know he made quite a few when we were together and he never broke a single one. How did you get him to do it? "
Emma shut her eyes, " I owe him a favor. I told him I'd do something for him if he just let that deal go. "
" Oh, " Belle said. " And what is this favor? "
" He hasn't called it in yet, " Emma said. She thought of the other deals she had made with him, deciding they were best kept to herself. Only God knew what Belle would think of her promises to take care of herself and provide companionship to Mr. Gold. She thought about companionship deal and wondered if it was even still valid.
Belle nodded once, " I see. What else have you worked with him on? "
Emma recalled it wasn't too long after the incident with Ashley he had helped her get elected to sheriff. He had taken advantage of her Regina-induced rage, showing her the loophole in the town charter that said she had a right to get promoted. She had never imagined the lengths he would go to make sure it would happen. She stood up to him at the debate, expecting she would lose but it had actually won her the election.
" He helped with getting me elected as sheriff , " Emma said finally. She decided Belle didn't need to know about how. She still wasn't for sure how well Belle thought she knew Mr. Gold.
Belle sighed, " Ah. He did, did he? How did you thank him? "
Emma went cold. She really hadn't thanked him. In fact, she had tried to avoid him as much as possible, rebuffing any attempt or offer he made to help. She had paid dearly for that, making herself look like a fool when she thought Sidney was her ally and Regina was taking funds from the town to build a new home.
" There was a lot going on, " Emma said. " I don't think I got the chance. "
" And after that? Did you work with him again? " Belle gave Emma a disapproving look when she admitted she hadn't thanked Mr. Gold. Emma didn't need it for Belle didn't know all the details.
" It was a while after that, " Emma said, glossing over the little event she was certain Mr. Gold didn't want Belle to know about. " He had a tenant that needed to be evicted but he was afraid to do it alone because the man was violent. "
" So he asked you to protect him? " Belle asked.
" Yes, " Emma said. " But he got shot at anyway. "
Belle gasped, " He was shot? "
" He got grazed, " Emma said. " It was close but he was alright. I was able to bandage it myself. "
" Oh my, " Belle whispered. " I guess it was good you were there for him. "
" I guess so, " Emma said. " The guy probably would have come in if I weren't there. "
" Was he caught right away? " Belle asked, looking anxious to hear the answer.
Emma sighed, " I had to stay with him at the summer house for a few days. The guy broke in on him there but I chased him off. "
" Oh my, " Belle whispered. " Then what happened? Did you catch him then? "
Emma shook her head, " We saw nothing of him the next night so we came up with a plan to trap him. You see, Mr. Gold was tired of playing cat and mouse with him. He has no patience for games unless they're his. "
" And so? Did his plan work? " Belle leaned closer as if to hear better. The handcuffs pulled so she scooted back a little.
Emma frowned, " Not the way I think he wanted it to. The guy got the jump on him and kidnapped him right out from under my nose. "
Belle covered her mouth with her unrestrained hand, " That was when he got injured, wasn't it? "
Emma nodded slowly, " Yeah. I'm not proud of it but I got there in what I thought was in time. "
" And you caught the man then? " Belle awaited Emma's answer with bated breath.
Emma shook her head, " I didn't need to. "
" You didn't need to? " Belle repeated. " He tried to kill Rumpelstiltskin and you says you didn't have to catch him? "
" Nope, " Emma said. " He thought Mr. Gold was dead so he hung himself from the toll bridge. "
Belle blinked, " So he's dead? "
" Yup, " Emma nodded. " And, after I got his side of the story for the police report, it was over. "
" Oh my, " Belle said. " It must have been very scary. "
" Not really, " Emma said. " Just annoying because he was so slippery. "
" Oh, " Belle said. She looked like she was thinking then furrowed her brow, " Is that all or is there more? "
Emma rolled her eyes, " So much more. "
" Are you going to tell me? " Belle looked curious.
" Depends, " Emma motioned to the handcuffs. " Do you think I can let you out of those? "
Belle looked at them then at Emma again, " Please? I promise to listen and not try to run out of here. "
Emma got up, getting her keys from her pocket. She got the handcuff key and walked over to the couch. She unlocked Belle, taking the cuffs and putting them back in the holder on her pants. She watched as Belle rubbed her wrist for a moment then said, " Would you like something to drink? "
" Water, please, " Belle sighed. " I'm a bit thirsty. "
" Coming right up, " Emma walked over to the water cooler. She grabbed one of the Styrofoam cups and got Belle some water. She got another cup for herself, filled it then turned around, " So can I ask you some questions now or do you still want to know what else has happened? "
Belle took the cup from Emma when she got to the couch. She took a sip of water as Emma sat down next to her. She swallowed then sighed, " I suppose I could answer some of your questions now. "
Emma took a drink of her water then thought for a long moment. She looked at Belle, " So just how long were you with him? "
Belle took another sip of water then sighed, " Two months or so. You know, when you don't go anywhere and stay locked up in a castle every single day, time tends to run together. "
" I bet, " Emma scoffed. " I'd go crazy. "
" Oh, there was plenty to do. He had lots of books that I would read when I wasn't working, " Belle chuckled a little. " I was never bored. "
" So what was it you did for him again? " Emma asked. She recalled the story had said she was his caretaker.
Belle put her right hand up and counted off on her fingers as she spoke. " I cooked, I cleaned, I did his laundry and I kept him company. "
" I see, " Emma nodded, feeling a pang of familiarity. He had asked her to keep him company as well. " Was he lonely? "
Belle chuckled again, the sound almost musical. " Oh yes but he wouldn't admit it. He just told me he was much too busy with other things to care for the castle besides but I could tell he was lonesome. "
Emma knew that was painfully true. She had always seen him going about his business by himself. No one in town ever spoke to him unless it was necessary. She never knew the gravity of the situation until she had spent time with him and realized just how alone he had been.
" What else was he like back then, " Emma motioned over her shoulder. " You know, back there. "
Belle took another drink of water then chewed her lip thoughtfully, as if she were deciding what to say. She sighed, " Very lonely and very sad. I feel it had to do a lot with his son but I could barely get him to talk more than a little about himself. We mostly talked about what chores needed to be completed for the day, when he'd be home from dealing and the books I was reading. "
" Did he ever open up finally? " Emma arched an eyebrow.
Belle sighed, " I asked him about his son and he told me he would tell me more about it if I went to town and fetched him some straw. "
" And then what happened? " Emma asked.
" He told you the other night at dinner, " Belle sighed. " I came back and that was when it all went awry. "
Emma nodded, recalling how the book had said she had kissed him and caused his curse to weaken but only briefly. She decided Belle had been tricked by Regina as some plot to disable Rumplestiltskin. True Love's Kiss could fix a lot of things but the book had said the only way for Rumplestiltskin's curse to be broken was to be killed with the dagger that bore his name. It was one of the stories August had put in the book unbeknownst to Emma until long after it had happened.
Belle then chewed her lip, " I really didn't know who that woman was but she spoke to me like she knew me. "
" Regina has that way about her, " Emma sighed. " She can look right into you and see what you're all about if you're not careful. "
" If I had known it were a trick, I would have never done it. I was just trying to make him normal again, " Belle said quietly. " All I wanted was for the curse to be gone and for him to be an ordinary man. I thought I had finally got my wish when I remembered everything but that didn't last long. "
" I guess not, " Emma said. She felt bad for Belle and not knowing the only way to rid Mr. Gold of his curse was to kill him. Regina had obviously taken advantage of that naivety probably to wreck Rumplestiltskin's happiness with Belle. She glanced at Belle again, wondering just how long that happiness could have lasted when she found out he couldn't be changed unless he was killed.
Belle sighed then looked at Emma, " So. I've told you my tale. I believe you have more to tell me? "
" Perhaps another time, my dear, " Mr. Gold's voice startled them both. He had engaged in his favorite hobby of slipping in unnoticed. He looked at Emma, " When were you going to call me and let me know she was alright? I've been worried sick. "
" I'm sorry, " Emma stood up. " We got to talking and time got away from us. "
Mr. Gold smiled a little bit, " Well I hope you ladies understand one another a bit better now. "
Belle stood up, " A bit. I wouldn't mind talking to her for a little longer. "
" Perhaps at the house, " Mr. Gold said. " Come. Frederick is waiting outside and I had Alston prepare enough dinner for three. "
" Three? " Belle furrowed her brow.
Emma balked at the idea. She didn't know if she could stand having dinner with him and suppress the things his presence did to her. The awkwardness would only be compounded by Belle sitting at the table with them. She scoffed and frowned, " What made you so sure I was going to come home with you? I have a family... "
" Who you can go home to after dinner, " Mr. Gold said. He then motioned to Belle, " And she did say she wanted to talk to you more. "
Emma growled. Mr. Gold was being his normal vexing self, something that annoyed her and relieved her at the same time. Her anger towards him was lessening but it was still there. " Fine, fine. I guess I'll go but I can't stay long. "
Belle looked at Emma, " Long enough for one more story? You need to tell me what happened after you saved his life. "
Mr. Gold arched an eyebrow, " So you've shared the story about Harold Durbin with her, have you? "
Emma nodded once, " Yeah. I did. "
" Well then, " Mr. Gold smiled. " She should find the one about Clarissa Clairemont just as fascinating. "