Once Upon A Time: The Devil's Next Step. Part Six
By Rebekkalee Mouri-Hibiki
Mr. Gold sat in the chair by the fire as Emma and Belle seemed to be winding down their conversation. They had talked for a lot longer than he had expected and hope it meant the two women were accepting each other. He had listened to their conversation, stepping in only when he felt it was necessary. Emma had explained everything they had been through together, omitting the things she knew would probably upset Belle.
Belle had listened intently, fascinated with it all and not interrupting Emma once. Emma sighed, " And so Kathryn was found alive and Mary-Margret was released from jail. It wasn't very long after that the curse was broke. At least it seems that way. "
" Oh my, " Belle glanced at Mr. Gold then looked at Emma again. " You and Rumplestiltskin HAVE been through a lot, haven't you? "
" Yes, my dear, " Mr. Gold nodded. " You can't help but to develop a bond with someone when you experience things like that together. "
Belle cocked her head to the side, " I guess it could breed friendship, couldn't it? "
Emma nodded, " Yes indeed. "
" Do you understand a bit better now, Belle? " Mr. Gold asked.
Belle thought it over then looked slightly remorseful. She cast her eyes to the floor, " I do. "
" So you will let us do what we have to do to defeat Regina? " Mr. Gold arched an eyebrow.
Belle nodded, " I will. "
" Good, " Mr. Gold smiled. " Now, you should get some rest. I'm sure you need it. "
Belle stifled a yawn and then sighed, " I do. "
" Then off to bed with you, " Mr. Gold said. " We can spend time together tomorrow, my dear. I will set everything aside just for you. "
Belle blushed a bit, " You don't have to set everything aside. Just come for a walk with me in the garden? "
" Sounds grand, " Mr. Gold nodded. " We'll talk about it over breakfast. "
" It's a date then, " Belle said as she stood up. She looked at Emma, " Goodnight, Miss Swan. "
" Goodnight to you too, " Emma replied. She looked like the word 'date' had shaken her a bit. Actually, it seemed the whole exchange had saddened her a bit. She was trying to hide it but he could sense her change in mood.
Belle then looked at Mr. Gold, giving him a tiny smile. " Goodnight, Rumplestiltskin. "
" Goodnight, my dear. Sleep well, " Mr. Gold replied gently.
Belle went to the stairs, giving him one last look before she climbed them. He watched her until she got to her room and closed the door. He sighed then looked at Emma, " Would you care to join me in the kitchen? "
Emma looked at the clock on the wall, " It's getting kind of late. I need to get home. "
" Don't you have a few moments to spare for me? " Mr. Gold looked at her. " There are just a few things I would like to discuss before you go. "
Emma blinked, looking like a startled animal for a brief second before she said, " I need to get home before Henry goes to bed though. I might wake him if I come in too late. "
" They sleep like rocks at his age, Emma. It would take much more than you coming home to wake him, I assure you, " Mr. Gold gave her a smile he hoped would sway her to stay long enough to ask her what he needed to.
Emma looked like she was thinking about it before leaning back against the couch, a bit of a defeated look on her face as she did. " You're right. You should see what it takes for Mary-Margret and I to get him up for school in the morning. "
" I bet it's quite amusing, " Mr. Gold replied. It took nothing short of a miracle to get Baelfire up when he was the same age. He stood up and walked to the couch. He put his hand out to her, " Come. I promise not to take too much more of your time. "
Emma eyed his hand but didn't take it. She still unsure about touching him in spite of the kiss he had given her. It was obvious she was confused about the whole situation and perhaps even his feelings for her. He want to clear some of that up but he had less delicate things to ask her. They would have to come first, and, if they had time, he wanted to find out if she was feeling what he sensed she was.
" As you wish, " He took a step back from the couch. He watched as Emma stood up then reached for her arm to guide her to the kitchen. She pulled away from him, letting him know she was not going to make getting close to her again easy. They began to walk towards the kitchen and he glanced at her, " Would you like anything to drink when we get there? "
" Nothing for me, " Emma replied. " I have to go to bed when I get home. I still go into the sheriff's office and try to do my job. "
" Ah, " Mr. Gold nodded. " A little something familiar in these unfamiliar times? "
Emma looked at him, frowning just slightly, " It's my job until someone says otherwise, Gold. "
" I see, " He sighed. He recalled that was why he spun so much... because it was familiar and comforting It was one thing he had retained from his life before. It gave him a sense of security and a way to keep in touch with his life before he gave it all up in a futile attempt to save Baelfire from the Ogres War.
They walked into the kitchen, Mr. Gold heading for the table but Emma balked slightly. He glanced at her, " I just want to talk. "
" You said it wouldn't be long, " Emma replied. " I would prefer to stand. "
" And I would prefer not to. My leg, " Mr. Gold motioned to it. It had not been the same since retrieving Kathryn from the mines and he feared he had injured it more. Once the magic had returned, he had tried to heal it but to no avail. Something was blocking it and he wasn't for sure what.
Emma frowned, " Fine. I'll sit. "
" Thank you, " Mr. Gold said as he pulled out a chair for her. " Sit. Please. "
Emma walked over and sat down. She watched him as he sat down as well. He leaned his cane against the table then looked her in the eye again. " Did you ask your mother about the wardrobe? "
" Yeah, " Emma said. " I did. "
" And? " Mr. Gold arched an eyebrow.
Emma took a deep breath, " I found out someone lied to her. "
" About? " Mr. Gold prodded gently.
" About how many people could go through, " Emma said quietly. " She was told one but there was enough magic for two. "
Mr. Gold nodded, " I see. So who was the second? "
" I was, " Emma said quietly. " August came through before I did. "
" Pinocchio was merely a child then, " Mr. Gold said. " He couldn't have done it under his own volition. He was encouraged by someone, I am sure. "
Emma nodded, " He was. "
" And it was his father? " Mr. Gold asked. He already knew it but he wanted to make sure Emma did too.
Emma sighed, " Yes. "
" And did your mother tell you who told her this lie about how many the wardrobe could hold? " Mr. Gold asked another question he knew the answer to.
" She said The Blue Fairy told her that, " Emma replied.
Mr. Gold quirked his mouth, " I see. "
" But The Blue Fairy told Geppetto not to send Pinocchio, " Emma said. " She told him it was important for my mother to come along with me but he ignored that. "
" Because he wanted to save his son, " Mr. Gold said. " I'm sure you've confronted all the parties involved at this point. "
" I haven't got to Marco yet, " Emma sighed. " I was going to confront him when you called me about Belle. "
" Oh, " Mr. Gold nodded. " So it was August's voice I heard in the background. "
" Yeah, " Emma nodded. " We were in the middle of a conversation when you called. "
Mr. Gold nodded once, " Well then. You still have one loose end to tie off. Do you know if August has seen his father since he reverted to being a puppet? "
Emma shook her head like he knew she would. Red had been keeping him updated on August and what he was doing. After all, the debt Granny and her owed him went much deeper than back rent. He was the one who made Red's cloak that kept her from turning into a wolf and, in return, they swore they would help him with anything he needed whenever he asked.
" I was going to take him to Marco and have him tell me his reasons why he thought it was the right thing to do, " Emma explained. " And have August tell him to his face that he made the wrong decision because August didn't keep his promise. "
Mr. Gold chuckled, " My, my. That would have been quite painful for the both of them. "
" It would have been nothing compared to what I've had to feel all these years not having a family, " Emma sounded a little bit more than hurt as she spoke. He could see tears pricking her eyes but she was fighting them. Her shoulders trembled slightly as he sensed her anger rising up.
" Calm down, " Mr. Gold reached for her hand but she pulled away.
" Why didn't you just tell me? " Emma glared at him. " Why did you make me go through this? Why did you make me have to tell Mary-Margret and hurt her as well? "
Mr. Gold quirked his mouth, " Because you just can't be told, my dear. You've proven it many times over. You need to see things for yourself. I didn't mean to cause you pain, just merely show you the truth since no one else would tell it to you. "
" But why? " Emma said sharply. " If you knew it would hurt me, why? "
" Because you needed to know, " Mr. Gold said. " And you need to know who you can trust. It is vital that your loyalties lie with the right people. "
Emma scoffed, " You mean that my loyalties lie with you. "
" It would be wise for you to trust me, " Mr. Gold nodded. " I am the only one who can help you learn to use your powers. "
" And you made sure of that, " Emma replied.
" No. Fate is responsible for that. We are the only two people with magic strong enough to combat Regina, " Mr. Gold said. " Things will become much easier if you just accept that now. "
Emma stood up, " I have to go. I can't continue this conversation right now. "
" I understand, " Mr. Gold said. She needed to go somewhere and cool off. He couldn't talk to her in the state she was in. Her confusion and anger would prevent him from getting answers to the other questions he had.
He wanted to know how she felt about the night they had shared but he decided it was better left alone. He would just have to ask her another time. She would be back, he knew this for sure. " Let me see you out. "
" I know the way, " Emma said and strode out the door.
Emma walked up the stairs to the apartment, walking slower as she neared the door to be as quiet as possible. She had stayed out much later than she had intended, time getting away from her as she and Belle talked. By the end of the evening, Belle had been filled in on most of the things that had happened before she returned. Emma hadn't given her every single detail of her and Mr. Gold's adventures, just the short versions.
She didn't need to know everything and seemed satisfied with what she was told. More importantly, she seemed to trust Emma just a bit more. To say she trusted her completely was stretching it but Emma felt she wouldn't be so against her being there. Mr. Gold had stayed quiet for most of their talk, only interjecting when he saw Belle needed a little more explanation than what Emma was offering.
Emma was still cautious though she had acted more friendly and relaxed. She couldn't shake the feeling there was something not quite right and she was determined to find out. She decided she would try to get closer to Belle, perhaps giving her the opportunity to either quell or confirm her fears. She wanted to be completely sure Mr. Gold was not falling into a trap with his long lost love as the lure.
Mr. Gold had asked her to stay for a little longer, saying he had a few questions for her. He had asked her what she had found out about the wardrobe, the conversation ending with her leaving because she had gotten too upset to keep talking. She could tell he had more questions but she needed to get away, to get her head back on straight. Doing so was impossible in his presence for all she could think about the night they had shared and how everything had gone horribly wrong.
She reached the door, taking a deep breath as she got her keys out. She unlocked the deadbolt then reached for the lock August had installed. She closed her eyes as she unlocked it, the slider opening without a sound. She sighed, opening the door just enough to slip inside.
She did and closed door quietly, taking a look around to make sure no one was waiting up for her. Henry was fast asleep on the couch, a dropped comic book resting on his pillow and a quickly dimming flashlight clutched loosely in his left hand. Emma sighed, reach down gently and switched the flashlight off. She walked over to the kitchen table when she saw a note there, barely making out her name in the dim light coming from the nightlight next to the couch.
She picked it up, reading it. It was from Mary-Margret, telling Emma dinner was in the refrigerator if she was interested. Emma frowned, not hungry because she had eaten at Mr. Gold's. She walked to the fridge anyway, just to see what Mary-Margret had whipped up.
She opened the door, finding it had been baked chicken and veggies. Emma quirked her mouth, deciding to take it to work with her in the morning. If she ate it then Mary-Margret wouldn't be as disappointed or so she hoped. She closed the fridge door, startling when Mary-Margret spoke.
" So you made it home, " She said quietly. She had slipped out of her bedroom unnoticed.
" I... I had some things to take care of, " Emma whispered. " Go back to sleep. We can talk about it in the morning. "
" I want to talk about it now, " Mary-Margret tone was low but sharp. Emma turned to face her and found her standing there in her nightgown and robe, arms crossed over her chest. To say she didn't look pleased was an understatement.
Emma sighed, " I'm really tired. Can it wait until morning? "
" I have to go to work in the morning. You know that, " Mary-Margret said.
" So if we talk about it now, you won't get much sleep, " Emma pointed out.
Mary-Margret frowned, " Sitting up in bed being worried wasn't helping on that front. You could have at least called me and told me you were alright. "
" I know I should have but things... things just go away from me, " Emma sighed.
Mary-Margret continued to frown, " Next time you're going to be late, try to call. Every time you do this, I think something horrible has happened to you. My nerves are already frayed from knowing Regina is out there somewhere. I don't need you disappearing like this besides. "
" I swear I will call next time, " Emma sighed. " It's just I have so much going on. "
Mary-Margret Looked over Emma's shoulder before looking at Emma again, " Let's go out in the hall. "
" What? " Emma blinked.
" I said let's go out in the hall, " Mary-Margret walked to the door and began unlocking it.
Emma looked over her shoulder, finding Henry had woke up and was watching their conversation in rapt attention. He frowned when Mary-Margret opened the door. Emma sighed, " Go to sleep. You have school in the morning. "
Henry sighed, " Alright. "
Emma waited for him to lay back down before following Mary-Margret out to the hall. She shut the door behind Emma then pointed to the stairs, " Sit. "
Emma rolled her eyes, feeling like an errant child more than a grown woman. She took a seat on the stairs, Mary-Margret sitting down next to her. " Alright, we're alone. What do you want to know? "
" Are you out there trying to find out who lied to me? " Mary-Margret asked. " Is that why you didn't come home? "
Emma nodded for it was partly the truth. She still needed to finish her discussion with August and then confront Geppetto. " I'm getting pretty close. I'll let you know as soon as I do. "
Mary-Margret sighed, " Then I guess it's okay. I'd love to know who did it and why. "
" I know, " Emma said. " It's just taking so much time. "
Mary-Margret frowned then looked at Emma, " You haven't run into Mr. Gold out there, have you? "
Emma blinked. There was so much she couldn't tell her mother and it was mounting by the day, " Uh. No. His shop's been closed since that purple cloud vanished, "
" I know, " Mary-Margret said. She grabbed Emma's hands in hers and looked her in the eyes, " I just want you to promise me you'll be on your guard. I know things were getting pretty serious between the two of you. "
Emma frowned, " Not that serious. "
" But he might want to continue, " Mary-Margret said. " You're supposed to be very powerful now and he might try to take advantage of that for his own purposes. Please stay away from him... he can be very convincing. "
" I don't know where he is, " Emma chuckled nervously, trying to act like she was telling the truth.
" But if he does pop up you need to resist, " Mary-Margret said. " He's not Mr. Gold anymore. "
" Okay, " Emma nodded. She hated to lie but she couldn't walk away. Trying to get help from The Blue Fairy had proven that much. She needed to stick with it and try to trust him in spite of the way she felt about him.
" Promise me, " Mary-Margret pleaded. " Promise me you'll be on your guard if he asks you to come back to him. Say it. "
" I promise, I swear, " Emma felt a pang of guilt at the words as soon as they passed her lips. It would be a promise she'd have to break if Regina were to be defeated. She just hoped Mary-Margret could forgive her for breaking it if she ever found out.
" Alright, " Mary-Margret said. She looked at the door to the apartment. " I think we'd better get back inside. We can talk more about this tomorrow evening. "
Emma nodded, " Okay. I'll try to be home so we can. "
" Please? " Mary-Margret sounded like she was pleading still. " If you don't find that person by dinner time tomorrow, just come home. "
" I'll do my best, " Emma sighed.
Mr. Gold walked upstairs, heading for his bedroom. Belle had went to bed shortly before Emma had left but he had opted to stay up for just a little while longer and talk to her. Once she was gone, he sat in the living room by himself for a bit. He needed to think about where to start with Emma's training.
He decided to start with teaching her to focus her power without his help. He would have to help at first but she would be able to do it on her own. Her power was strong enough that he knew it wouldn't take long. After deciding that, he made sure all the necessary things were in the basement.
No one else knew of it and he had been working on it for years. In fact, the whole summer house had been prepared to be Emma's training grounds long before she had come to Storybrooke. The basement was reenforced and equipped for magic, filled with objects that would help her focus her powers. They were all things he had harvested from the ruins of his estate, which had taken years to recollect.
He had to do it slowly, sifting through it all in the dead of night and only when he was certain Regina was not watching him. The things that were of use to him but not Emma ended up in his shop and his house in town. The most powerful things though had been stored in the basement, awaiting the days when they would be used. That time was soon approaching and the final battle would soon follow.
He stopped at Belle's door, reaching for the knob to look in on her. He was sure she was tired from her little foray into the outside world. He barely touched the carved cast iron handle when he thought he heard her voice. He pressed his ear to the door, listening.
She suddenly fell quiet and he frowned. ~Perhaps she was just talking in her sleep, ~ He thought to himself, backing away from the door. He took one last glance at it before heading to his bedroom...
Emma woke up to the sound of someone knocking at the front door. She opened her eyes, looking for the clock. It said it was well past nine. " Crap, " She muttered, jumping out of bed. The knocking came again and she growled before shouting, " Coming! "
Emma looked down at herself. She was wearing an almost too tight tank top, no bra and loose rumpled shorts that barely came to her thighs. She straightened herself out as she walked to the stairs and went down. The person on the other side of the door was getting impatient, the knocking becoming more rapid.
Emma flung the door open, blushing furiously when she found Mr. Gold standing on the other side of the door. She moved her mouth like a fish out of water for a moment before stammering, " Gold. What are you doing here? "
" You missed our appointment, " Mr. Gold said, his eyes raking her from head to toe as a devilish grin spread across his lips. " It appears you overslept. "
Emma pushed the door closed enough so she could hide behind it. Just the sight of him set her aflame with want. She knew from the look in his eyes, she had done the same to him. " Just wait a minute. Let me get some clothes on. "
" So shy, " He murmured huskily. His eyes smoldered a bit as he said, " You forget I've seen you in less... MUCH less. "
Emma's blushed deepened and her lust heightened, knowing he was right. She opened the door again, letting him in. A thought occurred to her and she looked at him as she shut the door. " Where's Belle? "
" Frederick's looking after her, " Mr. Gold said. " No need to worry. She won't be making any more escapes. "
" I see, " Emma found something strange in the way he made his statement. It made her wonder just exactly what made him so sure of himself.
" Are you cold, my dear? " He asked, his eyes going to her chest. A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth as he stared for a moment. He then looked her in the eyes, " It appears you are. "
Emma looked down, finding her nipples were poking out against her shirt, leaving little to the imagination. It wasn't like Mr. Gold needed his imagination though. He had seen them and done a few other things to them besides look at them. " Uh, I'll go change. "
" Alright, my dear. If you insist, " Mr. Gold looked her over again as he began to take off his coat. " I'll be right here. "
Emma scooted over to the stairs, climbing them quickly. She was moving so quickly, she caught her toes on the middle step and fell up the stairs, slamming her right shin into the concrete. She fell forward, hissing in pain. She panted as she rolled onto her ass and surveyed the damage.
" Are you alright? " Mr. Gold walked up to the bottom of the stairs, looking up at her. His eyes went right to her shin, and he frowned, " Oh my. You're bleeding. "
" Really? " Emma said, the stinging pain still making her grit her teeth. " I hadn't noticed. "
Mr. Gold put his cane in his left hand, putting his right on the rail. He moved slowly, coming to her as quickly as he could. " Let me take a look. "
" I'm fine, " Emma tried to scoot up to the next step but hissed in pain again. She knew at that moment her shin was more than just scraped.
" Your leg is swelling and turning purple, " Mr. Gold said grimly. " I believe it's broken. "
" Then I need to get to a hospital. I need some frozen peas from the freezer and my phone too, " Emma panicked, her mind going into auto-pilot as she thought of her first aid training. She couldn't afford to be injured, not with Regina lurking in the shadows and probably waiting to strike the moment she showed any weakness.
" Ah, ah. Shh, " Mr. Gold shushed her, taking a seat on the step two down from her. He glanced at her as he removed the glove from his right hand. " I can take care of that right here. "
" It's BROKEN, " Emma said sharply. " How the HELL can you take care of it right here? "
Mr. Gold smirked, obviously not bothered by her shouting. He looked her in the eyes and said, " Like this. "
Emma's eyes grew wide as his hand began to glow with a dark purple energy, something like the cloud that had swallowed the town. She watched as he touched her shin, the energy from his hand spreading across the injury. She felt her skin crackle with electricity as her magic responded and worked with his. She could feel the bones knitting back together and the skin mending itself.
The energy built within her, caressing her from the inside out and exciting her in spite of herself. She was still not sure of anything and she couldn't allow herself to feel the things she was feeling. She wanted him to ravish her right there on the stairs, to make up for the long days it had been since they had made love. The energy that flowed through and from her wasn't helping her fight the feelings, only enhancing them.
She bit her lip as the magic built to a crescendo that she knew would shatter her. He was barely even touching her and it was like he had his hands all over her. Just when she thought she couldn't take any more, he removed his hand. She slumped against the steps, gasping for air and numbly aware he was examining his handiwork.
" There, " He said. " Healed. "
Emma forced herself up to look, finding her leg was indeed healed. There was no evidence whatsoever it had been hurt at all. She wasn't even going to have a bruise from the fall. " That's was amazing, " She was still gasping as she spoke.
Mr. Gold smiled, " Did that get you a little worked up? "
" I've never felt anything like it, " Emma stammered.
" Don't bother, " Mr. Gold moved so he was on the same step as her. He flicked her hair out of her face, catching the lock between his fingers and caressing it. " When I connected with you, I could feel your thoughts. "
Emma was surprised she had any blood left in her body she blushed so deeply. " I couldn't control my mind. I was overcome. "
" Shh, " Mr. Gold shushed her. " The more excuses you make, the more I know it's the truth. "
Emma shivered inwardly as he ran his fingers along her cheek before tilting her head back and taking her lips in a deep kiss. They tasted each other for a long moment before he pulled back, moving his hand from her face and down until it rested on her stomach. He took her lips in his again as he slid his hand under her shirt, sliding it upward until he covered her breast with his hand...
" Ah!" Emma gasped as she sat up straight in bed. She opened her eyes, looking around the room in confusion for a second before realizing it was all a dream. She fell back on the bed, panting. It was like he had been there with her but she was alone.
" Emma? " Henry's voice reached her ears. " Are you okay? "
Emma pulled the comforter up to her chin, afraid he would come upstairs and see her in the state she was in, " I... I just had a bad dream. "
" Oh. Well, it's six forty-five. Shouldn't you be up anyway? " Henry still hadn't come upstairs and for that she was grateful. He was probably finishing up his homework at the last minute like he was prone to doing.
Emma closed her eyes and sighed. He was right. " Uh yeah. I'll be down in a little bit. Save me some breakfast. "
" Is Emma awake? " Mary-Margret's voice drifted up from downstairs.
" Yeah, " Henry said. " She just cried out but she said she was having a bad dream. "
Emma rolled her eyes. Kids could be such blabber mouths sometimes. " I'm fine, Henry! "
" Are you? " Mary-Margret sounded concerned.
" Yes! " Emma threw the comforter off and got out of bed. She looked at herself, frowning at the outfit she wore. It was the same as in the dream. She went to the dresser and got out another shirt, pulling it on over the tank top before getting some yoga pants and putting them on over her skimpy shorts.
She decided she was decent and went down. The second her feet hit the first floor, her eyes locked with Mary-Margret's. She blinked at her disheveled state, " Wow. You did have a rough dream. "
Emma rolled her eyes, " I must have been something I ate. Coffee? "
" Brewing, " Mary-Margret motioned over her shoulder. She dished up some breakfast for Emma, placing the plate on the bar. " So, what are you doing today? "
Emma frowned, glancing at Henry. Her assumption had been correct and he was working on what appeared to be math problems. She then looked at Mary-Margret again, " I'm going to check in at the police station and see if anything is going on then I have to take care of that thing I'm working on. "
Mary-Margret nodded, seeming to understand what Emma meant. " I see. Will you be home for dinner? "
" I'll tr... " Emma let the word trail off when Mary-Margret gave her a disapproving look. She sighed, " I will. "
" Good, " Mary-Margret nodded.
" Good morning everyone, " David walked in. He was dressed for work in a blue casual shirt and dark jeans. He looked around at everyone, a half grin coming to his lips. " Damn. I have such a beautiful family. "
" David! " Mary-Margret scolded. " Watch your mouth in front of Henry. "
" I couldn't help it, " He smiled at her before walking over and scooping her up in a hug. " I just feel so... lucky when I look at all of you. "
Emma smirked, wishing she could share in the happiness that filled the room. All she could think about was Regina and if she was using Belle for some diabolical purpose. She couldn't allow herself to relax until... Well, she didn't know when she'd be able to relax. It certainly wouldn't be any time soon.
She cocked her head to the side and looked at her father, " Hey, uh, David? "
David blinked, looking at her. " Yes? "
" I was wondering if maybe you could give me a few sword fighting lessons, " Emma said. " You know, in case I need them. "
David smiled broadly, " I'm sure I can't teach you too much more. You killed a dragon. "
" Well, " Emma sighed. " It was just a lucky shot. I was terrible otherwise. "
" Sure then, " David nodded. " Maybe this weekend. "
Emma nodded, " Okay. "
" Can you teach me too? " Henry looked between them.
" Finish your homework and get a good grade then we'll see, " David said, ruffling Henry's hair.
Mary-Margret pulled away from David, going to the coffee maker and pouring Emma a mug. She set it on the bar with Emma's breakfast, giving her a very stern, maternal look. " Sit. Eat your breakfast before it gets cold. "
Emma walked to the bar and took a seat, " Yes, ma'am. "
" Belle? " Mr. Gold knocked on her bedroom door. " Are you awake, my dear? "
There was no answer and he felt a wave of panic. He tried to push it down, telling himself she was still sleeping. She was usually an early riser but she had tired herself greatly with her little adventure. He knocked again, still not getting an answer.
He reached for the knob, turning it and finding it was unlocked. He sighed, pushing the door open. His relief was short-lived when he found the bed made and empty. She always told him when she was awake so he was puzzled to not find her.
He went to the large picture window and looked out across the backyard, frowning when he did not see her wandering through the flowers, her nose buried deep in a book. He could barely see the side gate from the window but it was closed. That was no assurance to him though. She could have gotten smart and closed it behind her instead of leaving it wide open.
He walked out of the room as quickly as he could, deciding he would search the house. Surely she wouldn't try to pull the same stunt two days in a row, would she? He walked to the other guest room, opening the door and finding it empty. He then doubled back, going to the bathroom and looking in there.
There was no sign of Belle there either, her things neatly arranged on one side of the sink. Mr. Gold looked up at the place where the mirror used to be before he had all of them taken out. With Regina on the loose, he didn't want to take any chances. He turned and left the bathroom, deciding to check the downstairs next.
He walked down, taking a turn towards the wing of the house that contained the guest bathroom, his study and his office. The study contained all of his books, the ones he had been lending to Belle. She was reading a book a day but he had been getting them for her. He had hidden the entrance for the secret basement behind one of the bookcases and he didn't want her wandering in and getting hurt by seeing all the magical things he had gathered there.
He opened the door, sighing when he found her there, standing on a ladder and pondering book titles at the bookcase just to the left of the secret entrance. He walked into the room and said, " Oh good. I found you. "
She startled then looked over her shoulder at him, smiling sheepishly. She stammered, " I... I finished 'Jane Eyre' and wanted to read something else. "
" You could have just asked, " Mr. Gold walked over as she descended the ladder. " It's dangerous for you to climb ladders alone and in your state, even more so. "
Belle rolled her eyes, " Oh, Rumplestiltskin. I'm alright. "
" No, " Mr. Gold sighed. " You had quite a big adventure yesterday. I'm sure you are weak from all that walking you did. "
" But I ate and rested well last night. I feel much better, " Belle replied, a little grin tugging at her lips. She batted her eyelashes at him and smiled coyly. " It's sweet you're worried. "
Mr. Gold gave her a tiny smile, " Of course I worry. Please, next time just ask me for a book. I'll get anything you want. "
Belle sighed, " Alright. "
He looked at the bookcase, quirking his mouth, " Anything particular in mind? "
Belle smiled, " Something fantastic. "