Once Upon A Time: The Devil's Next Step, Part Nine
By Rebekkalee Mouri-Hibiki
Emma removed her jacket as she watched Belle move around the kitchen. She was gathering the things she needed to make them something to eat. Alston had left a lunch prepared but she insisted on not touching it, saying she wanted to make something for Emma. She recalled that Belle had done everything for Mr. Gold in The Enchanted Forest, including the cooking so she knew she was capable of preparing a meal.
She watched Belle for a long moment as she pondered the unfamiliar appliances before she got up, going to her side. " Need a hand? " Emma asked as playfully as she could muster. She was still tired but it seemed to be lessening with each passing moment. It was like she was recovering her strength all on her own in spite of the fact she wasn't really resting.
Belle smiled nervously, " Oh no. I can't let you. You need to rest after all you've done to help Rumplestiltskin out there. "
Emma furrowed her brow, wondering what Belle meant by that. She hadn't even told her that she had healed Mr. Gold's leg or any of it yet. " What makes you say that? " Emma asked just to see what Belle would say. Her police instincts were kicking in, deciding to listen to see if Belle would back herself into a corner.
Belle blinked, " Well, it looks like you did a lot from what I can tell. It must not have been easy to get him on the couch and then... tend to his wounds. "
" I did do a lot, " Emma replied. " It wasn't easy. "
" I guess not, " Belle said. She furrowed her brow, " What happened to cause so much blood? "
Emma decided not to share the tidbit about the shards. She wasn't sure Belle would understand and something inside of her kept telling her not to. Emma sighed, " I really don't know. That's the way I found him. "
" Oh, " Belle gave her a queer look. It was like she was expecting a different answer.
Emma shrugged, " Maybe he tried to heal his leg and something went wrong. We won't know until he comes back around. "
" So he wasn't awake when you came in? " Belle asked, her tone still puzzled.
Emma shook her head, " No. He was passed out cold. "
" Oh, " Belle nodded. She looked sad and worried... almost too sad and worried, like she was putting on a front. Emma hoped she was just seeing things but it still seemed a little put on.
Emma placed her right hand on Belle's shoulder, her left still kind of bloody and needing to be washed. She sighed, " He'll be fine. Let's just eat lunch, okay? "
Belle nodded then looked at the stove, " I think I'll wait to learn how to use this. Perhaps we can get something cold and eat something warm once he wakes up. "
Emma smiled, " Sounds like a good idea. Why don't you throw something together and I'll go wash my hands. "
Belle motioned to the sink, " Can't you do it here? "
Emma chuckled, " I have a couple of other things to take care of besides my hands. Besides that, I don't think Gold would appreciate blood in the kitchen sink. "
Belle blinked then smiled, " Oh. I guess he wouldn't. Go on then. "
" I'll be right back, " Emma said and walked out of the kitchen. She went through the living room, stopping to check on Mr. Gold. He was still passed out on the couch. She decided to clear away the bloody towels and take them to the bathroom with her.
She wadded the still damp towels up and looked towards the stairs. Belle would be busy in the kitchen for a few minutes and something was nagging at Emma's mind. Quietly and carefully, she climbed the stairs. She went to the upstairs bathroom first, laying the towels over the side of the tub before washing her hands.
She looked up to see what state she was in and frowned, finding no mirror. Her mind had been somewhere else in the downstairs bathroom but she had absently noticed the one down there was gone as well. She realized that Mr. Gold had probably taken them out as a way to keep Regina's prying eyes from looking in on him. She made a mental note to check with the hospital to see if Sidney was still there, pretty sure he wouldn't be.
Once she washed her hands, she dried them. Her eyes went to the door that led to Belle's room, the reason she had come upstairs in the first place. She set the hand towel down on the sink and went to the door. The last time she had tried it, it had been locked so she was surprised when the knob turned easily.
She pushed the door open slowly, poking her head in and surveying the room before going in. She then slipped inside, closing the door behind her. Belle's room was tidy, her bed made and a few of her things on the nightstand. There was a silver brush and some pretty hairpins, probably gifts from Mr. Gold.
She then looked around the room, finding it was like the rest of the house and furnished nicely with expensive looking antiques. A dressing table sat across from the bed next to a huge picture window but the table top was empty save for an expensive looking lace table cover. She then walked over to what she assumed was the closet, opening it and finding she was correct. Eight dresses hung in there, mostly the same style but different patterns.
Belle was wearing one that was robin's egg blue with a full skirt, something Emma realized though she hadn't really paid attention to it when she first came downstairs. She closed the closet door, moving along to the dresser that sat next to it. She opened the top drawer, finding it had some underwear in it so she shut it because wasn't going to go through that.
She opened the next drawer, finding it empty. The next two were as well. Belle really hadn't been there long enough to amass much so Emma didn't find it strange. She took one last look around the room, still unable to spot anything suspicious.
Her intuition was telling her there had to be something there though. She sighed, walking over to the bed and flipped back the covers. She found nothing yet her instinct still nagged at her. She flipped the pillows only to come up empty handed once again.
She put everything back the way she found it before plopping down on the edge of the bed and putting her head in her hands. Something about Belle wasn't sitting right with her and the longer she was around her, the more the feeling grew. As she stared down at the floor beneath her feet, she thought about looking under the bed. It was the only place she hadn't examined.
She got up before getting on her knees, shoving the comforter and bed skirt up. She reached her arm underneath, patting around with her hand until it landed on something cold and metal. She wrapped her fingers around it, pulling it out. She found it was a small silver hand mirror, just the right size to fit in a pocket.
Emma clutched it in her hand, staring at it and pondering why it was stashed under the bed. As she held it, she could feel it had dark magic in it, the power it exuded sending a cold chill running through her. She could only thing of one reason for Belle to have such a thing, a feeling of nausea washing over her. The surface shimmered, a shape taking form in the glass.
She panicked, slamming it against the corner of the bedside table and shattering the glass before dropping it in the floor. A puff of black fog rose from the shards, vanishing almost as soon as it appeared. Emma blinked, looking towards the door then back at the remnants of the mirror. She quickly darted back to the bathroom, getting the hand towel from where she had left it.
She went back into the bedroom, getting on her knees before collecting the remnants on the mirror. When all the pieces were securely wrapped in the cloth, she got to her feet and left the room. She walked out into the hallway, scanning the first floor to make sure Belle wasn't there. She saw no sign of her and quickly descended the stairs, scooting to the downstairs bathroom.
She decided to hide the broken mirror there until she could show it to Mr. Gold. She went into the bathroom, closing and locking the door behind her. She went to the medicine cabinet but frowned when she found it was too small to use as a hiding place if she kept the mirror pieces wrapped. She then looked down at the basin, still bloody from when she had been there earlier.
She knelt down, opening the cabinet beneath it and stashing the bundle behind the pipes. She closed the doors, standing up and leaning on the basin, breathing for what felt like the first time since she found the mirror. She willed herself to try to act like nothing had happened. She still needed Belle to think she was clueless.
She was almost ready to leave when there was a knock at the door. " Emma? " It was Belle. " Is everything alright? "
" Yeah, " Emma called. " I just had a hard time finding some soap. "
" Oh, " Belle replied. " Do I need to bring you some? "
" No, " Emma called back as she turned on the tap. " I found some. "
" Okay, " Belle said. " I made some salads for us. I hope you don't mind. "
Emma sighed, " That's fine. I'll be out in a minute. "
" I'll be in the kitchen, " Belle said.
Emma listened as she walked away, sighing and hoping she could act normally in light of her discovery...
Mr. Gold took a deep breath, his eyes fluttering open as he regained consciousness. It took him a few moments to get his bearings before he realized he was still on the couch. Everything came rushing back to him in a flood, remembering how Emma had suddenly shown up and he had guided her in healing him. He got his arms under him and pushed himself up, looking down at his leg as his sore muscles made him grimace.
He found the bottom three quarters of his right pant leg was gone, the limb bandaged. He wasn't surprised that Emma had taken care of him after he had passed out. He expected nothing less from her regardless of the way she seemed to be feeling about him. He leaned back against the arm of the couch, his mind going to the things he felt when they were connected.
He knew she was confused about everything that had been happening but he hadn't realized how hurt she was by Belle's return. She was feeling rejected by him from what he had sensed but that wasn't the case at all. He still cared for her deeply but hadn't gotten the chance to tell her. They were never alone long enough for them to discuss anything and he needed to say something before everything was lost.
He couldn't afford to lose her for Regina would never be defeated if he did. He had other reasons as well but those he would keep to himself for now. He didn't need to bombard her with such things when she already had so much on her plate. There would be time for that later.
He looked around the room, trying to see if he was alone or if Emma was there, waiting for him to waken. He could sense her presence but it was stronger than before, like something had amplified it. He closed his eyes, trying to see exactly where she was at and if his clairvoyance had been completely restored. The image formed and he saw she was sitting in the kitchen with Belle.
They were talking and eating, looking like they were getting along. He opened his eyes, feeling a little relieved. If they were indeed being friendly towards each other, things would be a little less difficult. He sighed, deciding he needed to let them know he was awake.
He rolled on his side, reaching for his cane. It was where it had fallen earlier and within his reach so he grabbed it. He put it on the floor as he put his left hand on the back of the couch, moving slowly to sit up. He hissed because every muscle in his body was sore and the wounds on his leg still throbbed dully.
What had happened left him that way though it wouldn't last for long. He would heal faster since the shards had been removed. He had felt a hindrance to his power ever since bringing the magic back and he was now certain the pieces of the enchanted prison were to blame. He took a deep breath, rising from the couch slowly as his muscles again protested even the smallest movement.
He turned carefully then limped his way to the foyer before making his way to the dining room. It took a bit of time to get through it but he reached the kitchen door, the sound of the two women talking making him smirk a bit. He listened for a moment, finding they were talking about nothing really. It seemed Emma was telling some story from her time as a bounty hunter as Belle listened, gasping at some of the more exciting things.
" Oh yeah, " Emma sounded like she was winding down the story. " That one was pretty interesting. I broke down the door and there this guy was, eating a pizza and totally shocked to see me. He took off running and tripped over his own feet. "
" So it's safe to say he was easy to catch? " Belle asked.
Emma chuckled, " Yeah. He knocked himself out on a wall because of the way he tripped. "
" Oh dear, " Belle gasped. " Was he alright? "
" He was fine, " Emma replied. " He just had a really big headache when he woke up in jail. "
" It stands to reason, " Belle said then there was silence for a long moment. It was broken when Belle said, " Um, Emma? "
" What? " Emma sounded like she had just taken a bite of food.
Belle took a deep breath before she quietly asked, " Are you really good at finding people? "
Emma paused, the sound of a fork being set down reaching Mr. Gold's ears. She sighed, " I suppose so. If I have enough information, I can find anyone. "
" I don't know if I have enough but there's someone I really would like to find, " Belle spoke carefully.
Mr. Gold frowned, ~On that still, are we? ~
Emma didn't reply quickly, like she was thinking it over. He heard the sound of a dish being pushed away before Emma said, " And who would that be? "
Belle hesitated, Mr. Gold was sure she was playing with her fingers and not looking at Emma. It was a bad habit she had developed and he was certain her captivity was to blame. Finally, he heard her say, " My father. "
He heard Emma sigh before she replied, " I wouldn't even know where to start looking for him, Belle. "
Mr. Gold had been holding his breath waiting for the answer but he let it out, relieved Emma answered the way he had hoped she would. She knew the ramifications if Belle found her father and found out what he had done. She would hate him for it and probably leave, making her an easy target for Regina to capture again.
He had lost her once because of his selfishness and felt terrible for what she had to endure as a result. She still hadn't told him what had happened during her incarceration but he wagered it was just as bad as his. Belle spoke again and brought him out of his thoughts.
" Perhaps you could take me into town and drive me around so I can look? " She sounded so hopeful, it was almost heartbreaking.
" I can't, " Emma replied. " It would take too much time. "
As he stood there listening, Mr. Gold could feel his strength slowly returning. His accelerated healing rate had kicked in, his muscles becoming less sore and the wounds on his leg throbbing less. He decided to step in before Belle could think of pleading any more with Emma. He knew she wouldn't relent and probably become agitated when Belle didn't take 'no' for an answer.
" But you have to, " Belle began but stopped when Emma looked towards the door as he walked through it. She looked as well, her eyes growing wide. " Rumplestiltskin! You're up, " She gasped and got to her feet.
Emma stood up as well, " You shouldn't be up. Your leg... "
" I had to make sure you hadn't deserted me, my dear, " Mr. Gold said. " After all, I did wake up alone. "
" You need to be resting, " Emma said sharply.
" I will, " Mr. Gold leaned a bit heavily on his cane to make it look like he was worse than he really was. Belle and Emma looked a bit unsure of his words as they glanced at each other then back at him. He wasn't going to share the fact he was healing as they spoke. He felt like he needed to keep that to himself, for a little bit anyway.
Emma took a step to come around the table, " Well then let's get you some place you can. You shouldn't be on your leg after... after what happened. "
Mr. Gold nodded, giving her a look he hoped she would understand. He quirked his mouth, " Perhaps you are right, my dear. Do you care to help me upstairs so I can get cleaned up and go to bed for a while? "
Emma blinked then nodded, looking like she understood, " Sure. I'll give you a hand. "
" Let me, " Belle spoke up. " I should be helping him. You've done enough. "
Mr. Gold looked at Belle, " No offense but I believe Emma is a better choice for this task. "
Belle looked like her feelings were hurt, " But why? " Her voice had a bit of whine to it.
" Because Emma is strong and she's helped me before. She knows what she's doing, " Mr. Gold said.
Belle's frown deepened, " But if you tell me how... "
" It still won't make you strong enough to handle me correctly, " Mr. Gold cut her off. " You could hurt yourself and I do not want that to happen. "
Belle's shoulders slumped, " I suppose you do have a point. "
" Please believe me this is for your own good, " Mr. Gold gave her a tender look. He saw that Emma noticed, a bit of hurt creeping into her eyes. He then looked at her, " Come, my dear. The sooner we do this the better. I don't know how much longer I can remain upright. "
Emma nodded, " Right. Let's go. "
Belle took a step back, " I'll clear the dishes and I'll go finish up my book then. "
Mr. Gold waited for Emma to reach him, offering his left arm to her. " I'm still a bit unsteady. Do you mind helping me walk? "
" No, " Emma said quickly. She still looked hurt and confused but she took his arm regardless. She clasped his hand in hers, " Ready? "
He nodded, " Yes. "
" Then come on, " Emma said quietly and they started walking out through the dining room.
As they left the dining room and came to the foyer, he could sense her becoming tense. He gave her hand a squeeze and leaned into her ear, " What's wrong? " He whispered, his breath on her ear making her shiver though it felt like she was trying to fight it.
Emma looked over her shoulder before looking back at him. She leaned into him and whispered, " Can we take a little detour? "
" A detour? To where? " He furrowed his brow.
" The downstairs bathroom, " Emma replied. " I have something in there I need to show you. "
He was still puzzled, " What do you have in there? "
" Can you just come with me and I'll show it to you, " Emma said. " I think it's important. "
Mr. Gold sighed, " Alright. "
They walked through the living room then to the hall that led to where they were going. Emma opened the door and they stepped into the small bathroom. Mr. Gold frowned when his eyes went to the sink, " Why is there blood all over the basin? "
Emma held her left hand up, " The shards cut my fingers when they came out but they cut you too so I'm not sure how much of that is mine and how much of that is yours. "
Mr. Gold looked at the bandaged fingers then at Emma, " Take one of the bandages off. I need to see something. "
" What? " Emma looked confused by the request. " I'll have to let you go. You said... "
" Do it, " Mr. Gold let go of her hand. " I need to see something. "
Emma frowned, " We're wasting time but okay. "
Mr. Gold watched as she peeled the bloody band aid off her index finger to find the finger wasn't injured at all. " You said your fingers were cut. "
Emma stared in disbelief. She then ripped the other band aids off, finding the other fingers were healed as well. She looked at him, " They were. "
Mr. Gold quirked his mouth, " I think we exchanged blood during the process. Tell me, were you tired just a little while ago but now feel better? "
Emma nodded slowly, " But... "
" There was a small chance of that happening, " Mr. Gold replied. " It seems that you've gained the ability to heal quickly. It's a good thing, Emma. "
" So are you healing fast? " Emma arched an eyebrow.
Mr. Gold nodded, " I am. I should be right as rain soon. "
Emma looked at her hand again then back at him. She looked like she was about to get angry then shook her head, " We can talk about it later. I still need to show you what I found. "
" And what's that? " Mr. Gold asked.
Emma bent down and rummaged around in the cabinet under the sink for a second before coming up with a wadded up hand towel. " I need to show you this. "
" A hand towel? " Mr. Gold arched an eyebrow.
Emma narrowed her eyes, " No. What's inside of it. "
" Hurry please. What is it? " Mr. Gold said firmly.
Emma unwrapped the towel, revealing a hand mirror. She looked at him, her eyes wide as she breathed, " This. "
" A hand mirror? " Mr. Gold furrowed his brow.
" Yes, " Emma nodded. " I found it... "
" Where? " Mr. Gold asked sharply.
Emma pointed up, " In Belle's room. Under her bed. "
Mr. Gold gasped and leaned against the wall to his right, placing his left hand on it to support himself. He looked at the floor for a long moment then at Emma, " Perhaps Jasmine missed it when I had her take the others out? "
" No, " Emma shook her head. She picked up the backing to reveal several shards of broken black glass. She looked at them, " I touched the mirror and it began to shimmer. I smashed it against the bedside table before anything could happen. "
Mr. Gold stared at the shards then muttered, " Then what happened? "
Emma's hands shook just slightly, " A puff of black fog came up from it and vanished. "
Mr. Gold doubled up his left hand into a fist and slammed it into the wall, growling. He hit the wall several more times, plaster cracking and falling off in great hunks to reveal the wood beneath. He would have kept on but Emma grabbed his arm, stopping him cold. He snapped out of the emotions that had seized him, discovering his knuckles were bleeding and the exposed wood had bloodstains on it.
" Stop this now! " Emma gripped his arm firmly. " Haven't you scared me enough today without this too? "
The frightened look in Emma's eyes was as good as a slap to the face. He had never seen anyone so scared in his entire life and that said a lot. He frowned, leaning his cane against the wall before covering his injured hand with his right. He summoned up enough power to heal the cuts on his knuckles, the dark purple energy leaving them looking like he had never touched the wall.
" I'm so sorry... it's just... I... How could she do this? " He stammered as he took up his cane again.
Emma sighed, " I don't know. Did she behave like this back then? "
" Sneaky and deceiving? I would say not, " Mr. Gold replied. All the strange little moments of the past few days came rushing back to him. The way she always would stay away from him, the frequent naps, the running away and her flat out strange behavior all began to make sense.
He thought that perhaps being locked away for so long had somehow affected her and given her the benefit of the doubt. He now felt foolish for doing so. He narrowed his eyes as the only possible answer came to his mind, " I believe someone has been trying to take advantage of one of my weak spots. "
" I was afraid of that from the start, " Emma said quietly. " I've felt strange about her since we first met. Nothing about her felt... right. "
Mr. Gold was shocked at her admission, his jaw dropping open slightly. " And you've said nothing? " He could do nothing to hide his disbelief.
" I've had nothing concrete until now, " Emma motioned to where she had sat the mirror down on the edge of the basin, probably when he was punching the wall. " I was scared you would say I was being jealous of Belle. "
" I would have listened to you, " Mr. Gold said quietly though he would have said what Emma feared he would without the proof. He frowned, " Do you think I think so little of you? "
" After the way you've been to me these last few days, I didn't know what to think, " Emma said, her voice cracking as tears came to her eyes. She sobbed, " I thought you didn't want me any more. "
Mr. Gold brought up his left hand, reaching for Emma. She startled when he brushed her cheek with his fingertips. He then cradled her cheek in his palm, " This situation left me confused and I was trying to figure out how to handle it. I'm sorry if you felt that way. "
Emma leaned into his touch, her tears falling on his hand as she closed her eyes. " How do you think I've felt? I thought... "
" I know how you've felt, " Mr. Gold cut her off gently. " I felt it when we were connected. "
Emma opened her eyes, narrowing them as she did. She looked a little displeased as she said, " You looked into my mind while you had me in that trance? "
" I couldn't help it. It just happened. I felt the way you've been feeling and I can't even begin to express how sorry I am, " He said quietly. " I never meant to hurt you that way. "
" Then why did you refuse to help me with Henry if you didn't want to hurt me? " Emma said, anger creeping into her voice. He recalled how hurt she had been when he said he wouldn't take the case. It was the morning after they had spent the night together. She was still emotional and raw, something he sensed when they spoke but he couldn't let that get in the way of what was necessary.
" Because, " Mr. Gold started then stopped. He was silently debating whether or not to tell her about August and just what details he would share.
" Because why? " Emma asked. " After everything we've been through together, why? "
Mr. Gold sighed, taking his hand from her face. He looked at the floor, deciding the some of the truth would be the best. " You know how I told you I had a son but I lost him? "
Emma looked confused, " What does that have to do with this? "
" A lot," Mr. Gold replied sharply. " Are you going to listen? "
" I am, " Emma nodded once.
" Someone came to me, pretending to be my son but it was a trick. I was a fool and fell for it, almost like I fell for this. It could have been a dangerous situation but I managed to get the upper hand and diffuse it, " Mr. Gold explained. He looked her in the eye, " It was the night before you came to apologize to me. "
Emma gasped, " You mean the night before we... "
" Yes, " Mr. Gold nodded. He gave Emma a look he knew would convey his feelings. " The confrontation left me feeling hopeless, emotionally stripped and alone. It was the reason I stayed home that day. "
" Oh, " Emma breathed. He could tell she had more questions by the look in her eyes but was grateful she left them unasked.
" I just needed some time to regroup myself. I felt like the most pathetic, unforgivable creature on the face of the earth. I felt lower than dust, " He said quietly, the truth hurting him as he spoke it. He then looked deeper into her eyes as he said, " Then you showed up. "
Emma stood there, absorbing the information. He could see it in her eyes as it sunk in. She looked down at the floor, " That's why you needed me so bad that night. "
" Indeed, " Mr. Gold murmured, nodding slightly. " I needed someone to prove to me I was wanted and not alone. I needed someone who knew what it was like... to have no one. "
" And that was me, " Emma murmured.
" Yes, " Mr. Gold said the word so low, he didn't know if Emma heard it. He wanted to tell her that she had been a shining beacon of hope for him and restored his confidence but the words stuck in his throat. He thought it was for the best though, not wanting to overwhelm her with too much all at once.
She looked up from the floor and right into his eyes, " So you refused my case based on what you had just been through? "
" It was among the reasons, yes. Though I left it unsaid, it did affect my decision, " He sighed. " I didn't want to see you go through that kind of pain and I certainly did not want to put Henry through it. "
More tears started running down Emma's face and she covered it with her hands. " Why didn't you just come right out and say that? " She sobbed, her voice muffled.
He moved forward, sliding his left arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. He held her tight and kissed her temple before whispering, " Because I didn't know how to tell you then... and you were so determined, I knew you wouldn't listen if I did. "
They stood there for a long moment, Emma crying as he held her. He was relieved he had finally got the chance to let her know how he felt or at least some of it. He eased her away, giving her a little smile when her tear soaked eyes met his, " I think we've been here a little too long. We're supposed to be upstairs. "
Emma nodded, bringing her hands up to wipe away her tears. She then looked towards the door before looking at him with a very serious expression, " What do we do about her? "
" I believe one good turn deserves another, " Mr. Gold replied. He quirked his mouth, " It seems she was trying to fool us so now we should try to fool her. "
" But how? " Emma said.
" Take me upstairs and we shall discuss it there, " Mr. Gold said. He tugged at his jacket, " I would really like to get cleaned up. "
" Alright, " Emma nodded. She looked at the broken mirror, " What should we do with this? "
Mr. Gold frowned, " We shall hide it somewhere much safer than here. Re-wrap it. "
" Where? " Emma furrowed her brow as she picked it up and folded the towel back around it.
Mr. Gold took it and tucked it inside of his jacket, " I'll show you in a little bit. We need to go before Belle gets suspicious. "
" Okay, " Emma said, reaching for the door. She furrowed her brow when he stopped her. " What? "
He offered her his arm, " I'm severely injured, remember? "
" Right, " Emma took his hand in hers as she opened the door. They left the bathroom cautiously, keeping an eye out for Belle. When he decided it was clear, he nudged Emma and they went to the stairs. They scaled them quickly, most of his injures pretty much healed.
When they neared Belle's room, he stopped. " What's wrong? " Emma whispered.
" Let's move slowly from here, " Mr. Gold replied. He motioned to Belle's door, " You know, in case. "
Emma nodded, the two of them slowly walking down the rest of the hallway. When they reached his bedroom door, Emma opened it and they went inside.