Once Upon A Time: The Devil's Next Step, Part Ten
By Rebekkalee Mouri-Hibiki
Emma leaned against one of the windows in of Mr. Gold's bedroom, waiting as he took his shower. By the time they had reached the room, he insisted he was completely healed and could manage taking care of himself. He told Emma to wait for him, assuring her they would talk more once he was done. As she stood there, her mind went to what had just happened in the downstairs bathroom.
He had finally talked to her about the night they spent together, helping her make a little more sense out of it. She could tell he was seeking something each time they had made love, just like it seemed she was looking for something as well. Being with him was like drug, the more she touched him the more she craved him. Even after feeling so betrayed by him, she still hungered for his touch and could often feel it if she thought about it hard enough.
She had wondered if he had felt the same about her and his words made her think that perhaps he did. She had always been told that opposites attracted one another but he seemed to be more like her than any other lover she had been with. He knew her pain and understood the things she had been through, something she was beginning to see more clearly each time he let a little bit of himself show through. He had probably been more raw and genuine with he than he had been with anyone in a long time.
She contemplated if he had even ever been as open with Belle as he was with her. She thought of the way he wanted her not to mention certain things to Belle. She wasn't sure if it was him being deceitful or neglecting certain details he knew would hurt her. She didn't want to call it lying just yet but he was keeping the truth from Belle about so many things just like it seemed he was still keeping things from her as well.
Her mind then went to back to Belle and the revelation she had come to after her discovery. She couldn't believe the woman could be doing what she was doing all on her own, the mirror being proof of that. She wasn't sure if Belle had joined up with Regina willing or if she was being controlled. She wouldn't put it past Regina to do something so dastardly as take control of the only thing in the world Mr. Gold ever loved besides his son.
The thought of him loving Belle made her sad, not sure what she could call what they had. There was something there, an obvious attraction but she didn't want to call it love. She couldn't deny the things they had in common that bonded them together, the pain and need that it seemed only the other knew all too well. He understood her in ways that no other human ever had... if he could be called that.
She tilted her head back against the window, closing her eyes. Though her body felt like it had recovered, she was emotionally exhausted. So much had happened in so little time, it was all she could do to process it all. Normally, she could control her emotions but her grip on them at that moment was thready at best.
She was still lost in her thoughts when the bathroom door opened, startling her and she opened her eyes. She watched as Mr. Gold walked into the room, wearing a black terry cloth bathrobe. His hair was damp, looking like it had been towel dried and the ends curling slightly. His scent was fresh and intense, just like the night they had talked in front of the fire.
He still had his cane, something he said he would still need. Even though she had taken the shards out, the damage from the prison collapse would be permanent, just like his old war injury. He had been that way for too many years for anything to help it he had told her with a bit of sadness. She offered to help him with anything he needed but he insisted he didn't need it.
He told her that he was quite adept at caring for himself for he had been alone for so long. The thought made her sad but she acquiesced, telling him to call her if he needed anything. She had waited on pins and needles for him to call but he never did. That was when she let her mind go to all the things that had happened and tried to sort them out.
Her heart leapt when he looked towards her, feeling like it was stuck in her throat as it raced. Their eyes locked, making her mouth go dry. All of her feelings she had tried so hard to suppress broke through, sending a rush of heat through her veins, all of it filtering directly into her belly. Her fingers curled against the window sill she had been resting her hands on as she futilely tried to fight her feelings.
Her green lightweight sweater suddenly became stifling as did her jeans, her skin continuing to heat from having his eyes on her. He quirked his mouth, his eyes glinting with a bit of mischief, " Thinking about something, my dear? "
Emma nodded, searching for her voice. She opened her mouth, hoping her words wouldn't fail her. He could see she was a mess and seemed to be taking a bit of joy in it. " Uh, just what happened. "
" What happened when? " He approached her slowly, his eyes never leaving hers. His expression became a bit serious at that point. " Downstairs? "
Emma nodded again, " Yeah. "
" And have you though about how we are going to deal with Belle? " He arched an eyebrow.
" Yeah, " Emma said. She sighed.
Mr. Gold nodded, " Well I thought about it as well. Care to tell me what you think we should do about her? "
Emma blinked, unsure of what to say. She really hadn't thought of anything yet. She sighed, " I guess we just keep an eye on her and see what she does. "
" I was going to say the same thing, " Mr. Gold nodded. He went to a dresser next to the closet and took out a neatly folded set of black silk pajamas, which he carried to a small bench at the foot of the bed before laying them down. " I fear I was too quick to judge earlier. As I said, she did not behave in such a way back when we were together. "
" According to what I read, she wasn't like that at all, " Emma tried to recall the story to give herself something else to think about. It wasn't working, her mind only focused on the man in front of her. The thought of him being completely naked under his robe was not doing anything except wreaking havoc on her already fragile constitution.
" No. She was not, " Mr. Gold said firmly as he opened another drawer and pulled out a pair of black silk boxer shorts. They joined the pajamas before Mr. Gold turned his full attention back on Emma. " So it would lead me to believe that Regina has done something to gain control of her, change her in some way. "
" That stands to reason. I mean, she knew loved Belle, right? " Emma said, the words making her hurt a bit. For all she knew, he still did love her and just hadn't said it to her. He had loved her once and there was a chance he could love her again once she was freed from Regina's control.
Mr. Gold took a sharp breath then sighed, " Indeed she did. She used the mirrors in The Enchanted Forest to spy on everyone and I was not immune. I tried all kinds of spells to block her but the only thing that really worked was covering them up. They were covered most of the time but she knew enough to use it against me. "
" Most of the time? " Emma furrowed her brow.
Mr. Gold nodded, " Yes. She uncovered one early in her employment... before I took a shine to her. "
" Did you know she had done it? " Emma asked.
Mr. Gold nodded again, " I did. "
" How? " Emma was curious.
Mr. Gold chuckled, " She put the cloth back on backwards. She didn't realize it but I noticed it right away. "
" What did you do to her? " Emma was almost afraid to find out. After all, Rumplestiltskin had a reputation of being an amoral and cruel being. She wouldn't have put physical punishment past him and she already seen what he could do in a full blown rage.
" She spent a day in her room with only water to drink as punishment. I don't think she uncovered another one after that, " Mr. Gold said.
" Oh, " Emma said, a bit of relief washing over her. She had feared something much worse.
Mr. Gold quirked his mouth, " What did you think I did to her? "
Emma blinked, " Uh, I don't know. After what I've seen you do... "
" I don't hit women, " Mr. Gold said flatly. He smirked, " I wouldn't mind taking a swing at Regina though. "
" Did you tell Belle why you punished her so for such a little mistake? " Emma asked. She did think it was a bit harsh. She couldn't imagine such a thing happening to her.
" It wasn't a little mistake, " Mr. Gold said sharply. " She might as well have left the front door wide open and let Regina into the house. "
" Point taken, " Emma said. " But did you ever tell her? "
" No. It wasn't any of her business at the time, " Mr. Gold shook his head. " She assumed it was because I thought I was ugly and I let her believe that. Of course, I was very ugly. "
Emma furrowed her brow, " What? "
" You don't know how I looked before the Dark Curse changed me into this, " He sighed. He quirked his mouth and scoffed, " Perhaps you do... you've read the book. "
" I did, " Emma recalled the paintings from Henry's book. They had shown Rumplestiltskin as an ugly little man with rotten teeth, weird eyes and strange goldish green skin. As she looked at him, she could see some similar facial features but she didn't think he was as ugly as the book portrayed him. She took a deep breath, " So what you look like now is what you look liked before you became what the book showed you as? "
" More or less, " He shrugged his shoulders then cast his eyes to the floor. " Still not a handsome man but not a monster. "
" You're not that bad, " Emma said before she could stop the words from coming out.
Mr. Gold looked up from the floor and right into her eyes again, " What? "
" I said you're not that bad, " Emma tried to avoid his eyes but his stare was too intense.
A bit of a grin tugged at the corner of his mouth, " Thank you, my dear. But you don't have to say things to make me feel better. "
Emma frowned, " I'm not just saying that. "
Mr. Gold chuckled as he took a step towards her. He was close enough to touch if she were able to move, his scent and proximity making her dizzy. " If you say so, " He murmured, a quite tender look coming to his face as he leaned into her.
Emma's breath caught in her throat as he grazed past her lips, placing a tender kiss on her cheek. She was surprised at the chaste action when the look in his eyes had promised so much more. He placed his left hand on her right wrist, pinning it to the window sill as he pulled back. " What's wrong? " She whispered.
Mr. Gold sighed, looking rather sorry, " We can't take the risk of doing anything, even kiss. Not with Belle in the house. "
" If she weren't here, would you want to do more? " Emma asked. Her body was screaming for his touch but her mind was telling it to shut up. Why wasn't exactly clear to her yet but she knew there had to be a good reason.
" You'd already be under me, begging for mercy... or more, " He said huskily as his eyes smoldered with need. He then frowned and broke eye contact with her, " However, Regina cannot know that our relationship has become this deep in spite of our denials. It could put us both in more danger than either of us could imagine. She would find some way to use it against us. "
" But the mirror's broken. How can she tell Regina? " Emma implored. His suggestive comment was a like a match to gasoline, a new wave of heat and want washing over her body in spite of herself. She was surprised she had even heard the rest of the sentence the comment affected her so.
" Who's to say that was the only mirror she had? " Mr. Gold arched an eyebrow. " She could have given Belle another that is hid somewhere else. Or she could find out and get a new mirror to her somehow. "
Emma nodded, her want going down several notches at the sound of reason. She slumped in resignation, " You're right. "
" I know I am, " Mr. Gold said. " I never even kissed Belle before Regina used her against me. Imagine what she could do if she knew what happened between us? "
Emma sagged as he backed away, feeling like she had lost something even though he had made a point. The sad truth was they would have to be careful until the problem with Belle was solved. She felt a little sad, the thought of him going back to Belle once the problem was solved sending her down another dip on the emotional roller coaster she seemed trapped on. She had the uncontrollable urge to flee the room, to be alone until she got her head together.
A knock at the door made her thoughts stop cold. Mr. Gold was surprised as well, giving her a silencing look. There was another knock and Emma called out, " Yes? "
" Uh, " Belle finally said. Though her voice was muffled by the heavy door, Emma could hear her and so could Mr. Gold. " I hate to disturb you but I found something in the living room. I think it's a phone and it's been... buzzing. "
Mr. Gold looked at Emma, " I wonder how long she's been standing there? " He whispered.
" Hopefully not long, " Emma whispered back. They had been talking quietly the entire time so she hoped Belle hadn't heard their conversation. She put on the most serious face she could muster, " I need to get my phone. It could be important. "
" Let me get in the bed first. She needs to believe I'm incapacitated, " Mr. Gold replied as he backed up some more, letting her wrist go and reaching for the sash of his robe.
Emma pushed off the window sill, making it past him before he could untie it. She knew she would be ruined if she saw even one inch of his flesh beneath the garment. She waited for the sound of the robe falling to the floor, the cane tapping lightly against the bedside table and the covers being pulled back. She resisted looking over her shoulder as she asked, " Ready? "
" Yes, " Mr. Gold replied.
Emma walked to the door, unlocking it before she opened it. She pulled it open just wide enough to look out and see Belle, " How many times has it rang? "
" A few, " Belle held it out lamely. She looked a bit bewildered. " I don't know how to answer it so I just let it. "
Emma took it and sighed. She had a pretty good idea who was calling her so much. " It's okay. I'll know who called. "
" Oh, " Belle stood there for a long moment. She then tried to peer around Emma, " How's Rumplestiltskin? "
" He's resting, " Emma said quietly. " I just got him to bed a little while ago. "
" May I see him? " Belle still tried to look into the room.
Emma sighed, " I can ask him. "
" Let her in, Emma. I'm sure she's worried, " Mr. Gold called from the bed. He sounded weak, like he was exhausted. Emma knew he was pretending to make Belle unaware of the fact he was just fine or at least seemed that way to Emma.
Emma glanced over her shoulder before she looked back at Belle, " Come in then. "
Belle came into the room as Emma stepped aside from the door, stopping as soon as she laid eyes on Mr. Gold. He was playing injured quite well, not overdoing it and would have convinced Emma if she had found him in such a state. Belle covered her mouth with her hands before rushing to the bed, " Oh, Rumplestiltskin... you look awful. "
Mr. Gold smiled weakly, " I'll be fine, my dear. I just need a little rest. "
Belle sat down, grabbing his left hand up in hers, " But I feel so bad. If I had only heard you when you fell perhaps you wouldn't be in this shape. "
Emma rolled her eyes, Belle sounding almost fake to her. She then wondered if she was being too harsh because of how she felt and Belle's feelings were indeed genuine. If she were being controlled then she couldn't help what she was doing and needed a little compassion. At the moment, it seemed impossible for Emma and would be until she figured out just what was going on.
" Calm yourself, " Mr. Gold said gently. " I doubt you could have done anything even if you had found me. "
Emma remembered the phone in her hand, deciding to look at it. Belle had said it had rang several times and she was certain some if not all the calls were from August. She checked the missed call log, finding most of the numbers were indeed from Marco's phone. She furrowed her brow though when she saw Mary-Margret's number in the jumble. She glanced at Belle and Mr. Gold, deciding to call Mary-Margret back once she could get somewhere private.
Belle had been silent for the time it took Emma to check her phone but finally spoke. " I could have called someone and stayed by your side until they came. "
" You don't know how to use the phone, " Mr. Gold said like he was reminding her. He furrowed his brow, " Do you? "
" I... I would have figured it out, " Belle stammered. Something about the way she said it made Emma feel suspicious. Again, she told herself she was being too judgmental and she needed to cut Belle a little slack.
" Well we're where we're at now, my dear. Stop troubling yourself over the things you could have done, " Mr. Gold replied.
" I would have done anything to help you, " Belle said in a way that sounded like she meant it..
" And of that I'm quite sure, " Mr. Gold sighed. He then frowned, " Now, I hate to do this but I need to ask you to leave me. I really do need my rest. "
Belle let go of his hand slowly, " I suppose you are right. You look awful and there will be plenty of time to talk later. "
" Indeed there will be, " Mr. Gold said reassuringly. " You run along now. I will see you when I wake up. "
Belle stood up slowly, " Alright. Oh, Rumplestiltskin? "
" Yes, Belle? " Mr. Gold pushed himself up on his elbows just a bit, as if he were going to listen intently to what she had to say.
" May I please go get a book from the study? I finished the other one already and... and I'll need another if I am to wait, " Belle motioned over her shoulder.
" Of course you can, " Mr. Gold looked at Emma. He didn't want Belle in the study by herself. " Could you please go with her? "
Emma arched an eyebrow at him and gave him a questioning look, Belle not seeing it because her back was still to her. He gave her a look that bode no argument and she sighed, " Alright. I can do that. "
" She likes the books on the upper shelves and I don't want her climbing the ladder just yet. Could you help her with that? " Mr. Gold finally explained himself a little bit. Another reason was because he didn't want Belle poking around in there unsupervised after getting so dangerously close to the secret entrance to the basement.
" Oh, " Emma nodded. " I understand then. "
" Then can I come back up here and stay with you? " Belle sounded hopeful as she asked.
Mr. Gold sighed, " No. I would like to rest alone. "
Belle visibly slumped her shoulders, " Oh. I guess it would be better for you to, wouldn't it? "
" I do rest much better by myself, yes, " Mr. Gold nodded. " You ladies go on now. I'm fighting to stay awake as we speak. "
Emma walked over to Belle, placing her left hand on her right shoulder. " Wait for me by the stairs. I have one more thing I need to take care of. "
Belle looked puzzled before she quietly said, " Oh. Alright. "
Emma watched as Belle went to the door, giving Mr. Gold one last glance before opening it and slipping out. Emma then went to the bed, unable to find the words she wanted to say. Mr. Gold cocked his head to the side, " Is there something you wanted to tell me? "
Emma sighed, deciding to just come out and say it. " I promised Mary-Margret I'd be home for dinner tonight but I'm scared to leave you alone with... her. "
" That won't be a problem. Let me have your phone, " Mr. Gold put his hand out for it.
" My phone? " Emma furrowed her brow.
Mr. Gold nodded, " I will call Frederick and have him come here to sit with me until you can come back. That will also give you his number in case you think you need to check on me before you can get away. "
Emma handed him what he wanted, " Okay. That will help in case I have to stay away for a long time. "
" It will, " Mr. Gold took the phone and started to dial, putting the phone on speaker once he was done. He waited as the phone rang twice then Frederick answered, " Who is this? "
" It's me, Frederick. I'm calling you from Miss Swan's phone, " Mr. Gold said. " Save her number in your phone and come over here right away. "
" Did something happen, boss? " Frederick said sharply. " Did Miss Belle run away again? "
" No, " Mr. Gold said. " I had a bit of a fall and I need someone to stay with me until Miss Swan can return. She has certain... obligations she must fulfill and she needs to leave. "
" I see, " Frederick said. He didn't ask too many questions, something Emma had picked up on early and was strangely grateful for. " I'm on my way, boss. Be there in fifteen. "
" Make it ten, " Mr. Gold smiled mischievously at Emma. " There's no one to keep you from speeding. "
Emma frowned, " Gold... " She growled.
" Right, boss, " Frederick replied.
" I'll see you when you get here, " Mr. Gold said and ended the call. He offered the phone back to Emma, " Here you go. "
Emma took it, " I guess I better go get that book for Belle before she comes back here looking for me or tries to get it herself. "
" Yes, " Mr. Gold said. " I'll be fine. "
" Okay, " Emma nodded. She lingered, looking at him for a long moment. A million things passed through her mind, everything from how she wanted to slap him for being such a cheeky bastard to how bad she just wanted to jump on him and have her way with him in spite of what he had said.
He arched an eyebrow, " Is there something you want to say to me? "
Emma quirked her mouth, " Have I mentioned lately you are the most vexing and confusing man I have ever met? "
Mr. Gold chuckled, " Not in a couple of weeks, no. "
Emma furrowed her brow, " You keep track? "
" You'd be surprised at all the things I keep track of, " He smirked devilishly. " I apologize for the confusion. Things will become clear soon enough. You just have to bear with me. "
Emma scoffed, " Do I have a choice? "
Mr. Gold smiled the smile that sent shivers down her spine, " Everyone has a choice. It's just a matter of making the right one, my dear. "
" Right, " Emma took a step back. " I'm going to go now. I'm sure Belle is getting impatient or suspicious. "
" Maybe even both, " Mr. Gold nodded. His expression became serious, " There's always a chance she knows more than we think she does. "
Emma hadn't thought of that, another, sharper chill running down her spine. " What if she does? "
" Then I think we had better get to work on finding that much out, " Mr. Gold said.
Emma walked backwards to the door, " I'll do what I can. I get back here as soon as I possible. "
" No need to be in any hurry, " Mr. Gold said. " I'll be in good hands once Frederick gets here. "
Emma reached the door, taking the knob in her hand. " Fine then. But I will be back. "
" Oh, I know you will, " Mr. Gold replied.
Emma turned, opening the door and stepping out into the hall. She found Belle was standing at the other end, just shy of the stairs. " Oh. You waited. "
" You asked me to, " Belle said. " And you heard Rumplestiltskin. He doesn't want me climbing that ladder. "
Emma nodded, " Right. I did. Let's go to the study then, shall we? "
" We shall, " Belle said as Emma walked to her.
They stood at the top of the stairs, each waiting for the other to move. Emma let out a strained chuckled, " Belle, I don't know where the study is. "
Belle blinked then giggled, " Oh. I thought you had been here quite a few times. "
" I have but he's never given me the tour. There's still a few rooms I have never been in, " Emma explained. It was true. She had been in every room upstairs but just the bathroom downstairs.
" Then I shall give you one, " Belle said as they began to walk downstairs. " After all, this house is the only thing I've known since I found Rumplestiltskin again. I think I know almost every inch of it. "
" Maybe that will change soon, " Emma tried sound assuring. She hated to say the words but they came out anyway, " He's just trying to protect you. I hope you know that. "
" Oh, " Belle nodded. " I'm well aware. I don't mean to sound ungrateful but I would like to see the world eventually. Especially now. It seems so much more fascinating. "
" Perhaps when everything is over with Regina, " Emma felt a pang of sadness at the words as they reached the first floor. She looked towards the hallway that led to the other wing of the house. She then gave Belle a nervous little smile, " Lead the way. "
Belle took a few steps ahead of Emma, her feet light on the floor. She seemed to glide, her grace making Emma feel a bit clumsy and awkward. She was so delicate, almost looking like a doll that had come to life. Emma was just enough bigger that she felt strange standing next to her.
She was brought out of her thoughts when they reached a door in the hall that wasn't too far from the bathroom. Belle reached for the knob, " This is the study. "
" Ah, " Emma nodded. Even the way Belle turned doorknobs was quiet and delicate. It belied the fiery spirit the story said she contained. No one would have suspected her of having the guts to face Rumplestiltskin the way she had before leaving the castle.
Belle pushed the door open, revealing a huge room lined with bookcases that stretched to the ceiling. A broad ladder was attached to a rail that ran around the whole room, making each shelf easy to access. The room had to be at least two stories high and Emma could see why Mr. Gold didn't want Belle climbing the ladder. She then wondered how he was even able to do it himself.
She reminded herself that he had done so many things on his own for so long that he had probably figured out a way to do it. It seemed like he could find a way around any obstacle, a skill he had probably honed to a fine point over the centuries. She felt that he preferred more subtle ways of doing things most of the time but wouldn't put it past him to plow right through a problem when subtlety failed.
She scanned the room one more time then looked at Belle, " So what shelf are you on? "
Belle motioned to the set that ran along the dead center of the room. " The tenth one from the floor. "
" Right, " Emma nodded and mounted the wide ladder. She got to the shelf that sat halfway between the floor and the ceiling, scanning the titles of the old looking books. She wouldn't have been surprised if some of them were first editions and most of them out of print. She entertained the thought that maybe even a few were from The Enchanted Forest they looked so weathered.
She scanned them a few times then frowned, " I don't know what to get for you. Maybe I'll bring down a few and you can choose? "
" I'll come up and help you look, " Belle asked, the extra weight on the ladder letting Emma know Belle had put a foot on the bottom rung.
" No, " Emma glanced down at her. " He doesn't want you climbing up here. I'll just grab some and put the ones you don't want back up. "
" But I know what I've read, " Belle said. " I don't want you to have to make unnecessary trips. "
" It's okay. I'll get you whatever you want, " Emma said as she felt Belle take another step up the ladder. " Get down. Gold will kill me if you get hurt. "
" I won't get hurt, " Belle scoffed, taking another step up. " The ladder is wide enough for us both. "
Emma heard the creak of metal, looking up to see one of the wheels pulling away from the track. She looked down at Belle, " Get off... it's going to fall. "
" What? " Belle looked up. " Don't be ridiculous. It was just fine the other day and I want to help you. "
Emma felt the ladder pull again, another creak reaching her ears. Something snapped, the feeling of it reverberating through the ladder. " Jump now! " She shouted at Belle as she felt the ladder begin to fall backwards.
Belle did as she was told, landing in the floor on her hands and knees as the ladder tipped back with Emma's weight. She hugged the ladder and closed her eyes, knowing the floor was not going to feel good when she hit it since she was halfway to the ceiling. She was shocked when the ladder was stopped mid-fall, opening her eyes to find herself suspended in the air.
" I'm glad I hurried. Hold on tight, Miss Swan, " Frederick's voice had never sounded so good to Emma. She had been angry over him using chloroform on her but she silently forgave him for it as he eased the ladder down so it rested against the opposite wall. " The boss would have killed me if I hadn't got here in time. "
" Yeah, " Emma said, loosening her death grip on the ladder. She climbed down, Frederick stepping back when she neared the bottom. She sighed, looking up at the mountain of a man after her feet we back on solid ground, " Thanks for catching me. "
" You're welcome, Miss Swan, " Frederick nodded. He then looked down at Belle, who was sitting on the floor, cradling her left arm to her body. " Miss Belle, are you alright? "
" I think I'm hurt, " Belle said, sounding like she was in pain. " I... landed on my wrist in a strange way. "
Emma knelt down, " Let me see. "
Belle lifted her arm away from her body with her right hand. Her wrist was starting to swell but there was no bruising yet. She blinked at Emma, tears of pain in her impossibly blue eyes, " It really hurts. "
Emma frowned as she stood up, " We need to get you to the kitchen and get some ice on it. "
" Alright, " Belle tried to get to her feet but couldn't with only the support of her right hand. She looked imploringly up at Emma, " Could you help me up. "
Emma leaned forward but Frederick stopped her, " Let me. "
" Alright, " Emma nodded, letting him lift Belle off the floor. Once she was steady on her feet, Emma reached for her again but Frederick stopped her.
" I got this, " He said. " You go on. The boss said you had things to take care of. "
Emma nodded, her brain still reeling from what could have been a catastrophic fall. " I do. I almost forgot. "
" So go on. I've got it from here, " Frederick said, gently taking Belle by her good arm. " The boss and Miss Belle are in good hands. "
" Thank you so much, " Emma said. " I'll be back later on but I don't know when. "
" Take your time, " Frederick said. " It's my job to care for the boss and everyone he cares for. See you when you return. "
Emma blinked then left the room, heading out for the foyer as the revelation washed over. She had always assumed Mr. Gold cared for her but to hear someone else say it was a shock. She went to the front door, stopping for just a moment to look towards the balcony that overlooked the foyer. She sighed, opening the door and walking out of the house...
Mr. Gold sat on the window sill, looking out over the backyard. It had been a while since Emma had left him to tend to Belle but he knew she was still in the house. He was sure that Belle was being picky about what book she wanted and that's why Emma had not left yet. Once Emma had left the room, he got out of the bed and got dressed.
It had been a monumental task to resist taking her to the bed and making love to her but it had to be done. He could see it in her eyes and the way she looked that she wanted him but he had to refuse. He knew it had hurt her, hopefully his reasons for doing so lessening the sting of what she probably construed as rejection as first. It was just too big of risk to take and he wanted to protect her as much as she would allow him to.
She was so smart, stubborn and independent it irked him to a point but it was also something he enjoyed about her. She had the guts to stand up to him, something no one had done in a long time. It showed she had a strong spirit regardless of the turmoil she had to endure to get to Storybrooke and to him. It had molded her to a woman who could stand on her own when the need arose, a trait that was very important for what they needed to do.
She also had learned not to be controlled her emotions as much but she still had a long way to go. He had been impressed with her waiting to show him the mirror. It was a big step for her not to go and confront Belle with it as soon as she found it. She had learned to bide her time and wait for more proof before throwing accusations around.
He was so proud of her when she admitted she had suspicions but waited until she had something concrete to show him. It meant she was indeed growing, developing the skills she would need to fulfill her destiny. She was maturing in ways that had long been neglected before arriving in town. Though she would deny it, it was his careful cultivation of those things that had helped reach the point she was now at.
He smirked to himself, thinking of all the little things he had done to help her. In fact, he would wager he did more than anyone else in town had. Perhaps it was a bit pompous to think that but the truth was the truth. Whether she was aware of it or not was yet to be seen.
He looked at the clock on the wall, seeing that Frederick would be arriving any moment. He was a man of his word and one of the most loyal servants he had ever had. He would protect him with his life if necessary. Mr. Gold had also told Frederick to do the same for Emma and, as of recently, to do the same for Belle.
Suddenly, he was seized by a wave of panic, his breath catching in his throat as he whipped his head around to look at the bedroom door. He had an overwhelming sense that Emma was in danger and he moved to get off the window sill. However, it passed as soon as it struck, leaving him puzzled. He frowned, hoping that the worst thing he could think of was not the truth.
About ten minutes later, he felt Emma's presence begin to fade as if she were driving away from the house. He relaxed, still not sure what had happened to make him panic so. He knew Frederick had to be at the house or Emma would not have left. However, the man had not made his presence known yet.
Another five minutes passed so Mr. Gold decided he would need to investigate. He took up his cane and pushed off of the window sill. He waved his hand, unlocking the bedroom door and put his hand on the knob. He had just barely began to turn it when there was a knock.
" Boss? " It was Frederick finally.
Mr. Gold cracked the door open, narrowing his eyes. " Where have you been? I said ten minutes and it's been almost thirty. "
" I've been here for almost twenty, boss, " Frederick replied then got a sort of scared look on his face. " There was an accident and I had to take care of it. "
" An accident? " Mr. Gold arched an eyebrow. He opened the door further, " Come in and tell me about it. "
Frederick came in, Mr. Gold shutting and locking the door behind him. He turned to face Mr. Gold, " I came in and the ladies were in the study. Miss Swan was on the ladder and so was Belle. The ladder was starting to fall so Miss Belle jumped but Miss Swan was half way to the ceiling. "
" What happened? " Mr. Gold gripped his cane tightly, knowing what the sudden wave of panic was over and hoped the fading feeling had been Emma leaving and not something else.
" I caught the ladder before it could fall all the way down, " Frederick replied. " I stopped it and let it down as gently as I could. "
" So Emma's not injured? " Mr. Gold asked.
Frederick shook his head, " Nope. Shaken maybe but not hurt. Miss Belle... "
" What of her? " Mr. Gold took a step towards Frederick. He wondered if Emma had done something to hurt Belle after all... or the other way around and Emma had defended herself.
Frederick help up his left arm, " She fell on her left wrist when she jumped from the ladder. I think she's sprained her wrist. "
Mr. Gold let out a sigh of relief, " We can deal with a sprain. "
" She's got ice on it right now and I'll wrap it later, " Frederick said.
" Excellent, " Mr. Gold nodded, a thought coming across his mind. He furrowed his brow, " Wait. You said the ladder fell. How? "
" I checked it after I got Miss Belle settled and it looks like someone tampered with the wheels, " Frederick said. He frowned, " They look like ripped off somehow. "