Once Upon A Time: Deal With The Devil, Part Fifteen
By Rebekkalee Mouri-Hibiki
Emma glanced up in the rear view mirror at David. He was sitting in the back seat, nervously chewing on his thumbnail. The click of his teeth as he did it was starting to get on her nerves. It sounded like she had a woodpecker or a chipmunk sitting there. She frowned, " David! "
He glanced at her then took his thumb away from his mouth, " Sorry. I'm just so worked up... "
" You need to calm down so you can talk to the judge and the DA, " Mr. Gold looked at him. He narrowed his eyes, " They may not believe you if you're a bundle of nerves. "
" I'll try to but I don't know if I can, " David ran his hand through his hair. He looked at Emma, " How is she even alive? I thought you said that heart was hers. "
" I thought it was too, " Emma said.
David fidgeted and ran his hand through his hair again, " She was in the mine for so long... she must have been so cold. "
Emma furrowed her brow, " What did you just say? "
David blinked, " She's was in the mine for so long... "
" How THE HELL do you know that? " Emma nearly shouted.
David looked at her " Uh... "
" Wait, " Something occurred to Emma. " You said you went out to the woods to walk. "
" I did, " David nodded. " And I got lost. "
Emma arched an eyebrow, " Do you remember the whole night or did you have another blackout? "
David nodded, " I remember everything. I didn't blackout at all. Besides, I wasn't anywhere near the mines. "
Emma looked at Mr. Gold, " Then did you tell him your crazy theory? "
Mr. Gold frowned, " I don't appreciate you using that word. And no, I didn't. He was waiting outside the door when I went to go get him and caught him with his ear against the wall. "
Emma blinked then glared at David, " YOU were listening? "
" I'm sorry, " David said. " I had to know what was going on. "
Emma gave Mr. Gold a sideways look, " Why didn't you make him stop? "
" I tried, " Mr. Gold sighed.
" Not hard enough, " Emma scoffed as she pulled into the parking lot of the courthouse. She parked in the same spot she had earlier in the afternoon. She shut off the engine and unlocked the doors.
" Sheriff, " Mr. Gold started as he opened his door.
" I know, " Emma sighed. " I'll help you out. "
Emma opened her door and got out, shutting the door behind her. She walked around to Mr. Gold's side of the car. She helped him up the same way she had that afternoon but he clung tighter to her. It was more like he was cuddling her than using her for support.
She glanced at David, who looked confused by the whole scene. She narrowed her eyes at him and he looked away. Once Mr. Gold was steady on his feet, Emma let him go. She waited for him to move then shut his door.
The three of them walked to the curb, Emma startling when Mr. Gold grabbed tightly to her hand. She gave him a sideways look then looked at David again. She found he still looked puzzled by the things going on in front of him but tried to ignore it as she help Mr. Gold onto the sidewalk. When he had his footing, Emma shook his hand loose and walked toward the courthouse, David keeping up with her and Mr. Gold trailing slightly behind.
As they reached the doors, Mr. Gold rushed ahead and opened one for Emma. She went through wordlessly and David followed. " Where are we going? " David asked as they walked.
" Just follow us, " Emma said. A few moments later, the reached the doors of the courtroom. She turned to face David, " Have you calmed down? "
" A little I guess, " David said.
Emma sighed, " I guess a little will have to do. "
" Yes, " Mr. Gold reached for the door. " It will. "
Emma squared her shoulders, " Fine then. Let's do this. "
Mr. Gold opened the door, Emma and David walking into the courtroom. DA Spencer and Judge Cates were standing in front of the judge's bench. They looked over when they heard the three of them approach, both of their faces stern and unforgiving.
Spencer's frown deepened, " I hope this isn't an enormous was of time. "
" It isn't, " Emma said. She motioned to David, " I had him identify Kathryn. "
Spencer then looked at David, " And? "
" It's her, " David said. He sounded like he was doing his best to sound calm and collected. " I saw her with my own eyes. "
" And did she recognize you? " Spencer arched an eyebrow.
" She did, " David nodded vigorously. " You can call Doctor Whale and ask him. He saw it when I came into the room. "
" And were you in the room as well, Sheriff Swan? " Judge Cates looked at her.
Emma nodded, " I was there and Mr. Gold was there as well. "
" And did she react the way Mr. Nolan claims? " Judge Cates asked.
" Yes, " Emma said. " She called his name when he walked into the room. "
Judge Cates then focused his attention on Mr. Gold, " And what do you have to say? "
" Everything they say is the truth as I witnessed it with my own eyes, " Mr. Gold said. He motioned to David and Emma, " You have the personal statements of three witnesses. All of us can't be lying. "
" No, you can't, " Judge Cates sighed. He looked at Spencer, " I have no other choice but to drop the charges against Miss Blanchard. I'm releasing her tonight. "
Spencer clenched his fists and stormed over to the prosecution table and grabbed his briefcase. He gave everyone one last angry look before he said, " This isn't over! "
They watched as Spencer left the courtroom before Judge Cates went to Emma, " Come. I'm sure Miss Blanchard is anxious to get out of the holding cell. "
" I bet, " Emma said.
" Let's go get her, " David took a step but the judge gave him halting look. " What? "
" Only Sheriff Swan and Mr. Gold can come with me, " Judge Cates said. " Miss Blanchard hasn't been told anything except her trial was postponed. I thought it would be best for her to hear everything from the two of you. "
" Yeah, " Emma said. " Probably. "
" I will stay here with Mr. Nolan, " Mr. Gold said. " I'm sure Sheriff Swan can handle it. "
Judge Cates blinked then sighed, " Alright then. Come along, Sheriff. "
Emma followed Judge Cates through the door that was to the left of the judge's bench. It led to a hallway, the judge leading her down it until they came to some stairs. They went down the stairs until they reached another door that said 'Holding'. He opened it and looked at Emma, " She's in the first cell. I'm going to go get the keys. "
Emma nodded and watched as Judge Cates walked away before walking into the room. Mary-Margret was leaning against the wall, her back to the cell door. Emma walked to it, " Hey. "
Mary-Margret took a sharp breath and turned around, her face stained with tears and her eyes red from crying. " Emma! " She gasped and ran to the bars. " What's going on? No one will tell me anything except the trial's been postponed. "
" Actually, " Emma hesitated, not sure how to break the news to her. " There won't be a trial. "
" What? " Mary-Margret whispered. " What do you mean? "
Emma reached through the bars and placed her hands on Mary-Margret's shoulders. She looked her right in the eyes, " Brace yourself. "
" Emma, you're scaring me, " Mary-Margret put her hands on Emma's arms. " Why won't there be a trial? "
" Because... " Emma made up her mind to be direct and get it over with. " Because Kathryn is alive. "
Mary-Margret blinked, her shock at the news evident on her face. " What? How? "
" We're still trying to figure that out but she just suddenly showed up behind Granny's this morning, " Emma said. " She's in the hospital now... "
" But her heart, " Mary-Margret stammered.
" Is intact. I saw it on the monitors at the hospital, " Emma said. " It wasn't in your jewelry box... obviously. "
" But the DNA... " Mary-Margret started.
" Was wrong, " Emma said.
Mary-Margret's confusion only grew, " But how? "
" We're still trying to figure that out, " Emma said. " The important thing is she's alive. "
Mary-Margret looked at the floor as she tried to process the news. She looked at Emma again, hesitating before she said, " If she's alive then that means... "
" There's no case against you, " Emma completed the sentence.
New tears came to Mary-Margret's eyes but it seemed they were of joy. She whispered, " So I'm free? "
" Yes, " Emma nodded. " The judge is getting the keys right now. "
" Oh Emma! " Mary-Margret reached through the bars and hugged Emma the best she could.
Emma hugged her back but said nothing. She heard footsteps, finding Judge Cates had returned. " I hate to break this up ladies but I need to get to the lock. "
Emma and Mary-Margret let go of each other. Emma stepped aside, " Sorry. "
Judge Cates stepped forward and unlocked the door, pulling it open. Mary-Margret walked out of the cell, her smile growing with each step she took. She looked at the judge then at Emma, her smile fading, " This is for real, right? I'm not dreaming, am I? "
" It's real, " Emma smiled.
" It's no dream, Miss Blanchard. A miracle maybe but not a dream, " Judge Cates smiled for a brief second.
" Come on, let's go home, " Emma said and gave Mary-Margret another hug.
" Gladly, " Mary-Margret said, hugging her back.
Emma, Mary-Margret and Judge Cates all headed back upstairs. Mary-Margret stuck close to Emma, still looking a bit unsure if what was happening was indeed real. They walked into the courtroom, David running to Mary-Margret as soon as he saw her. He started to put his arms around her but she stepped away, giving him a rueful look.
" What's wrong? " David looked puzzled.
Mary-Margret frowned, " I think you know. "
David blinked, " I'm so sorry... "
" It doesn't matter now, " Mary-Margret put her hand up. " But I'm too tired to deal with you right now. "
" Does that mean you'll talk to me about it later though? " David looked hopeful.
Mary-Margret frowned and narrowed her eyes at him, " Maybe. "
" I'll take 'maybe', " David forced a tiny smile.
Emma rolled her eyes, " Come on. Let's get out of here. "
" Agreed, " Mr. Gold said then looked at Mary-Margret. " I'm quite certain you are anxious to get home. "
" More than you know, " Mary-Margret sighed as they started to walk out of the courtroom.
When they got to the doors, Mr. Gold got ahead of the women and opened the door for them. He gave them a sweet smile, one that made Emma smile in return and her heart race a bit. " After you... ladies, " He said though his eyes were fixed only on Emma.
" Thanks " She said quietly.
" Thank you Mr. Gold, " Mary-Margret had a slight hint of uneasiness in her voice.
It led Emma to believe she had read something into the way Mr. Gold had looked at her. Emma glanced at her and found she was giving her an odd look. Emma knew there were going to be questions when Mary-Margret got her alone. Emma glanced back to find David bringing up the rear and looking a bit sad.
She knew he still had a lot of apologizing left to do after all but accusing Mary-Margret of killing Kathryn. Mary-Margret still seemed hurt by the fact he would think such a thing. That was their problem though. They had to work it out on their own.
Emma's problem was now walking by her right side, his left arm brushing her right every so often as they made their way out of the courthouse. If she didn't know any better, she would have sworn he was trying to touch her hand. She thought back to the realization she had made about him the night before, still unsure of how he felt about her. He obviously felt something or he wouldn't have been giving her such tender kisses.
It was like he was afraid to take things too quickly though. She could feel his hesitation in his kisses, like he was scared of something. She wasn't for sure about what but knowing what she did of his history, she didn't blame him. After losing a wife and a lover to suicide, he was probably a bit apprehensive to try falling in love again.
She frowned, glancing at him. Did she want him to be in love with her? Things has never worked out well in the past for her on that front. Her past love life wasn't nearly as tragic but she still had a pretty bad track record.
She had only been in love once or at least it seemed so at the time. She was young and stupid, thinking Henry's father was the man she thought he was. Her mind was changed when he vanished shortly before she found out she was pregnant. She tried not to think about it though for it was just too painful.
Painful. That's the best way she could have described her life. Starting at three, it seemed all she ever felt was pain. She had felt it for so long, she felt like she had become numb to it.
She could honestly say she had been that way for so long, she was afraid she would never feel anything ever again. That all changed when she came to Storybrooke and started to realize just how much she meant to Henry though he never met her. The pain returned when Graham died in her arms but she managed to fight it to a degree. She still mourned him but felt like she could move on somehow.
She had to move on. With Henry in her life, she couldn't go off and hide in herself to escape from pain. She wanted to stand up and make a difference. She didn't know how much of what Henry believed was true but she knew Regina was evil. What the supposed Evil Queen had just put them all through was proof of that.
She glanced at Mr. Gold when his hand brushed against hers again, this time a little more pronounced. She was still certain he was doing it on purpose but couldn't say anything... not in front of Mary-Margret and David. He quickened his pace as they neared the exit, getting the door again for the women. As she passed him, he gave her another look that made her heart flutter and made her smile.
Mary-Margret hadn't missed the exchange, giving Emma a questioning look. She ignored it as the four of them made their way to the cruiser. Emma unlocked the doors, watching as Mary-Margret went to the back passenger door. David went to the back driver's side door, giving Mary-Margret a sheepish smile.
" Emma? " Mary-Margret looked at her.
" Yes? " Emma said.
" Can I sit up front with you? " Mary-Margret was obviously doing her best not to look at David.
Emma blinked, " Uh, sure. "
" Where am I going to sit? " Mr. Gold asked from where he stood on the curb.
Emma looked at him, " Behind Mary-Margret. "
Mr. Gold frowned, " Right. "
David was quiet, looking hurt by the brush off Mary-Margret had given him. Emma felt a little bit bad for him but he deserved it to a degree. He opened the car door and got in, sitting hunched up against the door. Mary-Margret go in the front, sitting as close to her door as she could as well.
Emma sighed, certain things would be quite interesting between the star-crossed lovers for a while. Her attention was drawn away from them when Mr. Gold stepped off the curb and went to the back passenger side door, getting in. She couldn't help but notice he had grimaced slightly when he stepped down. She sighed, feeling bad she hadn't thought to help him down.
She started the car and backed out of the parking spot. As she pulled out of the parking lot, Mr. Gold reached up and touched her shoulder. " What is it? " She glanced at him.
" Do you mind taking me home first? " He asked. " I'm terribly exhausted. "
" We all are, " Emma sighed. " But yes. I'll take you home first. "
" Thank you, my dear, " Mr. Gold took his hand away and leaned back in the seat.
Emma glanced at Mary-Margret, who was staring out her window intently. She looked at David in the rear view mirror, finding he was staring at Mary-Margret. He looked like he wanted to say something but just couldn't. She refocused her attention on the road, hoping all was not lost.
The silence was awkward and it was hard for Emma to keep her eyes open. She was startled when Mr. Gold reached up, placing his hand on her shoulder. " What is it? " Emma asked as she looked at him in the rear view mirror.
" You were nodding off, my dear " He said. " Please stay awake. "
" I'm trying, " Emma sighed then realized David and Mary-Margret were both giving her curious looks. Their eyes met in the mirror and Mary-Margret went back to looking out the window. Emma focused her attention back on the road, not having the energy to even think of something to say.
A few minutes passed, her eyelids growing heavy and almost closing. She took a sharp breath when she felt Mr. Gold's hand again. She forced her eyes open, not saying anything as she tried to not to let it happen again... but it did with the same result. Finally, she had managed to make it to Mr. Gold's house.
She pulled up to the curb, unlocking the doors. She looked at him over her shoulder, " We're here. "
" I know that, " Mr. Gold said. " Do you mind helping me in? "
" No. Let me get out, " Emma sighed as turned the car off. She got out and walked around the trunk to his door. She opened it, waiting for him to get turned. Once he was, she helped him out.
" Take me up to the door? " He asked, his expression imploring. " The steps... "
" Sure, " Emma sighed. She waited for him to clear the car door before she shut it. She walked by his side as they made their way to the front porch. As they came to the steps, she took his left hand to help him.
He smirked at her, entwining his fingers in hers and placing his arm alongside hers. He gave her a look that made her head swirl and her heart flutter. " It works better like this, " He said gently.
" Right, " Emma muttered. " Ready? "
" Yes but go slowly, " Mr. Gold said.
They began to scale the steps, taking them one at a time. Emma could tell he was in some pain because he grimaced a bit with each step. " Does this happen often? " She asked before thinking. He furrowed his brow at her and she felt ashamed she had asked.
" I'm sorry, " Emma started.
Mr. Gold sighed, " Just when I've been on my feet too long. I will be fine in a few days if I can get some rest. "
" Oh, " Emma said. She found herself unable to bear the sight of him in pain. It puzzled her but she didn't have time to question why.
They finished climbing the steps, Mr. Gold letting go of Emma's hand before getting his keys. He unlocked the door and pushed it open, turning to look at Emma. He gave her another heart melting smile, " Thank you for helping me, my dear. "
Emma couldn't help but smile in return, " No problem. You're welcome. "
Mr. Gold reached up with his left hand and went to touch her cheek but she shied away. He frowned, " What's wrong? "
" They might see, " Emma motioned lamely over her shoulder.
He looked a little hurt, " You don't want them to see us together? "
" That's not that it, " Emma stammered. " It's just you're so private and... "
" How sweet, " He smirked. " You're thinking of me. "
Emma blushed a bit, the way she had been dreaming of him rushing through her brain. She nodded, " Yeah. "
He touched her cheek, running the tips of his fingers back until the touched her hair. He then smirked devilishly, " They can't see us. The bushes block the view. I checked that before I lifted my hand. "
Emma looked over her shoulder, finding they did indeed. She turned back to him, " Oh. "
He moved closer, his breath tickling her face as he stared into her eyes. " Goodnight and thank you again, my dear, " He whispered before taking her lips in his.
Emma returned the kiss, her left hand going to his waist for a lack of a better place to put it. Her fingers curled against the wool of his coat as they kissed. It was a gentle, sweet one that lasted longer than any of the ones that had come before. He sighed against her mouth before pulling away, taking a much needed breath.
Emma took a moment to get her own breath, part of her wanting more while the other part wanted to get back to Mary-Margret and David. She felt a sense of loss as he took his arm from around her and his hand from her face. She took her hand from him as he took a step back, sighing as she took a step back as well.
" You go on back to your friends, " Mr. Gold said quietly. " We can see each other tomorrow. "
" Yeah, " Emma nodded. She then furrowed her brow, " Tomorrow? "
Mr. Gold touched her hand and smiled, " We have a deal, after all. "
Emma blinked, " Oh yeah. I almost forgot about that. "
" We were rather busy, " Mr. Gold stroked the back of her hand as he spoke.
Emma nodded, " Yeah. "
" So tomorrow it is. I will send Frederick for you, " Mr. Gold smiled.
Emma nodded as he took his hand away from hers. She watched as he walked inside the house and closed the door behind him. She waited a moment before turning and walking down the front steps. She walked back to the police car, going to the driver's side and getting in.
She went to put her seat belt on, glancing at Mary-Margret. She blinked at the strange look her friend was giving her. " What? "
" You took a while to get back, " Mary-Margret said.
" We were talking, " Emma sighed as she started the car.
Mary-Margret arched an eyebrow but said nothing else. Emma glanced at David, finding he looked a little confused. He looked at Emma then towards Mary-Margret. " Hey. "
Mary-Margret didn't look at him, " What? "
" You want to go get something to eat? Emma has to drop me off at the hospital and we can take my car... " David started.
" No, " Mary-Margret said sharply.
David shrank back in his seat from her tone, blinking. " Why not? "
" I'm tired and I just want to go home, " Mary-Margret replied.
" Oh, " David said. He leaned forward again, " Tomorrow? "
" No, " Mary-Margret went back to looking out the window as Emma pulled away from the curb.
" I'll call you then, " David said.
" Whatever, " Mary-Margret muttered.
Emma kept her eyes on the road, fairly certain the conversation was over. The rest of the drive to the hospital was silent, Emma managing to stay awake. What had happened at Mr. Gold's had given her a bit of a second wind and she felt she'd be able to at least make it home. She pulled into the hospital parking lot, stopping behind where David had parked his truck.
Emma looked at him when she saw he was double parked. In fact, it was one of the worst parking jobs she had seen but she didn't say anything. He unbuckled his seat belt and reached up to touch Mary-Margret's shoulder, " Goodnight, " He said hesitantly.
Mary-Margret shrugged his hand off, " Yeah. Goodnight. "
David looked a little hurt by the action then looked at Emma, " Thanks Emma. Goodnight. "
" Goodnight, " Emma said as he got out of the car. Once he was clear of the car, she pulled away, heading out of the parking lot. She glanced at Mary-Margret, " I have to go switch cars then we can go home. "
" Alright, " Mary-Margret sighed.
Emma frowned, " So is it over? "
Mary-Margret blinked then sighed, " I don't know. I guess we'll have to see. "
Emma nodded, deciding not to press the issue. Mary-Margret had already been through too much as it was. A little while later, they got to the police station. Emma pulled into the spot reserved for the cruiser and turned it off.
She opened the car door and got out as Mary-Margret got out on her side. " I have to go put the keys up but I'll be right back. "
" I'll wait by the car, " Mary-Margret said. " I really don't want to go back in there. "
" I don't blame you. I'll be out in a minute, " Emma said. She went into the police station, going to her office. She frowned at the tulips and shattered vase on the floor.
She would have to clean that up in the morning or whenever she came in. She shut off all the lights except for one desk lamp and headed out the door again. The station seems so still and quiet, it was like nothing ever happened at all. She knew something had happened though and she was determined to find out... and nail Regina to the wall for it.
Emma walked out of the station, finding Mary-Margret standing next to the beetle. She sighed and smiled at her, " Come on. Let's go home. "
" Gladly, " Mary-Margret replied.
To Be Continued...