Once Upon A Time: Dancing With The Devil, Part Three
By Rebekkalee Mouri-Hibiki
Emma's yellow beetle was parked so it was facing south on Main street. She had parked in front of the pet shelter, just a little ways away from Granny's cafe. Two of the three robberies had taken place on the street so she was taking a stab at where the thief would strike again. She would stay there for a couple of hours then drive around to look for anything suspicious.
She listened as the clock chimed out it was midnight. She sighed, hoping the next hour would pass quicker than the hour before. She cuddled down in her seat, pulling her jacket tighter to stave off the cold. Her eyelids started to get heavy as she tried to fight off going to sleep.
She had attempted to take a nap after taking the report to Regina but her mind wouldn't get off of the subject that had been bothering her since lunch time. More accurately, the subject that had been bothering her since closing the case on Harold Durbin. She was still having trouble understanding the way she felt when Mr. Gold came around.
The increasingly graphic dreams she was having about him weren't helping her sort her feelings out either. In a little over two weeks, she had five dreams about him and some came back a couple of times. One of the ones that had come back at least three times was the one she had the morning after she had saved his life. Emma's heart started to race as she recalled how the latest incarnation of the dream had ended... with them doing quite a bit more than kissing.
~What is wrong with me? ~ Emma questioned herself as she put her head on the steering wheel for a brief moment. ~Why can't I get him out of my head?~
A tapping at the window startled Emma, causing her to bolt upright in the seat. She rolled her eyes and sighed when she saw it was Mary-Margret. She leaned across the seat and rolled down the passenger side window. " Hey, " Mary-Margret said.
" Hey, " Emma said. " What's up? "
" I thought you might need this, " Mary-Margret shoved a thermos in through the window. She smiled, " It's coffee. Black and strong, just like you like it. "
" You're a lifesaver, " Emma smiled. Without a doubt, Mary-Margret had been one of Emma's best friends ever. If she really was her mother like Henry claimed, she couldn't have gotten a better one.
" That's what friends are for, " Mary-Margret returned the smile. She looked out Emma's window and suddenly looked frightened as she stood up straight.
" What's wrong? " Emma was puzzled by Mary-Margret's sudden change in demeanor.
" Good evening, Miss Blanchard. What are you doing out so late? " Mr. Gold's voice reached Emma's ears.
" Um, " Mary-Margret's voice became slightly nervous. " I was bringing Emma something to keep her warm tonight. "
" Looks like we had the same idea, " Mr. Gold sounded amused.
" Um yeah, " Mary-Margret stepped back from the car. " I need to get inside. It's kind of cold out here. "
Emma watched in the rear view mirror as Mary-Margret scuttled back up the sidewalk to the apartment they shared. " Left to the wolves again, " Emma muttered as Mr. Gold walked around the front of the car and came to the open window. " What is it, Gold? " She called out the window.
Mr. Gold leaned down and looked in the car. He had on a long solid black scarf and wool coat on over his suit, his hands covered with leather gloves, " You don't sound happy to see me, my dear. "
Emma quirked her mouth, " More like wondering what you're doing up so late. Shouldn't you be at home by now? "
" I should be but I was at my shop working on something. Time got away from me, " Mr. Gold said. " It goes so quickly when you're alone and busy. "
" It does, " Emma said.
He sighed, " I may have to forgo going home and sleep in the apartment tonight. "
" Sounds like it, " Emma said. She arched an eyebrow. " Did you need something from me? "
" Actually, I have something for you, " Mr. Gold smiled a little. He pulled a thermos out of his inside coat pocket and put it in through the window. " To keep you warm tonight. "
" I already have coffee, " Emma didn't take the thermos. " Thank you though. "
" It's not coffee, " Mr. Gold pushed it a little more towards her. " It's beef soup. I had Alston bring my dinner to me. He brought me too much so I brought you the rest. "
" I see, " Emma took the thermos though she wasn't sure if she'd eat the soup at all. " Thanks. "
" You're welcome, " Mr. Gold said. He was silent for a long moment then said, " Would you like some company for a little while? I'm not at all sleepy and I don't want to sit all by myself in that tiny apartment. "
Emma tried to look stern, " I'm on duty, Gold. Go read a book. "
" I don't have any I want read, " Mr. Gold replied.
" Not my problem, " Emma said it a little harsher than she intended.
" Talking won't affect anything, " Mr. Gold's tone let her know her comment had stung him a bit. " And perhaps I can help keep you awake. Please, Miss Swan? "
Emma thought it over. He had asked so sincerely, she knew she'd feel like a total bitch if she told him to go away. She also sensed he was just as lonely as she was. She sighed, " Fine. For a little while but don't distract me, okay? "
" I'll watch the street with you, " Mr. Gold said. He opened the car door and sat down in the passenger seat. He glanced around at the interior of the car and frowned, " Well... this is... "
" Not one word, " Emma put her hand up. " This car is the only thing that's always been here for me. "
" The only thing? " Mr. Gold arched an eyebrow. " Nothing or no one else? "
" Not a soul, " Emma grabbed the thermos Mary-Margret had brought her. She poured some coffee into the lid and took a sip. She sighed, " Well, until I met Mary-Margret. "
" I'm so sorry to hear that, " Mr. Gold said. " Hopefully you haven't given up that you'll find someone who will treat you well. "
" Some days are better than others, " Emma sighed.
" Indeed they are, " Mr. Gold nodded. He looked out the windshield and was silent for a long while. He then glanced at Emma , " I still have some questions about my little ordeal and I would like some answers to them. "
Emma furrowed her brow, " Why are you asking now? "
" Because I haven't seen you for two weeks, " Mr. Gold said. " It seems you've been too busy with other things. "
" I have been busy. These robberies started almost as soon as your case was closed, " Emma said. " What kind of questions? "
" Just a few things that aren't adding up in my mind, " Mr. Gold said.
" Okay, " Emma said. " Like what? "
" If I was driven to the other side of bridge, what kind of tracks did you follow to find me? " Mr. Gold arched an eyebrow.
Emma had been bringing up the coffee for another sip but stopped. She let it down, realizing she had indeed mentioned tracks. " Um, I meant footprints. I followed footprints down there. "
Mr. Gold looked perplexed, " Why were there footprints if he was driven? He had to have been to get to me in the first place. "
" Maybe he walked up to see if you were alone then called whoever helped him? " Emma offered. She tried not to sound like she doubted her own words.
" He was injured, Miss Swan. Do you think he would have been able to scale such a steep embankment after being hit by a car? " Mr. Gold prodded. " If I remember correctly, you came from the opposite direction of where I went into the river and you had to cross quite a bit of it to get to me. Mr. Durbin would have had to do that as well and I just don't think he could have. "
Mr. Gold was right. She had to walk a long way to find him and there was the small problem of Mr. Durbin being hurt just two days prior. Emma frowned, " Um, maybe. "
Mr. Gold shook his head, " No, Miss Swan. I just cannot accept that. "
" Then what do you think happened? " Emma asked.
" I don't know but I do know when someone isn't being truthful to me, " Mr. Gold said. " As I said before, you're not the only one who can detect a lie, dear. What's the real story? How did you find me? "
" What does it matter now? " Emma still was unsure about telling him about the wolf. She had pondered why Graham's friend had helped her and questioned if Mr. Gold was all bad if the creature had pitched in to help her find him. She didn't want to say anything until she was certain.
" It matters a great deal, " Mr. Gold said. " You not telling me the truth makes me feel as though you still don't trust me. I would think you would have a little more faith in me by now. "
Emma shut her eyes. She tried to think of something to say but knew he'd question anything but the truth. She sighed, " It's still... very hard to trust you, alright? "
" And why is that? " Mr. Gold queried.
" You know why, " Emma said sharply as she opened her eyes and glared at him.
" Because Regina told you not to trust me? " Mr. Gold returned the glare. " Or because Henry told you not to? "
Emma blinked. That wasn't the whole reason but it did factor in to some degree. She tried to look clueless, " What makes you say that? "
" Remember, Miss Swan. I have eyes and ears all over this town, " Mr. Gold reminded her.
Emma furrowed her brow, trying to recall every time Regina and Henry had warned her to stay away from Mr. Gold. She knew every time with Regina they had been alone but Henry... she hadn't been alone with him. He had warned her in public places, like Granny's.
Emma went cold, realizing that one of Mr. Gold's moles must have been a regular at the diner. She made a mental note to observe everyone there the next time she went to see if she could pinpoint the exact person... or persons. " So you've been watching me? " Emma arched an eyebrow.
" I watch everyone and everything I have a vested interest in, Miss Swan, " Mr. Gold said flatly.
Emma wanted to ask him just what his interest in her was but she was afraid to. She didn't want to make him think she was suspicious that his interest in her went deeper than the favors she owed him. She wanted to know if it did but wondered if it would change things between them if she were to mention it. He seemed as locked up as she was and delving into the subject would open doors that were better left shut.
The silence between them grew longer and her mind wandered back to earlier in the afternoon. A shiver ran through her as she recalled how his lips had felt on her cheek and her hand in his. He held her hand with a gentle tenderness she had never experienced... ever. She wondered how his lips would feel on hers, gasping involuntarily at the feeling the thought gave her. He looked at her, concern etching his features, " Is something wrong? "
" I'm just cold, " Emma said quickly. " The weatherman didn't say it was going to be this cold. "
Mr. Gold took off his scarf, " You need something warmer than that jacket you have on. Here, let me. "
Emma was paralyzed as he threw the scarf around her neck, the edges of it brushing her face. It was so soft, Emma was certain it had to be cashmere or something just as expensive. His gloved hands grazed her skin as he arranged the material softly. He was taking his time... and she didn't mind.
The scarf was saturated with his seductive scent and it made her weak all over. Each feathery caress made her skin prickle with heat, a want for something more springing up from somewhere inside of her. She felt a little bit of sadness when he took his hands away. He gave her that gentle smile that made her heart flutter.
" Is that better? " He asked quietly.
" Yes. Thank you, " She said, her voice trembling just slightly.
" You still sound cold, my dear. Perhaps you should drink some soup while it's still warm, " Mr. Gold picked up the thermos he had brought, " I'd hate for you to become ill. "
" Thanks, " Emma reached for it but something outside of the car caught her attention. She turned her head towards the source of the distraction, " Did you see that? "
Mr. Gold looked out the windshield, " See what? "
" That light on the first floor, " Emma pointed towards the clock tower building. She tried to gather her wits as the light flashed through the window blinds again for an instant. It was a yellowish one, like an old flashlight. " Did you see it that time? "
" I did indeed, " Mr. Gold said quietly. He turned to face Emma, " Are you going to investigate it? "
" Yes, " Emma reached behind the front seat for her own flashlight. " It's my job. "
" Then you'd best hurry, " Mr. Gold said. " I think they're heading for the second floor. "
Emma furrowed her brow, " How do you figure that? "
" My dear, I own that building, " Mr. Gold said. He then furrowed his brow, " I wonder why the alarm hasn't gone off? "
" I'm going to go find out, " Emma opened the driver's side door then looked at Mr. Gold. " Stay put. "
Emma got out of the car before he had a chance to argue, taking off for the clock tower quickly. She took cover behind whatever she could find each time she saw the light flash again. She frowned when she saw it flash in an upstairs window. She got to the parking lot of the garage and decided to make a break for it, darting across the street to the back of the building.
She got there just in time to see a petite figure in black scuttle into the shadows around the corner of the building. " Stop! " Emma shouted, wondering how the person got down. Her eyes were drawn to a ladder that went up the back wall of the building. She took off for the corner the figure had disappeared around to find nothing.
" Damn it, " Emma muttered as she looked every direction she could. She frowned when she realized she had lost the person completely. She turned to head back to the car when she found the car was coming to her. She stood frozen as Mr. Gold pulled up mere inches from her and she blinked in surprise.
" Need this? " Mr. Gold had that damn cat ate the canary grin on his lips again.
" Yes I do, " Emma grabbed the driver's side door. She flung it open, " What are you doing driving my car? "
Mr. Gold stepped out, " You left your keys behind, my dear. "
" That didn't mean you could drive it, " Emma wanted to slap the grin he had on his face off.
" And let you waste time going after the thief on foot? " Mr. Gold said.
Emma went to say something but just growled, " Get out the way. "
" As you wish, " Mr. Gold stepped aside. " Oh, and Miss Swan? "
" What? " Emma said sharply.
" The engine sounds like it needs a quart of oil, " Mr. Gold smirked.
Emma got in the car, " Thanks. I'll get it in the morning. Now get back to your shop. "
" Good luck, " Mr. Gold said as Emma closed the car door.
" Yeah, " She muttered. " Thanks. "
Emma pushed the door open, the smell of hot food gave her a tiny amount of comfort and puzzled her at the same time. She had driven all over town, looking for the shadow she had seen at the clock tower. It seemed like a shadow anyway because she didn't see it again. All her hopes of the case being a short one were starting to slip away.
She then returned to the clock tower and processed the scene. The place looked pristine and there were very little clues, save for a few dusty footprints. The point of entry had been again an air shaft, something just perfect for the tiny person Emma had seen. It explained why the alarm hadn't gone off but didn't explain how the wily little thief had got back out.
She decided she would have to visit Mr. Gold later in the day to walk him through so he could give her an inventory. It had to be done but she was anxious about what would happen between them and if she could keep herself together. She was thinking about what had happened in the car. She was fairly certain of where things were heading before she saw the light in the window.
~That would have been impossible to explain to Regina... making out with Mr. Gold in my car on Main Street when I was supposed to be on duty, ~ Emma thought to herself. Then she thought ~No. He wouldn't have let that happen. He's too discrete for that. ~
Mary-Margret was cooking something in the kitchen. She was wearing her white silk robe. She looked surprised to see Emma. " I wasn't expecting you back until morning. "
" I wasn't expecting to be back until then, " Emma replied.
" Any luck? " Mary-Margret asked, concern crinkling her brow.
" No, " Emma sighed as she plopped down in a chair at the table.
" None at all? " Mary-Margret asked.
" Well, I saw the thief but they got away from me, " Emma said. " I looked for a couple of hours but they just vanished. "
Mary-Margret frowned, " That's awful. "
" Yeah, " Emma said. She then sniffed the air and arched an eyebrow, " Bacon and eggs at four in the morning? "
" I couldn't sleep, " Mary-Margret sounded a little nervous. " I have to be up in two hours for school anyway. "
" That's true, " Emma nodded. " But why couldn't you sleep? "
" I don't know, " Mary-Margret still sounded tense. " I just couldn't. "
Emma sighed, " Happens sometimes. "
Mary-Margret cocked her head to the side, " That's a really nice scarf. Where did you get it? "
Emma looked down, blushing when she realized she was still wearing Mr. Gold's scarf. " Oh. I got cold... "
" It looks like the one Mr. Gold was wearing earlier tonight, " Mary-Margret cut her off. She then covered her mouth. " I'm sorry. You were explaining. "
" It's okay, " Emma sighed as she slowly unwound the scarf from her neck. It still smelled like him and she was reluctant to remove it so she just let it hang. " We were talking and I got the shivers so he let me borrow it. "
" Oh, " Mary-Margret's tone was still kind of strange. " How nice of him. "
" Mary-Margret? Who are you talking to? " A familiar man's voice came from Mary-Margret's bedroom. " I thought you were bringing food... "
Emma looked at Mary-Margret, shock almost making her unable to speak, " Is that who I think it is? "
Mary-Margret smiled nervously, " I told you I thought you were going to be gone until morning. "
Just then, David walked out from behind the stairs. He was wearing a pair of plaid boxer shorts and a very surprised look. " Oh. Hi Emma, " He smiled anxiously.
Emma lifted her hand and waved awkwardly, " Hi David. "
" I'll go back to the bedroom, " David said and darted back to where he said he was going.
Emma stared at Mary-Margret in utter shock. She leaned closer and whispered sharply, " So that's why you weren't sleeping. "
Mary-Margret looked ashamed, " Uh yeah. "
" How long has this been going on? " Emma asked, her tone still hushed.
Mary-Margret looked at her lap, " Since after he was reunited with Kathryn. "
" How soon afterward? " Emma asked.
" This the first time he's spent the night... or at least tried to, " Mary-Margret said.
" Mary-Margret, " Emma nearly whined. She lowered her voice and whispered. " I thought I told you not to do it. "
Mary-Margret looked like she was about to cry, " I know but we can't stay away from each other. We're meant to be together. "
" Maybe so but did you forget he's still married? " Emma arched an eyebrow.
" I just couldn't get him out of my head, " Mary-Margret said quietly then looked at Emma. She smiled, " And so I realized that if I couldn't get him out of my head then maybe it was because he belonged there. Haven't you ever had someone like that? "
Emma went cold all over. She did have someone stuck in her head but she wasn't about to admit that to anyone. She sighed and stood up, unable to argue for she was just too tired. She headed for the stairs, " I'm going to sleep in my car. "
" I can make him leave, " Mary-Margret said.
" No, " Emma shook her head. " I don't want to be in the house when he does. It'll look... bad. "
Mary-Margret thought for a moment, " I guess so since you're the sheriff and all. "
" Bingo, " Emma said as she started up the stairs. " Wake me up when you leave for school so I can come inside. "
Emma woke to the sound of someone tapping on her window lightly. She opened her eyes and blinked, sighing when she remembered why she had to sleep in her car. She yawned and the tapping came again. She looked out the car window to find Mr. Gold standing there.
She growled and rolled down the window, " What is it, Gold? "
" Is everything alright, Miss Swan? " He asked gently.
Emma pushed her hair back, " Yeah. "
" Then why are you sleeping in your car? " Mr. Gold queried. " Did you have an argument with Miss Blanchard? "
Emma narrowed her eyes at him, " It's none of your business, Gold. "
" If you say so, " Mr. Gold said. He waited a few ticks then asked, " May I treat you to breakfast? "
" Where? " Emma reached down and eased her seat back up.
" I'm on my way to Granny's to pick up my order, " Mr. Gold motioned down the street. " I can order you something then we can eat at my shop. "
Emma's stomach growled, letting her know it agreed with the suggestion though her mind was apprehensive. " Do you have time to do that? "
" Yes, I do. It won't take long for them to make it, " Mr. Gold said. " What shall I get you? "
Emma sighed, " Eggs, bacon and toast I guess. "
" Good choice, " Mr. Gold smiled. He reached under his jacket and got out a ring of keys. He deftly picked one out of the bunch. " Meet me inside my shop. Wouldn't want any of Regina's moles to see us walking together. "
" I'll be there, " Emma took the keys by the one he had picked out. She watched him walk away then opened her door. She got out of the car and stretched. She then turned around and reached into car for the blanket. She pulled it out and shook it before folding it and throwing it in the passenger seat.
She shut the car door after locking it, walking across the street then down to the shop. She looked around to make sure no one was watching then put the key in the door. Her heart started to race as she turned the key then slipped into the shop. She closed the door gently and leaned against the wall to wait for Mr. Gold.
The minutes ticked by as an unexplainable anticipation built up in her body. Her heart pounded in her ears, her breath catching in her throat each time she took one. She nearly jumped out of her skin when the door opened and Mr. Gold came in.
His eyes locked with hers, a slow smile spreading across his lips. He held out the take out bag from Granny's, " Are you ready? "
Emma nodded, taking the bag from him. She gasped when he placed his newly freed hand on her waist before sliding it around to the small of her back. He pulled her much closer, his grin softening a bit. His face was so close to hers, she could feel his breath on her lips " What are you doing? " Emma whispered.
" Picking up where we left off last night, " Mr. Gold said then took her lips in his. The kiss was powerful, as if he were hungry for something other than food.
Emma clumsily set the bag on the nearest display case then brought her hands up to his shoulders. She returned the kiss with the same intensity he was giving her, the heat from his body melting into hers. They broke for air, Emma easing her hands down between them. She gave him a coy glance as her hands went to the buttons of his jacket.
Mr. Gold sucked at her lips and kissed her jaw as her trembling hands fumbled with the buttons. Once they were undone, he captured her lips in another heated kiss, gasping against her mouth as she slid her arms around his waist and up his back. He pulled away a little and took a raspy breath. " Do you wish to take this upstairs? " He whispered huskily against Emma's lips.
His breath on her lips sent a hard shiver through her, making her barely able to nod and whisper, " Yes please. "
Their hands scarcely left each other as they made their way to the back room and then to the door that led to the stairs. Mr. Gold let out a little sigh and pulled away. He opened the door before smiling at Emma. " After you, my dear. "
She mounted the stairs, Mr. Gold right behind her. Though the staircase wasn't that long, it seemed like an eternity before they reached the top. As soon as they did, Mr. Gold seized Emma, kissing her deeply once more. They kissed until they both needed air.
Emma watched as he backed away a little bit. He leaned his cane against the wall at the foot of the bed. He brought his hands up to his jacket and slid it off. He folded in half and placed it over a chair a few feet from the bed.
He then put his hands on her jacket, sliding it off as she pulled her arms out of the sleeves. He placed her jacket with his then removed his scarf from around her neck. He folded it and placed it with the jackets on the chair. He pulled her to him again, giving her a blistering, deep kiss that went on forever.
When they did break for air, Emma's hands found her way to the buttons of his shirt, fumbling with them as he kept nudging her towards the bed. She let herself down when she felt the mattress against the back of her legs, her hands never leaving Mr. Gold. When she reached where the shirt was tucked into his pants, her grabbed her hands and stopped her. She looked up at him, his dark eyes smoldering with desire.
He wordlessly untucked his shirt, unbuttoning the last few buttons before sliding it off. Emma moved over as he sat on the edge of the bed with her, his hands going to the hem of her sweater. Emma lifted her arms over head as he pulled it off gently but swiftly. He put his hands just underneath the bottom band of her bra, sliding them around to her back...
There was a loud banging on the hood of Emma's beetle, shocking her out of her slumber. She was confused for a moment as she tried to shake the last vestiges of slumber and her newest dream. She blinked and looked around, remembering she had to sleep in the car. The banging came again and Emma sat straight up to find Regina standing in front of the hood.
Emma rolled down the driver's side window as Regina stormed to it. " I hope you have a good explanation for this, Sheriff Swan! "
Emma rolled her eyes, " I do. I saw the thief last night but she ran away. I came back here and stayed out in the Godforsaken cold in case she came back. "
" She? " Regina arched an eyebrow. Her eyes went to the scarf around Emma's neck, a glimmer of recognition going across her face.
Emma nodded, " Yes. She broke into the clock tower building and I saw her. "
" Well then, " Regina squared her shoulders. " Now we're getting somewhere. You can bring me the report on that robbery later. "
" Will do, " Emma sighed.
Regina turned to walk away then stopped. " And don't forget that part about Mr. Gold's robbery that you... left on the printer. Since you have to return his scarf to him, I'm sure it won't be too much to ask him for permission to let me know exactly what was taken. "
" I can't promise you anything but I'll try, " Emma sighed.
" Don't try, " Regina said. " Do it. "