Once Upon A Time: Dancing With The Devil, Part Five

By Rebekkalee Mouri-Hibiki

" Emma? " Mary-Margret's voice brought Emma back to consciousness. " Are you awake? "

Emma opened her eyes to find herself in her own bed. Her head was throbbing so she brought her hand up to feel, finding a bandage. She groaned, " What the Hell happened? "

" I don't know, " Mary-Margret said quietly.

Emma looked down to find she was in her tank top and under a comforter. " Where's my sweater? "

" I took it off of you before I put the covers over you, " Mary-Margret motioned to the comforter.

" How did I even get here? " Emma glanced around the room.

" All I know is that there was knock at the front door and I opened it to find this HUGE guy standing there, holding you, " Mary-Margret explained.

" Frederick, " Emma muttered. She was starting to remember what happened before everything went black. She recalled being at Mr. Gold's old shop and he had been getting upset over being there. After that, it was blank.

" You know him? " Mary-Margret asked.

Emma nodded then frowned, " Sort of. He's Mr. Gold's... driver. "

" Oh, " Mary-Margret said though it seemed she still didn't understand.

Emma sighed and sat up, " I was with Mr. Gold this afternoon. I had him take me through the building for the police report. Something must have happened when we were leaving. "

" He gave me a note, " Mary-Margret held up a piece of paper. " That Frederick guy, I mean. I guess it's from Mr. Gold because that guy doesn't talk and wouldn't answer any of my questions. "

" What does it say? " Emma furrowed her brow then hissed because it pulled at her wound.

Mary-Margret handed it to her, " I didn't read it because it has your name on it. "

Emma took the note and unfolded it then read it out loud, " Miss Swan, you fell as we were leaving the building. You hit your head and got a small wound. I took care of the wound and had Frederick bring you home. Please call me once you get this because we weren't finished. Regards, Mr. Gold. "

" Well, " Mary-Margret said. " Now we know what happened. Do you think I should take a look at the wound? "

" Sure, " Emma sighed. Mary-Margret sat down on the edge of the bed. Emma hissed when she pulled the bandage loose. " How bad is it? "

Mary-Margret looked closely and furrowed her brow, " It looks like Mr. Gold used some paper stitches on it and... skin glue. "

" Oh. Then I guess he knew what he was doing then, " She looked out the window and saw it was dark outside. She gasped then looked at Mary-Margret again, " How long have I been out? "

" Um, " Mary-Margret looked at the clock on the wall. " He showed up with you at a quarter to three so I guess seven hours. "

Emma groaned, " Regina's going to kill me. "

" Why's that? " Mary-Margret asked.

" I had an appointment with her as soon as I was done with Mr. Gold, " Emma sighed. " Has she been calling me? "

" I don't know. I haven't heard your phone at all, " Mary-Margret said. " Do you want me to go see if it's in your jacket? "

" Please? " Emma said. " I have to check my messages. "

Mary-Margret nodded, " Be right back. "

Emma leaned back to wait, furrowing her brow when she heard a knock at the front door. She really didn't know who would come by so late. She listened as Mary-Margret opened the door and said, " Oh! Mr. Gold. What are you doing here? "

" Yeah, " Emma muttered to herself. " WHAT are you doing here, Gold? "

" Is Emma awake yet? " Mr. Gold sounded sincere and concerned. " I came to check on her and return some things that got left behind. "

" Emma's phone. I was just looking for this, " Mary-Margret sounded slightly frightened as she usually did when Mr. Gold was around. " And her notebook. I'll take them to her. "

" May I please do it? " Mr. Gold sounded pleading.

" Um, " Mary-Margret sounded unsure for a second. " Can I ask her if she wants to see anyone first? "

" I'm sure she'll want to see me, Miss Blanchard. This notebook has all of her notes on these robberies and I think she'd like to have it back. And I need to see her because, frankly, I was quite rude to her this afternoon and I'd like to apologize to her. "

" Rude? " Emma scoffed quietly. " You were being defensive and hostile. "

" Oh alright, " Mary-Margret caved just like Emma knew she would. It seemed like the only person that could say 'no' to Mr. Gold was herself. " Her room is upstairs. I'll go get her. "

" You don't have to make her get up, " Mr. Gold stopped her. " I can go to her. "

" Are you sure you can... " Mary-Margret's voice trailed off.

" I can make it. I'm not completely disabled, Miss Blanchard, " Mr. Gold said firmly.

" Right, " Mary-Margret said. " This way then. "

Emma sat up again, listening as Mr. Gold's cane tapped up each step. Each time it struck, her nerves wound tighter. Mary-Margret appeared first, " You have a visitor. "

Mr. Gold appeared a moment later, smiling sweetly at Emma, " Miss Swan. How are you feeling? "

" I have a headache, " Emma said flatly.

" Oh. That's understandable, " Mr. Gold nodded. He then glanced at Mary-Margret, " Miss Blanchard? "

Mary-Margret blinked then said, " Oh. I have to run down to the twenty-four hour market for something. "

Emma watched as Mary-Margret skittered down the stairs, wondering if Storybrooke even HAD a twenty-four hour market. As far as she know, the whole town seemed to shut down by ten o'clock, save for Granny's. After she heard the front door close, she looked at Mr. Gold. " So you have my phone and my notebook? "

" Yes I do, " Mr. Gold said. He reached into his coat pocket, pulling out the items. " It rang a few times then the battery died. "

Emma growled, " Regina's probably having kittens by now. "

" I'd love to see that, " Mr. Gold said wryly. He chuckled, " Actually, I did answer one call and I told her your were injured and exhausted. I asked her nicely to give you a night off and let the temporary deputies take over surveillance duties for tonight. "

" Did you say 'please'? " Emma scoffed. She had picked up on the fact Regina always backed off when he said the simple word.

Mr. Gold frowned, anger creeping into his eyes. " What did you just say? " His voice was low and menacing.

Emma blinked, " I was joking with you. I just noticed... whenever you say it, she lets you do whatever... "

" Oh, " Mr. Gold cut her off then chuckled nervously. " That's right. I guess it's something of a... habit. It's a way of letting her know I won't be swayed, no matter what she says. "

Emma nodded once, still puzzled by his little mood swing. " At least someone in this town can do that. "

" Yes, " Mr. Gold looked at the floor. He still had the notebook and phone in his hand and glanced at them. He looked at Emma and held them out again. " Do you want these? "

" I do, " Emma nodded. He walked over to the bed and she took the items from him when he handed them over. She put the phone on the nightstand because it would be useless to her until it was charged.

Mr. Gold looked at the floor for a long moment then at Emma. " I would like to apologize for this afternoon. You see, that old building has a lot of bad memories attached to it and I'm not particularly receptive to going in there. "

" I could tell that, " Emma said.

" I suppose you wouldn't have gotten hurt if I had controlled myself a bit better than that and I am embarrassed by my behavior, " Mr. Gold explained. He looked genuinely remorseful, " Could you please forgive me? "

Emma nodded, " For that I will. "

Mr. Gold eyed the notebook for a long moment then motioned to it, " Can I offer you my opinion on these robberies, Miss Swan? "

" Your opinion? " Emma arched an eyebrow. " What do you know about them? "

Mr. Gold motioned to the notebook again, " I took the liberty of looking through your notes. "

" Why did you look through my notes? " Emma's eyes went wide.

Mr. Gold chuckled, " Because you weren't there to stop me. "

" You are the most vexing man I know, " Emma said sharply.

Mr. Gold chuckled and gave her that grin that made her heart race, " Oh you are so beautiful when you are angry, my dear. "

Emma felt her cheeks heat up at the compliment. Sometimes she wondered if he went out of his way to piss her off. It wouldn't be a surprise if it were true. " Gold! " She said sharply.

" So do you want my opinion or not? " Mr. Gold became serious again.

" Sure, " Emma sighed. " Why not? "

Mr. Gold nodded then looked at the edge of the bed, " May I sit? I have been on my feet all day and my bad leg is bothering me. "

Emma rolled onto her side on the twin size mattress to make room so he could sit comfortably. He took off his coat, putting it over the end of the bed. Her heart jumped as he sat, the bed sinking with his weight and the springs squeaking as he positioned himself so he was looking at her. " So tell me what you think, Gold. "

Mr. Gold took the notebook back, " I made a few notes of my own. "

" So did you catch anything I didn't? " Emma arched an eyebrow as she propped herself up on her elbow so she could see the notebook as well.

Mr. Gold opened the book and turned it so Emma could see better, " I noticed that this thief is taking little things, nothing too big. "

Emma nodded. He was right. Even at the appliance store, the thief had only taken small things, stuff that would be easy to carry. " I noticed that as well. It's like she does it all on foot. "

" Precisely, " Mr. Gold said. He pointed to a note he had made, " She is coming in the buildings through the air shafts. Could it be possible that she is leaving the same exact way? "

Emma thought about it. All the shafts had been over cabinets, display cases and the like. That would make it easy to get out of the duct work but getting back up there was the trick. That would take an acrobat.

" No one could do that, Gold, " Emma shook her head. " Not anyone normal anyway. "

" Are you sure, Miss Swan? " Mr. Gold arched an eyebrow. He pulled out some papers from the notebook that Emma had noticed but thought was her report about his robbery. He unfolded them and handed them to Emma.

She looked at the papers, finding they were a printout from a website. She furrowed her brow, " You know how to use the internet? "

" You'll be surprised at the things I can do, my dear, " Mr. Gold said with a coy grin.

Emma's eyes went back to the paper, the thought of the things he could be capable of making it almost hard to breathe. She quirked her mouth, " These look like those huge suction cups like you see in the spy movies. "

Mr. Gold nodded once, " They do look like the sort of thing that could get someone back UP an air duct, do they not? "

" Yes, " Emma said. She frowned, " If they were small enough and acrobatic enough. "

" So you think we're looking for an acrobat? " Mr. Gold arched an eyebrow.

" There's no we're to this. This is my case, Gold, " Emma said flatly.

Mr. Gold smiled, " A case you were getting nowhere on. And remember, I was 'robbed' too. "

" So, I'M looking for an acrobat, " Emma wasn't about to let the discussion deteriorate into an argument over particulars.

" As you wish, " Mr. Gold said. " YOU'RE looking for an acrobat. "

Emma nodded, " It would be impossible otherwise. "

Mr. Gold smiled, " Indeed it would. "

Emma frowned, " Gold. There's something you aren't telling me. "

" Well it IS just a theory, " Mr. Gold said.

" You said you wanted to share it with me, " Emma said.

" But everything comes with a price, my dear, " Mr. Gold smiled.

Emma frowned, " I know. Everything with you does. So what is it? "

" If I tell you, you have to agree to something, " Mr. Gold said.

" Agree to what? " Emma was wary. With him, it could be anything.

He smirked, " I haven't decided yet. Perhaps I'll tell you when I'm finished. "

" No way, Gold. I want to know now, " Emma said.

Mr. Gold went to stand up, " Well then I guess we're finished here. Good luck with the case, Miss Swan. "

Emma grabbed his arm. She couldn't let him get away if he had something she hadn't thought of. She hated to admit it, but she had been stumped. " Fine then. Tell me your theory. "

Mr. Gold smiled, " Do you know about the gypsies that live in the woods east of town? "

" Gypsies? " Emma arched an eyebrow. " There are gypsies in Storybrooke? "

Mr. Gold nodded, " Yes. They were once a traveling circus or so the story goes but they ran out of money here and were stranded so they just decided to stay. They've never caused any trouble and mostly keep to themselves. They come to work in town and go back home at night, just like everyone else. "

" So why would they cause trouble now? " Emma was confused.

Mr. Gold smirked, " Now that is the question. Perhaps you could talk to some tomorrow and ask if anything's happened. "

" But will they talk to me? " Emma knew gypsies were notoriously leery of strangers. She furrowed her brow, " How will I even know who they are? "

" I know a few, " Mr. Gold said. " There's a very nice couple that have come out from the woods and are trying to make a go of a normal life. They rent a house from me just off of 2nd street. "

Emma quirked her mouth, " Do you have the address? "

Mr. Gold reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper, " I do. I called them this afternoon to let them know you'd pop by with some questions tomorrow. They said they would ask around and tell you everything they can find out. "

Emma was stunned, " Wait. What? "

" Is something wrong, my dear? " Mr. Gold frowned. " You look unhappy. "

" I'm not, " Emma stammered. " I just... Why? "

" Why what? " Mr. Gold arched an eyebrow.

Emma sighed, " Never mind. I know the answer already. "

Mr. Gold got that damn smug smirk on his face, " Why am I helping you? Is that what you were going to ask? "

Emma sighed, " Yes but I know what you're going to say. You're going to say it's because you're my... "

" I like you, Miss Swan, " He cut her off.

Emma blinked, her heart going to her throat, " What? "

He smirked, " I like you. That's why. You aren't afraid of me. You have passion and you stand up to me when no one else will. "

" Someone has to, " Emma said though her mind was still reeling from his words.

" I believe we can make a great alliance against Regina, " He continued. " We're both interested in the greater good, are we not? "

" The greater good? " Emma arched an eyebrow. " I'm interested in doing what's right, Gold. "

" 'Right' is such a subjective term, " Mr. Gold said. " However, Regina is only interested in herself. You know that and I know that. "

Emma frowned, knowing she couldn't argue with him. She couldn't help but think he was after something for himself though. " So what are you saying, Gold? "

Mr. Gold smirked, " I want us to join forces to bring her down. "

" I can do it by myself, " Emma said.

Mr. Gold scoffed, " Yes. That has gone so well, hasn't it? "

Emma narrowed her eyes, " There's been a few snags but I'll get her. "

" You need an ally that knows her, Emma. I am well versed in her history and her weaknesses. You've witnessed it yourself how I can make her stand down with a simple word, " Mr. Gold reminded her.

" True, " Emma sighed begrudgingly.

" If we do it together, we can bring her down. I can keep her out of the way while you do what you need to do, " Mr. Gold smiled that damn smile that was so hard to resist.

" And what do you want out of this arrangement, Gold? " Emma asked. " You never make a deal unless you're getting something in return. "

Mr. Gold's smile softened, " Some of your time when you can spare it. "

" For what? " Emma arched an eyebrow.

" Companionship mostly, " Mr. Gold said. " I do get a bit lonely sometimes. I need someone I can talk to and to keep me company. "

" Then get a cat, " Emma said, her harsher-than-intended tone even stinging her ears. She hadn't meant for the comment to be so scathing but the shock of him asking such a thing... Well, frankly, left her shocked.

Mr. Gold frowned, " No. Miss Swan, I want human companionship. Someone I can have... stimulating conversation with. At your leisure, of course. I know you are rather busy most of the time. "

Emma thought it over. If he were going to let her set the terms and the time of her visits, she could simply stay too 'busy' to see him. He was one wily bastard but she could be fairly slippery as well. She would be playing yet another game with him but this was one she was determined to win.

" So when I have time? " Emma arched an eyebrow.

Mr. Gold nodded, " I believe that is what I said. Dinner once a week, a walk through town whenever we meet on the street or a pop by the sheriff's office. I'm not going to be too picky. "

" That's a first, " Emma muttered under her breath.

" So what do you say? " Mr. Gold was obviously choosing to ignore her chide. " Of course, we WILL have to spend time together make our plans against Regina but that will have to be secretly... in my home or at my shop. "

" Of course it will, " Emma knew there was a catch but it did make sense. She knew that the odds of Regina's moles being in either place was slim to none.

" And your answer is? " Mr. Gold arched an eyebrow.

" I guess we can give it a try, " Emma shrugged. " Meet up a few times for some mundane meetings until Regina stops getting suspicious and then we can get to work. "

" Grand, " Mr. Gold gave her a gentle smile. He turned his head when he heard the front door open then close. " Seems like Miss Blanchard has returned. "

" Emma? " Mary-Margret called from downstairs.

" Yes? " Emma called back.

" I picked up some dinner for you, I thought maybe you'd be hungry, " Mary-Margret was in the kitchen, Emma could tell because she could hear the clatter of silverware.

" Great, " Emma said. She looked at Mr. Gold, " Do you need anything else from me? "

Mr. Gold smirked, " Not particularly but I do have something for you. "

Emma was surprised when he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek, the corner of his mouth grazing hers as he did. He took his time, lingering there before he said, " Goodnight, Miss Swan. Sweet dreams. "

Emma inhaled, his scent making her mind swirl. She let out a tiny gasp when he kissed her cheek again. She grazed his cheek with her lips and murmured, " Thank you. "

" I didn't know what you would want so I asked Ruby... " Mary-Margret's voice trailed off.

Mr. Gold backed away, letting Emma see Mary-Margret was standing at the top of the stairs. Her eyes were wide at the little scene in front of her. Emma took a deep breath and tried to appear as if everything was normal, " I'm sure whatever you got for me will be fine. I'm starving. "

Mr. Gold stood up and collected his coat from the foot of the bed. He glanced around the room, " I believe you still have my scarf, my dear. "

" It's on the coat rack by the door, " Emma said, glancing at Mary-Margret. She was still dumbstruck at the top of the stairs.

" Splendid. I'll get it on my way out, " He slipped into his coat. He then walked to the stairs, stopping at Mary-Margret side for a second. " Good evening, Miss Blanchard. "

" Uh yeah, " Mary-Margret sounded like she hadn't quite come back to reality. " Good evening. I'll show you out... "

Mr. Gold shook his head, " That is not necessary. I know the way. You take care of Miss Swan now. "

Emma and Mary-Margret stared at each other, listening as Mr. Gold tapped his way down the stairs, to the coat rack and then finally out the door. Mary-Margret paused for about two ticks before she approached the bed warily. " What? " Emma asked when she realized Mary-Margret looked a little more than freaked out.

" What do you mean what? " Mary-Margret whispered sharply. " What was that? "

" He was just kissing my cheek and wishing me a goodnight, " Emma said then realized what it must have looked like from her angle.

Mary-Margret blinked, " Oh. "

Emma looked at the take-out bag from Granny's, " So what's in the bag? "