Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

The song used in this chapter is Damned If I Do by Jace Everett, and I highly recommend playing it as you read this.

"If I didn't like that song, I would rip his stupid head off."

Belle laughed as Ruby scowled at Dr. Whale. Ruby had finally talked her grandmother into getting a karaoke machine, and Whale immediately grabbed the microphone and dedicated a horrible rendition of Hungry like the Wolf to Ruby. Belle was laughing not only at her friend's reaction but the irony of the song when her husband stepped into the diner.

"So that's what that God awful noise was," Mr. Gold said, sliding into the booth next to Belle. "Draco and I heard it nearly a block away."

"Whale decided to serenade Ruby to win her over," Belle said with a laugh.

"He doesn't sound like he'll win anyone over with that voice."

"I'd like to see you do better, Gold," Ruby snapped, sick of the teasing.

Belle's eyes widened. She knew better than to dare her husband to do anything. He had no shame what so ever and would do damn near anything if challenged. As she suspected, Gold left the two women in the booth as soon as Whale finished and took the mic from him. Belle glared at her friend.

"Nice going, Ruby."

Ruby shrugged. "I didn't think he'd actually do it."

The librarian shook her head, and watched her husband search though the machine. Smooth jazz-like music rolled through the speakers before Gold started singing.

"Late at night and all I can do is walk these streets and think of you. Time goes by but not for me,
so easy to preach, but hard to believe. I'm damned if I do, and damned if I don't want you.

To taste your lips, to touch your skin. Pull you close and drink you in.
I should let you go but I don't know how. I'm no good for you and I'm nothing without.

Yeah, I'm damned if I do, but damned if I don't want you.

It's late at night. All I can do is walk these streets and dream of you.
Yeah, I'm damned if I don't. Damned if I do, but damned if I don't want you.

I see your face through that window pane. My lips don't move as I scream your name.
I want you, my love!
I want you!
Call my name without a sound. I am on my way.
I want you, my love!"

The lyrics along with his thickened accent made Belle's mouth go dry. His eyes locked with hers making it clear who he was singing about. When he finished, the diner had more people than it had when he started, and every female inside gave him a round of applause.

"Don't tell him I said this," Ruby whispered as Gold put down the mic. No one seemed to want to follow that. "But that man has one hell of a voice."

"I know, and I won't." He didn't need another boost to his ego. No matter how sexy his voice was.

"How was that, ladies?" Mr. Gold asked when he reclaimed his seat beside his wife.

Without warning, Belle grabbed his tie and pulled him into a rough kiss. Ruby saw this as her cue to get back to work and left the booth to wait tables. The kissing couple did not notice and kissed until neither could breathe.

"You didn't tell me that you could sing," she said breathlessly.

"You never asked, dearie," he replied equally breathless with a small smile.

Belle shivered at the sound of his once again thickened Scottish accent and set about straightening his tie to distract herself. He had no idea what kind of affect his voice had on her. Then again, he probably did and that was why he chose to sing that song. When she finished, Gold cupped her cheek with one hand as his other arm rested along the back of the booth, boxing her in. Belle didn't mind the position one bit and leaned into his touch.

"You know. I could give you a private concert at home if you want," he offered.

"Hmm. Sounds wonderful, love. If you sing like you just did, I'm probably going to jump you before you finish the first song."

Gold smiled down at her. "You'll hear no objections from me, dearie," he replied before leaning in for another kiss.

TBC