A/N: Hey guys still looking for a beta! If anyone has a suggestion or wants to be one please send me a message.

Chapter 12

The rest of the day was relatively quiet, outside of a few choice comments from Hook while he read, which should have been a warning to her. Her life had been anything but calm since she'd come to this town, that was doubly true now that magic existed, and everyone remembered who they really were.

"Good Afternoon, Miss Swan," She heard the voice half a second after she'd heard the door open. Across the room from her a book hit the floor and she looked up in time to see Hook jump to his feet, the look in his eyes deadly.

"Gold," she said making a show of sighing exasperatedly while inside she was bubbling with excitement. Finally. He was finally here. She'd almost given up on the idea of him ever showing up. "What can I help you with?"

"Please don't play coy with me, Sherriff, I'm not in the mood," he said bluntly as he glared at the man in the cell, who glared back at him with equal ferocity. He walked, or rather quickly limped, across the room and Emma waited until he was properly focused before standing and walking quickly to insert herself between the two men.

"Hey, hey, what do you think you're doing?" she asked, placing her hand on Gold's chest and stopped him in his tracks. He glanced at the offending limb, and then at her face.

"I'm dealing with a problem; this man is in town to kill me. I mean to stop him before he has the chance. Now step aside, Miss Swan, or are we going to have a problem." Though the threat was implied it was no less dangerous, she had to be careful here.

"The only issue we have is that you seem to have missed the sign above the door that said Sherriff, you know as in the person charged with upholding the law." She folded her arms across her chest feet planted apart, gaze defiant. "And, something tells me your not here to follow any laws."

"Swan, stop, I can -"

"You can what, defenseless person locked up in a cell?" She briefly shot him a quelling look before turning back to Gold who watched her calculatingly. "I know what you're here to do; but I can't legally, or morally, step aside and let you."

"You owe me a debt, Sherriff," he said her title like it was some kind of joke to him; oh she was going to make him pay for that. "I'm collecting, leave."

Emma made herself look shocked and appalled, while inside she was dancing. Now came the tricky part, putting up a fight without making him reconsider. "No way! When I agreed to owe you a favor I never agreed to let you kill someone!"

"No one breaks deals with me!" He snapped and banged his cane on the ground causing the building to shudder. "You said you would owe me a debt, it's not my fault you never specified what type of favor you would not fulfill, I will say it one more time, leave."

"Swan!" Hook growled, and she could have kissed him for his timing. "Leave, I'll be fine."

"We both know that's a lie Captain," Gold scoffed as she turned to look at the pirate as if this was a real conflict for her. "Oh, and Ms. Swan, be sure not to tell anyone what's happening."

"I'm sorry," she muttered to him, and he nodded at her, though his eyes never left his adversary, and then she stormed out of the room before anyone could say anything else to her. Once outside the building she felt like dancing, but instead she pulled out her phone and sent off a text to her parents, Regina, Leroy and finally Ruby; then shut it off. She'd simply told them Gold was at the station, being very careful to uphold Gold's request that she not tell anyone what he was doing. What they inferred about his activities from his location wasn't her fault, she hadn't broken the rule.

Gold wasn't the only one that could find loopholes.

Then, to calm her nerves, she quickly jogged up and down the parking lot, stumbling before she reached the door as some invisible force hit her back. She took a few seconds to regain her breath, which was hard with a strange pressure on her neck and chest, and then snuck back into the station. At the entrance to the bullpen she hesitated, debating with herself. It was clear from her physical symptoms that something was happening to Killian, that needed to stop. On the other, she didn't want to pass up this opportunity to find out more about the feud between them. Killian had told her the minimum, at best, about it because the topic was clearly hard for him to talk about. But she needed to know what it was really all about; so she could possibly stop it.

"You stole her from me!" Gold yelled his voice quivering with rage and, her decision made, Emma peeked through the doors window. Gold stood before the cell with his hand raised and Hook flattened to the cells back wall. With a gasp she almost went in but Killian looked up, and his defiant look made her pause again.

"I stole nothing!" He snapped, his voice slightly chocked, but not weakened from his restrained position. "Milah left with me, she begged me, just as she told me she begged you. She was miserable, and you were too much of a coward to even try!"

"No! We had a son, she knew her responsibility!" Gold yelled back and squeezed his grip causing Killian to choke out a yell. Emma choked and winced in pain, all the while eyeing Gold with disgust. It was strange sometimes to be reminded that this all powerful sorcerer was actually just a petty coward of a man trying to make himself seem big. She'd seen it before, but it was abundantly clear now.

"Then why… did you… kill her?" He asked, fighting against the lack of air in his lungs. "If I… stole her… why rip out… her heart?"

"She deserved it!" Gold yelled again, and Emma had heard enough. She understood the situation now and it was time to end this.

"Good, I didn't miss the end of the evil monologue." She said breaking the palpable tension, and anger between the two men as she walked back into the bullpen. Pretending she could breathe right was harder than she thought it would be; but she couldn't let Gold see the weakness. He'd jump on it and she didn't want to how he's used it against them. She'd just gotten from under his thumb, she refused to willing put herself back there.

Instantly two heads swung in her direction; one stunned and the other annoyed. Gold made an almost growling sound as he dropped Hook unceremoniously to the ground; before he turned to face her, which Emma was grateful for. Any longer and she would have been on the ground trying to breath herself.

"What are you doing here Ms. Swan? I thought I told you to leave," Gold hissed at her. Hook, who'd pushed himself to his feet still breathing hard, looked like he was going to say something too. But the look on her face silenced the words before they left his mouth, and instead he moved to the cell bars, eyes watchful.

"You did," She said walking over to them like she didn't have a care in the world, though from the look Hook was giving her, he noticed the way her hands were shaking slightly. "And I did, I even ran up and down the parking lot. Don't get annoyed with me because you didn't say I couldn't come back."

She saw Hook's mouth drop slightly as he quickly fit the pieces together and realized what she'd done, and why she'd kept him locked up. Gold on the other hand still seemed to be trying to grasp the situation, or was unwilling to, "It was implied Ms. Swan, you know that."

"Was it?" she asked as she reached him and positioned herself between her prisoner and the crippled man before her. Then she decided to throw his logic back at him. "I don't think it was, and considering you never actually said "don't come back" it doesn't count anyway."

She heard Hook choke behind her and he grabbed the back of her shirt; tugged it slightly in such a way that Gold couldn't see him do it. It was subtle but it was enough to let her know that he didn't like this, and he wanted her to stop. Too bad for him it had already gone too far, and she wouldn't have stopped anyway. This was her chance to one up the man who'd orchestrated the miserable existence that had been her life, and screwed her personally on several occasions. Hook was really just a means to an end in this. She could understand why he was nervous, considering what she'd overheard, but he shouldn't be. She was the Sheriff and if something happened to her everyone would find out, and that everyone included Belle.

"Well I'm saying it now!" He snapped gripping cane like he was trying to control his temper.

"Too late," she snapped in return and leaned back against the bars of the cell; grateful when Hook let go of her. Then, ignoring the pirate who was standing so close she could feel his body heat, she focused completely on the man in front of her. Though out of the corner of her eye she could see the way Hook was watching her with interest. He seemed to realize, probably from the venom in her tone, that what was happening between his "crocodile" and her was not actually about him, good boy. "Now, since I no longer owe you a damn thing, and I am still Sheriff, I'm going to have to ask you to leave my station."

"You're really taking his side in this." He asked his voice calculating and she rolled her eyes wearily.

"I'm not taking anyone's side," she said with a shrug, and the "screw you" smile she gave him finally seemed to get through to him. She could see it in the way he shifted his shoulders, he finally understood. This was recompense for almost killing her son, and the myriad of other things he'd done, as uneven as the payment was, it was still something. "I'm just calling it like I see it."

"You know he's here to kill me," his voice was even, giving nothing away but she bet he was seething inside.

"I do?" She gave Hook a disbelieve look, like he was a friend she was sharing an inside joke with, before turning back to the imp. It was strange, but the fact that Killian was letting her do this without much fight, just standing there as silent support, was gave her the confidence she needed to continue. He thought she could do it, and so she knew she could. "Gold, since he got here you have attack him, threatened him, and even tried to "bribe" the Sheriff so you could torture and kill him. Seriously, if anything were to happen to you after all that I'd be force to assume it was self defense. Self defense is not murder."

She could have heard a pin drop.

"He's admitted his intentions himself!" He all but yelled and slammed his cane down on the ground, both she and Hook jumped a little as the ground shook again, harder this time, but she wouldn't back down now, couldn't. If she did, he would win, and she wouldn't let him this time. This move in the game was hers and it wasn't like she didn't have some kind of defense against him. She did have magic, though she had no idea how to use it, it was still a comfort and a bolster to know she had it.

"He did? I don't remember that and unless you have proof, it's your word against mine, you know the sheriff and the savoir…" she trailed off and leaned forward. "Also, according to your own words, you murdered your wife in cold blood because she left you for Hook. I wonder how many people, after hearing all that, would ever believe you weren't trying to murder him if something happened."

"I could kill you where you stand," he hissed taking a step forward and she leaned back but didn't back down. "I'm more powerful then you could ever even imagine Dearie. I could destroy you with a flick of my wrist and you have the gall to think you can stand against me?"

She felt Hook shift, as if he wanted to interject, and yet he still stayed silent, though he did placed his stump against her back in silent encouragement, she could do this. Her father had given her everything she needed to end it.

"I'd love to see you explain that to Belle. 'but dear, I had to kill the Sheriff. She was stopping me from murdering the defenseless man in a cage.' Oh yea, I can see that going over big with a woman who broke up with you because you were using magic again." She tilted her head, "unless of course you think my disappearing is just…not going to be noticed. Not something I'd bank on considering the text I sent to five different people telling them you were here." His eyes glittered at that and he opened his mouth, but she quickly explained herself. "I didn't tell them what you were doing, just that you were here."

The speed in which he deflated from threatening and imposing to simply angry and quietly seething was impressive to say the least. Apparently the threat of an angry Belle was enough to cow the "Dark One"; good to know. Though she would have to start being careful how often she used that leverage, doing it too often might start to lessen its effectiveness.

"Very well Miss Swan, I shall leave," he ground out and she could see the loathing mixed with something like respect in his gaze. He glared at her a moment more before he turned away and started to limp out of the bullpen.

Yea, she thought to herself, he better start learning I'm a force to be reckoned with. She'd grown up an orphan in the system, lived on the streets, been to jail, and been a bounty hunter; you don't live that life and not have at least some skills. All the magical curse bullshit recently had been throwing her off, but she'd gotten her head around that now, and she was done being any kind of pawn in this man's games; he best learn that now.

However he did pause at the door and attempted to throw one last threat her way, "Your cleverness will not save him again if he come after me, or touches anyone I care about."

"Honestly Gold, if you think any of this was about him, you're not as smart as I thought you were," she replied, her voice annoyed. Killian might have benefited, but she'd done this for her. She'd done this because of that moment in his cell when she'd realized how much of her life he'd played puppeteer too; Killian's safety was a bonus nothing more. Gold stared at her and then nodded in understand, again with that look of respect, before he walked out the door leaving her alone with Hook again.

For a good few moments she just slump against the bars behind her and stared after the imp, unable to believe that her plan had actually worked; that she'd done it. That he wasn't going to come back with a yell of "just kidding" and kill them both anyway. She was so wrapped up in her own head that she only distantly noted that Killian was still standing right behind her and had begun to gently rubbing the back of her neck. Finally, she released a long breath, then pushed herself off the bars and away from his too comforting hand without comment, and walked into her office. Grabbing her keys she walked back; opening his cell for him. "You're free to go… David mentioned that Regina said people who'd never been cursed could cross the town boundary, I suggest you do."

He stared at her, his bright blue eyes searching hers, "Emma…"

"Leave town now, before I change my mind and find that cell somewhere underground to stuff you in," She threatened, but they both knew she wasn't serious. Emma dropped her shoulders and sighed tiredly, "Look, like I said to him, I didn't do that for you. That man's been screwing with my life since before I was born. You have no idea how satisfying that just was."

"I think I can guess," he said with a rueful smile as he leaned against the opening to the cell, she frowned at him.

"No, you really can't. Now leave, before I change my mind." She said briskly as she turned away and walked back into her office, intent on finishing a few more reports before she finally went to sleep in her own bed again. Well, at least she would have, had he not grabbed her arm and towed her back.

"Thank you, Emma," he whispered and before she could react he cupped her face with his good hand then placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I know it wasn't for me, love, but you still saved my life…again."

She stood frozen on the spot, her forehead burning where he'd kissed her, as he turned away and began to gather his things quickly; efficiently stowing them back where they belonged. When that was done he just stood there with his back to her as if waiting for something. When she said nothing he sighed and as he walked away from her, out of her life, and she just could help herself. "Try to stay out of trouble would you."

He stopped and when he turned to look at her, the smile on his face was something to behold. He held her eyes before he bowed then actually left, "As you wish, Milady."

Emma collapsed onto the couch behind her as she watched the still slightly swinging door. Sitting there she bit her lip as a goofy smile she didn't even try to fight crossed her lips. A handsome and rogue-ish pirate had just kissed her forehead and said "as you wish" to the princess who was once a commoner. The "Princess Bride" had been one of her favorite fantasy stories as a child, and every time she happened to hear those three words, which wasn't often in a modern world, it didn't funny things to her heart; really it was one of the few things that made her giddy in a girly way. It didn't matter that he didn't know the story, that it clearly wasn't a reference, or said with that intention. She'd had a stressful few weeks so she allowed herself to indulge in the fantasy and the warm feelings it gave her.

Hey, she could dream if she wanted too.

0oo000o0

Rumplestilskin stormed into his seemingly empty home. A large Victorian, it looked like the perfect home for a large family, but the only sound currently was what could vaguely be heard of the birds signing outside. With a snarl he slammed the front door before heading to his basement. The silence was a frustrating reminder that Belle still hadn't completely forgiven him for his current use of magic, and given his last conversation it rubbed him the wrong way. Once in the basement he began to mix different ingredients together in an effort to calm his nerves, ignoring the presence that entered the main room from the hidden one at the back.

"You seem less than pleased, Dark One," the man said as he sat in a chair across the table from the sorcerer. "I can only assume your meeting with the pirate didn't go to plan."

Gold paused and looked up at the balding man before him, "And how would you know anything about that, your Majesty?"

The man leaned back in his chair and folded is arms, "I may have been forced to hide here, but don't mistake that for my being completely devoid of allies. I know what happens in this town, and our red hated friend over there can be quiet talkative when you ask him the right questions."

Gold glared at the bound man in the corner of the room who looked back at him terrified. Smee's antics were quickly starting to outweigh his usefulness as a test subject, "Your granddaughter got in my way; she can be quiet cunning when she wants to be."

George sneered at him, "She's not my granddaughter. She's just the spawn of the bastard Sheppard who stole my kingdom."

Gold rolled his eyes and waved his hand dismissively at the man, this was an old issue. "Yes, yes, I know. Granddaughter or not, she's made it impossible for me to go after that man without a price I'm unwilling to pay."

"Really?" George replied with interest as he leaned back in his seat, eyes calculating. "Now what could she have done that would prevent you, The Dark One, from doing what you wanted to."

"It doesn't matter," Gold said dismissively, "All that matters is that the time is fast approaching were you'll have to pay your debt to me for your freedom."

George raised an eyebrow as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "Why does that not sound appealing to me."

Gold smiled brightly at him, a look eerily reminiscent of his former impish self, "Oh trust me, Dearie, this, is a price you'll gladly pay."

0oo00o0o000

It was a few hours after her victory, with an almost decimated pile of paperwork in front of her; that Emma finally shut down her computer and gathered her things. It was night, the sun having set several hours ago, and she took a deep breath of the cool air outside. It was getting into autumn now, not that it ever last long in Maine, and her birthday was right around the corner. A month exactly she muse to herself as she looked at the calendar on her phone. It was strange to think she'd almost been here a year.

Once in her car she cracked up the heat and then pulled out into the street, heading home, before she paused as a thought occurred to her, Killian. He was all alone in a strange world he didn't understand, as evidenced by his inquisition that morning. Honestly, she probably shouldn't have let him go it alone this afternoon. There were hundreds of ways he could have gotten himself into trouble. Even though the bond between them had been quiet, she was still strangely worried about him. Was he doing ok? Had he had something to eat for dinner? Was his ship warm enough for this weather? Better yet, was this that stupid bond wanting to know, or had she honestly grown to care about him like this? Grumbling to herself, and knowing she'd find no peace till she found him, she turned the car around and headed down to the docks. Only to find something that briefly stopped her heart.

The ship was gone.

Emma quickly pulled into a parking spot and threw herself out of the car; then ran down the dock to where the ship had been moored hoping that this was an illusion of some kind. But no, the ship was still as gone on the docks as it had been from the road. Had something happened? Had Gold come after him and done something? But if he had, surely she would have felt something.

"He weighed anchor earlier this afternoon, Sherriff," Emma spun on her heel to see a man who looked to be either a dock worker or a fisherman, probably both, standing behind her. "It was a sight to see let me tell you. I'd heard all manner of tales about the Jolly Roger and her magic, but to see the ship ready herself …well it's not a sight I'll soon be forgettin'."

"So you're saying he left on his own? Nothing happened?" she asked trying to make her voice seem neutral, like she was more interesting then worried about him. The dock man shrugged as he turned back to the net he'd been working on, she had to have run right by him without even noticing.

"He seemed alright, if a bit hurried, sailed right out of port and out of the cove all by his lonesome, though I don't know about when he crossed the boundary on the water. I hear tell when people cross that line they lose all their memories so he might not be alright now. Tried to warn him I did, but he didn't seem to care much," Emma sighed, relieved, as she turned to look at the ports mouth.

"Stay out of trouble."

"As you wish, Milady."

He'd never been cursed so his memories were fine, and now he was somewhere Gold couldn't follow him, he was safe.

Turning back to head to her car she frowned at the ground beneath her feet, he was out of the way and safe…so why did she feel so shitty? Him being gone was the best thing for everyone, the best thing for her, so why did she feel so…so…lonely? He'd be back, of course he would, once he licked his wounds and figured out another way to come at Gold, he'd be back. He'd never leave Gold behind and alive, if nothing else. That he might come back for her was an idea she refused to even entertain. She was not doing this, would not do this, she didn't care she didn't care she didn't care….

Reaching her car she paused and took one last look at the water before starting it and driving back to the apartment she shared with her parents and son. She had more important things to think of then stupid attractive pirates who said favorite catchphrases without meaning too.

A/n: Yes, Rumple is going to be a bad guy. Why? Because all of this takes place at the beginning of 2B before he had his whole "My son is dead I should change for the better" revelation. Basically this is the Rumple of "The Outsider" and the end of "Lacy", the one who torture Smee, beat up The Sheriff and wanted to kill Henry, which he almost did.