One more for this week. Please do keep the feedback coming - and WOW! to all of the new faves and follows! Welcome! I really appreciate all of the positive response to this story! Just FYI - EVERY detail in this story is important! :)

I do not own 'Once Upon a Time.'

Chapter 5

"So – what's going on with you and the librarian?" Emma asked.

"Nothing." Gold replied, and he walked over to a painting that was hanging on the wall. He moved it back – it was on a hinge. Behind it was a wall compartment that contained several bottles of alcohol – he reached for one of them.

"Don't tell me nothing, Gold – I know what nothing looks like and that wasn't nothing. There was something there." Emma said. Gold ignored her as he took a long drink straight from one of the open bottles. "Hey – you were supposed to cut that crap out."

"I need to calm my nerves." Gold said. He put the bottle back and closed the compartment, then put the painting back in place.

"Didn't Dr. Hopper recommend taking up yoga?" Emma asked. "You should probably call him." Gold turned and stared at her.

"You don't get to tell me what to do, Miss Swan. You're not the one in charge." Gold said, and he picked up his cane and pointed it at her.

"Oh, put that thing down, don't you point that damn cane at me." Emma said, shoving the cane away. "You gonna clean up the mess you made? Because I don't think that your maid should be doing that."

"Yes, that is what I do, isn't it? Clean up messes. And back to what we were discussing – you made quite a fine one, didn't you?" Gold asked.

"It was ONE mistake. I made a wrong call, I'm sorry, I'm not perfect. It's not the end of the world, at least no one got killed." Emma said. Gold shot her a furious glare and turned away from her. "Sorry – bad choice of words, I didn't mean -"

"I believe we're done here, Miss Swan. I'll take care of cleaning up the mess. Both of them. You can see yourself out." Gold said, not looking at her.

"Look – it won't happen again, okay? You know damn well that I have a HUGE stake in this, one that you personally understand better than anyone. I'll be back tomorrow – through the front door this time, I want to pay a visit to your maid – I want to make sure that – well that everything is going the way that it's supposed to with her. Call Hopper – I mean it." Emma said, and she walked over to what looked like a wall in the study. She pushed on the wall; it was a hidden door. She walked through it and it closed behind her.

The next morning, Gold was waiting promptly at 7:30 for his breakfast. Belle brought it out to him and set it down, not saying a word. She went back into the kitchen and got his coffee and poured it for him (still in the chipped cup – he was definitely mocking her, she was certain now) in silence. She set the coffee pot down on the table and turned to leave.

"Miss Woods – please – sit down." Gold said.

"Is that an order?" Belle asked.

"I said please." Gold said. "And just to prove that I'm a generous man, I won't count that toward your allotment of three questions." Belle reluctantly sat down. "About yesterday – I – I just wanted to say I'm sorry."

"Okay." Belle replied. "Apology accepted."

"Do I frighten you, Miss Woods?" Gold asked. Belle hesitated for a moment.

"No." Belle replied. Gold raised his eyebrow at her, surprised. "Frustrate would be a better word. But you don't frighten me. You never have."

"I um – I have a bit of a temper sometimes. I have to do better at that." Gold said.

"Well, I'd be angry too if I hadn't left the house in nearly two decades." Belle said. Gold looked down, not saying a word, a sadness coming over his face. "It's true, isn't it?"

"It's complicated." Gold said. "You wouldn't understand."

"I'm a pretty smart girl, Mr. Gold. I think I probably would. If you ever want to talk about it, that is." Belle said. She stood up and walked behind him, then put her hand on his shoulder. "You haven't touched your breakfast. Eat – before it gets cold. I have to get started on the laundry." Gold shivered when Belle touched his shoulder – he stared ahead and didn't say a word. After Belle left the room he sat in his chair, perfectly still, for several minutes. He looked down at his breakfast. He barely took two bites, then he stood up and walked away.

Later that day, Belle was upstairs putting Mr. Gold's clothes away when he entered the room. "Miss Woods – there's someone here to see you." he said. "Miss Swan. The young lady who brought you here to me." Gold said. "She's in the living room, you can meet with her there." Gold left the room. Belle finished hanging up Gold's clothes in the closet and went downstairs to meet with Emma.

"Hi – come to check up on me?" Belle asked.

"I said I would." Emma said. "Come on – sit down, let's talk." Both Emma and Belle sat down on the sofa. "How are things going?"

"Fine. Everything's fine." Belle said.

"Gold's not driving you crazy?" Emma asked.

"A bit, but – I can handle him." Belle said. "He's not that bad." Emma snickered a bit.

"Really? I've heard quite a few descriptive words used about Gold over the years, but – 'not that bad' – first time I've heard that one." Emma said. "Sorry that I didn't clue you in on all of the details but – this was really the best arrangement we could come up with for you, and I was afraid if I told you about him you'd back out."

"And do what? Go back to New York and put myself and my family and friends in danger?" Belle asked. "I'm managing fine. It's not forever, right?"

"You know you're taking all of this pretty well, considering. I appreciate that." Emma said. "I'll be honest, I'm really shocked that you haven't called me on that phone I gave you. I kind of expected you to be on the phone with me screaming within the first day."

"Like I said – he's not that bad." Belle said. "He's – interesting."

"Okay, so another word that I've yet to hear used to describe him. Well, I just wanted to make sure everything was okay here and I wanted to update you. We had a bit of a setback yesterday with the case – it happens sometimes. But don't worry – we're working on getting this whole situation under control. I know that you want to get back to your life and I promise, we'll make that happen as fast as we can. So you're – okay here then?" Emma asked.

"I'm fine. Really." Belle said.

"Do you need anything from me?" Emma asked.

"Maybe some books. There's no library in this town and the stores don't have much to offer." Belle said.

"I'll see what I can come up with. I'll stop by again in a few weeks, and don't forget – any problems, just give me a call." Emma said.

"Okay." Belle said. "I need to get back to work, I still have quite a bit to finish. Thank you for stopping by."

"Any time." Emma said, and they walked out into the foyer together. Gold came out of his office as they did.

"Everything alright then?" Gold asked. He looked over at Belle and she smiled at him.

"Fine." Emma said, watching both of them carefully but subtly.

"I'll see you soon, Miss Swan." Belle said, and she left the room. Once Belle was back upstairs, Emma and Gold went into his office and closed the door.

"Well?" Emma asked. Gold went over to his desk, pulled an envelope out of a drawer and handed it to Emma.

"You owe ME a favor now, Miss Swan, I hope you realize that." Gold said.

"Lucky me." Emma replied sarcastically. "Did you call Hopper?" Gold sighed.

"He'll be here next Tuesday." Gold said.

"Why wait so long?" Emma asked.

"Because that's her day off and I don't want her here." Gold said.

"You don't want her to know that you see a shrink? Like she'd be surprised by that after your little hissy fit yesterday." Emma said. "By the way – and I honestly didn't think I'd have to be saying this to you about her or – hell, about ANYONE but – you do realize what a really, really, REALLY bad idea it would be if you and her ever -"

"Miss Swan, I have no intention of any such thing, and quite frankly, I find it ludicrous that you would even think that." Gold said.

"Did you see the way she looked at you? Cause I did. And what's more important – I saw the way YOU looked at HER." Emma said. "That girl is the key to putting this case to bed once and for all. And I don't want you screwing it up simply because you can't keep it in your pants."

"Miss Swan, I realize that you pride yourself on your so-called intuitive skills, but – well it appears you're slipping quite a bit lately. First your recent debacle that set all of the work that's been done back by months, and now this – completely misguided idea that there is something of a romantic nature going on between myself and Miss Woods. Nothing could be further from the truth." Gold said adamantly.

"Well, for once I hope I'm wrong." Emma said. "I'll be in touch." she said as she moved toward the office door, and then she left.

That evening, Belle served dinner to Gold as usual. He sat staring at his plate, picking at his food. "Are you alright?" Belle asked.

"Fine." Gold replied unconvincingly.

"You didn't eat your breakfast this morning. And you barely touched your lunch. I can't help but wonder if I'm doing something wrong with the cooking." Belle asked.

"No – it's fine. I'm just not very hungry today, that's all." Gold said. Belle sat down at the table and scooted her chair close to him. She reached out her hand and touched his forehead. "What are you doing?" Gold asked.

"You've been looking a bit pale today. Just checking to see if you have a fever." Belle said. Gold pushed her hand away.

"Miss Woods, you are my housekeeper, not my nursemaid. And I'm fine – I just – have a lot on my mind today, that's all." Gold said, and he started to eat his dinner. "See? Happy now?" Belle smiled at him.

"Well, I'm glad you're alright." Belle said.

"I take it your discussion with Miss Swan went well then." Gold said.

"It was fine." Belle told him.

"You seem to be taking all of this in stride, Miss Woods. Most people wouldn't handle such an upheaval of their life with as much grace as you have." Gold commented.

"Well, I'm not most people." Belle said.

"No – that you are definitely not." Gold said. "So why, then? Why have you so readily accepted this – fate that you've been dealt?" Belle thought about it for a moment.

"Heroism. Sacrifice. I figured if I did the brave thing then – bravery would follow." Belle said. "Miss Swan said that you were told all the details of my situation, and I'm sure you presumed that I would be some spoiled little heiress, and yes, I was quite spoiled. I'm an only child and my father did dote on my quite a bit. But I can take care of myself. I've always loved books and I've spent hours getting lost in stories of adventure my whole life. I just never thought I'd get to go on one. So that's how I see this – as an adventure. Of course, I'm sorry that it happened the way it did, with some poor man's death at the hands of that horrible woman, but – if I can have some part in seeing that justice is served – then this is the least I can do." Belle said. Gold watched her intently as she spoke, taking in every word.

"So what was your life like before – all of this?" Gold asked.

"Nothing that exciting." Belle said. "I worked at the library and I would visit my papa one or two days a week. That's it really."

"No romantic endeavors then? I find that hard to believe." Gold said.

"I was seeing someone for a while, but um – it didn't work out. He was – quite boring, actually. Very shallow, superficial – nothing like what I expect to find when it comes to love. To me love – love is layered. Love is a mystery to be uncovered. And I just – haven't been able to find that in New York." Belle said. They were both silent for a moment. "You know I – still have two more questions left today."

"You do." Gold said.

"Why haven't you left this house in twenty years?" Belle asked.

"That falls under categories that you are not permitted to ask about." Gold said.

"Well, you just obtained some personal information about me. I think it's only fair that you offer me the same consideration." Belle said. "I mean – given the fact that the town isn't exactly friendly toward me, it's highly unlikely that I'll get to know any of them on any sort of intimate level. If I'm not going to really know anyone during the time I have to spend here – can't I at least know you?" Gold thought about it for a moment.

"It's not a good idea for me to leave. Let's just say that – I'm in a very similar predicament as you are." Gold said cryptically.

"How old are you?" Belle asked.

"Fifty." Gold replied.

"So you were my age then – when you stopped going out. I can't even imagine that. It was hard enough as it was to just leave my life behind, but – to have no contact with the outside world at all for all that time – I don't know if I could do that. You must have a good reason. I'm very sorry." Belle said.

"It's no matter. I've um – I've accepted my fate. Hopefully yours will – well hopefully, you won't have to endure being here much longer." Gold said.

"I wouldn't say there's anything to endure." Belle said. "Thank you – for telling me these things." Belle reached out and touched his hand, just as she had done once before. "Finish your dinner, alright?" Belle smiled at him, then stood up and left the room. Gold's hand trembled and he looked down at it. He drew his breath in and swallowed hard. He took one more bite of his dinner and then left the room.

Another week went by, and Gold and Belle continued their dining room discussions. Gold's level of talkativeness depended on his mood; some days he would carry on lengthy conversations with Belle, and others, he barely said two words. She didn't see him at all on Sunday; he informed her on Saturday that he would be taking all of his meals in his study that day, and to just leave them at the door. Belle ran her errands on Monday, and as usual, the townspeople couldn't be done with her fast enough.

On Tuesday, Belle arrived at the park at 12:30 to meet with Ruby. Ruby was the only person that was even willing to give her a chance; she was hopeful that they might eventually develop a friendship. Gold was polite enough company, but Belle missed her girlfriends in New York and it would be nice to have one here. She saw Ruby coming and waved at her happily. Ruby approached her. "Hi." Ruby said.

"Hi. It's good to see you again. How was your week?" Belle asked.

"Um – Lacey – we have to go somewhere else." Ruby said.

"What? Why?" Belle asked.

"Some people saw me here last week with you and – they told Granny. She was mad." Ruby said.

"So what? You're a grown adult, why should it matter what you do?" Belle asked.

"Because it does." Ruby said. "It's part of the pitfalls of living in a small town. Everyone knows everyone else's business. Except for Mr. Gold – nobody knows what he does. Well, except for you." Belle laughed a bit.

"I'm not even sure I know what he does." Belle said. "Hey – that's an idea. I have car, we can go there."

"Where? To the house of horrors?" Ruby asked.

"It's not a house of horrors, it's just a house. I've been there three weeks now, trust me, if there were any monsters there I'd have seen them by now." Belle said.

"Some people think your boss is the monster." Ruby said. "I don't know, Lacey."

"He's not that bad. I promise." Belle said. "We can go downstairs to my quarters, talk for a bit, we probably won't even see him." Ruby thought about it for a moment.

"Okay – why not." Ruby said. "I've always wanted to see what that house looks like anyway."

"Come on – let's go." Belle said, and they headed for the car together.

"So – how are things?" Archie Hopper asked Gold as they sat in the living room across from one another.

"They are as they are." Gold replied.

"Did you have a slip up?" Archie asked. "Is that why you called?"

"Close. More of a – preventative measure. At Miss Swan's urging." Gold said.

"Ah. Well – what triggered it?" Archie asked.

"Incompetence on her part mostly. But I fixed it – as always. So – we're good." Gold said.

"That's it? Anything else?" Archie asked. "I hear through the grapevine that you have a new housekeeper. How's that working out?"

"Rather well." Gold said. "Better than I expected, actually."

"You want to talk about her?" Archie asked. "I mean, this has to be an adjustment for you. What's she like?"

"She talks a lot. Always chirping on about nothing and everything. And she asks questions. Lots of them. Constantly asking questions." Gold said.

"How long has she been with you now?" Archie asked.

"It'll be three weeks on Thursday." Gold replied.

"Three weeks, huh? With a girl who likes to talk and ask questions – and you who likes quiet and would prefer not to tell anyone anything. How is that working out well then?" Archie asked.

"It just is." Gold replied.

"What's her name?" Archie asked.

"Lacey. Lacey Woods." Gold replied. "She um – she dropped one of my cups, third day she was here. Chipped it."

"And did you lose your temper?" Archie asked.

"Actually, no. I um – I was very calm about it. It's just a cup."

"Right, I know how much you like your things. So you stayed pretty calm – good for you. I don't think you would have been able to do that even a year ago, would you have?" Archie asked.

"No, it's unlikely that I would have." Gold agreed.

"Well, you should be proud of that. And it sounds like this – Lacey is a good influence on you." Archie said. The two men heard noises from the foyer – the voices of two girls chatting and laughing.

"What the bloody hell?" Gold said, and he stood up and stormed out into the foyer. Archie followed behind him. He immediately set his eyes on Ruby.

"Miss Woods! Would you like to explain the meaning of this." Gold said in an angry tone of voice.

"This is Ruby – we met in town, I told her she could come over. We won't bother you, we're going down to my quarters just to gab for a bit." Ruby looked at him and gasped.

"You're Mr. Gold. I – it's nice to meet you. You're noting like I imagined." Ruby said.

"I see you have company, I – we'll go downstairs." Belle said. "Sorry to bother you."

"In my office Miss Woods. NOW." Gold said.

"Why? It's my day off, I just -" Belle began.

"That wasn't a request." Gold said, gritting his teeth. He grabbed her arm and shoved her in his office, then shut the door behind them.

"What is your problem? Am I not allowed to have friends over on my day off?" Belle asked.

"I thought you said you weren't making any friends." Gold said.

"Well, it turns out that I am. But because of YOU, she doesn't want to be seen with me in town, so I invited her here." Belle said.

"What do you know about that girl, other than her wardrobe choices are questionable at best." Gold said, remarking on Ruby's short skirt and low-cut top.

"Her name is Ruby Lucas. She's twenty-five years old, she works at Granny's, and -"

"I mean what do you know of her background? Her family, her friends – anything. Miss Woods – you are here for protection. And it is important for you to note that, given your situation, NO ONE is above reproach. You should not be trusting anyone. And if that means not making friends – then so be it. Now kindly tell that painted up little tart out there to go home and not return." Gold said.

"I can't do that." Belle said.

"That wasn't a request." Gold said.

"I mean – I drove her here. I said I'd take her back into town after her visit." Belle said.

"Well then – your visit is done. Take her back." Gold said.

"No." Belle said defiantly. Gold began to fume in anger.

"I said take her back!" he screamed, and he picked up his cane and slammed it against his desk, knocking the phone off of it. Belle glared at him, and stormed out the door.

"Come on, Ruby – we'll find somewhere else to go." Belle said. Gold stood in the doorway and watched Belle and Ruby leave. Archie stood in the background, observing the entire scene. Gold swung his cane against the front door several times after Belle and Ruby left.

"Was that really necessary." Archie asked him.

"In this case? I think it was." Gold said.

"You left out some details, didn't you? About Lacey." Archie said.

"What about her?" Gold asked.

"Why didn't you tell me you had feelings for her?" Archie asked.

"Have you been talking to Miss Swan?" Gold asked.

"No. Just – based on what I observed. Your facial expressions, your body language – you're in love with her, aren't you?" Archie asked. Gold didn't answer him. "Well?"

"It doesn't matter. Even if I were – I can't have her." Gold said. "Ever."

"I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with him, he was fine yesterday." Belle said as she and Ruby headed back toward town. "He can be a bit of a grump sometimes."

"A grump? He wasn't being a grump, he was being psychotic." Ruby said. "Lacey – you need to get out of that house."

"I can't." Belle said. "It'll be fine. I probably should have – asked first, about bringing you over. That's all."

"So he's acted like that before then?" Ruby asked.

"He's not violent, he just – acts out. He told me he has issues with his temper and he's working on that." Belle said.

"That's probably why Dr. Hopper was there." Ruby said.

"Who?" Belle asked.

"The man that was with him – that's Dr. Archie Hopper. He's – Lacey, he's a psychiatrist." Ruby said. Belle turned to her in surprise as she pulled up at the curb near Granny's diner. "Listen, I'm really nervous about you going back there. Can I have your number so that I can call and check up on you?"

"I um – I don't have a phone." Belle said.

"Well let me give you mine, call me tomorrow." Ruby said.

"I can't." Belle said.

"He doesn't have a phone in the house?" Ruby asked.

"Yes, but – I don't think I'm allowed to use it." Belle said. Ruby stared at her in disbelief. "Ruby – it's not what it sounds like, it's complicated and I can't tell you why, I'm sorry."

"Lacey – I didn't want to tell you this because I didn't want to freak you out or anything, but – after what I saw today I think I need to. The reason my Granny hates Gold is – because of my parents." Ruby said.

"I thought you said they died." Belle said.

"They did. Lacey – Granny says that – Mr. Gold is responsible for their death. They died because of him." Ruby said.