Chapter 5

Past

It had only been a few days since Odette arrived at the Queen's palace. She was amazed how her father hadn't found her yet. The crystal must have worked, but Odette was still weary of Rothbart. Even though he helped her escape the lake in her human form and gave her a luxurious new life, there was something about him that she didn't trust.

He never allowed her to leave the castle with any guards to accompany her to keep her safe, and he wanted to know where she was at all times. Odette didn't want to be cooped up in the castle forever. It felt like she was placed in another cage, and only Rothbart had the key this time.

At least with her father, she knew what she was dealing with, but with Rothbart, he was more of a mystery to her, which made her even more cautious of him since he knew much about her but he never opened himself to Odette for her to get to know him. If Rothbart truly loved her as he claimed when they first met, then he would allow his heart to be opened to her. It made Odette speculate if he had an ulterior motive for bringing her here by hurting her father, and if that was the case, then she certainly wanted no part in it. However, she knew that if she left, then her father would find her and take her back to the lake or probably lock her up where he would only know so that no one would ever find her again. The situation was without a doubt, a double edged sword.

As Odette continued to stare out the window and found peace by feeling the wind brush against her face while the sun shined over the forest, she whipped around when she heard, "Sinbad did say that you often get lost in your own thoughts." When Rothbart saw her breath out a relieved sigh, he told her, "I do apologize. I didn't mean to frighten you."

"No. It's alright. You just surprised me." His smirk was anything but humorous, and his laughing blue eyes observed her carefully, almost calculating her. It unnerved Odette as she had a tendency to look away to ease her nerves. "How much longer must I stay inside?"

"I told you before, Odette. You must stay here. How else could I protect you from The Dark One?" The way he spoke sounded disappointed in her. "Don't tell me now that you wish to return back to your old life at the lake."

"No. Of course not."

"Then, I need you trust me." He reached a hand to caress her cheek that made Odette flinch for a brief moment since she was not used to such affection from another man before. "Only I can keep you safe."

Odette didn't say anything because she was sure that if she did, then Rothbart would shut her down by looking for an excuse to get his way. She had no doubt that he would protect her since he was powerful, but the way he stared at her, his words may had been assuring her, but his eyes remained cold and empty like when they first met. It made her question even more whether his intentions for her were truthful or not.

"Have you found a way to trap my father or not?" she asked him.

He dropped his hand and told her, "The Dark One won't be easy to imprison. You of all people should know since you are his blood."

There was something Odette realized at that moment—something that she hasn't considered questioned until now. "Why go through all this trouble for me? You told me that you've watched me from afar and fell in love with me, but you must know that my father would never forgive you for stealing me away from him, so why do it?"

"Is there anymore reason than not to steal someone away simply for love?" Rothbart took a daunting step towards her, making Odette's spine shiver, so all she did was stare at him as he couldn't keep his eyes off her. "Once I trap your father, I will ensure that he will never hurt anyone again."

It sounded too good to be true once again, which was why she asked, "And...what will you do to him when you throw him in a dungeon?"

Despite everything he had done, she didn't want him to die, so she wanted to make sure that her father would be safe from any harm. Odette would feel nothing but remorse if the only family she had left in this world got killed because of her. No matter how hard she denied it, she still loved her father dearly, and she would do anything to protect him. She was not going to allow some man take him away from her. He could do all he wanted to her if it meant for her father to be safe.

With a deceitful smile, sweet words came out of Rothbart's mouth. "You needn't worry. I only want you, Odette."

"But, if I don't marry you, will you do as promised and release me when you capture my father?"

He stayed silent for a moment or two, before he put his hands on her shoulders, which forced her to look at them since she was not comfortable by his touch as they gripped her shoulders firmly yet not enough pressure to hurt her. It was very dominant—almost controlling. At that moment, she saw a glimpse of her father in him, but she didn't know who was worse to be with since Rothbart didn't seem to care that they were only acquainted with each other and he was touching her so casually.

At least her father did it through unconditional love, but when it came from another man, she didn't know what to think. It wasn't as if Odette didn't know what happened between a man and a woman. Her father tried telling her when she bled for the first time despite his stammering words and his avoided eye contact on occasion, but all he told her was that it meant that she was becoming a woman even though he told her that she wasn't ready yet. She knew it was his way of saying that he wasn't ready to let her go. No matter what, she would always be his little girl. That was why she was never going to allow Rothbart to have his way if he was planning on hurting her and her father.

When she looked back at Rothbart, he finally answered her, "I swear that I will release you."

It was a gamble, but Odette didn't have any other choice. She either had to go back to her father where she would still be cursed or to trust Rothbart without knowing what he was planning. It became the known vs the unknown, and right now, Odette was somewhat taken aback when he questioned her, "Do you trust me or don't you?"

Odette wanted to trust him, but she wasn't sure if she did. However, she couldn't tell him that, so she lied. "I do."

"Good." Giving her a small smile, he leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, which made Odette shut her eyes in anticipation as his lips lingered there before he slowly pulled away from her, forcing Odette to look at him again. "Be patient until then."

As he let her go and walked away from her, Odette wondered how much longer she would stay at the Queen's castle. She certainly didn't want to stay here for too long especially since Rothbart knew who Odette was. Even though he was kind to her and gave her whatever she wanted, it reminded her very much of what her father did for her when she was cursed as a way to tempt her to stay with him. She needed to find a way to escape in case Rothbart decided to go back on his word by keeping her there and hurting her father.

Present

Moe French entered Dusk Tailor witha few vases of lilies. Nora thought he was a kind man who often struggled for money but that was because the rent went up recently. He always let her know too whenever he put the lilies in their proper places before he opened his mouth. "I still can't believe Gold raised the rent again. He really is the lowest."

"Just get an extension. It wouldn't hurt to ask him."

"Easy for you to say," Moe scoffed. "How does he always let you get away with it?"

The way he spoke sounded very accusatory, and at that moment, Nora knew where his mind was heading as she rolled her eyes at him. "If you're referring to those rumors like everyone else here in this town, then you can get that thought of your head. Nothing's going on between Mr. Gold and me."

Nora couldn't stand the rumor about her being in a romantic relationship with Mr. Gold. They may be very friendly with each other and had great conversations, but they were nothing like the rumor suggested about them. She saw him nothing more as a dear friend just as she was sure that he did with her. That was why it made her a bit uncomfortable whenever someone in Storybrooke spoke bad about him like what Moe did.

"I don't doubt it. Who would ever want to be with him?"

Nora shook her head as she told him, "Mr. Gold is really not all bad if you get to know him. He's just...misunderstood."

"Or maybe you don't know him as you think you do. He may seem nice to you, but that's because you don't know what he's really like."

"Maybe I already know enough about him," Nora said firmly.

Even though Moe was sure about Mr. Gold, Nora had enough evidence to know that he was a good person. He had done so much already by helping her at times when she didn't ask him. Whenever her shop was in trouble, he was always there. She owed him a great deal of gratitude for going out of his way to help her.

When Moe said his goodbyes to Nora, he walked out at the same time when Graham walked in with two to-go cups of coffee. "Thought I might come to say hi," he said before handing her one of the cups.

"Hi." Nora then took a sip and tasted the sweet bitter blend rolling off her tongue. "Now, that is a good wake up call."

"Glad I provided it."

Nora then stole a quick kiss from him with her lips lingering against his, so Graham seized the opportunity to continue kissing her to which she accepted. She couldn't explain it, but being with him felt right. There was something there that Nora couldn't describe, and Graham felt the same way too. They wanted each other, and their mouths never leaving each other was proof of it. The sweet bliss they shared was short-lived though when they heard the bell ring.

They quickly pulled away from each other to see the mayor staring at them with a condescending smirk on her face that stretched from ear to ear. "I never imagined you would ever procrastinate, Miss Moon."

As Regina's heels clicked her way over to the couple, she noticed Graham sneering at her, and it amused her in every way, especially when Nora didn't notice the tension he had with her as she focused her attention on the mayor. "Graham just dropped in to get me coffee."

The grin that Regina wore did not extend to her eyes as she took notice on something. "Very informal way to address the sheriff."

"We're together," Graham stepped in, forcing Nora and Regina to look at him.

"Really?" Regina asked with slight amusement. "Well, I do hope it works out between the two of you then."

Nora knew that a lot of people didn't like Regina; Nora didn't know what to make of her though. She met her on a few occasions as a customer. There was one thing though that Nora knew about her, the mayor always knew what she wanted, and she always made sure to get it. She was certainly intimidating too by telling people off if they didn't listen to her. That was why Nora simply held her tongue and listened to her demands while she got to work to satisfy her every needs.

However, she didn't like the exchange Graham had with Regina. It made the situation complicated. That was why Nora tried to break the tension between the two of them by saying, "Um, Mayor Mills, is there anything I could help you with since you're here?"

Turning back to Nora, a crooked smirk crossed Regina's face as she replied, "Yes, there is actually. I would like you to make me a new blouse. I trust that you already know my address and my measurements."

"Yes. I still have them on file."

Of course Nora knew. All of the mayor's custom made clothes came from Nora, so she often visited her home whenever Regina wanted new clothes. She always made sure that Nora was on a tight schedule by expecting strict deadlines.

"Excellent. When you finish, we'll find a proper time to meet at my house to see if anything needs to be redone. Enjoy the rest of your day, Miss Moon." Regina then turned to Graham with a mischievous glint in her eye as she said, "Sheriff Humbert."

As Regina walked out the door and was out of sight, Graham turned back to Nora to tell her, "I better get back to the station, but how about we go out again tonight?"

"I would love that." Nora grinned from ear to ear. "Pick me up at 7?"

"See ya then."

They then shared a quick kiss before Graham walked out. He did give her one last look as Nora turned a bit giddy when he caught a glimpse of her. When Graham made it outside, he looked around to find Regina walking on the sidewalk, so he ran across the street to catch up to her.

She slowed down when she heard him approaching her and called out her name. "Well, what can I do for you, sheriff?"

"What do you think you're doing, Regina?"

"Whatever do you mean?"

Graham wasn't falling for Regina's innocent facade, so he made sure he got straight to the point. "Why would you go into Nora's shop?"

He wasn't expecting her to come back so quickly by asking, "Why would you hire Miss Swan as your deputy?"

At that moment, Graham understood what her intentions were. After Emma Swan accepted the position to become his deputy, Regina was not pleased when she found out at the mines. Now, she wanted to get back at him by ruining his relationship with Nora. Graham, however, was not going to let that happen.

"Is that really what this is about?" When Regina didn't say anything, Graham told her off. "Whatever issues you have with me, leave Nora out of it. She has nothing to do with it."

A wicked smirk stretched across Regina's face as she took a daunting step towards Graham to let him know that she wouldn't back down so easily. "I think you should be careful, Graham. You certainly don't want to make it obvious for Miss Moon to figure out that there's something going on between us, do you?"

He knew right then and there that she was pulling the strings, so he needed to be careful so that the mayor wouldn't go to tell Nora about his relationship with her. It would be awkward if she found out, especially since he didn't want anyone to know that the only reason why he was with Regina was to find a way to expose Amir Khan.

"After all, Miss Moon seems to admire a man who is fully devoted to her. You would never disappoint her, would you?" Seeing Graham speechless, Regina gave him a victorious smile while Graham narrowed his eyes at her when her next words came out. "I'll call you to come over soon."

As Regina brushed past him, Graham watched her carefully, wondering about the mess he was now in. He was sure that Amir Khan told her about his relationship with Nora, and now, Regina was utilizing her relationship with him to exploit him when necessary. For now, he needed to play his part to ensure that Nora wasn't going to get hurt. It wouldn't look good if she found out that he was seeing Regina for his own gain to expose Amir Khan. He needed to be smart about this, and he wasn't going to let Regina get in his way.

Past

As Odette laid on the bed and stared at the canopy, thinking that she needed to find an escape route should she ever want to leave. She wasn't going to just sit there and not do anything. She needed to find a way out of here, and it needed to be at this moment. There was no way she was going to wait another minute, so she got up and peeked her head out the door to see if there was anyone around.

When she saw that there were no servants and no guards, she left her room and walked through the halls, careful not to be caught by traveling discreetly and hiding whenever she heard someone approaching. She made sure that her steps were light so that no one heard her as she moved past anyone stationed somewhere.

It wasn't until when she nearly stumbled and caught herself by pulling a torch down at the same time when a secret passageway opened in front of her. Her eyes widened as she pulled herself back up and let go of the torch. However, when the torch returned itself against the wall, the passageway slowly closed, so Odette pulled on the torch again so that it remained open as she headed inside.

When the door sealed itself, Odette took in her surroundings. It was rather cold and damp with unlit candles perched against the wall. As Odette traveled deeper inside, she soon realized that there was a system of tunnels going to different areas. Odette had no clue which one to take, so she went with her instinct and chose the second one from the left hand side.

She continued down the path until she found a wall. Odette looked around and pulled on any of the candles around her to see if the wall would open, but it was to no avail. When she gave up, she placed her hands on the wall and looked for anything that seemed out of the ordinary. It wasn't until when she felt one side hollow as she pushed against that side, causing the wall to slowly turn and reveal a beautiful balcony with no one in sight.

As soon as she stepped through, she turned back around to see that the wall shut behind her. Odette was marveled by the balcony's beauty. There was an array of flowers by a gorgeous fountain beside her and many statues stationed in corners of the area.

No one was in sight. Odette was completely alone. This was it. It was now or never. She looked around to see if there was an escape route, and when she noticed the vines on the walls, she smiled to herself, thinking that it was her chance.

Odette clutched onto her mother's necklace and silently prayed to herself to make it through. She needed to at least see if it was safe climbing it, so she went up to it and hesitated for a moment. If Rothbart knew what she was doing, she was sure that he wouldn't take it well. Still, she needed to try. She didn't trust him enough since she wasn't sure if he would go back on his word to set her free once he captured her father. The only thing she was grateful for was the diadem on her head that kept her from turning into a swan and for her father not finding her.

Gathering up her strength, she grabbed the vines and started climbing with one foot after the other. She was careful not to make any mistakes. Her and her twin brother used to climb trees when they were young with their mother telling them to come down since she was afraid that one of them would break a bone, and she was right of course since Baelfire toppled from the branches and couldn't move his arm for nearly a month.

This was Odette's only chance to see if she could escape, so she continued climbing for it was the only option she had. She was willing to do whatever it took to ensure her freedom-whatever it took.

Present

Nora and Graham headed inside The Moonlight Mirage, and it was lively as ever. Many customers drank the finest alcohols they bought at the bar, while the music practically blasted against their ears. Graham didn't want to take Nora there at first since he didn't want to deal with Khan, but Nora told him that she wasn't afraid of him. Against his better judgement, he went inside with her, and he was just glad that he had her in his arm. He couldn't explain it, but it was as if he was very familiar with her, and it made him want to be with her just as she felt the same way with him.

When he saw Nora turn her head where the pool tables were, he looked to see Amir Khan with a cheeky grin by shooting the eight ball in one of the holes, claiming his winnings by taking the money off the table and counted it. Graham didn't want to deal with him, so he led Nora away to the bar so that they could have a drink together. Unfortunately, Amir saw them.

"Sheriff!" Graham and Nora turned to Amir, which forced nearly everyone in the bar to look at him. "How about a go?"

Graham refused by taking a sip of his scotch as he addressed him, "You know you shouldn't gamble, Khan."

"Except, it's what makes the game much more interesting, especially when it comes to high stakes." When Graham didn't say anything, Amir found it amusing, so he went over to the couple, making Nora slightly uncomfortable after seeing a cold smirk cross Khan's face when he leaned in and told the sheriff, "You think you're better than the rest of us?"

When Amir saw he wasn't getting any reactions out of him, he turned his attention to Nora. "What about you, Moon? I could teach you if you'd let me."

Nora narrowed her eyes at him and dismissively said, "I'm on a date, Amir."

He smirked and looked between the two before he told her in a sultry voice, "Well, I think you need a real man to show you how it's done."

That got Graham's attention as he stood from his stool and stood between Amir and Nora so that Amir wouldn't flirt with her anymore. "You want to play, right? How much?"

Nora tried to step in by telling him not to do it, but Graham ignored her while Amir was amused by the situation. "Five hundred dollars a game."

"Rack 'em up," Graham immediately agreed.

As Amir headed to the pool tables, Nora stopped Graham. "What are you doing, Graham? You don't need to do this."

Graham looked back at Amir and saw him grab a pool cue before rubbing chalk at the end of the stick. He wanted to wipe the smug look off his face, and Graham was going to be the one to do it. He wasn't going to allow Amir get away with what he said to Nora. It made him angry—almost possessive of her by witnessing another man approach her that way just to rile him up.

When Graham turned back to Nora, he told her, "Yes, I do."

As he headed up the steps to face Amir, all Nora thought was what Graham had gotten himself into.

Past

As Grim and Derek finished their training, they gathered their arrows by pulling them out from their targets—or at least Geim was since most of Derek's were on the ground. "I still don't get how you're this good. I'll never be like you."

Grim put his arrows back in his quiver as he told his friend, "You'll never get anywhere if you keep complaining like that."

"Easy for you to say." Derek and Grim headed up the steps with their boots tapping against the stone. "I never had to kill. I was just a farmer before I met you. The only reason why I'm here is to support my family."

"At least you're getting better," Grim commented.

"Thanks to you. You don't bark at me like Sinbad. He always thinks he's above everyone else just because he's close to the Queen and Rothbart."

Grim admits that he never liked Sinbad. However, he wasn't going to deny that Sinbad was skilled when it came to fighting. That was why Grim studied him carefully by watching his every move whenever he fought. He believed Sinbad was unbelievably arrogant—one of the lowest people Grim ever came across. He hoped one day that someone taught Sinbad a lesson. Ever since Grim met him, he didn't like him since he considered himself above everyone else with his head held high above everyone else who he believed was lower than him.

However, Grim was careful whenever he spoke about others, which was why he found it uncomfortable whenever Derek spoke about Sinbad without realizing that they were passing by other soldiers as Grim had to remind him. "Just forget it, Derek. I'll see you tomorrow morning. We'll start bright and early before everyone else is at the training grounds."

"Thanks again, Grim. Goodnight."

With Derek leaving, Grim went his separate way, heading to Regina's room. He wished that he wasn't being called, but he had no other choice but to obey her orders since she could kill him anytime. She took his heart after all, so there was no other way but to follow her every desires.

His eyes soon caught wind out the window when he saw a woman climbing up a wall. She didn't look like one of Regina's prisoners otherwise she wouldn't be in a fine dress or wearing a diadem with a diamond shining sparkling against her forehead. He had no idea who she was, but he wasn't going to allow anyone to do something so reckless.

Grim headed over to the area passing by every column and every room to get to the woman before she hurt herself. By the time he made it, she was already halfway up the wall. He didn't say anything at first. He watched her carefully to make sure that she wouldn't slip up. However, he had to admit that she seemed skilled when it came to climbing as if she had been climbing her whole life.

It wasn't until when he saw her lift her leg to reach a branch that looked weak, so Grim let her know. "Don't step there."

She gasped while her head quickly whipped around to see Grim before losing her balance and fell. With quick thinking, Grim lifted his arms only for both of them to fall to the ground with him on top of her. He made sure that his arm cushioned her head so that she wouldn't injure her head, but it didn't stop her from grunting in pain.

When he lifted his head to look at her, she opened her eyes to see him staring down at her. Her lips slightly parted—almost surprised that she saw him, while her chest rose with every breath she gave. Grim will admit that she was beautiful with her hair sprawled on the floor like it was a crown over her delicate head, and her eyes reminded him of the deer he once hunted—radiant yet helpless.

Finally, she pushed him off her and got up on her own before taking a few steps away from him. "Who are you?" When Grim didn't answer, she pressed, "Are you going to tell Rothbart where I was?"

His eyes hardened at the woman before him, wondering who she was. She was most likely Rothbart's prisoner from the way she spoke about him. However, Grim practically knew all of the prisoners after being assigned on guard duty in the dungeons unless if she was new and escaped, but her clothes reminded him that it was very unlikely. Still, if she was afraid of Rothbart, it made sense for her to question Grim, so he told her, "I don't work for Rothbart."

When she shut her mouth, she looked away, making it almost awkward between the two, so he eased the tension by asking, "Who are you?"

She turned her head at him for a brief moment as they made eye contact. For some reason, she seemed conflicted about something with her twiddling fingers being proof of it like what a child did to avoid something. It took a moment, but she finally opened her mouth to reveal her name, "Nora Moon." Her next words made Grim stare at her quizzically. "I'm staying here at the Queen's castle with Rothbart."

At that moment, Grim knew exactly who she was, so he confronted her about it, "You're going to marry him—the one everyone in this castle has been talking about?" When she didn't say anything, it confirmed his answer, but it still left one question in mind. "So, why were you climbing up the wall if you're going to marry him?"

For some reason, it didn't surprise Grim to see her upset, but he didn't appreciate how she coldly dismissed him, "It's got nothing to do with you."

"It does if you're doing something reckless." Her eyes snapped at him when she heard him say, "If anyone else saw you, you wouldn't be off so easily."

"So, what?" her tone nearly bit back at him. "Am I supposed to thank you?"

"You're supposed to be smart. If you want to survive here, then you need to think more carefully about what to do next."

Normally, Grim didn't care about others since he believed that most people lacked compassion and were not as honest as animals. That was why he preferred to be around them instead of humans since they weren't so complicated and were less cruel. However, even though Nora didn't seem dangerous to him like the humans he came across in his life, he didn't want to associate himself with her so much since she was betrothed to Rothbart.

"And why do you care?" she asked.

"I shouldn't," he admitted, "but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't care how your actions affect you. Now, I'm taking you back to your room before you're found out."

As he led her out, she told him, "I find it unfair really. You know my name yet I don't know yours. What is it?"

Without turning to her, he answered, "Grim."

Present

The pool game made Nora very concerned since Amir pocketed more balls in the holes than Graham, but Graham was not backing down so easily. He observed the table carefully, wondering what his next move would be. Thankfully, when Amir missed his shot, it gave Graham an opportunity to seize his moment by getting two balls in at once.

Everyone practically surrounded the table to see Khan and the sheriff go head to head. It was exciting yet nerve racking all at once. Nora was just happy to see Graham catching up to Amir, and when Amir saw that, he decided to rile him up a bit by standing next to Nora to which Graham noticed right away but then immediately concentrated back on the pool table.

When Graham sunk another ball in, Amir then leaned in to whisper to Nora, "he's really good, isn't he?" When Nora nodded and agreed with him, she tried to focus her attention on Graham, but Amir kept continuing, "It really makes me wonder what else he's good at. Why don't you tell me how he gets up in there so that I can show you how it's done right?"

Nora flared her nostrils and stared straight ahead at Graham to Amir's amusement, while Graham hardened his stare at Amir as he told him off, "Why don't you keep your head in the game, Khan?"

"Sorry," Amir chuckled. "I just thought Nora here was a little lonely."

When Graham turned to Nora—almost asking her if she needed help, she assured him by telling him that she was fine. Graham wanted to still help her, but the more Nora looked at him, Graham realized that she was telling him to keep going through her eyes. He admired her bravery when it came to Khan, and it made him want to plummet him to the ground by winning the game, and sure enough, he did as Graham kept going and sunk the eight ball, making Amir grimace.

Nora smiled from ear to ear, and many people practically cheered for the sheriff's victory, except for those who were loyal to Amir. Amir was definitely not pleased when he took out his wallet, counted five hundred dollar bills in front of Graham and threw the money on the table while he sneered at him.

When Graham went to reach for it, Khan immediately slammed his hand over the five hundred dollars to stop Graham for a moment. "Don't expect that you'll keep getting a winning streak."

As soon as Amir let go of the money, Graham then gave him a cocky grin as he took the money and put it in his wallet. "Thanks, Khan."

When Graham walked away from him, he wrapped his arm around Nora as she smiled in glee, but when she turned her head back at Amir, it quickly faded when she saw a wicked smirk on his face. She didn't know why he carried such an expression when he lost a lot of money over a single pool game. It was as if something else crossed his mind from the moment he saw the couple together, and it made Nora feel even more uncomfortable. Thankfully, Graham took her mind off it when he brought her closer to him and smiled down at her to which she returned the same gesture as they headed out of The Moonlight Mirage.

They walked through the streets as Nora started laughing as she thought about Graham beating Amir at his own game. "I still can't believe you won," Nora laughed. "I mean did you see his face?"

"Well, someone had to keep his damn mouth shut," Graham replied, smiling at her.

As they continued walking, they passed by Gold's closed shop, and Nora noticed right away that Graham immediately grimaced when he set his eyes on it. "I know many people don't like him, but he's really not that bad."

Graham smirked as he humored her, "Don't tell me you're already taken, Nora."

She rolled her eyes at the ridiculous rumor he was implying at. "If I did, then I wouldn't be out here with you." He grinned from ear to ear and shook his head at her answer, but his expression soon turned serious when he heard her say, "I just wish people saw the good in him."

It peaked Graham's interest when he heard the way she spoke about him. No one ever saw anything good in Mr. Gold, so what possibly possessed someone as sweet and innocent as Nora Moon to like him so much. He wanted to ask, so he did, "You're the first person I've seen that likes spending time with him, so why? What has Gold done for you?"

He waited as she pondered on the thought with a sweet smile on her face. "He extended my deadlines, repaired my shop a few times, and he helped me get a good deal on my apartment."

The sheriff raised a brow at her, finding it unbelievable that Golf would go out of his way to help her. "He did all of that? But why would he go through all of that trouble?"

Nora had wondered for a while too when she first met him in Storybrooke, so she let him know. "Honestly, I don't know, but I think it goes to show that just because someone does something bad, it doesn't mean that they're not good. People may have their reasons."

"And you think Gold has good reasons?"

"I think so." Graham didn't want to argue with her, because he couldn't argue with someone who made up their mind, so he dropped the issue, and he was just thankful that Nora changed the subject. "Come here."

He looked at her confused as she took his hand and dragged him to the park nearby. Graham didn't understand what she was doing as she laid on the ground and stared up into the night sky. She looked very serene with a warm smile that extended to her eyes.

"What are you doing?" Graham asked, looking down at her with a humored expression.

She glanced at him for a moment before turning back to the sky as she told him, "I'm seeing what the stars are doing." Graham stared at her, confused until she continued, "My brother and I used to come out onto the field, lay down on the grass, and made up stories about the stars by seeing what they made like a dog stealing a goose from a butcher or a boy racing his sister up a tree."

Graham stared at her—somewhat fascinated by her being so carefree. It made him wonder more about her as he fixated her. She was a great deal of fascination to him—how she didn't have a care what she did in front of others. She simply expressed her mind so freely, and it was what Graham admired her for.

"Try it with me," she beckoned for him to lay down beside her.

She shook his head smirking, "I'm fine."

"Why won't you do it?"

He shrugged his shoulders and simply laughed at the idea of him lying down on the grass. "I don't know, because I don't want to."

"That's your problem," she said. "You don't do what you want to do."

He wanted to argue with her, but he couldn't, because she was right. Even though Graham was the sheriff, he always did what Regina told him to do. He could say no, but then again, he would be making an enemy out of her, and he needed her to expose Khan. It was amazing to him how Nora just knew. She was incredibly perceptive, but he was thankful that she wasn't completely aware of his situation.

With a huff, he went over to her and laid on the ground beside her. Their heads turned to each other, smiling at one another before turning back to the sky. Graham tried to do what she said by seeing what stories the stars made, but all he saw were dots. He wasn't as imaginative as Nora.

Still, it didn't mean that he couldn't talk to her. "So, this is what you and your brother did?"

"Yeah," she told him. "I know it's a little ridiculous, but honestly, it kept us closer together. I really miss him."

"I wish I knew what that was like," Graham replied. "I wasn't close to anyone in the foster care system. I was pretty much on my own."

That made Nora turn to him to ask, "There wasn't anyone you were close to growing up?"

As Graham thought about it, he realized something. "There was. Derek. He was annoying and reckless, clumsy too, but he was always there for me."

"What happened to him?"

"He died."

A grim expression crossed Nora's face, and she immediately apologized. "I'm so sorry."

"You don't have to say you're sorry for almost everything even if it's not your fault."

"Sorry," she told him without realizing her mistake.

He smirked as he told her, "See what I mean?"

When she turned her head to him, he leaned in and cupped her cheek before kissing her. They both closed their eyes to savor the moment as he brought her closer to him. They didn't want this blissful moment to end. They continued wanting to be in each other's arms as Graham slowly rolled himself on top of her with his lips never leaving her.

Past

As Grim and Odette headed down the hallway, Odette kept glancing at him, wanting to know a bit more about this man. Grim was different from all of the other soldiers. He may seem a bit more distant, but he was the only one who gave her advice. None of the other soldiers cared enough to offer her such kindness. They simply did what they were told as they followed Rothbart's orders to follow her every move.

He soon caught her off guard by saying, "Stop staring at me."

She quickly turned her head back straight, telling him, "Sorry."

"And stop apologizing. It's annoying," he huffed out.

"Sorry." She realized her mistake and let her mouth shut before stealing a quick glance to see him shake his head.

They continued down the hall, but their feet slowly came to a halt when they realized a couple of soldiers standing on guard at her doorway. Odette was afraid since none of the soldiers were ever stationed by her room before. At that moment, she realized that her door was open, and her nerves soon came across her face to which Grim noticed right away.

With a shaky breath, Odette slowly made her way inside with Grim trailing behind her. She soon found Rothbart and Sinbad with a few guards standing in the middle of her room. At that moment, they noticed Odette, and when they noticed Grim behind her, the guards grabbed Grim. He struggled, while Odette hoped they wouldn't hurt him. She knew this was her fault. If she didn't look for an escape route, then Grim would t be in this mess.

A sickening grin crept up Sinbad's face as he made his way over to Grim before unsheathing his dagger and pressed it against his throat, while Rothbart took her shoulders and sneered down at her. "What has he done to you?"

"What?" Odette asked, perturbed by his question. "Nothing."

Sinbad pressed his dagger against Grim's skin, and Nora could've sworn she saw blood trickling down his chin. "Nothing she says, yet every guard should be aware of where you go...for your protection of course."

"No. No. Please," Odette pleaded to Rothbart. "I was just exploring the castle on my own, and I slipped off a railing and nearly fell, but Grim saved me. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for him."

When she turned to Grim, they locked eyes as if she was telling him that everything was going to be alright, so Grim stayed silent, waiting for what was going to happen next. They didn't see it, but Rothbart stared at the pair, wondering what was going on, and Odette certainly knew that he speculated that something more was going on. She didn't want him to know that she tried to find a way to escape, so this was the only way to protect Grim.

She was thankful when Rothbart turned to Sinbad and ordered, "Release him."

Sinbad's grin fell instantly. "Rothbart-"

"I said...release him."

Grim shook the soldiers off of him as they slowly let him go and Sinbad put his dagger away while glaring at Grim. Odette couldn't be more relieved to see that he was alright. However, she found it unnerving how Sinbad stared at him coldly. Clearly, they couldn't stand each other.

"Do not behave so recklessly ever again," Rothbart warned her before he walked out of her room with his guards following him.

Sinbad watched them leave before he looked at the pair again and smirked as he made his way over to Grim and told him, "How fortunate for you to be there for her." Grim stared at him coldly which amused Sinbad, especially when Odette looked away when he caught her staring at him. "Let's hope you'll always be there...to save the day." All Grim did was stare at him, making Sinbad grimace at him as he told him, "I'll see you at the training ground first thing in the morning."

When Sinbad walked out of the room, Grim turned back to Odette and stared at her. He knew that she didn't have to protect him, but he was just glad that it was over now. He nodded his head in acknowledgement for what she did and walked out, while Odette clutched onto her mother's necklace and silently prayed to herself that all would be well.

Present

Nora's grin never left her face as she told Ruby everything that happened during her date at the diner. Ruby was quite insistent that something more should have happened between the two, but Nora denied it by saying that when they were both ready, then it would be time, but she wanted to continue getting to know him first. However, Nora certainly wouldn't mind if she was intimate with Graham. They already had a heated moment together in the park last night, which was strange. It seemed too fast in their relationship, but she wanted to be with him. In fact, she wanted him to keep going, but she was the one who stopped thankfully before it got out of hand.

"Ugh!" Ruby groaned. "Why didn't you keep going?"

"Because I have too much self-respect for myself. I only went out with him twice," Nora told him.

"Yeah, but girls gotta have some fun."

Nora smiled at Ruby's suggestiveness before she saw Ashley heading inside as she headed her way over to them. "Ashley, hi," Nora greeted. "How's your baby? Is she okay?"

"Yeah, thanks to Emma. I couldn't have done it without her."

"She's really doing a lot, huh?" Ruby said with a smirk.

Nora admits that everything Emma's been doing were all nice changes. She managed to help so many people now. She even thought it was heroic how Emma went down to the mines to save her son, Henry, and Archie. Graham even told Nora that he hired her because he believed that she would be a valuable asset in Storybrooke, and so far, she's been doing a great job.

However, as Nora thought about it, she kept thinking about it, so she brought it to their attention. "But you made the deal with Mr. Gold, so what did Emma to make him back out of it?"

"Well, she made another deal with him," Ashley told her, "but I don't know what. I think she'll be okay though."

"Nothing she can't handle from what I've seen so far," Ruby chimed in.

"Sounds like it." Nora then got up from her stool before turning back to her friends. "I better get going. Thanks again for the coffee, Ruby, and I'm happy for you, Ashley."

As they wished her well, Nora headed out the door and went to her shop where she used her keys to open the door and went inside. She then turned on the lights to light up the room before going behind the counter to put her keys and jacket away.

Right when she got herself to working on the mayor's jacket, the bell rang, so she stopped immediately what she was doing to see Moe French enter with a blue vase of lilies inside. "Mr. French, I...didn't order any lilies."

"I know," he simply told her.

When she noticed the card on the lilies, she took it and read it:

I can't wait to see you again. Come meet me tonight at my place.

Nora smiled to herself, thinking that Graham sent it. She was nervous that he invited her over to his apartment, knowing that if she went, it could potentially take their relationship to the next level. However, Nora actually wanted to see him. She couldn't contain her excitement as she got a bit giddy just thinking about the sheriff. She was even sure he felt the same way towards her. She then decided that whatever happened would happened.

So, Nora thanked Moe French for the flowers and continued on with her day until she closed up shop and took one of the lilies with her as she inhaled its sweet aroma when she went through the streets. By the time she reached the sheriff's apartment, she smiled to herself when she made her way up the steps. Before she knocked on the door, she stopped herself when she heard noise. Her smile quickly fell, wondering what it was, so she slowly crept up to the window and peeked to see the sheriff with the mayor taking his shirt off.

They were kissing each other with their hands wandering over each other's bodies as they hurried taking each other's clothes, so Nora hurried out of there with her steps tapping against the metal stairs. Her tears blurred her vision as she hid herself in an alleyway nearby, and when she was alone, she started to cry. It was the first time Nora had ever been so close to someone before, and Graham showed how unfaithful he was by seeing the mayor of all people. It then clicked into place why there was an odd tension between them as Nora tried to figure it out when Regina came into her shop. She was beyond frustrated, and she took it out on the lily she held by breaking the stem and throwing it to the ground.

"Nora?" When Nora looked up to see Mary Margaret, she wiped away her tears, but it was pointless since she already saw her crying. "What's wrong?"

"It's a long story," she said, sniffing out a sob.

Mary Margaret then wrapped her arm around her shoulders as she beckoned her to follow her. "Come on."

Past

Rothbart was with Regina in her room after the whole incident with Odette. Practically everyone in the castle knew that Grim was with Odette. It spread like wildfire, and Regina didn't like it one bit. That was why Regina summoned Rothbart since she wasn't happy hearing that his fiancé was with her precious pet.

"Why is that your betrothed was caught with one of my guards?"

The way she spoke sounded very accusatory, so Rothbart calmed her down the best he could. "It's taken care of already. She'll stay in her room for the time being."

At that moment, Regina grew suspicious, and she made them aware to him. "Who is this Nora Moon? None of my guards or my looking glass has ever heard of her."

Rothbart smirked as he told her, "So you decided to investigate yourself?"

"She's certainly not a peasant from any of the villages nearby like you said, so...who is she?"

Rothbart didn't want to tell her who exactly she was. He knew if he did, then Regina would surely would find a way for Odette to play a part in her little game to make Runplestiltskin suffer by torturing or imprisoning her. Rothbart was not going to allow that. He had his own purpose for having Odette with him, and he wasn't going to let anyone ruin his plans.

However, he knew Regina would not give up so easily to discover who she is, so he thought he might tell her a partial truth so that she wouldn't question him anymore. "She's cursed, so I told her I'd help her if she agreed to come with me."

"Hmm. I was wondering why she was wearing that diamond. It's from ROCC island, isn't it? I imagine Sinbad procured it for you."

"Quite the speculation, Your Majesty," Rothbart mused.

"If you hadn't vouched for him, Sinbad wouldn't be under my services." Rothbart's grin never wavered as Regina continued, "Whoever this woman is that you brought into my castle must be very important to whatever you're planning since we both know that that diamond isn't so special as she thinks, does she?" When Rothbart couldn't argue with her, it allowed Regina to question, "As I suspected. So, I ask again...who is she?"

He wanted to deny it, but he couldn't. Regina was incredibly clever than what people gave her credit for, but Rothbart still was not going to tell her everything, so all he told her was, "She's important to me. That's all you need to know, so let me be concerned about my pet and you worry about yours."

Giving her a toothy grin, he walked away from her, leaving Regina completely dumbfounded as she wanted to find out Nora Moon's identity, but it seemed that she would have to try on her own. She knew that Sinbad wouldn't tell her the truth since he was more loyal to Rothbart after Rothbart made him a lord and a commander of Regina's soldiers to train and lead them into a fight.

However, even though Rothbart and Sinbad may be useful to her, she didn't trust them so easily. Rothbart was incredibly cunning and cutthroat, probably even more than her, and Sinbad always played the game in the shadows, waiting patiently for the right time to strike when the opportunity presented itself. From the moment Regina saw Odette, she knew she wasn't a threat to her. For now, Regina was going to wait until she sought after a moment to intervene to discover her real identity.

Present

Nora sat with Mary Margaret and Emma in their apartment. She came to find out that Emma's been living across from her. Emma seemed strong and independent. It was nice to see someone like her in Storybrooke especially when she gave her support to Nora.

"So, Graham's been seeing Regina?" When Nora nodded her head, Mary Margaret quickly apologized. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Nora."

"Looks like she does have her hands on the police force after all," Emma said.

"Right, but at least you're not in her control," Nora reminded her. "If there's one thing I know about Regina, she does whatever she can to get what she wants, but you clearly don't back down so easily from what I've been hearing."

"Yeah, well. I'm not gonna go along with whatever Regina wants me to do."

Nearly everyone knew Emma's story in Storybrooke and how she was doing what she could to be there for her son, Henry. She was even glad how much Emma had been helping throughout the town like what she did for Ashley and the mine crash where Henry and Archie were stuck inside the rubble.

As Nora got up, she told them, "Well, thanks again for cheering me up, but I should turn in to open my shop tomorrow. I don't even want to make Regina's jacket after what I just saw, but you can't let personal feelings get in the way of business."

When Nora left, all Emma did was watch her, and when the door shut, Mary Margaret noticed that Emma was pondering on a thought, so she asked, "Emma, what is it?"

"Why would Graham send her flowers to get caught? It doesn't make sense."

At that moment, Mary Margaret realized as she asked, "You don't think...Regina sent those flowers, do you?"

"Maybe she doesn't want her in her way."

Meanwhile, Moe French approached Gold right at the moment he locked his pawn shop. "I did what you asked. Can I keep my van now?"

Mr. Gold gave Moe French a toothy grin as he told him, "As long as you pay your rent on time, then yes. Be sure not to miss the deadline."

Moe French wanted to tell him that he really was the lowest since Nora had done nothing but defend Mr. Gold from anyone who was talking about him, so he simply walked away while Mr. Gold simply watched him with a wicked smirk crossing his face, satisfied that Nora was no longer going to be with Graham. He knew it was cruel what he did, but it was a necessary evil that he believed needed to be done to reveal the truth to her. All that was left was to help her pick up the pieces, and as her father, he was going to make sure that she would never get hurt again. He was going to see to that.

There's the next chapter! Please let me know what you think or what your predictions might be and stay tuned for more chapters!