#securityguard!belle

Chapter Thirty One

No matter how much she told herself she was worrying about nothing her gut told her otherwise.

Still, when Belle stepped outside her apartment the dam inside her heart holding back a river of doubts bursted forth.

She hadn't made it twenty feet before it dug its claws in, begging that she’d go back inside. The sudden heady feeling made the young woman shake her head as she breathed in a deep lungful of crisp cool air before continuing down snow cleared sidewalks. She knew she was fretting over nothing since she’d made sure that Rumplestiltskin had anything he might need-she'd planned to be out for only a short while after all. Ruby was going to be over in the evening to pick Wilby up too, meaning she had ample time with the afternoon sunlight streaming down from above, and while earlier she'd been concerned about him handling the four legged creature by himself now she felt confident he'd be fine keeping Wilby safe.

Then there was also the fact it had been some time since she'd checked up on her father and his shop... Between being sick and far too busy since their return from their trip to Washington. Unfortunately, the memory of said trip brought back up far too painful reminders for Belle as so much of her life was still up in the air.

These ever growing and depressing possibilities hung over her head like a readied noose, but ignoring them her winter boots propelled her in the direction of Storybrooke’s flower shop. Despite how tired she was from all the earlier running the walk was doing her some good-she needed what small joys she could get to combat the additional stress of her ongoing ‘research’. Today alone that research had almost given her a massive headache when she’d gotten nothing of use from what she’d thought had been a strong lead. The last three days were spent messaging a nearby robotics company only for them to tell her they knew nothing of the line of models she'd mentioned. Instead they suggested she throw out 'such outdated technology' and purchase something new to replace it to which she'd promptly told them no, and that was that.

Kicking a small pebble into the street the beauty fought off her rising ire, but at this point it felt like she was wandering around in circles and shouting uselessly into a void for help. Even then she wouldn't let the lack of anything significant being found deter her, not when...

‘I hope Rumple was telling me the truth and that he’s all right. He hates to make me worry, but lying about his leg would only make matters worse.' Belle thought, frowning at the beautiful blue sky overhead while her fragile heart ached for her mechanical man likely already awaiting her return at home. 'If only I had someone who could help us, but, I don't, so I have to make due no matter what happens. I won’t let anything happen to him…’

Doing her best to push the worry aside Belle shifted her focus on the nearing sign hanging above that read ‘Game of Thorns’. Despite winters touch biting back the lush ivy that clung to the stone building the seasonal decor and poinsettias seen from the windows sparked some color against the grey, causing her lip to curl up into a tired smile. Oh! Perhaps while she was here she could find a larger pot for her and Rumple’s ever growing ‘nuisance’ back at Avonlea too. With that prospect Belle bounded faster towards the bright red door with its 'open' sign on display.

Yet, upon entering-the bell ringing out a delightful jingle, the young woman hesitated in calling out for her father.

That was strange... With quick observation the beauty realized she was rather alone in the serene lobby packed with plants. Glancing further about Belle noticed most of the lights were off, creating a peaceful atmosphere disturbed only by the hum of refrigerators and the heater keeping the place toasty warm. It looked almost like the shop was supposed to be closed or that her father had gone out without locking up which wasn't like him either.

Intrigued as well as concerned Belle softened her footfalls with practiced ease as she walked further in, and a few moments later she realized the flower shop wasn’t so vacant. Nearing her father's office the beauty caught the low rumble of two voices conversing within. Sure enough she spotted light peeking out from under the door before jumping back as some leaves from a plant accidentally brushed against her side. For a moment she was still confused until it occurred to her that her father was likely conducing some larger business-maybe some supplier or he was interviewing for the clerk position he'd posted a while back. That didn't explain the almost secretive air going about that had her brows scrunching together in doubt.

While the polite portion of her brain told her she should wait outside for them to be done the louder more curious part demanded her to figure out who her father was talking to. Maneuvering about like her impish companion with how quietly she stepped Belle moved closer, leaning in to hear...

“-advance, but we’ll have to discuss more upon this later Mr. French. I have far more important places I need to be. I do expect you’ll keep to our arrangement as promised.”

Unable to place who the speaker was Belle's furrow deepened, but it was definitely a woman's voice. What was more bizarre was the voice sounded somewhat familiar... If in an eerie way. Growing more intrigued Belle took a few more calculated steps before pressing her ear right up against the wood.

“Of course! I promise I’ll have it ready as soon as I can!" Her father's voice rose up-far sharper of the two. "I'll make sure to deliver it myself to where you asked-"

“Good. The simpler this is the better. Keep that in mind as I'm a very busy woman, and I'd hate to have to send someone to make sure-”

"No-no! No need for that. I've got it-h-how about I see you to the door now?" Her father exclaimed, sounding like he was jumping up to do that right away from the creak of a chair scooting back.

Wait! His chair!

Realizing at any second the door was going to open and that she'd be caught snooping the young woman silently stumbled back. As the door knob began to turn Belle hurried towards a fridge full of flower bouquets not far off where she planted herself and looked far too intently into the dark glass to be inconspicuous. Moments later she heard the door hinges creak behind her, causing her shoulders to tense. Luck wasn't on her side, however, as the following clip of heels exiting the room stopped when her phone let out a small chime from her pocket, startling the security guard in turn.

Knowing she'd been spotted for sure Belle smiled nervously as she glanced over her shoulder-ready to apologize for intruding...

Only to end up freezing in place as if she'd been thrown into an ice box herself.

For staring right back at her was none other than Cora Mills.

Belle didn't mean to gape at the older woman-the very last person she'd expected to see here of all places given their first very intimidating and unpleasant encounter still fresh in her mind. In contrast Cora’s somewhat caught off guard expression shifted viper like into a facade of a smile upon recognizing her. Like at Granny's the same aversion she'd felt before washed over Belle until she mentally chided herself to snap out of it.

“I-I’m sorry if I startled you there! I didn't see anyone or my father in the lobby, but then I heard voices so I-”

Speak of the devil! The man came out a second later as well and balked when his eyes fell upon her like she’d grown a second head. Good grief! He was going to need a louder bell or a better system to warn him about people waltzing on in if he hadn't heard the shop's front door open! A minute part of Belle was ready to scold him for leaving the door unlocked if he was so busy, but knowing she had a key she likely would have barged on in anyways. At that Belle fought off a grimace-she'd hate it if anyone didn't respect her privacy enough to do that, and so she gave him an awkward wave.

"Blue-B-I mean Belle, when did you get here? I'm sorry I didn't know you were coming over, but I'm glad to see you." There was a note of relief in Moe French's voice before he shot a worried glance to Miss Mills beneath the rim of his ball cap.

Brushing her wayward auburn hair over her shoulder out of habit Belle spoke. "Yeah, I just got here, and the front door was open. I hope I didn't interrupt anything important, so I can go if you need me to-"

“It's good to see you again Miss French, and no need to leave as we were simply finishing up some business. However, I must say I'm relieved to see you looking well.” Cora spoke, her voice swift, impassive, and sharp as ever while seeming to ignore both French's tensed expressions. Once more the older woman looked impeccable as always wearing a fine business suit-ah, so it appeared this was some form of business taking place then. “I've been a bit worried about you as I've heard you went and injured yourself a while back pretty well or so I was told. Seems my worry has been for naught.”

Though she should have been thanking her for her concern Belle was shocked, causing the hairs on the back of her neck to stand on end. Instinctively she clutched at her arm were beneath her sleeves the four fresh scars ached a sliver in memory of that bloody night. H-How had she known about that? Right after what happened with Rumplestiltskin on Christmas Eve Belle had gone directly to the hospital as quick as possible for both injuries, and after she’d taken great strides not to mention it to anyone least people get more suspicious of 'what' she was involved with.

Yet, here was this person she barely knew spouting such things...

“I-I accidentally banged myself up, but it was nothing serious. Sorry to make you worry, but it sounds like whoever told you over exaggerated what happened." Belle explained while waving a gloved hand, not wanting to give into the unreasonable fear rising up.

Something in the way Miss. Mills stared at her only seemed to show the woman entertained at such a simple quick response, latching onto her frayed nerves as if taking delight in them.

"Ah-uh, she got hurt at her security guard job, but you know such things come with the territory! Still proud of my girl! Lasted far longer than anyone whose worked there before-a true trooper!" Moe exclaimed, seeming to help try digging her out of this apparent hole she'd fallen into though Belle knew he was still unsure of what exactly had happened to her either due to the fabrication she had made to protect Rumple. Despite that part of Belle sparked in happiness at the pride lacing his voice since she knew he wasn't keen on her part time job.

“That doesn't change that unkempt pizza place must not be meeting regulations if such a thing happened upon their property so easily. Then again I always believed it truly isn’t the safest place that it claims to be, and this is more proof. Perhaps, it is about time I ensure Mr. Getto gets a full and thorough safety inspection. After all I think my grandson does like to visit there no matter how I wish he wouldn't, and I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something like that happened to him…” With an inaudible snap those cold brown eyes flickered to Belle-once more sending a chill through her body. “You understand my concerns, don't you?"

Such a uncaring remark-if this woman knew anything truly about her grandson she would know Henry loved Avonlea! It was evident now Miss Mills was saying such things to get at her instead of genuine worry for her own flesh and blood let alone safety standards. Swallowing down the frustration burning on the tip of her tongue Belle remained civil, her hands clenching into fists at her sides.

“I promise that Avonlea is perfectly safe, and I only got hurt because of my own folly as I'm not the most coordinated person around. Mr. Getto, the employees, and I take pride in ensuring the family fun center is in tip top shape.” Her nerves steadied as she stared down her opponent-those steeled blue eyes determined not to loose anymore composure. "I recall keeping Henry safe there when he ran away from home after all."

There were a few seconds of awkward silence after that before a corner of Cora's mouth twitched.

“I didn’t mean to accuse or say you weren’t doing your job properly-that wasn't my intention... Oh dear." A chuckle left the woman's pristine painted lips, but it was as hollow as her smile which made her all the more unsettling. "This is why my daughter is the town mayor and I am not. You see I worry for the safety of the people in Storybrooke regardless of who they are or what they do. So many people live here and contribute to the community my daughter cares for, so many like your father in fact... Seeing any one or any business go is always such a shame, but if it is for the greater good… Well, we'll just have to see."

At that Belle's gaze flickered to her father who stood in place more akin to a statue than the boisterous man she knew.

Before she could think upon it further Miss. Mills adjusted her purse, seeming to be quite done with them now. “Here I am rambling on to you poor souls when I have so much to attend to. I'll be getting on my way, but do have a good rest of your day Miss. French, though please try in the future to be more careful."

With that Cora turned to move towards the greenery congested entryway past Belle, and relief sparked in the security guard's veins that this unfortunate encounter was over with. The victory was short lived, however, as suddenly the older woman stopped right beside her, so close their clothes brushed which sent her heart's tempo into panicked frantic beats. Cora kept staring ahead all the while with that smirk still perfectly set in place, but now there was a different glint to her eyes. A sudden feeling twisted in Belle's gut seeing it-this was what a mouse had to feel in the coils of a serpent before it opened its jaw and struck.

That notion became all the more true when Cora inclined her mouth towards her ear-

Her voice a low whisper.

“We wouldn’t want you, to say... Loose an eye now would we?”

Belle couldn't hear anything after that.

She didn't hear those heels against the linoleum, the chime of bells jingling, or the shop's front door clang loudly to a close.

No, she couldn't even see her father’s face casted with concern looking down at her as they stood there alone. All the young woman could see in her mind, rippling and tearing through her every fiber and bit, was that day with blood stained countertops, the kitchen sink running against the sound of the smoke alarm, and the sight of her mother hunched over it coated in her own life matter. The smell of fragrant flowers itself was replaced by the scent of burnt cookies that filled her nostrils alongside the awful tang of iron. Struggling to breathe Belle began to fear all the air in her lungs had been sucked clean dry leaving her crumbling in on herself-breaking-cracking-slipping-left to face these memories that haunted her worst nightmares.

She could still feel those fingers pressed against her socket-

'I have to do this Belle! I have to-"

It wasn't until a hand fell upon her shoulder that Belle realized she really hadn't been breathing all that while.

"Belle, are you all right? You're looking pretty pale-are you still under the weather?” Her father's voice cut through the horrible images in her head like scissors through paper. Recollecting herself and the years since that dark day she heaved in air, her chest burning in desperate need. It took her a few moments but she gave him a flimsy nod, her voice too unsteady to be used right away.

Inside her mind though her thoughts raced a million miles an hour at what happened, but how? How had Cora known that? There was no way she couldn't have known to say such a thing-to say something so specific-too specific to someone like her. It didn't make any sense just like how she knew of her injuries, but while Belle was willing to open up to people she cared for she didn't-no, hadn't told anyone about that. Even her beloved Rumple of all people didn't know the horror she'd seen so long ago or the trauma she’d endured watching as her mother...

A strange sense of unease unlike anything she'd felt before stole all the remaining warmth from her bones that the beauty began to shiver under her thick white coat. Yet, with her father’s uncertain stare lingering on her Belle swallowed before lifting a hand to pat his shoulder.

"Y-Yeah, I'm okay-that was, uh, very weirdly intense... Miss Mills is a really frightening person, and I don't say that often about anyone.” She admitted to some degree in a voice shakier than she liked.

More than ever she felt then the desire to get back to the safety of her apartment and into the protective loving arms of her mechanical man. S hame swallowed Belle up, however, and she clenched her teeth together at reacting to someone like they were the boogyman than another mere person. For god's sake she'd faced far worse between robbers not to mention talking Rumplestiltskin down from the worst of fits! Feeling foolish and wanting to forget the glimpses of her past Belle shoved off the lingering dread, but it was then she remembered her reason for being at the flower shop. From there her growing curiosity as well as the need to escape her own head had her turning her inquiries towards her father.

“By the way, um, why was Miss Mills here if I can ask? I thought you'd never met her before, and it didn't look like you were as comfortable as I was either.”

“Ah, well you see it's normally-it’s um..." There was almost more of a nervousness to him than herself at this point, but her father was quick to brush it off like everything was perfectly fine. Messing with the brim of his hat he frowned before looking to the front door with worry they were really not alone. “You know it's usually Regina Mills that comes in or her secretary about arrangements for her social gatherings of town meetings. Being the only florist in town she turns to me for that-we do a lot of business for her, um, but I hadn’t been expecting Miss. Cora Mills to come here in her stead. I’m more than glad you arrived, because if I am being honest that woman terrifies me. Who knew someone could be so aggressive about, uh, ordering bouquets?”

Belle feared her father was on the brink of a heart attack despite how he laughed then, not that she could blame him if he’d been in such tight quarters with that fearsome woman. Likely Cora had gotten everything she’d wanted for such a banquet or town meeting and had gotten away with a more than fair price. Yes, thinking on it she was sure her father's own interaction had been as unpleasant as hers if not worse.

Surprise flashed across her face though when he quickly turned about to enter his cramped office to which she hurried after. Deciding it best to enjoy hanging out with her father the young woman eagerly joined him in taking a seat at his-good grief, paper, pamphlet, and folder riddled desk... Not that she had room to talk about her own place at home. From there both Frenchs sagged into their chairs while Belle removed her coat, feeling a bit of sweat already beading down her back from the humid air.

“Anyways onto more important things-what are you doing here? I’d figure you’d be sleeping after another shift over at Avonlea.” He brought up, and Belle's longing for sleep reestablished itself as she blinked tiredly.

“Oh, well, I just wanted to see you, and since I’ve been feeling much better I felt it was safer now that I could.” Guilt twisted upon his features when she said that, no doubt he felt bad that he'd been unable to take care of his 'little girl' when she’d been down and out. Belle gave him a reassuring grin, thinking of her wonderful, loving, metal caretaker who'd ensured all that in his stead. “It's okay, don't worry about it. We can’t risk getting you sick, and it wasn’t as terrible as it sounded. Now how's the shop been since I've been away, and how are your medical bills? We need to look those over-if I remember right I think we’re almost done paying your first one back in-”

“Don't go worrying about that right now! I've got it taken care of, and as for the shop nothing’s really changed-wait, except-hold on let me get it!"

Continuing to act strange her father's face lit up further as he swiveled in his chair towards a filing cabinet. Yanking open a drawer he shuffled through stuffed folders and paperwork that was starting to look like a haphazard mess before she'd began to intervene. Swiftly though he produced a small manilla folder, beaming over it with pride.

"I got an applicant for that part time position I went and posted, and he gave a great interview. I think we have to talk a bit further to see if his hours will work out, but if he accepts he's exactly the kind of employee I was looking for. I've been working hard on finding someone who can help take the load off myself and you, so now you won't have to worry about your old man as much."

“That’s great news dad! With help you’ll take less stress off you and we’ll be able to have someone cover the shop for doctor appointments! Not that I don't enjoy helping you-you're not getting rid of me that easily.” Belle informed him though she beamed right back at her old man, finally feeling some good news had come their way again. Of course she didn't admit one of her reasons for liking the idea of someone working alongside him meant someone would be with him at most times and possibly be able to recognize him having symptoms of a heart attack to get help. With her smile now returned Belle laughed softly-hope reigniting bright in her chest. "Let me know when and if you hire this someone so I don't have a repeat of today, though I am curious to who it is..."

“Oh trust me-you'll recognize him when you see him. If I hire him that is.” Her father declared with the greatest of pride, though his voice hinted at something that had Belle's gut instinct flare up and not in a good way. "He's quite the young man-the same age as you, good looking, in courses to be a physical therapist, and if I recall right he doesn't have a girlfriend currently."

"Dad." Belle shot a frown at him, wondering why he was showing this sudden change when he knew well enough that she... Well, that she was 'seeing' someone albeit they weren't like he imagined with someone far less scaly, impish, and metal.

It was there her father's smile somewhat fell while he smoothed out the folder, and her worry grew when his eyes wouldn't met hers. "I mention this since you don’t seem serious enough about this other guy you're seeing to bring him around to meet dear old dad. I know I'm not the greatest fatherly specimen to impress anyone with-"

"Dad! It has nothing to do with you as to why I haven't-look, I'll bring the guy I'm seeing around when both him and I feel ready. Things are... Complicated, but I enjoy being with him, and I really, really care for him... More than anyone I've ever been with before." Already Belle grew flustered trying to tell him that much, her own emotions rampaging beneath her ribs in a wonderful painful manner. More than ever she wish she could explain everything to him, however, she and Rumple weren't anywhere near ready to have her father meet him as she had no idea how he would react to knowing she cared for a sentient animatronic man let alone was in love with him.

It was because of Rumplestiltskin's adorable mottled golden-green face flickering into mind though that she calmed back down. One day she'd help him get fixed and then he would get to meet so many people, her father included.

At that she watched her father concern soften, though he paused before raising an exasperated hand. "Could you at least show me a picture of him, so I can I know what he looks like?"

"I-I don't have a picture of him, um, at the moment, but-you have more important things to worry about! Look at your mail! It's out of order again!" Trying to find any means of distraction for both their sakes Belle began to gather up a pile of envelopes stacked haphazardly together. "Do you bother looking through half of these or using your letterbox? What have you been doing without me around to pester you?."

"Sometimes you forget which one of us is the parent here."

Ignoring her father's scoff Belle began to fumble through the paperwork, hoping he couldn't hear heart thrashing against her ribcage. Though part of her wanted to go head right back home after that run in with Cora and her father's parental worries focused on her love life she missed hanging out with her dad like this, besides, it was clear she needed to help him catch up on the fair amount of bills he'd accumulated. It wasn't long before their conversation turned to less wary topics like the weather, the new plants he'd gotten in, Avonlea, and upcoming doctor visits, to which she began to wound down... Right as her mind wandered back to home and what her beloved sorcerer was up to.

No doubt he had to be cozily sitting at his spinning wheel, listening to it creaking as he enjoyed a book with Wilby sitting at his side. How much she wanted to be apart of that picture too, reading to him, relishing in his tender touch, and enjoying his soothing company... Soon-she promised herself in the mean time. Soon she'd be back home and into his embrace, letting her fears wash away in his unique warmth and teasing impish voice.

Folding a bill quickly and putting it off to the side Belle let a small smile push at her cheeks.

At least she knew Rumplestiltskin was having a far less chaotic day than she was.

—————

Despite Rumplestiltskin's best intent everything escalated in a matter of seconds.

He wasn't able to prevent things from getting worse as Ruby's deafening cry ripped through his wayward sensors, sending agonizing sparks burning in his head that his programming scrambled to muffle. The animatronic barely glimpsed through his metal slats for eyelids as the tall woman stumbled backwards, her mouth wrenched open in horror. Fresh hot humiliation flourished in his frantic whirring parts-something he'd not felt for a while now. It hadn't been since Henry's unfortunate encounter, and even then he'd not been fully aware of the boy's reaction to his frightening visage like he was experiencing Ruby's.

Such immediate revulsion and fear...

From where he lay, barely holding himself up on shaking metal limbs, he could see that terror in her green eyes.

However, he had far larger things to worry about at the moment when as Miss Lucas faltered on those high heels of hers in an attempt to put distance between them. With a loud 'thunk' the waitress rammed the back of her head into a portion of bricked wall hard enough he of all things winced. Her screaming cut off as she gasped in pain, but the blow wasn't enough to knock her out cold to his dismay. While the human clutched at her skull Rumplestiltskin begged his limbs to cooperate, having to fight off the remaining lingering effects of the protocol still biting at his code. With more force than usually necessary he managed to get himself up onto shaky feet before staggering forward, his legs clattering loudly together by accident.

He didn't realize his mistake until the human a mere few feet away freaked out further, jumping back with a small cry and pressing herself flat against the wall. He could see her on the verge of screaming again which desperately had him moving his hands out from his body to show he meant her no harm. Again the dark haired woman recoiled-scrambling towards Belle's dinning room, leaving him cringing internally. Great! She could only see him as a mechanical monstrosity, but it wasn't like his fearsome claws and inhuman countenance were helping.

Needing her to understand she was safe he fumbled for words, the imp's electronic voice breaking as he spoke. "I-I'm not g-going to hurt you, please just cal-"

“W-What the fuck! What the fuck!” Ruby's let out a flabbergasted cry-the pure fear in it sending further guilt rocketing through the his hull. "What the hell are you! S-Stay back!"

"I-I k-know I-I'm scary, b-but-" He flinched as the young woman yelped at him, but he caught how she reached for something on a shelf nearby-

Before barely managing to doge an unlit candle she lobbed his way-

Followed by one of Belle's beloved robotics books sailing over his head.

Both objects crashed loudly against the floorboard behind him which scared the other sole occupant in the room. With a swift jump Wilby was upon on his four legs-the poor beast's fur standing straight up on end and a low fearful whine rumbling in his throat. Things only got worse for Rumplestiltskin as Wilby's whimpers turned into relentless barks to join in on the chaotic commotion.

Distracted momentarily by this Rumplestiltskin glanced away from Ruby's direction only to jerk back to catch her barreling towards the hallway and front door. Papers flew from Belle's desk and a chair fell over in her haste to escape while for him time itself seemed to slow down. A surge of wild foreign energy bursted through his slim metal frame then-the control over his body coming back into full swing. Ho-no-no! He needed to cut off her path-she couldn't escape-if she did he didn't know what would happen with her shrieking of a monster!

That staggering fear was all he needed to ensure that didn't happen, and with his inhuman speed the machine flew through the air in a blur of golden-green metal and leather. Landing right in front of Miss Lucas with a great leap over an end table Ruby wasn't able to stop herself in time, resulting in her plowing straight into him with great force. He remained standing but she hit him hard enough she bounced off with an inelegant cry before toppling into a heap on the ground.

"A-Are you all right? I'm sorry-I didn't mean-" With a grimace he reached out a hand to help her back up, hoping she'd not hurt herself too badly. "P-Please don't scream I'm only t-trying to-"

"G-Get away from me!" Ruby bellowed back, ripping her arm out of his reach before shuffling and floundering there on her backside-

He had no time to stop her as again by accident she slammed the back of her head into a chair behind her.

Miss Lucas sputtered some more from the sheer pain while he grasped both hands at his own head in his own brand of horror. He hadn't meant to frighten her again! Damnit! This was bad-if this didn't stop soon the woman would be bloody, broken, and bruised without him having laid a hand on her!

Despite the ongoing pain the human grasped at the table, using it as leverage to get back up to her feet. Before he could make a move or try to say anything she scrambled around it as if using it as a blockade between them. The mechanical man shuffled and grimaced from the other side at her from this bizarre and unseen predicament, not knowing what to do in the slightest. At least he now had the poor woman pinned in place-hopefully unable to hurt herself anymore, but with her panicking and Wilby barking still-yes, whatever happened to him later didn't matter until he calmed them both down first!

“J-Just hear me out! I promise you're safe! You d-don’t understand!” Rumplestiltskin's limbs shook as he begged her to see reason, and inside his hope flared at how she stilled that she might actually be listening. All the while his systems fought the increasing urge to hide in the coat closet a few feet away-anything else was better than her petrified pale face staring back at him. “I’m not going t-to hurt you, Ruby! I-I'm not, so you can trust me-”

“T-Trust you! No! Don't come any closer!" The woman spat at him harshly as if torn between the nature of flight or fight. Suddenly then in his loss on what to say he saw her gaze jump to the kitchen counter within her reach, snapping within seconds to a cutlery block. Next thing he knew was a quickly drawn knife being aimed his way that had him cross eyed due to the rather pointy threatening end lunging at him from across the table. “W-Where is Belle! What did you do to h-wait! M-My name-you said it just now! How do you know my name!"

His nervous glowing eyes shifted towards the wall above Ruby's shoulder as he forced himself with a wild shake of his head. "B-Belle is fine-I promise-she's completely fine, so p-put the knife down! Y-You’re might hurt yourself if you keep this up!”

"Then where is she! And more importantly w-what the fuck are you!" She bellowed back, unrelenting in her hold on the butcher's knife though he noticed her own hands shaking around the handle. "Y-You're n-not human! Oh my god-what the fuck!"

In the ongoing madness within that small apartment Wilby's barks echoed in their increasing intensity, his brown eyes full of fear and confusion. Turning to the furry creature plastered at his side Rumplestiltskin's digits began to knead wildly. The mechanisms in his head were rotating in overtime as it told him to escape-to flee, and this inner conflict made him clench his mossy dagger like teeth tight together. Though he wanted so badly to hide he couldn't run from this! If he didn't do something about this situation fast the whole library beneath their feet would be in an utter panic along with them!

Already in his processors he could see what was taking place-the elderly woman as Belle described Miss Potts no doubt phoning the local law enforcement for the frightening disruption upstairs. Despite his dearest saying the town sheriff Mr. Humbert was an outstanding man he couldn't imagine him reacting better, and the machine for one didn't want to test if his body could be riddled with bullets! Yet, in a few minutes that would be his reality-it would all be over for him and Belle if he did nothing-all his days wasting away in hiding pointless-all his promises to the people he cared for broken! Worst of all he knew Belle would try to protect him no matter what which would put herself in danger.

And that meant he'd have to run in order to protect her...

He'd have to leave Belle's side forever.

It was this above all else that brought him back from the verge of an anxiety attack. Thinking fast Rumplestiltskin kneeled down next to the worried mutt, and with both hands began to pet him, sensing the dog's trembling against his equally quaking mottled palms. Despite the creature's worry Wilby leaned into his touch, his barks soon turning into softer whines while the imp pulled him close, ushering sweet reassurances in his fluffy ears.

“Hey boy-it’s okay-it’s okay… Calm down… There-there… We’ll get in bigger trouble if you keep barking-please… I need your help again-okay?” He ushered in a crackle of a whisper, yet Wilby quieted down completely as if understanding his need. Once he ceased trembling the mutt leaned up and lapped at his scaly cheek in a sweet reassuring gesture-as gross as it was, but Rumplestiltskin sensed his own stressed components dipping back down. Carefully running his clawed digits through that rich brown fur his amber orbs finally dared to click in their sockets back up to the woman still wielding a knife across the table, preparing for whatever look of horror met him back.

When their gazes met he could see the fear that had overcome her had lessened to a degree.

“W-What are you doing? Wilby, he's not afraid of you... It's like he knows you.” This time the waitress spoke there was confusion lacing her wary voice than former anger or fright. When it appeared she was no longer ready to run at a moment's notice he did his best to stand back up in a slow fashion as not to scare her again. Naturally her watchful stare didn't abate, so he tucked his arms to his chest-those segmented fingers kneading away at an invisible thread.

“I-I just had to make sure he got quiet... There-there is a l-library beneath us, dearie, and if M-Miss. P-Potts the librarian…” The machine could feel the young woman's near palpable uncertainty stabbing at his metal hull as his words fell uselessly from his voice box. Thinking of when he’d been first found by Belle herself he recalled everything a rush and a blur of events before his poor human had the fortune of passing out before his horror. Of course as his luck would have it this would not be the case with the ever aware Miss Lucas, making things all the more difficult. “Uh… I-I'm not going to... H-Hurt you-I-I'm-s-so you see-I...”

Bad-bad-bad-this was going so bad! There the animatronic himself let out an inhuman cry, realizing he was in desperate need of help explaining as he continued to fight of the urge to hide from this human's sight. Like so many times before he wished for the one he loved to be right at his side. If Belle was here holding him and telling him it would be all right he knew he could handle this-through it all he'd come to find she made him stronger in the face of fear.

It was the flash of her bright beautiful blue eyes that had his head suddenly snapping straight up with a clatter seemingly out of nowhere. He could see from the corner of his sockets how Ruby jumped in response, but Rumplestiltskin ignored her outright, his shoulder plates clacking loudly as he hurriedly dug a segmented hand into his scaled vest. Upon retrieving the small cellular device tucked inside he flipped his phone open and did his best to keep himself steady enough to dial Belle’s number. Too focused on the task at hand he didn't notice the waitress now watching him with wide boring eyes that no longer looked at him with terror so much as pure puzzlement.

“Y-You have a phone-here I am... Trapped by a green metal looking monster with a cell phone-wait-no! What the hell are you doing! W-Who are you calling!” Without glancing up Rumplestiltskin knew the young woman was brandishing that knife and bearing her teeth from the ferocity in her voice.

“I’m going t-to call Belle-to tell her to get here right away. If she’s here you won’t be scared. She c-can explain everything-you trust her since you're friends after all.”

“Wait-you know Belle-that were friends? So, that means if you’re here-she knows, doesn’t she?” His tactic seemed to just do the trick as he dared to look at Ruby, catching how the hand holding the knife Miss Lucas had pointed at him from across the table fell slowly to her side. By then the call button was ready under his thumb, his fears abating knowing he'd soon hear Belle's voice...

Yet, looking up he saw the human before him-so still and calm, studying him now almost as if in a new light.

He hesitated, feeling the parts in his plated throat scraping against one another. Maybe he could talk to this person without getting Belle involved right away. Thinking it further he realized he didn't want to put Belle into a panic and possibly get hurt rushing here to save him, and it wasn't like Ruby was attempting to make a beeline for the front door anymore-or stab him as useless as that'd be.

'Do the brave thing-do what Belle would do. If I want a place in this world I can't keep hiding forever, and I can't rely on Belle alone to get me out trouble. I need to show her that I can take care of myself.' Through the anxious whirl of coding the animatronic's faux face grew soft before lowered the phone he clutched tight. Once more the image of his dearest soothed the frantic sparks in his wires, because as terrifying as this was he had to do this-for her and himself.

“Yes, Belle is… S-She’s my friend. She t-takes care of me and I watch over Avonlea with her-we…" Rumplestiltskin forced down a nervous trill wanting to escape, not having the slightest clue where to begin explaining this to a stranger when he didn’t know himself what exactly he and Belle were to each other. Feeling Ruby impatiently urging him on with her stare the age lines of his artificial face creased with his growing fluster. "We’re close-we've known each other for half a year now-since she started working at Avonlea. She's given me a h-home and so I protect her. I know I'm frightening, but you need to trust me-I would never do anything on purpose to harm her.”

Wilby let out a soft snuffed sound at his side then as if in agreement, earning a lopsided smile. However, his peace ended when there was a sudden clattering sound nearly had him leap out of his own metal hull. With a quick turn he saw an embarrassed looking Ruby looking away after tossing the knife onto the kitchen table without warning.

“Okay-okay I'm going to try and ,uh, calm down, but... What... What are you? I mean now that I think about it you look a lot like those, uh, things at Avonlea. Yeah... I remembered seeing those robot things there when I picked Henry up for Emma a few months ago-wait… Oh no... No-no-no!” Dawning realization appeared to slap the waitress across the face from how she shook her head of long dark hair before pointing an accusatory finger his way. “You’re not a monster-you're a machine-from there! How didn't I figure that out sooner! That’s why Belle’s been reading up on those robotics books and why she’s been so secretive ever since she started working there! It’s because of you! M-My god, I never imagined she'd have something like you with her... I... I need a moment to process this.”

That same gloved hand went to cover part of her face as if she couldn't handle this knowledge, leaving him to hunch in on himself in hopes he could somehow disappear from her sight.

“Um… Yes, it’s a long, l-long story, dearie!” An odd tittering sound escaped him only for him to mentally hit himself at seeing Ruby stiffen, frightened by the unnatural nature of it.

Once she'd seemed to regain her composure she took a deep breath before leaning against the table as if in need of support. “S-So let me get this straight-you are a robot... A walking talking honest to god fucking robot-or android-machine thingy-"

"A-An animatronic to be precise-"

"An animatronic-whatever! Holy shit!” It was his turn to be startled as his eyebrows flew up on their tracks watching Ruby begin walking towards him from around the table. Of their own accord his scuffed boots had him stepping back while she drew near, her evident fear and intrigue a strange mixture of emotions made apparent from how she blatantly gawked at him like some sort of exhibit. “H-How-how is this possible? You're acting like you've got a consciousness or something! How? None of those things there act even remotely as advanced as you or can walk or talk! D-Don't tell me Belle got involved with some secret government thing or did she find you and fix you? More importantly why do you look like that? And what's up with all the leather-"

“Stop! D-Do you need to stare at me like that!" He didn’t mean to raise his voice at the rather brash nosy human, but his age old fear won out as he bared his rotted teeth. Instantly Rumplestiltskin felt another wave of guilt when she staggered back, terror flashing across her features before she clamped her mouth shut tight. Damnit-he hadn't mean to... But stares... They were much easier to handle coming from children whose heart's were more innocent and accepting, but adults-especially ones like her, were a different beast altogether.

"H-Hey, calm down-I didn’t mean to poke fun at you or anything." Ruby spoke gently for the first time while her face turned to the floor. However, something in her switched lightening fast, her expression changing in an instant. Whipping her head up to look at him the imp skittered back and in turn spooked Wilby who gave a soft 'gruff' as if fearing more yelling was about to take place. "No! I should not be the one who is sorry-you scared the hell out of me! What were you doing there on the floor-glitching out like that! And if Belle is your friend why isn’t she here? I know she doesn't work her other job today because she promised to help me with Wilby!”

Feeling his own apprehension waiver the imp's facial mechanics twitched, his agitation burning bright in his glowing eyes.“I suffered a malfunction of sorts right before you came in-that's why you found me like that, but more importantly how did you get in! Belle doesn’t leave a key hiding out anywhere-she wouldn't!“ She wouldn't, not after what happened with those men tracking her down a while back. Overall this intrusion today wasn't helping him in feeling her home was fortified enough to protect her, stirring up other worries beneath his plates he didn't need right at the moment.

“I have a spare key that she made me when she first moved into this place since her father is ill, not sure if you knew that, but it’s suppose to be used in emergencies. You know to bring her clothes or anything she might need if they have to go to the hospital, because she doesn't have... It's only her and her dad.” Ruby explained rationally with a regretful sorrow tinting her voice at the end-one he understood perfectly well with how his chest mechanics ground together uncomfortably, not that he was anywhere near letting go of his anger just yet.

“And what! So barging into Belle’s place like that without permission was an act of an emergency! And to do so on top of giving her a dog sitting job-you weren’t suppose to be here until the evening!” It was his turn to accuse as he pointed a dark claw at her and then towards the spot on the floor that was soaked with whatever liquid she'd had in her bag spilling everywhere. He caught her wince, but he continued on, his golden-green lips pulling back into a furious sneer. "For a waitress you sure do know how to cause messes more than clean them!"

“Hey! For a creepy ass robot you sure do know how to be a dick!”

The air in the room grew deathly silent then-the young woman looking near ready to tear into him with how she gritted her own teeth, but quickly she waved both her hands as if to stop things from escalating out of control. “Okay! All right! So I did kind of barge on in, but Belle’s car is outside and no one seemed to hear me when I knocked. I also literally sent her a text too so if anything she should already be on her way here... Except I have a feeling she wasn’t hoping for me to meet you... Was she?”

“N-No… I was suppose to be hidden-it's not best if people k-know about me yet...” Rumplestiltskin felt himself growing shy all of a sudden, but he refused to let this human deter the conversation as his jaw snapped with a loud 'clack', causing the waitress to merely flinch. "T-That doesn't change the fact you've really inconvenienced Belle. Y-You can't go and expect people to help you at the drop of a dime, especially without forewarning! Belle is too good hearted! She cares for others more than herself to say no in most situations, but right now she has enough on her plate to deal with... Trust me... I know. I'm one of them..."

There was silence for a few moments as his own words dug their sharp fangs into his metal hide. Yet, without any warning he found the woman previously doing her best to keep from him moving forward, planting herself in front of him, and raising her pale face screwed up tight anger without any fear...

But with something else-a feeling he knew all too well... Guilt.

"I know that-you don't need to tell me! I know I'm a screw up and I fucked up big time on this-I let multiple people down. I don't need a malfunctioning metal asshole reminding me!" The words struck him hard enough he staggered, and it seemed as soon as they'd fled the aggravated human's mouth she seemed to regret them. From there Ruby awkwardly shuffled in place before huffing, seeming torn with herself alongside him before she barreled on ahead. "That was totally uncalled for, but you need to know I-I came here early today to try and pay Belle back for what she did for me! A while back I promised her drinks, but I thought bringing her that and lunch... As well as an apology would be a way to make up for today..."

Sticking both her arms out she dropped let them fall back to her sides-a gesture of upmost surrender that had him remain quiet.

"But, I seem to only cause trouble no matter my intention. You're right... I really, really messed up, okay. I've been a shitty friend to Belle today-god who knows how long overall, but now I've gone and made things worsen haven't I?"

Somehow Rumplestiltskin found himself trapped standing there in place staring down at this stranger filled to the brim with regret and relating to her far too much to his liking. Awkwardly he kneaded his digits, his mouth moving to speak only for nothing to come out. In his attempt to figure out what on earth to say he thought on how both beings standing there had caused Belle unwanted heartache or complications, though he knew his had to outweigh hers by far. It seemed Ruby had truly planned to try to make up for her unfair treatment before he'd messed it all up. At least she was able to do something more for his dearest than he ever could.

It had his eyes lidding softly, recalling how Belle had forgiven his sins so easily, willing to even forgiven the scars he'd left behind on her that he still couldn't. Begrudgingly then Rumplestiltskin felt himself start doing the same for this strange bothersome human, not that he dared to say it out loud. If he got a second chance in spite of his past then why not Ruby of all people over something like this?

All the while the two spoke Wilby stood beside them cocking his head between the two in puzzlement before his large ears perked up-

Just someone began knocking against the front door.

In an instant the machine felt his servos locking him in place-everything falling silent as the sound rendered all mute. Ruby joined him in freezing in place almost like she was now a culprit forced into hiding right alongside of him. There was silence for a minute as human, animatronic, and a curious mutt waited and listened for further movement outside on the stairwell before another round of urgent knocking, only this time it was followed by a voice the machine immediately recognized, having heard it once from outside a window in Avonlea.

“Hey Belle? It’s Deputy Swan?” Emma Swan called out through the door to his horror, getting a reaction from Ruby Lucas too from how she covered her mouth in alarm. “I got a call from Miss. Pots downstairs-she said she heard screaming and a dog barking. I'm only here to check up on you and make sure you're okay... Belle? Hello""

Great-just great! A string of curses flew through his systems, and Rumplestiltskin found himself trembling from head to toe all over again. The police-Miss Potts had called the police to investigate the commotion! He turned his amber eyes filled with horror towards Ruby whose own face in their glow reflected the same sickening emotion back.

"Fantastic! Look what you’ve done!” He hissed in the lowest setting his voice box could muster.

“W-What I’ve done!“ Ruby sputtered in a hoarse angry whisper before suddenly moving towards him and pushing her palms roughly at his chest. Though she couldn't knock him over the woman had quite an impressive amount of strength as the machine found himself being forced quietly in the direction of the hallway to Belle's bedroom. Staring back at her incredulously over his shoulder the waitress maneuvered him towards the bathroom while Wilby followed along with his tail wagging, wanting to join in the 'play'. "You-get into there! NOW! Hide! Don't say a word-I've got this!"

Unsure why she was doing this for him Rumplestiltskin had no choice but to comply, and so he nodded silently. Swiftly stepping inside the small dark room he heard Ruby close the door after him, leaving him stranded an inky abyss save for the illumination radiating from his eyes. Fearing this alone was enough to give him away the mechanical man turned and moved towards the bathtub where he... It was utterly humiliating, but he'd been a coward for so long it did little to stop him from drawing back the curtain, hopping inside, and then drawing it back into place. From there he hunkered down in the belly of the ivory tub, his arms curling about his leather clad legs, not that Wilby helped in concealing his presence with how he pawed at the door-upset that his 'metal friend' was being kept away.

Yet, with a shift to his auditory mechanics he caught the creak of a door opening and Ruby's voice cutting through the apartment's walls.

"Hey Emma! Sorry about the wait-how can I help ya?"

Ah, so Ruby was well aquatinted with the deputy too-even more than Belle from the sounds of it. He knew far less about Miss. Swan than he did the troublesome brunette, however, it sounded like things were going all right with how the blonde haired woman responded.

"Ruby? Wait-so were you the one screaming just now?"

"Ah! Yes, uh, that was me, and the dog you mentioned barking was Wilby here!" In his processors Rumplestiltskin could see the frazzled waitress pointing back to the mutt that had abandoned his door to join in greeting the visitor. "So sorry about all that commotion Em's-you see there was this-um-um-this lizard! It suddenly crawled out from a bookcase and freaked me out, so in my panicking I kind of got Wilby all riled up-you know."

Lizard-lizard! It was by far one of the worst excuses he'd ever heard in all twenty eight years he'd been conscious! Still, knowing that she was trying to save his hide the animatronic simply huffed a puff of air from the hydraulics in his throat before listening closer.

"I didn't think you were afraid of lizards, and really? It's the middle of winter-don't they like hibernate or something... Does Storybrooke even have lizards?" There was a hint of disbelief in the deputy's voice that had Rumplestiltskin on edge. It was soon followed by the faint sound of boots against the hardwood that had him curling in tighter about himself as he begged silently she'd not-"Is it okay if I come in? Is Belle home?"

"No! Yes-I mean come in, but she's not here! She's out right now seeing her-her dad! You can come in if you need to though. You see I got into a bit of pickle today as she was watching Wilby-you know David's dog, for me and I dropped on in early to pick him up." There was a bit of pacing-the sounds of the humans wandering about slamming into him with each step, but luckily none of them came near to the bathroom. On the other hand Wilby was no longer interested in their conversation as his snout went to snuffling under the bathroom door once more, forcing Rumplestiltskin to silently shoo the beast away from around the curtain. "And I'm not the biggest fan of lizards, but Belle likes them way more-she's totally into them! I think that the upstairs part of the library was nice and warm it must have been hiding out here. Can't find it now though! Want to help me look?"

What! What was she doing! Grasping at the wiry ends of the hair about his face Rumplestiltskin braced for the door opening at any second, however...

"Unless this lizard warranted danger to the mass public I don't think that will be necessary. However, I will report things are fine here and relay that to Miss. Pots, but please try not to send the library patrons beneath you into another panic. You gave everyone quite the scare." Emma Swan warned in an amused tone, leaving Rumplestiltskin deflating as he slumped forward to rest his head against the rim of the tub.

"Would you please tell her I'm so, so sorry, and I promise there won't be anymore of that. Even if the lizard shows back up." He could almost see the mischievous glint to the waitresses's eyes when she said that.

In time as Rumplestiltskin sat there waiting he could make out faint 'good byes' and 'take cares' before the echo of the front door being shut resounded through the walls. Feeling hope return the imp stood up in the tub, waiting only a few more seconds to then step cautiously out. Shortly he heard Ruby's steps approach with Wilby shuffling about after, but despite the coast being clear he froze-unable to get himself to open the door. There was a reformed sense of safety to not being in Ruby's immediate sight-the part of him always cowardly pleading for him to remain hidden until Belle returned. Things were less complicated that way-less of him enduring the sight of a human staring at his unsightly body who was unsettled by it as he gathered from her previous reactions.

"Okay... I think we're safe. Emma's gone now and all she gave me was warning, but my fib seemed to go well with her. I suppose though you and I are going to have to wait for Belle to arrive...” Ruby explained through the door, not seeming eager to open it either which was strange given how previously she seemed willing to barge in anywhere she wanted. Rumplestiltskin's golden green face soured with a frown before he cast aside his remaining aggravations-at least for the time being.

Instead he stood there in the dark with his plated hands fumbling with each other as the rising tension within was from something else entirely.

“Why?” The hushed word escaped his plated throat before he realized he'd said it out loud. “Why did you help me? You didn't have to-you could have told Miss Swan about me...”

He could sense Ruby react to that without seeing her, and willing himself to be brave he braced his hands against the door, his mind lost in the memory of a similar situation to this. That night long ago when Belle had come back to Avonlea he thought'd whatever parts of his machinery that could infer reality had gone defunct. Surely she wouldn't have come back after he'd scared her so-she should've called Mr. Getto, spoke of the monster he'd failed to destroy and brought him to a final end. In that moment he saw her so clearly from that night-how she'd been slumped forward on her desk in that swivel chair, so tired-so beautiful, snoozing away until she'd woken and he'd scared her by accident. He'd become so utterly lost when she'd claimed that she'd returned without any intention to revel his secret-that she cared he existed at all.

And so here he was once again with a human he'd scared again by accident or not... Seeming to be wanting to help him than ensure his destruction.

“Huh?" Ruby remarked after a moment of silence-like what he said was beyond stupid. To his relief it was followed shortly by a tired laugh. "What, you expected me to hand you over to Emma so she could cuff you and take you down to the station for an interrogation? Not that I wouldn't be curious to how a trial would work involving a robot-er, I mean an animatronic as you so informed me."

My, my, so snarky-he was starting to see why Belle was good friends with this woman despite how she was too brazen for his liking.

“I fear I misjudged you at first, but you're a lot like her in that way." He admitted after a moment while his metal eyelids slatted over his luminous orbs for eyes. Still, the imp knew he needed to apologize as well, and while it was difficult to do he kept his higher pitched theatrics vacant as he pushed himself on. "I know that I frightened you pretty badly, and we didn’t… Get off to a very good start, but I hope you understand that I didn't mean... It seems I have an issue of not getting my first impressions down right.”

“Well, I think I've figured out that you’re here for an important reason, and it's clear Belle definitely knows about you, and you mean something to her too-by the looks of it a lot.” There she gave another nervous chuckle through the door he couldn't blame her for. “And yeah, not going to lie you scared the ever living shit out of me I'm pretty sure I lost five years off my life span. Thanks to Wilby though…”

It was there the knob began to turn, and while he wanted to hold it in place-to stop her from coming in, he held back. Choosing to remain brave-or foolish, he stepped back as she gently pushed it open and flicked on the lights, dowsing him in the fluorescent glow. He had to blink so his optics so they could adjust, but as his vision cleared he found a furry mutt looking up at him with that unexplainable admiration in his eyes and tongue lolling out. Taking his chances the mechanical man looked up to Ruby hesitantly, finding her peering at him with something of a similar nature though a wariness she couldn't entirely shake remained aimed his way.

“It seems he and Belle trusts you, so I don’t see why I shouldn’t either-at least a little."

Touched by her words Rumplestiltskin felt his strained servos uncoil as he smiled shyly towards the waitress. Maybe being friendly with her-if mere acquaintances for Belle's sake, wasn't as impossible of a notion as he'd thought.

“You’re right though on the fact we did get off on the wrong foot there mysterious mechanical... Lizard man.” The waitress stated while drawing her eyes over his body as if still trying to figure him out, but he merely made a scoffing sound from his plated throat in annoyance.

"I’m not a lizard! I'd prefer if you'd not refer to me as such!” That got her attention, but he was quick to try and be more civil by flourishing a silky puffy sleeve clad arm up into the air, returning to his comfortable impish nature. "I'm an animatronic, and as for monikers you can address me as Rumplestiltskin-R-R-R-Rumplestiltskin-the Dark Sorcerer of Avonlea!” Unable to help it his age old programing kicked in as he bent at the waist in a low extravagant bow-the ones his Belle adored so much. Standing back up he awkwardly flittered in place at finding Ruby's scrunched pale features declaring without any filter she thought him absolutely bizarre.

“You're really freakin' weird for a machine, you know that right? Figures Belle wouldn't be friends with not any old sentient animatronic thingy. Wow, never thought I would ever say that, anyways I figure I should introduce myself too..." There she paused, leaving a moment of silence that had the machine growing steadily nervous again. "Except, I'm starting to get a feeling that Belle’s told you plenty about me since you already used my name.”

Twiddling his mottled hands together he gave into his nature, letting out a loud hair raising giggle that had Ruby blanch.

“Oh, you have no idea.”

—————

"Bye dad-I'll see you sometime later this week!"

The bell to her father's flower shop reached her this time as Belle exited, hearing its tinkle faintly against the everyday noise of Storybrooke. That wasn't saying much as it sounded like the lunch time rush for the small town was already over as only a few cars here or there were puttering down its streets. However, it was then her stomach decided to join in, gurgling loud enough from the thought of food she blushed. It'd been doing that for a while until it and her yawning had her father grabbing her coat for her and encouraging her to go home, eat, and rest up. Knowing she was in dire need she agreed, but not before she'd given her old man a long overdue hug that he seemed to have needed from how he'd squeezed her back.

Now standing in the bright sunshine Belle stretched a little with a slight smile pushing up her flush lips. That smile grew wider as she looked down to the new large flower pot with a bag of soil inside it nestled in the crook of her arm. Against her father's demands she'd paid for it, and she had to bite back a giggle thinking of how Rumplestiltskin would eagerly be the one doing all the work filling it in despite his protests about getting dirty. Of course that would be after she gave him a a much needed inspection-there was no way he was getting out of that... Which was something else he'd protest about knowing him.

“Well, whatever happens today at I know least my day can’t get any worse.” She spoke softly to herself, but her stomach cried out in return, claiming that without food it would. Patting her tummy she tugged at her coat and began to move in the direction of Granny's where the scent of burgers drifted upon the chilly winter breeze. 'I’ll just get something to go and get right back home. Hopefully Rumple will read with me and we can relax for a bit, maybe I can even get a much needed nap in before Ruby arrives... Though that is a good question of when exactly-I mean she did say in the evening. I'll need to double check and get Rumple hidden-'

It was as that notion entered her mind that her pocket vibrated, emitting a small round of cute robotic beeps. Immediately recognizing her ringer for Rumple she quickly dug into her pocket and retrieved her phone only for her features to flicker with shock. Somehow she had not one but two text messages! When had she missed the first one? Oh no! Her memories righted themselves as she suddenly remembered it going off when she'd first entered her father's flower shop, but then she'd bumped into Cora and after what that terrifying woman had said she'd forgotten it in her panic attack.

As if it had never left another spike of that same emotion sent Belle's poor heart into a roaring tempo in the cage of her ribs. Had Rumple needed something or tried to reach her? Was there something wrong-or had something happened to Wilby? Surely he would have sent more messages if that was the case or called, but...

Swiping at her screen as fast as she could Belle found the first message wasn't from Rumple, but Ruby... And somehow that made it worse.

So much worse.

'Hey Belle! Got good news! Granny is gonna let me go early. Another girl took the extra hours! Thank god!! Will be over soon to take Wilby off ur hands. :) Finally gonna bring that booze I promised u too!'

Belle's insides began to turn and not from hunger after reading it-the former wonderful sunshine unable to fend off the cold that stole over her. Ruby was getting out of work early? But she said she had to work late-to cover other girls shifts! And if she was getting out early when was she planning to come over! Stopping herself a moment Belle took a deep breath, realizing she needed to keep calm. Sure Rumple was home alone, but it wasn't like Ruby could waltz on...

No! She could! Belle's lovey face fell into abject horror as her memories righted themselves, recalling long ago a now horrible truth. Ruby could get into her apartment, because she had a copy of her key! Belle had forgotten all about that after moving into town with all the hustle and bustle-back then she'd firmly told her friend it was only suppose to be used in the case of an emergency, but right now Wilby was inside and her car was in her parking spot! If her gut instinct was right Ruby she would totally think she was home and simply welcome herself inside if she didn't answer the door right away.

From there Belle's finger hesitated only a second before she clicked on the next message, fearing for the worst only this time it was from Rumplestiltskin.

'Belle. Ruby is here. I'm sorry she found me. I'm safe but get home as soon as you can.'

Both her phone and flower pot began slipping from her grasp as those words slammed into her mind like a freight train.

However, she did the only thing she could think of when a surge of adrenaline pulsed through her veins.

She ran.

Despite being exhausted, not wanting to run another step, Belle had no choice as her boots tore across the side walk in no time flat. Any stares she might've gotten for running like she was out of her mind were ignored-nothing mattered but making it to her apartment, her heart pounding so loudly all the while that she couldn't hear the hum of cars driving past. More than once in her time moving back she was grateful that her father's flower shop was not far from her place, not to mention she was still in her work clothes, and today was no different as she swerved through the peaceful downtown streets in the direction of the library. By the time she drew near to the tall building with its ever broken clocktower she was heaving in gulp fulls of air-her hair wild and strewn across her face-her muscles screaming at her to stop.

She didn't though, only pressed on scrambling into the alleyway behind the library to find a familiar red car was parked in an empty spot near her own vehicle. Panicking to the point she was almost trembling the young woman raced up the metal staircase that clattered far too loudly beneath her, not that it mattered if they heard her inside. Upon reaching her front door, feeling her fingers barely able to grasp the metal knob, she was surprised to turn it and find it locked. That-That didn't make any sense-hadn't Ruby freaked out if she found Rumple? Oh no-what if he'd been force to corner her poor unknowing friend inside? What on earth was going on!

Her hands were so unsteady as she fumbled for her keys she barely got it into the door before entering and closing it behind. A minute sensation of relief filled her weary bones to hear no immediate shrieking or sounds of a struggle going on, but the fact there were no voices at all erased it swiftly. Locking it back up Belle cautiously walked down the hallway, her footsteps booming around the small space like roaring thunder.

It took some force to get her words out between her ragged breaths, but she managed as she turned into her living room.

"Ruby-wait! Before you say-anything I can explain-"

Yet, once again the bookish beauty found herself stumbling into another sight she wasn't expecting to see.

Standing near her dinning room table was Ruby sporting her own work uniform and looking the same as ever if a bit frazzled to which she didn't need to guess as to why. Her friend was leaning up against a wall, but Belle's eye jumped to the almost empty wine glass in her grasp and then to the bottle in the other that appeared to be half empty. More surprising was how Ruby seemed prepared for her arrival with how she stared rather intently at her, catching her further off guard by her calmness. Then with the slightest inclination of her head the taller woman directed the security guard's attention towards the opposing corner of the room...

Where sure enough the one and only man Belle loved sat beside his old spinning wheel.

Those sky blue eyes grew to the size of saucer plates while her impish companion gave a nervous sound, shrouded in the shadows where her floor lamp didn't reach. One clawed hand of his gently pulled at the wooden wheel, but from where he sat he looked so much smaller than usual hunched in on himself. Belle wasn't surprised to see Wilby as loyal as ever laying on the floor right next to him with those large ears perked at seeing the auburn haired human again before settling back down. It was then that Rumple's large amber eyes dared to meet hers, staring back with heavy unspoken shame than fear like she expected.

“Belle, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen. I was going to hide when Ruby first got here, but not long after you left I... I had a fit, and then she walked in on me before I could get up... When I got her to c-calm down I was going to call to properly explain, but well... Things got even more complicated.” Rumplestiltskin said softly all while Ruby continued to watch them with an intent gleam over the rim of her glass.

Forgoing her friend's studious stare Belle hurried over to her forlorn imp without a thought, dropping her bag and the new flower pot to the floor in an instant. He looked alarmed at her sudden reaction, but didn't flinch when she reached out and pulled him tight into a hug. After all her fears the last few minutes-regardless if he'd been discovered or not... Her feeble heart soared at knowing he was okay. The one she loved with all that tattered muscle was still safe if for the time being, and that was enough for her as the beauty nuzzled her face into his chest.

Just as fast Rumplestiltskin wrapped his arms about her back then, tenderly pressing his cold crooked nose into the crown of her hair.

"Dearest, it's okay-really it is. Ruby hasn't told anyone about me since she stumbled upon me, and I promise she's been with me here the whole time while we were waiting for you." There she could feel him bearing his jagged teeth in a grimace-one that had her reaching up a hand to touch his face. In an instant his nervous expression dissipated beneath her finger tips before he closed his eyes, leaning into her embrace. "I-I was going to try calling a few minutes ago, but I didn't know if you were still with your father-"

“Rumple, look at me-I'm not mad at all. You said you had a fit, so you couldn't help that. It’s okay-it’s going to be okay, but I wish either one of you would have told me what happened in some manner that showed you were all right so I didn't run all the way here thinking the worst had happened." There she sighed heavily, trying to regain the breath she'd lost while her body sagged into him. From beside the pair Wilby's snout brushed against her side like he wanted to comfort her too which had Belle laugh, happily giving him a few pets in thanks for the sweet gesture.

While dread still clung sickly to her gut overall Belle felt more grateful than upset, especially with her mechanical man and friend appearing to be unharmed. There was also the fact that Ruby hadn't given away him either regardless of whatever circumstance had happened while she was away, and oh, it was clear something had from the strange air in the room.

However, the young woman knew it was time to face the music no matter how unprepared for this situation she was. Praying for the best Belle slowly pulled back from Rumple despite his protest with how his hands clung to her, trying to keep her flush against him. For a moment she worried why he looked so nervous until it occurred to her. Despite their progress in their relationship he was still unused to being around other adults or humans in general which was clearly what was troubling him. Part of her wanted to tell him there was no need to be so intimidated, considering it was someone as non threatening as Ruby...

When she saw the firm expression greeting her as she glanced up to her friend though... Perhaps Ruby could be a little scary.

"I don't know where to start with this, but Belle 'Irene' French... I think you owe me an explanation."

With that declaration Ruby set down the opened bottle of wine a little too firmly against the table, making both Belle and Rumplestiltskin wince from the sound. From the way the waitress stood there, leaning with arms crossed like a parent catching their child lying, Belle felt a sudden stab of betrayal ripple through her. To think after everything that had happened today Ruby was the one saying that she needed to give an explanation! For once Belle found the ire bubbling in her gut turn sharply on her friend-a sensation she wasn't use to feeling in the slightest, but she couldn't ignore how Ruby had gone too far to let everything slide, considering all she'd done to help in her friend's time of need.

Luckily that awful emotion was doused into a smothered pile of ash when the waitress gave an abrupt hefty sigh.

"But first before all that I need to say something important... I owe you a massive apology." Belle's face smoothed out in surprise to hear the genuine regret lacing Ruby's tone while the waitress herself looked embarrassed from how her sharp cheeks flushed a few good shades darker. "Look, after how I treated you today I totally understand if you can't forgive me. I've screwed up really bad, because in the process of not letting down some people I made a promise to I let you down instead by being a real shitty friend. I should have known better than to think you'd just take care of Wilby for me-I can't expect you to drop your life-whatever that might entail with Mr. Sparkly Animatronic there, to help me out. For that I am really, truly, sorry, and I wish I could make up for it, but..."

Those green eyes flickered then to a spot on the floor that drew Belle's blue ones to it as well. From the dying daylight outside her window she could see a wet spot shimmering upon the wood that looked like something spilled and had been cleaned up as best as it could.

"I'd thought I'd bring you some wine-you know like I promised when we went shopping, but when I saw your metal friend I kind of freaked out... At least the food I got from Granny's for us managed to survive." Ruby gave an anxious chuckle, grabbing at aplastic bag from the dinning table that appeared to have two food containers from her favorite eatery within. "I hope you don't mind I helped myself to this bottle you had up in your cabinet by the way."

"That one is on me, dearest. After everything that happened I thought it wouldn't do any harm letting her have some." Rumplestiltskin's nasally voice suddenly drifted over Belle's ear-she hadn't noticed he'd gotten up behind her until she felt his plated hands feather like at her sides. "Considering it wouldn't help her run any faster I didn't see the harm, not that she was very good at making an escape in the first place. Before you got here I started to fear she'd obtain brain damage from how many times she whacked her head against something stumbling on those high heels."

An impish titter escaped him then that both warmed Belle's insides at how close he was-the need to hold him rising, while it also made her eager to flick his nose in punishment for teasing her poor friend like that.

Ruby in contrast winced and took another hurried gulp from her drink, downing the last of what was likely her second glass. "He's a real charmer that one you've got there. Can't you reprogram him or whatever to be more polite? Geez."

"Reprogram-what nerve! It was only an observation, dearie, and you've got some poor manners yourself-"

"Okay you two can we please not fight! It's been a really long day for me and I don't think I have the energy for it. Though to come home to you two being somewhat civil... Is quite the surprising turn of events I'm not going to lie." Belle couldn't help but give a tired giggle while over her shoulder Rumplestiltskin's peeved expression shifted, becoming softer towards her. Knowing he was worrying about her well being she turned towards him, her hands drift over his silk clad arms to soothe his growing concern. "Now I know there's no getting out of this discussion we all need to have, but how about we sit and get settled in before we continue? Rumple if you want you can sit with me on the couch-oh, wait! Have you two introduced yourselves yet?"

"Yes, Miss Lucas here and I have talked a little-fret not though, dearest. I shall sit at my wheel as it's best I don't go scaring your flighty friend further." He quipped, though lacing his tone she could hear that he was in fact afraid of doing exactly that. Her heart clenched tight as words formed to reassure him that wasn't so, but against her wishes she let Rumplestiltskin peel from her side, watching him move back to his wheel.

All the while Wilby snuffled and shuffled his paws in place, seeming torn between investigating the women and remaining by the machine's side. It was comical really with how Rumple frowned at the dog and held up both hands, encouraging the creature away. Yet Wilby merely looked up at him before turning about in a few circles to settle back down by the tips of his pointed boots. After rolling his large glowing eyes Rumplestiltskin plunked himself upon his stool to begrudgingly pet the beast's fuzzy brown head.

"Yes-yes mutt... You're too lazy to get up... I see how it is."

The sight was far too adorable in Belle's opinion that she couldn't help but beam which seemed to be the same case for Ruby, for when Belle spared a glance at the other woman she caught the curl of a faint smile carved onto her face. Feeling better-as much as she could over this weird scenario, the beauty motioned for her friend to join her on the couch that was increasingly looking like the worlds most comfiest place to be. After Ruby nabbed up another glass, their food, and the bottle of wine they both swiftly nestled onto the plush cushions. Immediately the night guard's weary body felt all the days ongoings drain from her she feared she'd pass out right then and there. Yet, with a nudge of her friend's leg she opened her tired eyes, seeing Ruby pouring her a glass a hearty helping.

Belle was kicking off her boots to her feet's relief before taking the offered drink. "Thanks, I think I need some myself after a day like today. It wasn't doing any good wasting away in the cabinet anyways."

With that said an awkward air hung overhead the trio in that small cozy apartment, so much weighing on all the minds present-both that of flesh and machinery, that they were unsure of how to approach breaching the distances. To Belle's continual relief Ruby was the master of navigating such territories as the taller woman poured herself another drink while seeming to be mulling a thought over.

"So I gave my apology, but you didn't say if you forgave me or not." Ruby dared to mention while Belle took a sip and then opened a container of food eagerly. A wave of delicious aroma washed over her senses from the hefty cheeseburger sitting inside surrounded by fresh fries and a pickle no less which made it all the easier for her to make up her mind as Ruby went on. "I mean if it would help I could mention how Granny is probably right about me-how I don't stop to think about other people's feelings or lives sometimes. Trust me though I learned my lesson from this-I swear I'm never going to take you or anyone granted ever again-"

"The food is more than enough, though hearing that was also nice, thank you." Belle waved a hand and quickly stuffed a fry into her mouth, savoring the flavor with a pleased sound. From across the room she didn't miss the soft scoff of her mechanical man who no doubt thought her too easy to please let alone forgive. "While I'm glad for your apology for roping me into work I didn't ask for that part was really no big deal. Now it's my turn to apologize though since you've figured out I've been keeping a certain someone a secret from you, and well... I'm honestly a bit shocked you seem to be taking it so well."

"Ah, I totally freaked out when I first saw him, but I figured out pretty quick he was all bark and no bite." Ruby shrugged as her heels hit the floor beside Belle's discarded boots, however, there was clearly something more to the story than her friend was implying.

For now Belle decided to let it slide as she took another sip... Her blue eyes deepening in thought.

"I'm just glad things didn't seem to get too out of hand or that anyone got hurt... Or severely hurt from the looks of it." Belle said, but she hadn't missed the mess now residing in her dinning room that hadn't been there prior to her leaving. The corners of her mouth turned down to see stacks of her papers, folders, and documents she'd been collecting littering the floor, there was also a book and candle appearing to have been in some ordeal, and then one of her chairs toppled over onto its side forlornly. Hopefully things hadn't gone too sour between the pair when they... Met, but as she took in the scene from the corner of her eye she caught Rumplestiltskin staring far too hard at his wheel than normal.

Shaking her head she took in a deep breath before trying to figure out where to begin in explaining her life these last six crazy months. "Okay, so before I tell you everything you need to know I think it's important to stress first how much of a secret this needs to be as we don't know when we can start telling people about his existence. As much as I wanted to tell you this choice was for his own protection-Rumplestiltskin... He's a very special machine. At first glance you might think he was another animatronic... But as you can see somehow he's got a soul, and a mind-an entire personality. Despite his body whatever his creator did to make him-A.I. or what have you, he's no different than any human."

Quickly Rumplestiltskin let out a 'tsk' that caused her to glare over at him with a prepared pout. "Ah-Ah-I wouldn't get that carried away in your description, dearest. I'm still only a mechanical construct... Even if I don't know exactly where I came from or what I am."

"Ignore him on that-he's human as you or I, but he has a hard time accepting it." Belle let out a giggle before taking another drink, but she didn't miss the glimpse of a smile through the curtain of Rumple's hair, making her wish he wasn't sitting so far away.

"I pretty much guessed he was something like that, but that has to be strange not knowing what you are or where you come from. Still, who would think little innocent Belle French would up and steal a sentient animatronic away from her employer?" Ruby opened her own container as she said that, but Belle flushed and quickly sat up-almost spilling their drinks and food in the process.

"He's not property to be owned! I don't own him and Mr. Getto doesn't either! His fate is his to decide, and I won't let anyone treat him like he's an object!" Realizing a little too late she was close to yelling the beauty sat back and cleared her throat, hoping she hadn't embarrassed Rumplestiltskin in the process. "Um, as I was saying... Rumplestiltskin is his own person in every sense, but as he's a machine and doesn't know why he was built like this... He hasn't had the easiest life. Twenty eight years ago when he was brought to Avonlea Mr. Getto and the other employees assumed he was broken when he started to walk, talk, and act on his own free will, so he got removed from the stage. Then after that... He was to be scrapped for safety reasons, but Rumple managed to escape that fate. For the last twenty five years he's lived in Avonlea in secret without a soul knowing... Well, until I met him in a rather interesting manner a week after I started working over at Avonlea."

"Oh don't tell me he totally scared you too right? Seems like a reoccurring theme with him." Ruby snickered before shoving a mouthful of greasy fries into her mug.

"H-Hey! Today was a complete accident! I... I was having an error-I've stopped trying to scare you pesky humans on purpose!" Her scaled imp barged in, his voice taking on the tone of the uncaring trickster he'd been with her at the beginning. Without warning though he a raised hand to point a dark claw at Ruby who's stuffed cheeks blanched in response. "She on the other hand threatened me with a knife after trying to bludgeon me with a candle and a book!"

Wilby's head cocked to the side as Ruby threw her hands up after getting down her mouthful. "I only did it out of self preservation! How was I suppose to react when a strange, green, mechanical lizard was suddenly coming at me! If I had managed to get you it's not like it would have hurt."

"It doesn't matter if it would have hurt me-you could have ruined my clothes or snagged one of my wires! And for the last time I'm not a lizard! I'm an imp-do I look like I have a tail!" Rumplestiltskin fumed atop his stool to the point Belle feared he'd start producing steam from how hard he clenched his hinged jaw. Yet, his tantrum appeared to do nothing for the waitress besides make her roll her eyes and take another drink.

The two looked moments on the verge of another fight, and somehow despite being so tired, worn out, and scared multiple times in one day...

Belle began to laugh.

Hot fresh tears prickled at the corner of her eyes while her chest wracked with her uncontainable amusement, and as fast as the other two began squabbling at one another they both stopped-taken aback by her sudden outburst.

"Are you all right?" Through her sudden laughter fit Belle felt a gentle hand swiftly grab her shoulder. Opening her bleary eyes she stifled another loopy laugh at seeing Rumplestiltskin, having abandoned his stool so fast with absolute concern plastered all over his face. He wasn't alone as Ruby looked at her too with wide eyes as if fearing she was possibly having a mental breakdown. When Belle kept laughing the beauty could feel Rumplestiltskin's tired but relieved smile, understanding that her tears were not at all caused by pain-on the contrary.

"Don't worry... He-he-he-I'm okay... He-he-I have no room to talk in that department. I... I recall-heh! I recall hitting Rumplestiltskin with a frying pan that night we first met!" Belle admitted through her dying giggle fit, wiping her flustered face with one hand. Through the terror of that night she'd recalled doing that, and while in the heat of the moment the action seemed reasonable it was a lot more silly to think about now.

"My, my... I fear I need to keep you both away from kitchen utensils!" Her mechanical man tittered before standing back up, but not before shooting her a mossy toothy grin that had her heart fluttering as she fought off her urge to kiss his teasing mouth.

Ruby's own laugh rang out then as something more of a choked snort, causing Belle to laugh even further along with her mechanical imp. Once she managed to calm again she drank a bit more, though she stopped, blinking in surprise to find Rumplestiltskin pulling his stool over. For a moment her studious eyes jumped between him and Ruby, gauging her reaction at him being closer. At first Ruby looked a bit unnerved-a sense of wariness towards him unrelenting, but then she shrugged, and like that the tense air shattered, leaving behind something far more cozy and inviting between the three.

"So I get that you two then didn't have a great introduction either, but come on-what happened exactly? When did you two meet, and how long did it take to get mister leather tight pants to lighten up? I'm going to be here for a while so you better tell me from the beginning!" With that Ruby bore an eager grin stating she wasn't going to take 'no' for an answer, not this time. "I mean I had no idea this was happening so you did a good job covering it up. Of course I thought it was weird you suddenly took such a deep interest into robotics, but this..."

"It is a long story Ruby-one I wasn't prepared for or him, but, Rumple, what do you think?" Unsure if he wanted his story to even be told Belle turned to the mechanical man, watching him weighting the pros and cons from how his faux features scrunched together.

"I suppose we have plenty of time before we have to go to Avonlea tonight, but Belle still needs her sleep-got it. I won't have you impeding on any more of her precious time." Rumplestiltskin warned with a snap of his jaw to which Ruby held up her hands, surrendering to his demands.

Belle let out a softer laugh this time at their antics while she snuggled deeper into the cushion, but there was a new notion to this scene before her that she hadn't thought of till now. Neither of the two would likely care to know it, so the beauty decided to keep it close to heart in the meantime. More importantly she saw that both Ruby and Rumple himself were eager for her to start delving into this long tale, so she put her hands together, wondering how it was that fate continued to show her that one could never expect all the twists and turns of life. Never would she had thought her day would come to this when she'd first woken up, but now... She wasn't sure if she'd have done anything differently.

Lifting her tired but content eyes she looked to her imp who stared back-those beautiful honey orbs of his full of warmth, encouraging her on. Moving fast so he couldn't protest she captured one of his hands in her own, needing him to help her unfold this strange tale. Of course she observed how Ruby's eye's glinted with something at the sight of their green-gold fingers twined with her human pink-Belle was sure she'd figure it out in time knowing her... For now though she drew her mind through the passing days-before those strange men-before Henry's encounter-before she fell in love with the man beside her.

"So it all started a little before I was even hired to work at Avonlea..." Belle began only to pause-the curious pairs of eyes looking on in confusion...

They got their answer as her stomach then grumbled loudly which had her cheeks taking on a scarlet hue.

"But first... I hope you don't mind if I tear into this burger."

—————

Glass tinkled against one another as another cup was filled-followed by that wonderful laughter that was music to his sensors.

That didn't mean he wasn't starting to wonder if Belle joining in on the wine was such a good idea.

From the way the two women on the couch were chuckling at each other over secretive glances he couldn't decipher in their meaning it was becoming rather questionable. Still, he hadn't seen his dearest this laid back in a while-free from the ongoing worries plaguing her mind. The only thing Rumplestiltskin worried about was the side effects he'd heard of hat came with drinking too much. Being on her second glass Belle's rosiness had greatly increased despite the food she'd eaten a while ago, but he knew if Belle were to get sick tonight that he'd be right at her side as always to care for her...

Of course that didn't mean he wouldn't tease her relentlessly as she rightfully deserved.

For now, however, he was too enraptured studying the one he loved. He'd never had the chance to observe Belle like this-when she was preoccupied talking to someone else, and it was strange realizing after all their time together that their previous interactions never involved anyone else save that sole night with Henry sneaking in. With how easy he it was for Ruby and her to converse-years of knowing each other he didn't have, he felt a tinge bit of that awful green faced feeling rise up-wishing he'd been only that lucky. Yet, it pleased him far more though to see Ruby's own wit and crude humor sparking happiness in his dearest as their own verbal battles and his quips did.

That didn't mean it hadn't been fairly awkward to sit by Belle's side and listen as they chatted away. He hated feeling like a spectator to a world he had no part in even if they were discussing him as the main topic, but Ruby didn't seem to mind his intrusions when he jumped into the conversation here and there. It certainly helped when Belle kept smiling over at him with such warmth every time he spoke, her hand squeezing his own she refused to let go. Yes, as the minutes flew by spent like this in Belle's apartment Rumplestiltskin soon began to feel the old compulsion to hide himself away lessening just as much as Ruby's apprehension towards him did. All the while he silently thanked the waitress for not mentioning the rather eventful part of their day with the deputy... The poor security guard was already so exhausted she didn't need that additional worry.

On that thought he joined her in feeling 'tired', his amber eyes blinked slowly before he focused back on Belle's sweet voice retelling her and his encounters and their sequential friendship blossoming from the most unlikely of places. To his relief his dearest didn't delve too far into the details of their relationship either, skirting around things Ruby was better off not knowing for now like the first break in at Avonlea, the men involved that were after them it seemed, and the... Terrible thing he'd done to her by by accident on Christmas Eve. The gears and parts in his chest clenched tight when Ruby asked about Belle's new scars as she'd shed her winter wear, but like before she said it was a simple accident while stroking her lovely digits over his terrible sinful claws.

It was by the time Belle was speaking of their most recent events-of him leaving Avonlea to be with her here and her work looking for someone to repair him that he found their gazes had suddenly fallen upon him.

"I think that's about it... Did I miss anything Rumple?" Belle's soft voice-her accent noticeably stronger odd enough, washed away the guilt brewing in his systems.

"Ah-um, yes... That sounds about right. I've been staying here with Belle almost every night since I came over. The place is a fair bit more cramped than Avonlea, but I do enjoy not having to hide... As well as the company of course-the books are plus." He'd joked in an impish timbre, having only caught wind of what they were talking about. Quickly he occupied himself to avoid Belle's questioning gaze, giving a few head scratches to the sleepy beast at his feet.

"Okay, so lets take this back from the top real fast then." Ruby stated, moving on ahead with her last french fry waving in the air for emphasis. "You two meet in August, he scared you-being the super nice human being you are Belle you befriended him in spite of him being a jerk. So now you've been keeping lizard-bot here a secret till you can get him fixed for his glitch-y thing he did earlier, but you're having a problem figuring out to do that or where he came from... Then there's the whole crazy part where he saved Henry that night we were looking for him and him living in complete secret for so long which totally explains the ghost stories at Avonlea... Oh man... This is still a lot to take in, and here I thought you sat at Avonlea night after night balancing pencils on your nose from boredom."

"No, she's only ever tried to balancing on is a swivel chair in the dark to put in a light bulb. Silly thing nearly broke her neck doing so-I informed her of what a ladder was after that." Rumplestiltskin couldn't help but mention, enjoying how his security guard's face flushed vibrantly. Before he could think her fingers lifted up, delivering a swift flick to the end of his crooked metal nose that he quickly covered incase further abuse. "What! It's true-you can be a bit clumsy when you're dead set on something! Must my nose pay for the truth?"

"I only about broke it 'cause you popped in out of no where! You scared me!" Belle fumbled before poking him right in the chest a few times for good measure. The poor thing nearly spilt her glass in the process, but he grabbed it before she could damage the upholstery and her own clothes.

"Knowing you as I do now you would have fallen off that chair regardless! There isn't always a need to go about playing hero, you could have asked for help." He was enjoying this a bit too much-how could he not when Belle puffed up her scarlet cheeks, her beautiful blue eyes sparkling with defiance... And something else he couldn't place. Viper like though she reached out, tugging at a coil of his artificial hair as punishment, but he was too taken aback by when that tongue of hers peeked out to dab at her lips.

"Oh really? Who ran from Avonlea in the dead of night without any thought to it not long ago? To take care of me when he didn't have to?" With that said Belle sat her glass aside on the nearby book case, leaving him shocked as her hands roamed up the smooth scales of his new vest to the ones of his chest. "You also saved Henry without thinking it through... My wicked vile sorcerer is more a hero than he cares to admit."

Left to sputter inelegantly at his dearest's growing playfulness he heard her chuckle all while fearing they were treading dangerous territory. It didn't help when Ruby watched with that growing smirk that had him all the more self conscious again. No doubt she had to think it hilarious-that this monstrous metal thing before her had galavanted off in the middle of the night like a moron-a poor mockery of the dashing heroes in Belle's books he could never be! He didn't need another reminder human or not that he was far from any knight in shining armor Belle deserved... Even if the whole 'in armor' part was questionable.

"O-Of course-I wasn't going to let you be sick like that all alone, and I scared Henry-t-those are both different!" Focusing back on the subject at hand only earned him a knowing hum from the beauty within his reach. The urge to touch her in return rose back up in fiery vengeance as her fingers drifted to the metal bands of his neck, causing his metal digits to squirm as he reigned back his urges to heft her close to his body.

"Hmm, I think you're just as stubborn as I am when it comes to admitting to things, which is saying something." The animatronic wasn't prepared for what he dare thought was longing in her voice at the end, but he was less prepared for her winding a finger around his hair with such a look of warmth. All train of thought abandoned his programming at this touch alone, his brightly glowing eyes fling wide open when she began to lean closer.

Her flush parted mouth-it was so close-so pliable looking as always as the gears in his throat clenched tight-

"Oh my god-look at you two! I totally get it now!"

Both security guard and machine jumped in place at Ruby's booming voice-her laughter cutting the near palpable tension between them. Whipping his head about on its pivot he was horrified to find Ruby smirking at them with her chin resting in one palm. Damn-he'd been so caught up in Belle he'd lost track of the fact she'd been watching them! Sparks threatened to shoot out his neck in embarrassment while Belle pulled back from him abruptly, making him curse the waitress at loosing the touch he craved so deeply.

"Ruby..." Belle warned in low voice-a fierce bright fire alighting in her gaze.

Yet, her friend happily ignored it as she stared at them both, bearing a grin that rivaled his own. "I thought it couldn't be-I thought I was maybe seeing things, but you two are totally an item! It all makes sense now-he's-he's the one y-"

Miss Lucas wasn't able to say anything further as lightening fast Belle grabbed a decorative pillow off the floor and began pelting her with it. The other woman merely broke out into a laughing fit while Belle attacked, leaving the imp stunned and sitting there at a loss as to what was going on. Swiftly though Ruby seemed to catch on as she waved her free hand about in surrender, trying to ward off Belle's rather vicious blows. While he was still confused at what on earth an 'item' meant while the woman settled back down a niggling voice in the back of his data had a suspicion as to what it might entail.

"Okay-okay! Geez! You don't have to be so rough..." Ruby mumbled further things he couldn't understand only to down the rest of her glass with practiced ease. Meanwhile Belle in sharp contrast stared hard at one of her bookcases-those cheeks of hers turning that crimson color again much to the machine's growing confusion. "Don't think that you and I aren't going to continue this conversation another time-you're getting out of it. However, for today I will concede... It's getting late, so I need to start getting the pooch ready to head home."

Oh? His alien eyes blinked in surprise, but checking his internal clock she wasn't wrong. It was then that Rumplestiltskin actually realized how dark it had gotten in that small living space, for when he peered up towards the balcony doors he saw the fading sun making its way over Storybrooke, headed for another beautiful sunset. It was no wonder why now Belle had been wanting to get close to him on top of the alcohol. While he couldn't feel he was sure it was getting nippier in here, and that wouldn't help on top of her being so worn out from such a long day.

Wanting more than ever to wrap her up in his arms and keep her warm he couldn't with Miss Lucas hanging around. He didn't get the opportunity either as Belle got up onto her feet at seeing her pesky friend and the sleepy mutt not far off were about to leave.

"Will you be okay walking back to the bed and breakfast by yourself? You did drink quite a bit there..."

"No need-unlike you I'm not a light weight. I've walked back home like this many a time much to Granny's displeasure. Besides, it looks like you two are ready to get all cozy with one another so I'm going to see myself out before then."

"Ruby!"

Doing his best not to seem effected Rumplestiltskin hid his fluster-the mechanisms in his cheeks sparking at Ruby's insinuation. More than ever was thankful that his mottled silicone cheeks couldn't flush, but surely... Surely she didn't actually mean Belle wanted to be near him like that? No-what Ruby was hinting at was different than what Belle felt, and he couldn't get his hopes up for something that could never be! With that he glanced solemnly to the floor, his hands fumbling as he tried in vain to thwart the longings he couldn't get rid of rising up in his code.

The taller woman looked at them both as if disappointed then, but gave up whatever tangent she'd planned. Instead she got back on her winter gear before turning to the mutt stirring from sleep at his feet who now looked curious as to what was going on. "Come along Wilby it's time to get you ready to go back home."

The dog whined at first, not seeming to want to get up from where he laid near the couch, but right when Rumplestiltskin thought they were going to have to drag the beast out by force Ruby mentioned 'walkies' and the creature's will changed in an instant. Shooting up to his four legs in clear excitement Wilby's tail wildly wagged, smacking into the scaly machine's leg and making him scowl. Oh-of course! So much for his loyalty-the creature more than ready to abandon them in hopes to go playing back outside! Deciding to let that slide Rumplestiltskin merely helped Belle up to her feet alongside him while Ruby took hold of the leash, getting Wilby all set to rights.

When he was all set-his bag of supplies returned and his plush sheep fetched from by his wheel Rumplestiltskin looked to his beauty to find a sadness in her eyes all of a sudden that had him worried. Yet, she just reached down and petted Wilby-gentle as always. "It's okay I understand you have to go, but your master is gonna be back soon, and they'll be so happy to see you. Maybe one day in the future you can see me and Rumple again as I'm sure he'd enjoy that... Between you and me he really likes you."

"Bah! As if I care one way or the other!" Rumplestiltskin griped only for Wilby to draw near as if seeking out one last scrap of affection from the metal man. Gritting his fearsome teeth Rumple tried to fight off all the sad puppy eyes staring his way, but eventually he groaned, knowing he was made of a softer material than he cared to be. "Fine, if you're leaving, good bye mutt. You weren't so bad in the end for a flea bitten canine."

Reaching out one clawed hand he petted the furry creature's head, trying to look un-phased as he didn't want his dearest to know how attached he'd become. He should've known better to grow to care, yet it hurt him thinking this might be the only time they crossed paths. Again the mutt didn't fear him at all, simply staring up with those kind soulful eyes as patient and caring as when the imp had sought his help in his earlier fit. Unable to handle this sorrow surging in his cords Rumplestiltskin ripped his hand back and look the other way, but he knew his sudden cold facade was useless with how both women shot each other knowing glances.

Not wanting their pity he donned the mask of the trickster with how he whirled about on heel with a flaunt of his hand.

"Now best be off you two! And Ruby, don't go smacking your cranium around any further-best to preserve what brain cells you have left."

"Gee-thanks Rumplestiltskin, I sure do feel your concern." Ruby snarked right back, but it was there as she was all set to go that she paused, looking at the security guard and animatronic with a more serious expression. "By the way-don't worry about me telling anyone anything about this you two. I promise on my very life my lips are sealed. Plus if you ever need a hand don't hesitate to call-I know I can't help in fixing you Rumplestiltskin, bu if you're in trouble I'll do whatever I can to help."

One again he was touched by the waitresses's offer that he had to give a genuine smile back-never had he thought this would be the outcome after frightening her so. Belle too was pleased by this she grabbed hold of his hands, squeezing them in her grasp before giving her friend a grateful nod.

From there Rumplestiltskin held Belle close to him as she and her friend exchanged a few more words before they managed their 'good bye's and I 'see you laters'. With Wilby more than ready to lead the way out the two swiftly disappeared behind the hallway corner moments later, followed by the front door opening and closing shortly behind. It broke something in Rumplestiltskin's mechanics to hear Wilby's pattering paws disappearing down that stair well until once more there was nothing but the sound of the outside wind picking up and Belle's soft breathing.

Somehow it was almost strange being alone with his dearest again, so much of it now feeling like an error in his memory banks than reality. That didn't mean he wasn't thankful things were back to normal, finally feeling himself relax from the servos in his shoulders lessening their tension he glanced down to his companion, catching her own soft sigh of relief.

"I better lock up-before anyone else decides to come barreling in today." Belle was quick to joke, her soft laugh spreading to him before she slipped away to exactly that.

"It was harder than I thought to get Ruby to want to leave than Wilby which was surprising. Abandoned for a walk... To know we're worth that much!" He mentioned out loud in jest while bending down and picking up what appeared to be a new flower pot she'd dropped earlier... Squinting at knowing surely what it was for. Setting it aside for the time being he continued to go about restoring things to proper order, dumping their empty containers into the trash, returning a stray book bearing a battle scar. Soon enough though he felt familiar hands trailing over his back right as he grabbed a blanket that had fallen off the couch.

"And here you were earlier pretending you didn't like him, but I know better-you do, and I think you like Ruby too." Belle's voice drifted over him in a soft caress-her touch soothing him further.

Realizing her assumption moments later he stood up ramrod straight, whirling on her with a maniac expression.

"Who says I like either of them now! Now you're clearly are seeing things-you must be beyond tired my bothersome knight." Rumplestiltskin tittered in a poor attempt to play coy, knowing his fidgeting said otherwise. When Belle didn't give in, raising an amused brow, he shrugged while twisting the blanket without thought in his grasp. "Perhaps I do like Wilby-a little bit, but Ruby on the other hand..." There he paused, followed by a grimace pulling at his silicone that had his human giggling again and patting his shoulders. "She's even more pesky than how you spoke of her, and while I'm glad she's not interested in inciting a mob against me I'd rather not be left alone with her again... She's much too ferocious-even more so than you can be."

Before he knew it though Belle reached for his arms then, being quick as ever to start pulling him back towards the couch. There was a glint to her warm eyes too that had him wondering once more against his will of what Ruby hinted at only for him to force it aside. Instead when they sat down side by side, not an inch of space in-between them he focused on getting the blanket wrapped about them both, cocooning them in to Belle's apparent delight with how she snuggled into his side.

"I suppose I'm being eager in hoping you two would be friends. Honestly I'm far too happy over the fact that she's going to try and help us in return. I will admit at first seeing your text I was so nervous about her possibly trying to give you away, but now that she's shown she's not at all afraid I realized it felt nice to know we're really not alone in this as we might think we are." Belle stated-happiness lacing her wonderful lit, and the imp couldn't help but feel the same notion start festering in his systems.

Though Rumplestiltskin was truly glad Ruby didn't fear him any longer he hadn't stopped to think about such things-that she could be an aid to their cause more than a nosy intrusive pest. Feeling a bit guilty thinking that Belle noticed his expression and flicked his nose once again-the small 'tink' sharp in the newborn silence. He stared down at her, readying tickle her a bit as punishment, except there was something in those seas of blue looking at his shirt sleeve-like a great weight out of nowhere had fallen into them, slowly rising up through to the surface.

"Hey Rum, I remembered how earlier you said that you suffered a fault-that was why Ruby found you... Did something happen when I was away, before she got here? You were fine when I left, but is your leg or anything bothering you? You promise you'd tell me if something was wrong, right?" Her sweet eyes turned him with nothing but utter concern, making him hate himself for letting that slip earlier in his haste to explain.

"I had a fault-but it was a small one, and I can't really remember what caused it nor what happened. Alas the consequences of suffering one most of the time." He said nonchalantly, hoping that would appease her. Like he feared though she stared back at him hard before pressing her head to his chest where beneath her ear the mechanisms sped up at her closeness. "R-Really Belle it was nothing. I'm already a broken thing as you know-it's nothing to worry-"

"Tell me about it, or at least what you remember."

She was adamant about that fact with how she wrapped her arms about his-like she feared him to suddenly get up and run from her. The past him would have done that-flee and run in terror at this human who'd dug her way through his plates-now a piece of him he couldn't bare to loose like hew was now a part of her. He'd changed in the passing months though as it warmed him to see her care for him so deeply-to truly cherish him as if he were another human being. With that he did his best to cool his whirling of thoughts, not wanting to incite his own fear from all he'd loss in the fault as the barest snippets that flickered in his memory banks were confusing and frightening in their vagueness.

Shadows... People... Metal...

All of it was blotches-faint impressions that rippled and slipped from his grasp each way he turned.

Resting his head atop hers he looked towards his spinning wheel, piecing it all back the best he could. "I was looking at one of your books not long after you left, and I'm not sure what happened next really. I think something was triggered inside me at an image I saw, and before I knew I was floundering on the floor in the aftereffects-my body locking up some. So much of it's hazy-again I can't remember what I saw in my head-it's just gone... What I do remember was hearing Wilby barking at me from within it. I think that's what caused me to break out of it, and when I was at my worst he didn't run or try to attack me. I suppose he took pity on such a miserable thing, except it helped though... It always helps having someone there."

At that he squeezed one of her hands, hoping she understood how much every time she'd stuck by his side meant to him. Belle grasped his mottled metal back, sparking in the imp once so longing and feelings he harbored for this incredible being. It surprised him though as she leaned her face up to his, nuzzling her sweet nose against his chin that had him near turn and capture that mouth of hers with his.

"Animals are different than people, especially dogs. You see they can tell the true nature of a person's he-art..." She explained though he couldn't help but smile through his fluster at how deep her accent drew out the word 'heart'. "Wilby knew right away you weren't going ,to hurt him. He didn't see you as anything to be afraid of even when you were suffering a fit. Just like me he sees the good in you... And here you were earlier were worried he'd fear you I have add."

More sparks shot through the wires in his chest and face as he grumbled, hating that he enjoyed knowing Wilby hadn't thought him something to fear. "I-I wasn't worried about it-I merely didn't want a dog yapping at me all day! Though I have to say Ruby did far more yapping than he ever could, perhaps she could invest in a muzzle."

"Be nice Rum-at least we don't 'ave to worry about Ruby making the same mistake she'd made today anytime soon." Belle attempted to say, but her words grew further muddled, her Australian accent overflowing the brim to the point it was getting hard to understand her. At this Rumplestiltskin raised a brow on its track, making her laugh a bit more as she combed at her messy hair from her face with one hand. "I've drank too much haven't I? I really don't drink often, but when I do I get pretty giggly, so I'm sorry if I've been annoying."

"It seems when you drink your accent really is in full swing, but don't worry if anything it's quite... Adorable." He poked her nose at the end. Sure enough she broke out into more of that angelic sound that had him close his eyes a moment to combat the fuzzy sensation sparking through his conduits.

"Hey, don't laugh at me! I bet if you could drink you'd 'ave a funnier voice than I do... Hello, dearie! I'm Rumplestiltskin! I'm a scary sorcerer-except when I'm petting dogs and cuddlin' my dear knight!" Belle attempted to mimic his voice, her hands even going through his whimsical motions, but being as intoxicated as she was it was more or less her voice sounding squeaky much to his humor and disapproval.

"I do not remotely sound like that." He curled more into her to press his metal nose to her face as punishment, but even then he c ould see her sagging against him all the more, her laughter softening into slow breaths.

Good grief she was nearly on the verge of passing out!

Tugging at her blanket he prepared himself to swaddle her and start carrying her back to her bedroom. "Perhaps it's best you head to bed now. You haven't slept yet, and we still have to go to Avonlea tonight, not to mention you will be feeling all of this..." He grabbed her wine glass not far off, noticing it was almost empty. "Later."

Exactly as he thought she tried to argue, but she could tell she was losing the battle from how she struggled to keep her head up. "Can we sit here a bit longer? I just want to be next to you."

Those few sweet words... How he should've argued-stated his cause, but they were more than enough. Unable to resist her desire he simply nodded his head, his glowing eyes illuminating the ever soft curve to her lips as she closed her eyes in content. A few minutes passed with the two curled up there-pressed against one another while the soft silence of her abode echoed back. Looking at her resting like that had him craving to charge with how sluggish his operating system was starting to run, but then he heard a soft sniffle come from the bundled up beauty next to him. Swift as ever he looked down, finding her eyelids suddenly heavy with unshed tears threatening to spill at any second.

"I'm sorry about today." It seemed she was trying so hard to stay together as she spoke, and it broke him that he scooped her up into his lap without thought. "A-After how I almost failed to protect you because I'm such an idiot.... I forgot about Ruby having a key and so I almost got you hurt."

He was sure it was the drink talking now, but he wouldn't stand to her the most wonderful being in all creation say such things about herself.

"You're not an idiot-there is so much to account for it's not like you can always protect me... If I recall that correctly I remember you saying such a thing to me once." Hoping teasing her would bring back her smile he waited, but she just shook her head as if he wasn't listening to what she said.

"If-I-I can't keep you safe then what good-am I! I can't fix you, I can't help you get better! No matter how hard I try I've not gotten-gotten anywhere closer to figuring out where you came from... Or who can repair you! Maybe you're better off with someone who can-"

"No, there will be none of that. I won't tolerate it." It was his turn to be stubborn as he softly nuzzled her cheek, his voice firm in contrast as he went on. "My existence has only gotten better because I'm with you. After all it appears neither of us can have happy endings without the other, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

That got him what he wanted as she smiled against her held back tears, blinking them back. Despite his previous protests-having tired to spare her his touch, Rumplestiltskin found himself lifting up his hands and brushing his thumb over the sweet curve of her cheek, getting him a pleased hum from his beauty. Together the pair curled further into one another, and for once he let go of his fears-letting her touch him and him her in turn-both of them so gentle and careful. He bit down a gasp when he sensed one curious hand of hers delving past his silk shirt and vest while his own hovered at her waist and traced the curve of her delicate neck... The intimate touches more than he could ever hope to share with another-most of all Belle.

All in all it was easier to pretend for her sake he wasn't some metal monstrosity, especially with Belle brushing his scales as if he truly were a normal man.

The unfairness of it all came roaring back as he laid there-knowing this would one day be gone, but he reigned back his self loathing for her sake. All that while he watched her fair features soften before eventually she finally closed those weary exhausted blue eyes. Not long after Belle's breathing slowed into a soft pace as she clung to him, her head resting upon his chest-uncaring of the uncomfortable metal or the wild rhythm of parts whirling away inside. Those soft little sounds of hers soon became mighty echoes through out the room, so adorable, silly, and heartrending...

Every ounce of them his Belle.

He laid there with her wrapped about him, clinging with that hidden strength of hers, until he was certain she'd fallen deep and fast asleep. Looking at her loveliness his mind was a whirl in that dark cozy space-too many things running amuck all over again. So many words she'd said over time-so many moments betraying his conflicted beliefs over her feelings and his own... From there the picture perfect memories stored in his head began to play out, taunting him with the many kisses and touches and promises they'd made to one another with hope sparking anew with each one.

Was it truly, really, possible? Both Henry and now Ruby today had hinted at Belle having affections for him-perhaps even being attracted to him, so could Belle truly accept a life with something him as hers and she his? Even if it meant lacking all such things another human could provide and more? Could she... Love him-Love him enough that this ugly metal body and all its horrors trapped inside...

For a moment the animatronic indulged this belief, and the euphoria that spiked through his body begged him to jump to his feet-to cry-to laugh-to drown in such knowledge that he'd once thought was never meant to be. Yet, the dream was fleeting-gone in an instant when he forced himself to face the fact it couldn't be. Something like him wasn’t made to be loved like that, and if Belle somehow did she deserved better than a grotesque blood stained monster like him who'd one day hurt her again somehow-someway.

Yet, it was starting to feel more and more like he was merely telling himself this than believing it.

Knowing it was not best to dwell on such things least drive himself actually insane-if a machine could even be such a thing, he sat up all while careful not to wake his poor exhausted human. When it was clear she wouldn't stir, his dearest so tired it made the parts in his chest ache, he moved to stand. Yet, as he rose from her side he felt an urge come upon him that in spite of his previous doubts that he couldn't resist indulging. Bending down on one knee to lean over the couch he once more studied her face in great detail, treasuring every inch of her with each click of his mechanical gaze before daring to lean down and brush a feather like kiss to her forehead.

His faux lips quickly peeled away as he grimaced at the thought of rousing her to see such a sight. Though Belle cared for him he couldn't deny he was no 'prince charming' that anyone should have to wake up to.

Rumplestiltskin's shoulder plates sagged as he forced himself to stand up and face the resounding quiet of her empty living room. Once more the imp's alien eyes turned to the mess about her dinning table that had gotten knocked about from his and Ruby's earlier encounter as they hadn't had enough time to clean it up in the chaos. Feeling awful about that bent down and began to gather up the papers, being sure to not rip them with his claws. There was so many-to think Belle did all for his sake, toiling away her free time to save his worthless hide. A surge of electricity shot through his skull when his self loathing rose up, and though he wished to rip it to shreds the papers to ribbons he reigned his hate back, setting it all down neatly on her table.

It was there his eyes noticed her laptop sitting open, having been forgotten once more from the day's events. In the rush of everything Belle had neglected to power it down, and knowing she'd prefer that over a dead battery-a feeling he knew too well, he went ahead and woke the machine back up before readying to press the power button. Just as his metal digit was hovering over it though he hesitated-something on the screen catching his immediate interest. For so long now he'd been strong in resisting looking into whatever it was Belle was exactly doing, but this time he was no longer able to.

He couldn't, not when the words that he'd caught a mere glimpse of were far too compelling to ignore.

Fighting back his regret the animatronic sat down in her seat instead, his leather clothing groaning not enough to wake his dearest sleeping away. Once he was certain she wouldn't wake he turned back to the computer to find that it was her email inbox she'd left open. Though he had no need for such things he was fairly knowledgable with this form of communication as connecting to the computer systems at Avonlea allowed him to explore aspects of most simple programs. Understanding the layout his glowing eyes jumped back up to the subject line of a message-a brand new only thirty minutes old, sitting at the top of her inbox.

'IMPORTANT INQUIRY OVER ANIMATRONIC SERIAL NUMBERS. PLEASE READ'.

"What on earth... Is Belle using the serial numbers of the other animatronics I came with to try to find where they came from?" Rumplestiltskin muttered out loud. It made sense as he only had the inscription of '01-A' on the back of his neck, nothing along the lines of manufacturer numbers at all. Feeling himself unable to resist further he put his finger on the track pad which was not an easy tool for something lacking flesh to use. After a few tries he managed to get the cursor onto the email and clicked, hesitating only a second before opening the message. It took a moment to load, but when it did his eyes snapped to the sender's name, finding an interesting piece of information even if he didn't recognize it.

'MERLIN'S MACHINE-NATIONS' was the name in the 'FROM' input with the specific email belonging to a '[email protected]'.

Merlin's... Machine... Nations? It had to be the name of a robotics company-that was the best Rumplestiltskin could deduce. Scrolling further down he hurried to the meat of the message, his eyes jerking back in forth in record speed to read what was so important from this strange sender.

'Hello Miss. Belle French, I am writing in regards to an inquiry that I came across in a post on a forum you visited a few days ago. I can't say much as I type this to you or go into full lengthy detail. I fear leaving too much of an electronic trail with this delicate topic, and messaging boards are a little past my time. However, I've been searching for a long time now for the very serial numbers of the animatronics you've listed and what has become of them. They were early models that I never discovered where they were sent to after they were purchased by a third party vendor.

'However, there is also another animatronic I am searching for too brought to me by the same man. It's one I have a feeling you might know something about as you hinted at having other machinery you were needing help identifying. I do not know why you are seeking them out yourself, but if you have what I think you have then you might have answers that I am looking for just as I might have answers that you need too.'

And at the end was one last sentence-one last line split apart, leaving him quaking in utter anticipation-nothing else mattering than understanding just what this email meant.

‘So Miss French, I have one last question to ask you, and it is important that you reply truthfully-'

Rumplestiltskin's eyes widened-a series of sensations shooting through his body as he wildly tried to get the page to scroll down.

Because there was a picture attached.

And not just any picture either.

It was a picture of him.

Never had the mechanical man seen in all his days active such an image before. It was of his past self, for it could be none other than that from how his hair was longer-less grey, his coat of paint fresh and blemish free, as well as his clothes unripped-so new and clean-a whole lifetime away. At that the machine felt his body respond viscerally looking at the face he saw in the mirror so clearly that his parts began catching 'painfully' on each other causing minor errors. He took in the details keenly though from this version of 'him', noticing that his eyes were closed and face slack-the signs he was deactivated or shut down. What was more alarming was the location behind him as it seemed he was sitting against a metal support rack of some kind with hints of other half cobbled machines hanging behind-something not found simply anywhere.

Yet, none of this he could recollect-not the tools scattered about, or the workbench beside him-he had to have been in some kind of workshop, but when had he been there and where! Had this been him right before he'd ended up at Avonlea too? If so why couldn't he remember any of this? For so long he'd only had his memories upon waking up inside the family fun center, but here was even more proof-real true proof of his existence beyond his current 'life'.

Clutching one clawed hand at his chest that he near tore through his vest Rumplestiltskin pulled his glowing eyes from that picture to read the final line.

One that had his world coming to a stand still.