Hello, It's Mrs. Hyde

Chapter 22: Hyde's Escape

A slow exhale escaped Hyde's lips as he adjusted the cufflinks on his wrists—not that the chains allowed much motion. The classical music floated softly through the cell, a faint echo of civility in an otherwise sterile world.
But the Evil Queen's fury crashed through it like a storm.
"I can't believe it," she hissed, pacing like a lioness. "I gave that wench Tremaine the perfect set up and even took Emma off the playing field and she still finds a way to get back to town and save the damn day! Meanwhile your lesser half is working with mine to create a serum to kill me! That isn't how this story was supposed to go!"
Hyde didn't flinch. Didn't turn. He took his time selecting a cigar from the silver box on his table. "My condolences," he offered dryly.
"I'm not here for pity, I'm here because I want your advice" the Evil Queen snapped.
"No," he said, finally lighting the cigar and taking a slow drag. "You're here because you want my help."
"You're distracted," she noted.
"You're tiresome," he replied with a ghost of a smile. "Shall we trade insults like children or get to the point?"
She narrowed her eyes. "Fine. Let's talk about Jessica."
That got his attention.
Hyde didn't move, but the flicker in his eyes was noticeable.
"I haven't heard from her in days. She must have finally given up on me and started living for herself. It's what's best for her "
"Oh yes, I completely agree." the Queen purred. "But you see, I know everything that happens in this town, Mr. Hyde. I know she escorted our favorite dagger-sired friend to the Temple of Morpheus, where she was forced to watch him try and fail to win his precious, bookworm Belle back...all while silently stewing in her own turmoil. Then there was last night—When Dr. Jekyll caught her alone. Oh what a show that was. He grabbed her, and honestly I don't think I've ever heard Jessica scream before"
Hyde's jaw clenched as he stared at The Evil Queen with such hatred he hoped she would burst into flames then and there.
"But, she has her magic back-"
"Magic didn't work. Sort of like it didn't work when Regina used her powers on you. Poor thing's locked herself away ever since. Maybe she's protecting herself. Maybe she's realizing she was just a pawn to the man she trusted and now the only way to keep herself safe from the Doctor is to isolate herself."
"Enough," Hyde growled, smoke curling from his lips.
The Queen grinned. "Oh. Touch a nerve?"
He turned then, eyes burning. "How do you know all this?"
"I told you," she said sweetly. "I see everything in this pathetic little town. Especially what might prove useful to me."
Hyde's fists clenched in his cuffs. "If you want my help, you're going to have to offer more than wine and bedtime stories."
The Evil Queen flicked her fingers, and the chains snapped free with a sharp metallic clang. Then the door of his cell creaked open like an invitation from Hell itself.
"Shall we?" she asked mockingly. "Let's go check on your little doe."
Hyde stepped through the door, brushing past her with sharp intent. "I'll help you end your enemies, Your Majesty," he said coldly. "But once that's done...you and I are finished. And I won't need you to speak with her."
The Queen smirked. "Oh darling. I knew you never needed me for that."
Their footsteps echoed through the stone corridor, fading together into the dim lantern light—two monsters loose once more into a town full of fragile fairy tales

Scene: "Deals, Dust, and Doorways"
The scissors clicked once, then again, slicing through strands of faded brown hair.
Rumplestiltskin stared at himself in the small oval mirror inside the back room of his shop, clippings dusting the counter and his black vest. A single streak of silver remained at his temple, a concession to his age or perhaps his conscience. He set the scissors down with care, then smoothed the lapels of his jacket, adjusting the collar until everything sat precisely, as if he could tame the chaos in his soul by organizing the outer shell.
He walked forward through the silk curtain, stepping into the dark-wooded storefront where sunlight filtered through dusty panes.
Waiting for him, standing near the door like a queen at court, was her—the Evil Queen. In her hand she toyed with a glass apple, plucked from one of the curated displays.
She turned it lazily in her fingers, then smiled when she saw him. "Well, well. Look who cleans up nice."
Rumple didn't respond right away. He merely walked toward her, plucking the apple from her hand with surgical grace and setting it back on its pedestal.
"We're closed," he said shortly.
"For everyone else, maybe," she purred. "But I'm not just anyone."
She stepped forward, invading his personal space with deliberate confidence. Her fingers brushed his freshly shaven cheek. "Why the sudden change?"
He grabbed her wrist immediately, firm and sharp. "I believe that's my business," he bit out, shoving her hand away.
A low, amused voice drifted from behind him.
"I don't think a haircut's going to save you, dark one."
Rumple turned slowly, already knowing the voice before he saw the man leaning against the front display case—tall, poised, dressed like a proper gentleman but with eyes too red to pass for polite company.
Hyde was surveying the trinkets with vague interest, his gloved hands resting on the glass as if admiring a museum. "Change the outside all you want. The rot's still on the inside."
"You," Rumple growled, his tone brimming with venom. "Get out. Both of you."
"In due time," Hyde said lightly, not even glancing back. "I'm looking for something. A cameo necklace. I believe you have it."
Rumple tilted his head, folding his arms. "Ah. That one. Lovely little thing. Why?"
Hyde turned, finally facing him. "Give it to me."
Rumple's brows lifted, amused. "And what are you offering in return?"
Hyde's smile was slow, dismissive. "Nothing."
Rumple's fingers twitched. In a blink, his magic lashed out. Hyde choked but—much to Rumple's surprise—laughed.
Behind him, the Evil Queen chuckled, leaning back against a shelf like she was watching a street performance. Rumple narrowed his eyes, his grip faltering. "Why won't he die?"
"Same reason Regina can't kill me," she purred. "We're unkillable parts of a whole. You'll be here all day if you try."
Rumple released Hyde, who dropped to his feet with a small grunt, adjusting his cravat with unbothered elegance.
"Now," Hyde said, smoothing his coat. "Where's the necklace?"
Rumple didn't answer at first. He just laughed. It was low and bitter, full of knowing.
"You really should talk to your ex assistant," Rumple said, stepping behind the counter. "It's a shame you let her go. She's a smart woman. Jessica never does anything for free."
Hyde's face flickered. "What are you talking about?"
"She asked for the necklace," Rumple said, already pulling open a drawer with a soft click. "Said it was her price for dragging me to the Temple of Morpheus. Reminded me of myself. I admired that."
Hyde stiffened. "She took it?"
Rumple shrugged, holding it up now—an empty box made for a necklace . "Not my problem." He tucked it back away. "Now. Get out of my shop."
The Evil Queen sighed dramatically. "Well, that narrows it down. She's probably got it—or maybe gave it to the bookworm for safekeeping. You know how sentimental girls are."
Hyde stared at the drawer for a beat longer, then turned to the door.
As he reached it, he threw Rumple a sideways glance. "These stories will play out, Dark One. Weather you like it or not. But I suspect you won't ."
Rumple didn't respond. He didn't have to. The tension crackled between them.
"We had a deal not to touch Belle," Rumple warned, voice low and sharp.
The Evil Queen smiled, turning to Hyde who stood at the front door now
"Oh, I do have a deal with him. I can't hurt the bookworm"
"But I don't."
Hyde smirked and walked out the door, not waiting for her.