The Light in the Dark Kingdom

Broken

As Eleanor walked down the street the next evening with Mary Margret, they looked up to the large clock that never moved and waited, counting the seconds. As her mind set on sixty seconds, the larger hand moved to the next minute and they exchanged a smile, "Thing are changing," Mary Margret said to her.

"I hope so," the woman smiled and they continued walking down the road.

"Can I ask you something?" The short haired woman asked hesitantly, "Its about Gold." Eleanor nodded and she continued, "I know your engaged," she paused, "but I've heard a rumor that he is interested in you. Do you know if it's true? I wouldn't put it past him to try breaking an engagement, that man is dark."

"I guess I just don't see what other people see in him," Eleanor responded, "He acts civil towards me. I'm sure if he was interested, though, he wouldn't push for an end in my engagement. I love Thomas."

"That's nice to hear," Mary Margret responded, "In a place where happy endings seem almost impossible, I'm glad you two are happy."

"Thank you," they both smiled and continued walking forward, noticing Mr. Gold in the distance moving towards them.

"Good afternoon," Eleanor sang as they passed one another.

"Good afternoon, ladies," he replied and Mary Margret's eyes rested on his bruised jawline.

"What happened?" She asked with worry and he lifted his hand to cover it for a moment, his eyes meeting Eleanor's.

"Nothing serious, just a little disagreement," he replied, flashing them a quick smile. With a nod he moved away, hobbling back towards his shop.

He approached his shop and noticed the door already cracked open. Slowly entering, he looked around the clustered room, then moved to look behind his portrait on the wall. A tea cup that he held close to his heart was no longer in its place. He positioned the portrait back on the wall as the bells rang on the door. He watched as the mayor strolled into the building, "Regina, how convenient," he growled, "I believe you have something that belongs to me."

"I may have what you want," she replied with a smirk, "but I need something from you first."

"You want to make a deal for me to get back what you stole from me?" He growled, "What is it you need so badly, dearie?"

"I want to know your name," she said, leaning towards him.

"In this world, my name has always been Mr. Gold," he replied to her and held out his hand, "Now give me what's mine."

"What about in other worlds?" She sang with narrowed eyes, "Tell me your name or it shatters."

"Rumplestiltskin." He leaned towards her and growled.

She reached into her purse and pulled out a chipped tea cup, "I never thought that a broken glass would be so precious to such a dark man." He took it from her and placed it gently below the counter.

"If I can be of no more assistance, then I have to ask you to get out of my shop." He said roughly.

"Another question-"

"I don't have to answer to you, dearie," he growled.

"Where is your precious Belle?" She continued with a smile.