𝑶𝑪𝑬𝑨𝑵 𝑬𝒀𝑬𝑺 - Rumplestiltskin [1]

TWENTY TWO

22|LONG SHIFTS AND BEACH DATES

"Morning." Bella sang to herself as she stepped out into the main room in her hospital sweats, only spotting Emma. "Where did Mary Margaret go?"

"To make a volcano." The pair looked at each other with a knowing look. "I'm going to head to Granny's."

"Let me grab my bag and I'll follow before work." She ran back to her room and grabbed her handbag before following Emma to her car.

The pair waited around the back of Granny's, watching as Mary Margaret sat reading a book and drinking coffee. David coming over to speak to her with two coffees; one for him and one for his wife.

"I'm starting to hope when she said "making a volcano" she didn't mean a sexual innuendo." Bella mumbled to the blonde beside her, both waiting until David had left before revealing themselves.

"This is "making a volcano"?" Emma announced their presence to the distracted woman.

"I was..." Mary Margaret trailed off, not knowing how to explain herself.

"I get it."

"And I have to go to work so I'm entrusting Emma to give you some wise words." The doctor gave the teacher a quick side hug before going to get her coffee. "Behave you two, I'm always watching."

"You're early." Dr. Whale greeted her as she signed in and got her patients from the reception.

"I am actually five minutes late." Bella laughed, grabbing her clipboard and finally turning to look at the man. "Now, let's go be doctor's."

"How's Mary Margaret doing?" He casually asked but she heard the hesitation in his voice.

"Having boy troubles." She revealed truthfully. "I'm sorry Whale, she is head over heels in love with another man. But she did tell me that you were amazing against my free will."

"Really?" Dr. Whale said happily, cheering up slightly from her words.

"I don't lie." She bumped his shoulder with hers and laughed lightly as they went their separate ways.

~•~

"My feet hurt so much." Bella cried as she walked into their apartment, Emma and Mary Margaret sat at the dining table eating breakfast.

"How was work?" Emma asked her, noticing the bags under her eyes. "That bad?"

"I did two shifts with a four hour break in between which I spent sleeping in my office." She groaned, sitting beside the silent roommate and happily accepting the cup of coffee. "You're my hero."

That's when they noticed why Mary Margaret was so quiet, her fingers playing with her ring while she watched the clock. They both reached across and held her hands, comforting the heart broken woman.

"I promise you're life will get better." Bella gave her a genuine smile, before going to grab her breakfast, wishing she could punch David for making her best friend feel this.

"I'll get it." Emma said with furrowed brows as a loud knock echoed around the apartment. She opened up the door and was surprised to see Mr. Gold stood there patiently.

"Ah, Miss. Swan. I was looking for Dr. Richards." Mr. Gold greeted the three woman with a smile.

"Oh God, our date was for today." Bella gasped, groaning as she banged her head on the table. "Let me go get dressed, I'll be ready in a moment. Please, take a seat anywhere. Can someone put the kettle on?"

"She just finished a twenty hour shift." She heard Mary Margaret explain to the man as she went to get dressed into something casual.

"Bella." Mr. Gold's eyes lit up at the sight of her in a flowey summer dress, his empty mug being forgot about as he stood up to meet her half way. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you." Bella blushed, looking down so her hair would cover her bright red cheeks. "Shall we?"

"We don't need to, I heard about work." He offered her his arm as they left the apartment, Bella waving good bye to her roommates.

"I'll be fine, might fall asleep somewhere strange but okay." She laughed, leaning her head on his shoulder as they walked to Granny's for lots of coffee before their walk on the beach.

"Bella." Ruby cheerfully greeted the woman before noticing who she was holding on to. "Oh, Mr. Gold."

"We're here for coffee." Mr. Gold stated as they approached the counter. "One Americano and a vanilla latte."

"Please." Bella grinned, looking up at the man. "And I'll pay."

"No." He stopped her, placing down his card with a mischievous grin. "A lady never pays."

"Who said I was a lady?" She laughed as her eyes began to droop. "I really need that coffee soon. You might have to carry me around the beach."

"They may be a slight issue." Mr. Gold gestured to his leg and quickly paid for their coffees. "Come on."

They walked peacefully to the beach, Bella quickly downing her coffee and sighing contently as she felt the caffeine kick in. Mr. Gold stood on the edge of the pavement, looking out at the sea while Bella removed her shoes and tip toed across the cool sand.

"It's so cold." She squealed happily, running around in circles, her dress flowing out as a large smile beamed across her lips.

"Having fun?" He chuckled, watching her with heart coloured eyes. He was madly in love with her, Enchanted Forest version and Cursed version. No matter the situation she was always a fresh breath of air, the light at the end of the tunnel. He did not deserve her yet she could not stay away. Her heart always searching out for him, even though she had no memories of their past.

"I always have fun with you."