01x12 - Skin Deep

Episode transcripts for the TV show "Once Upon A Time". Aired October 2011 - May 2018.*

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A woman with a troubled past is drawn to a New England town where fairy tales are to be believed.
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01x12 - Skin Deep

Post by bunniefuu »

–[Fairy Tale World]–

(In a small castle in the forest, a group is strategizing around a large map on a table. The group is made up of Maurice, Belle, Gaston and several knights. A knight enters the w*r room to deliver news.)

Knight: Sir, there’s news from the b*ttlefield. Avonlea has fallen.

Maurice: My gods.

Gaston: If only he had come.

Maurice: Well, he didn’t, did he? Ogres are not men.

Gaston: We have to do something. We have to stop them.

Maurice: They are unstoppable.

Belle: He could be on his way right now, Papa.

Maurice: It’s too late, my girl. It’s just too late.

(There is a loud banging at the door.)

Belle: It’s him. It has to be him.

Maurice: How could he get past the walls? Open it.

(Two knights remove the board blocking the door, and open it. They look out, but see no one there.)

Rumpelstiltskin: Well, that was a bit of a letdown.

(Rumpelstiltskin appears behind them, sitting in a chair.)

Rumpelstiltskin: You sent me a message. Something about, um, ‘Help, help! We’re dying! Can you save us?’ Now, the answer is – yes, I can. Yes, I can protect your little town. For a price.

Maurice: We sent you a promise of gold.

Rumpelstiltskin: Ah… No. You see, um… I, uh, make gold. What I want is something a bit more special. My price…is her.

(Rumpelstiltskin points to Belle.)

Maurice: No.

Gaston: The young lady is engaged to me.

Rumpelstiltskin: I wasn’t asking if she was engaged. I’m not looking for ‘love’ – I’m looking for a caretaker for my rather large estate. It’s her, or no deal.

Maurice: Get out. Leave!

Rumpelstiltskin: As you wish.

(Rumpelstiltskin heads for the door, but stops when Belle yells out to him.)

Belle: No, wait.

(Belle approaches Rumpelstiltskin.)

Belle: I will go with him.

Gaston: I forbid it!

Maurice: No…

Belle: No one decides my fate but me. I shall go.

Rumpelstiltskin: It’s forever, dearie.

Belle: My family, my friends – they will all live?

Rumpelstiltskin: You have my word.

Belle: Then, you have mine. I will go with you forever.

Rumpelstiltskin: Deal.

Maurice: Belle. Belle, you cannot do this. Belle, please. You can’t go with this…beast.

(Rumpelstiltskin feigns offense.)

Belle: Father. Gaston. It’s been decided.

Rumpelstiltskin: You know – she’s right. The deal is struck. Oh! Congratulations on your little w*r.

–[Real World]–

(Mr. French is unloading flowers out of his delivery van. Mr. Gold and another man are watching him from the sidewalk.)

Mr. Gold: Well, this is just perfect. I’ve been looking for you, Mr. French.

Mr. French: I’ll have your money next week.

Mr. Gold: The terms of the loan were fairly specific. Take the van.

(The man with Mr. Gold gets into the driver’s seat of the van.)

Mr. French: Wait! No! Tomorrow’s Valentine’s Day. It’s the biggest day of… I’ve got a grand in roses in the back!

(Mr. Gold’s lackey starts the van.)

Mr. French: Stop! You’ve got to let me sell them.

Mr. Gold: I’m going to leave you two to continue this conversation.

Mr. French: Oh, this is no way to do business, Gold. You are the lowest! People aren’t going to put up with this!

(Mr. French attempts to block the van, but is unsuccessful. The man in the van drives away and Mr. Gold crosses the street. He runs into Regina, who was watching.)

Regina: Mr. Gold. That was quite a show back there.

Mr. Gold: Well, Mr. French is just having a bad day – happens to the best of us.

Regina: I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something.

Mr. Gold: Yeah. And the moment you have something I want to discuss, we’ll have that little chat.

Regina: No, we’re going to do this now. It’ll only take a moment.

Mr. Gold: Is there something eating you, dear? Something you need to get out in the open? Cause it’s going to have to wait. Please.

(Regina backs down and Mr. Gold walks past her.)

———–

(Mary Margaret and David are both at Granny’s diner, but are sitting at separate tables. David is reading a book while Mary Margaret drinks coffee.)

MMB: Oh, you got the book.

David: Yeah. Yeah, I just started it. It’s great. Can’t wait to see how it ends.

(Ruby comes over to refill Mary Margaret’s coffee.)

Ruby: Uh, I can push the tables together if you guys-

MMB: Oh, no. We’re not together.

David: No. No, that’s-

(Ruby leaves and Emma enters. She sits down across from Mary Margaret.)

Emma: Hey, David.

David: Hey.

Emma: Mary Margaret.

Emma: So. How’s your day going?

MMB: Henry’s fine.

Emma: That’s not what I asked you. …You sure?

MMB: Really – he’s his normal self. Regina won’t keep you separated forever. When people are supposed to be together, they find a way.

Emma: Yeah. So, he’s his normal self? He’s fine? He’s happy?

MMB: Yes. No! He misses you – a lot. Trust me – I’m with him, like, six hours a day.

(Ashley enters the diner with her baby. She hands her to Granny and joins Mary Margaret and Emma at their table.)

Ashley: Six hours? You take newborns? Cause I’d love six hours off.

MMB: Ashley! I didn’t… I didn’t even recognize you.

Ashley: Baby on the outside?

Emma: How’s it going?

Ashley: It’s, uh… It’s, uh… I mean, baby’s great, but we really haven’t had time to do the whole getting married thing. So, that’s been rough. And Sean’s been working double shifts at the cannery.

MMB: Well, he has to work.

(Ruby comes over to give Ashley her coffee.)

Ashley: On Valentine’s Day? Yeah. He couldn’t get out of it.

Emma: I’m sorry. That sucks.

Ruby: It doesn’t have to. Come out with me. Let’s have a girl’s night. We can all go. Mary Margaret – Emma, too. If you leave the badge at home.

Emma: I’m not really in the party mood, but you guys can all go and have fun.

(Emma’s phone vibrates.)

MMB: What’s that?

Emma: It’s the station – something’s up.

———–

(Mr. Gold walks up the walkway to the front door of his house, where he sees that the door is ajar. He pushes it open and enters the house. Inside, he draws and g*n and slowly moves farther into the house. The floor creaks behind him. When he turns around, he sees Emma with her g*n drawn and pointed at him.)

Mr. Gold: Sheriff Swan.

Emma: Your neighbour saw your front door open – they called it in.

Mr. Gold: It appears I’ve been robbed.

Emma: Funny how that keeps happening to you.

Mr. Gold: Yeah, well, I’m a difficult man to love.

–[Fairy Tale World]–

(Rumpelstiltskin and Belle enter Rumpelstiltskin’s estate. They walk through the dining room, and then walk down to the dungeons.)

Belle: Uh, where… Where are you taking me?

Rumpelstiltskin: Let’s call it your room.

(They arrive at a cell door.)

Belle: My room?

Rumpelstiltskin: Well, it sounds a lot nicer than dungeon.

(Rumpelstiltskin pushes her into the cell and locks her in there. He walks away as she pounds on the door.)

Belle: You can’t just leave me in here! Hello? Hello?

———–

(Rumpelstiltskin and Belle are in the dining room. He sits at the head of the table as she pours tea.)

Rumpelstiltskin: You will serve me my meals, and you will clean the Dark Castle.

Belle: I-I understand.

Rumpelstiltskin: You will dust my collection and launder my clothing.

Belle: Yes.

Rumpelstiltskin: You will fetch me fresh straw when I’m spinning at the wheel.

Belle: Got it.

Rumpelstiltskin: Oh! And you will skin the children I hunt for their pelts.

(Belle drops the cup of tea onto the floor.)

Rumpelstiltskin: That one was a quip – not serious.

Belle: Right.

(She kneels to pick up the cup. When she holds it up, there’s a chip missing on the edge.)

Belle: I’m, uh… I’m so sorry, but, uh… It’s… It’s chipped. Y-You can hardly see it.

Rumpelstiltskin: Well, it’s just a cup.

–[Real World]–

(Emma and Mr. Gold are still at Mr. Gold’s house.)

Mr. Gold: Sheriff Swan, you can go now. I know exactly what was taken and who did it. I’ve got it from here.

Emma: No, you don’t. This was a robbery – a public menace. And if you don’t tell me what you know, I’ll have to arrest you for obstruction of justice. I have a feeling you don’t want to be behind bars.

Mr. Gold: Indeed not. Alright, his name’s Moe French. He sells flowers. He recently defaulted on a loan. A short time ago, we had a little disagreement over collateral.

Emma: Okay. I’ll go get him – check him out.

Mr. Gold: I’m sure you will – assuming I don’t find him… Let’s just say, bad things tend to happen to bad people.

Emma: Is that a thr*at?

Mr. Gold: Observation. Good luck.

(Emma leaves.)

–[Fairy Tale World]–

(Belle is standing on a ladder trying to pull open the curtains. Rumpelstiltskin is on the ground next to her spinning straw.)

Belle: Why do you spin so much?

(He pauses and looks at her.)

Belle: Sorry. It’s just… You’ve spun straw into more gold than you could ever spend.

Rumpelstiltskin: I like to watch the wheel – helps me forget.

Belle: Forget what?

Rumpelstiltskin: I guess it worked.

(They both laugh. Rumpelstiltskin gets up and walks over to Belle.)

Rumpelstiltskin: What are you doing?

Belle: Opening these. It’s almost spring – we should let some light in.

(She tugs on the curtains again.)

Belle: What did you do? Nail them down?

Rumpelstiltskin: Yeah.

(Belle tries pulling the curtains again, except this time, she pulls them entirely off the rod. She falls, but Rumpelstiltskin catches her.)

Belle: Thank you.

(He sets her down.)

Belle: Thank you.

Rumpelstiltskin: It’s no matter.

Belle: I’ll, uh, put the curtains back up.

Rumpelstiltskin: Ah, there’s no need. I’ll get used to it.

–[Real World]–

(At the station, Emma pulls back a sheet, revealing several items on her desk to Mr. Gold.)

Emma: You’re welcome. You were right – your man Moe ripped you off. It was all still at his place.

Mr. Gold: And the man himself?

Emma: Closing in on him.

Mr. Gold: So, job well ‘half-done’, then.

Emma: In less than a day, I got everything back. Is something wrong?

Mr. Gold: You’ve recovered nothing. There’s something missing.

(He goes to leave.)

Emma: I’ll get it when I find him.

Mr. Gold: Not if I find him first.

–[Fairy Tale World]–

(Belle and Rumpelstiltskin are sitting on the table in Rumpelstiltskin’s dining room.)

Belle: Why did you want me here?

Rumpelstiltskin: The place was filthy.

Belle: I think you were lonely. I mean, any man would be lonely.

Rumpelstiltskin: I’m not a man.

Belle: So, I’ve had, uh, a couple of months to look around, you know. And, uh… Upstairs there’s, uh, clothing – small, as if for a… A child? Was it yours, or… Or was there a son?

Rumpelstiltskin: There was. There was a son. I lost him – as I did his mother.

Belle: I’m… I’m sorry. So you… You were a man, once. An ordinary man. If I’m never going to know another person in my whole life, can’t I at least know you?

Rumpelstiltskin: Perhaps… Perhaps you just want to learn the monster’s weaknesses.

Belle: You’re not a monster. You think you’re uglier than you are. That’s why you cover all the mirrors up, isn’t it? Hm?

(There’s a knock at the door. Rumpelstiltskin answers it, and sees Gaston standing there with his sword drawn.)

Gaston: I am Sir Gaston. And you, beast, have taken-

(Rumpelstiltskin snaps his fingers, turning Gaston into a rose in a puff of smoke. He returns to Belle with the rose.)

Belle: Who was that?

Rumpelstiltskin: Just an old woman selling flowers. Here – if you’ll have it.

(He hands Belle the rose.)

Belle: Why, thank you.

(Rumpelstiltskin sits down as she searches for a vase.)

Rumpelstiltskin: You had a life, Belle. Before…this. Friends. Family. What made you choose to come here with me?

Belle: Heroism. Sacrifice. You know, there aren’t a lot of opportunities for women in this land to… To show what they can do. To see the world, to be heroes. So, when you arrived, that was my chance. I always wanted to be brave. I figured, do the brave thing, and bravery would follow.

Rumpelstiltskin: And is it everything you hoped?

Belle: Well, uh… I did want to see the world. That part didn’t really work out. But, uh… I did save my village.

Rumpelstiltskin: And what about your, uh, betrothed?

Belle: It was an arranged marriage. Honestly, I never really cared much for Gaston. You know, to me, love is… Love is layered. Love is a… A mystery to be uncovered. Yeah, I could never truly give my heart to someone as superficial as he. But, um, you were going to tell me about your son.

Rumpelstiltskin: I’ll tell you what – I’ll make you a deal. Go to town and fetch me some straw. When you return, I’ll share my tale.

Belle: But… Town? You… You trust me to come back?

Rumpelstiltskin: Oh, no. I expect I’ll never see you again.

–[Real World]–

(At the bar, Mary Margaret, Ruby, and Ashley are drinking at a table.)

MMB: Pace yourself, Ashley.

Ashley: I am! This is the first night out since I’ve had the baby – I am making up for lost time.

Ruby: Ooh, Ash – check out those guys.

(Ruby points to a group of guys standing by the bar.)

Ashley: Oh, honey, I’m still with Sean.

Ruby: You’re not married, and he’s not here.

Ashley: He’s working.

Ruby: He’s always working. Have fun moping.

(Ruby goes over to talk to the guys, leaving Ashley and Mary Margaret alone.)

Ashley: She’s right – he is always working. I thought love would be different.

MMB: Me, too.

———–

(David is looking through the display of valentines at Mr. Clark’s convenience store. He selects two and heads to the line to pay for them, where Mr. Gold is also waiting.)

Mr. Gold: Two valentines – sounds like a complicated life.

David: Oh, no. I… I just couldn’t decide.

Mr. Gold: These are both for the same woman?

David: Well, they’re both so…us.

Mr. Gold: I see. Well, you’re fortunate you have someone that loves you.

David: I really am.

(Mr. Gold gets to the cashier and puts a roll of duct tape and rope on the counter.)

Mr. Gold: Love – it’s like a delicate flame. And once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. Best of luck to you.

David: Thanks.

(David gets to the cashier. Mr. Clark sneezes.)

David: Oh, bless you.

Mr. Clark: Ah, thank you.

———–
(Mr. Gold is driving the rose van from earlier. In the back, Mr. French is tied up and gagged with duct tape.)

———–

(Mr. Gold drives the van to the cabin in the woods. He gets out and opens the back doors of the van. He draws his g*n and points it at Mr. French.)

Mr. Gold: Walk.

(Mr. Gold leads him to the cabin and they go inside.)

Mr. Gold: You see, here’s the thing – I don’t normally let people get away.

–[Fairy Tale World]–

(Belle is walking along a path through the forest. Suddenly, the Evil Queen’s carriage drives past her. The carriage stops and the Evil Queen opens the door.)

Evil Queen: Did my carriage splash you?

Belle: Oh. Oh, no, um… I’m fine.

Evil Queen: You know, I’m tired of riding – let me stretch my legs and walk with you for a spell.

(The Evil Queen gets out and joins Belle. They walk.)

Evil Queen: You carry very little.

Belle: I don’t want to be slowed down.

Evil Queen: Mm. You’re running from someone. The question is, master or lover? Oh. Master and lover.

Belle: I might take a rest. You… You go on ahead.

(The Queen puts her arm around Belle and they continue walking.)

Evil Queen: So, if I’m right, you love your employer, but you’re leaving him.

Belle: I might love him. I mean, I could, except… Something evil has taken root in him.

Evil Queen: Sounds like a curse to me. And all curses can be broken. A kiss born of true love would do it. Oh, child, no. I would never suggest a young woman to kiss a man who held her c*ptive. What kind of message is that?

Belle: Right.

Evil Queen: Besides, if he loves you, he would’ve let you go. And if he doesn’t love you, well, then the kiss won’t even work.

Belle: Well, he did let me go.

Evil Queen: Yes, but no kiss happened.

Belle: And a kiss… A kiss is enough? He’d be a man again?

Evil Queen: An ordinary man. True love’s kiss will break any curse.

———–

(Rumpelstiltskin watches the road to his estate from a tower. He sees Belle and rushes to his wheel before she arrives, pretending to be nonchalant.)

Rumpelstiltskin: Oh, you’re back already. Good… Good thing. I’m, uh… I’m nearly out of straw.

Belle: Hm. Come on – you’re happy that I’m back.

Rumpelstiltskin: I’m not unhappy.

Belle: And, uh, you promised me a story.

Rumpelstiltskin: Did I?

Belle: Mmhmm. Tell me about your son.

Rumpelstiltskin: I lost him. There’s nothing more to tell, really.

Belle: And, since then, you’ve loved no one. And no one has loved you.

Rumpelstiltskin: Why did you come back?

Belle: I wasn’t going to. Then… Something changed my mind.

(She leans over and kisses him. Rumpelstiltskin briefly looks human again.)

Rumpelstiltskin: What’s happening?

Belle: Kiss me again – it’s working!

Rumpelstiltskin: What is?

Belle: Any curse can be broken.

(Rumpelstiltskin quickly stands up. He reverts back to looking non-human.)

Rumpelstiltskin: Who told you that? Who knows that?

Belle: I-I… I don’t know. She, uh… She… She…

Rumpelstiltskin: She…

(He angrily storms over to the covered mirror. He pulls off the sheet and starts yelling into it.)

Rumpelstiltskin: You evil soul! This was you! You turned her against me! You think you can make me weak? You think you can defeat me?

Belle: Who are you talking to?

Rumpelstiltskin: The Queen! Your friend, the Queen! How did she get to you?

Belle: The-The Queen? I don’t-

Rumpelstiltskin: I knew this was a trick. I knew you could never care for me. Oh, yeah! You’re working for her. Or is this all you? Is this you being the hero and k*lling the beast?

Belle: It was working-

Rumpelstiltskin: Shut up!

Belle: This means it’s true love!

Rumpelstiltskin: Shut the hell up!

Belle: Why won’t you believe me?

Rumpelstiltskin: Because no one – no one – could ever, ever love me!

(Rumpelstiltskin grabs Belle and takes her to the dungeons. He throws her into a cell and locks her in.)

–[Real World]–

(In the cabin in the woods, Mr. Gold has taken the duct tape off of Mr. French’s mouth and has him sitting on a chair.)

Mr. French: Let me explain, okay? Let me explain.

(Mr. Gold grabs another chair and sits in front of Mr. French. He pushes the end of his cane into Mr. French’s neck, cutting off his air.)

Mr. Gold: Oh. Well, that is…fascinating. Truly fascinating. I’m going to let you breathe in a second, and you’re going to say two sentences. The first, is going to tell me where it is. The second, is going to tell me who told you to take it. Do you understand the rules? Good. Let’s begin.

(Mr. Gold pulls the cane back from his neck.)

Mr. French: I needed that van!

Mr. Gold: Now, you see, that is not a good first sentence.

(Mr. Gold hits Mr. French with his cane.)

Mr. French: Ow! Gold! Listen!

Mr. Gold: Tell me where it is!

(He hits him with his cane again.)

Mr. French: Ow! Stop!

Mr. Gold: Tell me where it is!

(He hits him again.)

Mr. French: Ow! Stop! It wasn’t my fault!

Mr. Gold: ‘My fault’? What are you talking about, ‘my fault’? You shut her out. You had her love, and you shut her out!

(He hits him again.)

Mr. French: Ow!

Mr. Gold: She’s gone. She’s gone forever – she’s not coming back. And it’s your fault! Not mine! You are her father! Yours! It’s yours!

(He starts to hit him with his cane repeatedly.)

–[Fairy Tale World]–

(In a rage, Rumpelstiltskin takes his old cane and smashes the glass of the armoire in his dining room.)

–[Real World]–

(Mr. Gold is still b*ating Mr. French with his cane.)

Mr. Gold: It’s your fault! It’s your fault!

(As he draws back to strike again, Emma appears behind him and grabs his arm.)

Emma: Stop.

–[Fairy Tale World]–

(Still in a rage, Rumpelstiltskin starts smashing the teacups one by one against the wall. He hesitates when he gets to the chipped cup and instead of smashing it, places it on the table.)

–[Real World]–

(Mary Margaret returns to the table at the bar, where Ashley is sitting alone.)

MMB: Girls’ night’s really working out for you.

Ashley: I thought it would make me feel better. But the truth is, I need a ‘be with my guy night’. But he’s never around, and I’m at home with the baby all day. I mean, what’s the point of being together if we’re not together?

MMB: I get it. Loving someone you can’t be with – it’s a terrible, terrible burden.

Ashley: You know, this was a bad idea. I should… I should go home.

(Sean arrives at the bar with a bouquet of flowers.)

Sean: Ashley?

Ashley: Sean?

Sean: Hey.

Ashley: I thought that you were working tonight?

Sean: I am – it’s my break. And I… I had to see you. And ask you something.

(Sean gives the flowers to Ashley. He then kneels and takes out a ring.)

Sean: Will you marry me? I only have a twenty minute break, so, um, anytime now.

Ashley: Yes!

Sean: My truck’s outside if you want to take a ride before I head back to work. It’s not much of a date-

Ashley: It’s the best date.

Sean: Then, your carriage awaits.

(The two of them leave. Mary Margaret, alone at the table, also goes to leave.)

———–

(Outside, Mary Margaret sees Ashley and Sean get into Sean’s truck. David appears and approaches her.)

David: How’s girls’ night?

MMB: David? What are you doing here?

David: Well, I knew you’d be here. And I, uh… I wanted to give you your Valentine’s Day card.

(He pulls a card out of his jacket pocket and hands it to her.)

MMB: Check up on me?

David: Maybe a little. I didn’t want you finding somebody else.

MMB: Like you?

(Mary Margaret opens the valentine and reads it out loud.)

MMB: Kathryn, I woof you…

(David takes the card from her and takes out another one from his pocket.)

David: I’m so sorry. I meant… I meant this one.

MMB: I-I… I always thought, that if two people were supposed to be together, they’d find a way. But, David, if this is our way, I think we should find another one.

David: Mary Margaret-

MMB: I think you should go home to Kathryn.

David: I know. You’re right, but it doesn’t mean I’m going to give up. We’ll find that way.

MMB: I hope so.

David: Happy Valentine’s Day.

MMB: Happy Valentine’s Day.

———–

(Emma and Mr. Gold are standing outside the cabin. Mr. French is on a stretcher and is being loaded into an ambulance by paramedics.)

Emma: So, I heard you managed not to break anything he needs. You’re lucky, Mr. Gold.

Mr. Gold: You got a funny definition of lucky.

Emma: You have a funny definition of justice. What did he really do?

Mr. Gold: He stole.

Emma: That reaction was about more than taking a few trinkets. You said something about how he hurt her – what happened to ‘her’? Who was that? What did he do? If someone needs help, maybe I can help.

Mr. Gold: No. I’m sorry, Sheriff. I think you heard that wrong.

Emma: You really don’t want to cooperate?

Mr. Gold: Look, we’re done here.

Emma: Actually, we’re not. You’re under arrest.

(Emma takes out a pair of handcuffs and starts to cuff him.)

–[Fairy Tale World]–

(Rumpelstiltskin opens the door to Belle’s cell.)

Belle: So, what are you going to do to me?

Rumpelstiltskin: Go.

Belle: Go?

Rumpelstiltskin: I don’t want you anymore, dearie.

(She goes to leave, but turns around and walks back to the cell.)

Belle: You were freeing yourself! You could’ve had happiness if you just believed that someone could want you. But you couldn’t take the chance.

Rumpelstiltskin: That’s a lie.

Belle: You’re a coward, Rumpelstiltskin. And no matter how thick you make your skin, that doesn’t change.

Rumpelstiltskin: I’m not a coward, dearie. It’s quite simple, really. My power, means more to me than you.

Belle: No. No, it doesn’t. You just don’t think I can love you. Now, you’ve made your choice. And you’re going to regret it – forever. And all you’ll have, is an empty heart – and a chipped cup.

(Belle leaves the dungeon.)

–[Real World]–

(Mr. Gold is sitting in a cell at the station. Emma watches him, while eating lunch in her office.)

Emma: Pastrami – you want half? You know, I still owe you that favour. Nice, fatty pastrami. Delicious way to clear the books.

Mr. Gold: Well, I don’t need a reminder that you owe me a favour. And when the day comes that I make my request, it’ll be for more than half a sandwich.

(Regina and Henry enter.)

Regina: Sheriff Swan? I’m letting you have thirty minutes with Henry. Take him out – buy him ice cream.

Emma: You want me to leave you alone with a prisoner?

Regina: Twenty nine and a half minutes.

Henry: Hi, Emma.

Emma: Hey.

Mr. Gold: Bring me back a cone?

Emma: Just this once. Come on – let’s go.

(Emma grabs her coat and leaves with Henry.)

Mr. Gold: Well, you really wanted that little chat, didn’t you?

Regina: Apparently, this is the only way I could do it.

Mr. Gold: Please – sit.

(Regina walks over to a couch near the cell and sits on the edge.)

Mr. Gold: Now, when two people both want something the other has, a deal can always be struck. Do you have what I want?

Regina: Yes.

Mr. Gold: So, you did put him up to it, then.

Regina: I merely suggested, that strong men take what they need.

Mr. Gold: Oh, yeah. And you told him just exactly what to take, didn’t you?

Regina: We used to know each other so well, Mr. Gold. Has it really come down to this?

Mr. Gold: It seems it has, yeah. But you know what I want – what is it you want?

Regina: I want you, to answer one question. And answer it simply – what’s your name?

Mr. Gold: It’s Mr. Gold.

Regina: Your real name.

Mr. Gold: Every moment I’ve spent on this earth, that’s been my name.

Regina: But what about moments spent elsewhere?

Mr. Gold: What are you asking me?

Regina: I think you know. If you want me to return what’s yours – tell me your name.

Mr. Gold: Rumpelstiltskin. Now give me what I want.

Regina: Such hostility.

Mr. Gold: Oh, yeah.

(Regina pulls out the chipped cup from her purse.)

Regina: Over this? Such a sentimental little keepsake.

(She dangles it in front of him until he grabs it from her.)

Mr. Gold: Thank you… Your Majesty. So. Now that we’re being honest with each other, let’s remember how things used to be, shall we? And don’t let these bars fool you, dear. I’m the one with the power around here. I’m going to be out of here in no time, and nothing between us will change.

Regina: We shall see.

–[Fairy Tale World]–

(Rumpelstiltskin is sitting at the wheel spinning straw. The Evil Queen enters and goes straight to making herself a cup of tea.)

Evil Queen: Flimsy locks. I have a deal to discuss. A certain…mermaid.

Rumpelstiltskin: I’m not dealing today.

Evil Queen: Are you angry with me? What is it this time?

Rumpelstiltskin: Your little deception failed. You’ll never be more powerful than me. You can keep trying, dearie, but you’re never going to b*at me.

Evil Queen: Is this about that girl I met on the road? Hm? What was her name? Margie? …Verna?

Rumpelstiltskin: Belle.

Evil Queen: Right. Well, you can rest assured I had nothing to do with that tragedy.

(He stops spinning and walks over to the Queen.)

Rumpelstiltskin: What tragedy?

Evil Queen: You don’t know? Well, after she got home, her fiancé had gone missing. And after her stay here – her association with you – no one would want her, of course. Her father shunned her, cut her off, shut her out.

Rumpelstiltskin: So, she needs…a home.

Evil Queen: He was cruel to her. He locked her in a tower and sent in clerics to cleanse her soul with scourges and flaying. After a while, she threw herself off the tower. She d*ed.

Rumpelstiltskin: You’re lying.

Evil Queen: Am I?

Rumpelstiltskin: We’re done.

Evil Queen: Fine – I have other calls to make. The place is looking dusty, Rumpel. You should get a new girl.

(The Evil Queen leaves. Rumpelstiltskin opens his armoire and takes out the chipped cup. He then walks over to a pedestal with a goblet on top and replaces it with the cup.)

–[Real World]–

(Mr. French, who is in a wheel chair, sits in the waiting room at the hospital. Regina walks past him towards a door with a keypad. She enters the code and heads down to a psychiatric ward in the basement. She hands the nurse at the desk a rose.)

Nurse: Pretty.

Regina: Well, I know how hard you work. Has anyone been to see her?

Nurse: No, ma’am. Not today, not ever.

(Regina walks down a corridor with several doors on each side, where she walks past a patient who is mopping the floor. She comes to a door with sliding hatch to look inside. She opens it, revealing Belle in a padded room.)

–[End]–
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