The party had only begun for a half an hour but everyone was already enjoying themselves very much. It looked like a casual reunion between friends, except for the fact that the people involved were fairy tales characters. The restaurant belonged to a very famous grandmother and people like Dr. Frankenstein, Cinderella or Snow White were chatting, laughing and eating delicious cakes baked by the other residents, such as Jiminy Cricket, who was known for his amazing strawberry pies. As surprised as anyone would be at witnessing this unusual scene, they would not be as surprised as Prince Charming was when he realized that Rumplestiltskin had come to the party.
"You were one of the last people I expected to see tonight, Gold."
"I brought magic back here. This must be the price I have to pay."
"Rumple !"
Rumple grumbled when he felt Belle poking him in the ribs to make him silence. A mischievous grin appeared on his face as he answered :
"Sorry, Belle."
"Don't worry", Charming mocked, looking at the young woman, "he has done far worse than that."
Noticing that Rumple was about to lose patience, Belle dragged him away from the prince and ordered two iced teas. As soon as they left, David was joined by Grumpy.
"What's this imp doing here ? Aren't we like celebrating his defeat ?"
"More Regina's."
"Yeah but don't tell me those two weren't partners in crime."
"I don't know", David admitted, shrugging his shoulders, "but anyway, he's with Belle now so I guess that opens him doors formerly closed."
"Still, I don't trust him."
"I don't think I do either."
Grumpy looked around to make sure Henry was still talking to his grandmother and confessed to Charming :
"Look, me and my brothers, we've been thinking about something. Some kind of revenge to make Regina pay for what she did to us."
"I always thought that dwarves were idiots. Guess I was wrong."
Grumpy and Charming turned around to face the person who had interrupted them, this person being no one else than Mr. Gold. Realizing that really soon, everyone was going to start listening to them, Charming made Gold and Grumpy stop talking and headed for his wife. He whispered something to her ear and a few seconds later, she was ready to take Henry home. The little boy asked no questions but no one was fooled : he knew something was happening and sooner or later, they would have to face his questions.
As soon as Snow closed the door, Gold resumed :
"If I understand this well, you would like to make our old Queen bite the dust."
"It's none of your business, 'Stiltskin !", Grumpy yelled.
"No offense but you could really use my help."
Grumpy was about to reply but Charming made him silent with a hand gesture. He came closer to the pawnbroker and asked reluctantly :
"Why would you help us ?"
"You have your reasons for retaliation. I have mine."
"And how do we know you are not going to turn your back on us at the last moment ?"
"She hurt Belle. That means that I'm a part of any plan intending to hurt her."
Belle sighed but she knew it was pointless to argue. It was neither the time of the place. Before anyone could add something, Emma intervened and stated :
"Alright, everybody calms down ! We are too overexcited, drunk for some of us, to discuss something that important tonight. I suggest that, for those who agree with Leroy and Gold, we meet here tomorrow at 8:00 p.m., if it's ok with you Granny."
"It would be my pleasure.", the old woman replied, thrilled by the possibility to brandish her crossbow at Regina.
Therefore, people slowly left the restaurant, hoping things would become clearer after a good night.
