Moe never really approved of anything Belle did but he did wanted her to be happy. If her happiness meant her being with a man named Rumplestiltskin, then he would just have to swallow his disapprovement and accept the fact that this man (if you can call him that) made her daughter happy.

But seeing as Belle wasn't there in the shop as Rumplestiltskin entered, he could act as he pleased.

"Gold," said Moe in a matter of greeting. "You better be shopping for my daughter."

"Actually I wasn't going to buy anything," replied Rumple. "I just...well I wanted...I needed to talk to you about something."

Moe eyed the much older man in front of him. Rumplestiltskin was of course centuries older than he was and has faced many things, especially with him being the Dark One. But right now, Moe had the advantage of being the father of the girl he was courting. Moe was surprised to see the self-doubt manifest in Gold's stuttered speech.

Moe raised an eyebrow and Gold sighed.

"Belle had convinced me to have a Christmas party at the Victorian," began Rumple. "Most of the people in town are invited and are going thanks to Ms. Lucas and Belle's persuasions."

"I know," said Moe as Ruby herself called him and invited him. So why had Gold come to him. "Ruby already contacted me. Your visit wasn't necessary."

"It…," began Rumple but stopped himself and sighed. "I know you're not going and I am here to ask if you would reconsider."

"How do you know I'm not?" asked Moe but his voice basically affirmed what Gold had stated. "Fine, I'm not. What is it to you then?"

"Because she wants you to come and celebrate with everyone else," said Gold. "And I want her to be happy. Apparently you being in my house two nights from now will and I am here to ensure it."

Moe stared hard at the man. It wasn't really a threat or anything. In all honesty, it actually sounded like a request. A request from Rumplestiltskin, the Dark One.

"Look," began Gold. "I know you hate me. I hated you with passion back when I thought you had killed her. But now I know the truth, I would like to apologize for what had happened. I know your hatred for me isn't just about that but mainly rooted on me taking Belle as part of our deal to save your people, but as you can see she's happy. I don't know why she is but I would do anything to make sure she stays happy."

Moe remained silent. It was true. Belle was happier than he had ever seen his daughter be back in their home. It was just hard to accept that her happiness involved the man standing before him. Of course Belle had tried to tell him that underneath all the Darkness was still a man. A man who loved his son, a man who was going to fight for his family. It was just hard to equate that man that Belle describe to the man who almost beat him to death.

"I won't turn you into a snail," offered Gold, as Moe remained silent. "I'll pretty much stay out of everyone's way during the party. Just please come. It's for Belle afterall. Please."

Moe sighed. That last part got him. "I suppose I could drop by. I won't stay long though. The following day will be busy."

Gold nodded and turned to leave but looked back at Moe. "Thank you."

Moe nodded and watched the man leave. If Rumplestiltskin was willing to do anything for Belle, then maybe Moe could actually accept the relationship he and his daughter had.

"This is fun!" said Ruby as she met up with Belle at the food table. Everyone seemed to be having a good time and being in the festive season. Belle smiled. The party was a success. Almost perfect. Except for the fact that her father hadn't shown.

"I invited him," said Ruby as the party had started and almost everyone in town was in the vast backyard of the Victorian. "But he said he had other plans."

"With who?" asked Belle. "Everyone else is here."

The party had gotten smoothly and everyone was in good spirit. Even Rumple wasn't such a Scrooge and taught some of the kids in Mary Margaret's class how to play horseshoe toss.

Speaking of her true love, Belle excused herself from Ruby and entered the house to find him. Just as she was about to call his name, the bell rang and Belle looked at the door quizzically. Who else wasn't outside at the party? Shaking her head, she made to open the door and was surprised to see the person on the opposite side.

"Hello Belle," said Moe as he handed her a gift. "Happy Holidays."

"Papa!" said Belle and hugged him tight. "You came!"

"Sorry I'm a bit late," said Moe as they parted. "Holidays are a busy time at the flower shop."

"It's ok," said Belle, taking his hand and leading him to where the party is. "Come on, everyone's already here."

"I really can't stay that long, my girl," said Moe. "I have to prepare for tomorrow."

"Come on Moe," said Leroy joining the father-daughter. He handed Moe a bottle. "Celebrate a little. Free food and drinks from the Dark One himself. What's not to love?"

Belle shook her head at Leroy's antics. Sure the man was drunk already but he hasn't destroyed anything or made Belle regret organizing the party in the first place. She turned to her father.

"Please?"

"Oh alright," said Moe. "I'll stay. Now, tell me what have you been up to my darling Belle."

The night was a success. Her father had stayed for about an hour or so and left with most of the party goers as the night turned into early morning. Ruby had stayed and helped with cleaning up but Rumple of course just waved his hand and only a few things needed to be cleared.

"Are you sure you want to head back?" asked Belle as she saw Ruby to the door. "I'm sure Rumple would be alright with the idea of you staying over. It's very late."

"Don't worry about me, Belle," said Ruby, putting on her coat. "I'm used to running around in this time of night...well early morning. Go and worry about what a disaster your house is. And don't do anything I would!"

"Go home, Ruby!" said Belle, her face turning a slight shade of red as Ruby smirked and waved back as she walked home. Belle walked towards the kitchen as Rumple continued to clean up. Sure he had used magic to clear the bigger messes but other small things, he did manually as to not exert himself.

"I'm glad your party went well," said Rumple as Belle helped in cleaning.

"I'm glad you came," replied Belle with a smile.

"Well it is my house," teased Rumple and Belle playfully pushed him. "I did think about locking myself in my study but then you'd just barged in and drag me out. Might as well enjoy the night."

"I'm glad you did," said Belle. "You looked like you had fun as well."

"Well teaching drunken dwarves how to throw a horseshoe properly was very enjoyable," said Rumple and Belle laughed at the memory of Leroy throwing the horseshoe only for it to land a few centimeters from his feet. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."

"I'm glad everyone did," said Belle, throwing the last bits of rubbish away. "Especially my father. I thought he wouldn't come. Ruby had invited him and he said he wouldn't. I'm glad he changed his mind."

Rumple only nodded and Belle studied him, realization dawning on her. "You asked him to come didn't you?"

Rumple sighed. "I should really learn never to hide things from you." He walked closer to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "I did. I knew it would make you happy. You and your father haven't really talked much and I thought it was something you really wanted to have this Christmas."

"Oh Rumple," said Belle hugging him. "I'm glad you did that. I'm even more proud that you managed to convince him."

"I never really hated your father, Belle," said Rumple. "That hatred was because I thought he had you killed but that was all just a lie. I never had any cause to really hate him and I hope he'll change his opinion of me just to make you happy. I don't really care myself but I know it matters to you."

"What matters is that he accepts my choice," said Belle, letting go of the hug to look him in the eye. "He can despise you all he likes but he needs to learn that I love you and won't let you go."

"I think he has, sweetheart," said Rumple. "I'm surprised he stayed the night when he told me he'll just drop by and be on his way."

Belle smiled and hugged him once more. "You may have not given me a material gift but this one has to be one of the best presents I've ever received." She broke away to give him a kiss. "I love you, Rumplestiltskin."

"I love you too." replied Rumple. "And your father actually saved me, you know."

"Why is that?" asked Belle.

"Well if he hadn't come then I needed to shop for a gift to you and since I know nothing about shopping," began Rumple, as he made a face. "I would have probably asked your friends for help."

Belle laughed at the idea. Rumplestiltskin, the Dark One, shopping with Red Riding Hood who she assumed would probably bring Snow White just filled her head and she laughed harder.