When Zelena was six and Regina was two, Rumpelstiltskin found that he was in need of his portal jumper, Stephen. He had some errands to run in other worlds. He'd been putting it off; his family had needed him there. Zelena and Regina were both little curious mischievous things. If one wasn't getting into something, the other was. Rumpelstiltskin was sure they were working together.

Besides, he missed things with Bae, he missed things with Zelena. He didn't want to miss anything with Regina.

However, work called, he had to depart eventually. His son needed him.

Stephen was a handsome man, even now. 6'4 with dark brown hair and piercing blue eyes. He could've had any woman he wanted. Most men would've gone after EVERY woman they wanted but he'd settled down at 16 with the blonde haired blue eyed Lauren. Ten years of their marriage, they didn't have any children. Stephen wanted to build a legacy first, he wanted to be wealthy. He got his wish and then his son was born; Jefferson was almost an exact replica of his father, even at an early age. It'd been a hard pregnancy on Lauren. She took a barren curse afterwards; it was a mutual decision on both.

Stephen came as soon as Rumpelstiltskin sent for him. A small carriage but comfortable. Rumpelstiltskin had ridden in it before when they were talking of work and personal lives.

Stephen opened the door, stepped out and lifted up his young five year old. That was surprising, Jefferson never was allowed to accompany him on the job, Lauren took care of him.

"Rumpelstiltskin," Stephen greeted. His son trailed after him, his eyes were wide as he stared in awe at the castle in front of him.

"Stephen," He greeted and smiled at the young boy, "Whose this?"

Jefferson went to hide behind his father's legs.

Stephen rolled his eyes, "He's never this shy. I swear he has a mission to charm everyone he possibly can."

"Ah, not everyone is the Dark One," he told him and then looked back at the boy, and gave a teasing smile, "You're half a man now."

"Don't tell his mother that," Stephen said.

Rumpelstiltskin grinned, "Trouble in the home?"

"No, no, nothing like that," Stephen said, "Day in and day out of being a mum, even someone as amazing as my wife will need a vacation sometimes."

"That's true," Rumpelstiltskin nodded, "I've got two little ones; Cora goes off by herself sometimes when they run her too ragged."

"Ah yes, has the sibling rivalry started yet?"

"Not too bad yet, Regina just wants to do everything Zelena does."

"I remember how it was, I was the youngest of four myself," Stephen nodded and looked back at his son, "Come out to say hello."

Jefferson slowly peeked out; he came out from behind his father's legs and blushed, "H-h-hello."

"Hello Jefferson," Rumpelstiltskin nodded in amusement, "Come on, we have a lot of work to do."

Jefferson trailed after his father, and looked around the front entrance and then gasped as he was guided to the dining and living area.

Zelena was sitting in one of the chairs by the fireplace. Her wild hair was out of control as usual. No spell could tame it. She looked up as soon as they came in and looked to the door like she should leave.

"Zelena," he gestured to the guests, "These are Stephen and his son Jefferson. Jefferson's probably going to stay with you for a few days as your playmate."

Jefferson stared at Zelena with wide eyes.

Rumpelstiltskin narrowed his

Oh no….

"Zelena come say hello."

"Gods," Stephen whispered, "She's gotten so big."

"I know," he stroked her hair affectionately, "Her and her sister both, like little weeds."

"Hello," Zelena gave a small curtsey like the little lady her mother taught her to be.

Jefferson drew closer; he gave a charming little bow, "My lady."

Zelena went bright red and Rumpelstiltskin, despite his fatherly intuition, hide a smile. There was the little charmer that his father swore by.

Zelena looked at her father, as if asking what to do but before he could give any indication, she turned around and pushed Jefferson down. He looked confused and Rumpelstiltskin snapped his fingers, "Zelena!"

She ran and hid behind him. He stepped away, "Apologize."

"Papa!"

"Now."

She lowered her eyes, "I'm sorry."

And then she turned around and raced off.

Rumpelstiltskin looked apologetic at Stephen, "Perhaps we can work something else out."

"Oh no need," Stephen didn't look angry, he seemed to find the whole thing hilarious, "That's how I used to show Lauren I was in love in with her."

"Oh gods," Rumpelstiltskin muttered, "Please let no more signs show for years and years."

"Until they're both elderly," Stephen agreed.