Chapter 8

Rumplestiltskin spent the rest of the morning in the shop as Lacey went about dusting, organizing, and keeping herself busy as went about doing what he needed to do. Eventually he convinced her to go home, promising to have dinner with her.

That evening Rumplestiltskin pulled up to the curb, and gestured for Lacey to get into his Cadillac.

"I have carry-out," he told her as she settled in.

Lacey looked to where he was headed. "Rumple," she protested, "my place is the other way."

"We're eating at my house." Lacey looked at him, astonished. He allowed himself a small smile, "I think it's time I showed you where I live." She beamed and kissed him on the cheek. "It's not as though you didn't ask," he shrugged, and she took his hand as they drove to his home

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Lacey flitted about the ground floor, Rumplestiltskin watching with some amusement. Every piece of organized chaos seemed to fascinate her.

"You live here?"

"It's on my driver's license," he replied.

Lacey rolled her eyes, "You know what I mean. "

"I use a lot of the house for storage. The living happens in the kitchen or the basement mostly. And of course, my bedroom."

Lacey had moved ahead of him to the kitchen. "I like," she grinned, poking here and there. Stopping at a photograph on the wall. Of Belle. Of her. Lacey. Suddenly all was awkward. "She's lovely," Lacey said quietly.

Rumplestiltskin walked up and kissed her on the lips, "Indeed she is."

Lacey gave him a strained smile then pulled him down a hallway, "your bedroom." She opened the door.

"Easier to have it on the first floor," he commented.

"And immaculate!"

"Of course."

Not a wrinkle on the bed. Lacey opened Rumplestiltskin's wardrobe with lines and lines of ties and suits. She smiled. "This is what I wanted to see," she took both his hands, "you."

"It doesn't disappoint?" he asked.

"No," she smiled, "not at all." She left the room and headed upstairs, "I want to see the rest."

Rumplestiltskin led her once they reached the first floor. There were many doors. "This way," he gestured down the hall, "we can walk on the balcony."

"What rooms are these?" Lacey turned in the opposite direction.

"Guest rooms," he answered, "come."

Lacey ignored him, "Do you keep these as perfect as yours?"

"Of course. My house is a veritable hotel. Always people in and out," Rumplestiltskin quipped. "Now, this way," he pulled on her hand now.

"What's the hurry?" Lacey asked, "I wanna see what you have."

"Lacey. . . ."

She opened the nearest door. To a much lived-in room. Looked around in confusion. "But who stays here?" Turning about. Suits, a valet. Ties. In a very girly room. A vanity and dresser. Beautiful silver mirror.

"Come away, Lacey," Rumplestiltskin called softly.

"No," she looked about. "This was her room, wasn't it?" Rumplestiltskin didn't answer. "And you sleep here." It wasn't a question.

"Lacey, please," there were tears in his eyes. "Come away."

"I understand," Lacey muttered, "I understand everything now."

"Please," Rumplestiltskin repeated.

"I'm sorry," she was still standing far away, but looking straight at him. "I'm sorry she was taken away from you." The tears spilled down his face. "Oh Rumple," she walked to him. "I am. I am so sorry." She slipped her arms around his neck, "sorry."

"I miss her," he burst out, "oh gods I miss her!"

"I know," Lacey sobbed with him.

"I just want her back, please, just bring her back," his hands were clutching the fabric on the back of her dress. "Please gods, oh please."

"I can't bring her back," Lacey held him closer. "I'm sorry, but I can't." He sobbed harder. Her hands were now running through his hair. "I can't bring her back," she whispered, "but I can bring you comfort. Please let me comfort you." She kissed below his ear, "please let me, dearest Rumplestiltskin."

"No," he pulled out of her embrace, realizing what she meant. "I won't do that to you, Lacey. I'm a bastard, but not that much of a one," he wiped at his eyes. "Let's go now."

She wouldn't let him go, her lips trailing to his, pulling him close once more. "No, Rumple. Stay. I want you to," she kissed his lips now. "Please. Let me give you comfort."

And that was it. The last drop of resistance and perhaps his sanity was gone.

He was still crying as he melded her lips to his and allowed himself to drown in her.