A/N: Here it is! The last chapter and I want to say thank you to everyone who has been following and reading this installment. Of course, this isn't the complete end since I have plans to further this series and there are some loose ends that will be addressed later. ;) ;) Hope you all like and if you are stuck in the snow like I am… be safe and stay warm!
Part 5
Time stood still. Not even the bombshell that Emma Swann dropped elicited an automatic response. If anything, the people in the apartment were speechless and stunned.
Henry… Emma's son… his father was none other than Baelfire, the lost son that Rumplestiltskin had tried for centuries to find. Somewhere Fate was having a heyday and laughing at them for a job well-done.
It wasn't until Henry, the child in question, broke the awkward and tense silence with a very loud and blunt, "But he's dead. You told me my father died fighting a fire. He-He was a hero."
Tears immediately sprung to Belle's eyes at how desperate Henry sounded. He wanted to believe his father was dead. It would have made sense for him not to be in the picture. He didn't want to believe that his father was alive and well, and apparently the Dark One's missing son from his fairy tale book. He didn't want to believe that Emma, his real mother, lied to him.
And the way Henry looked at Emma… begging and practically beseeching her to admit that this was a joke. A terrible joke, but a joke nonetheless, that his real father was a firefighter and a good man and a hero and that he died saving someone's life. That this wasn't real and that Baelfire couldn't be his dad.
Yet, Emma could only stare at him with her eyes swimming with tears and her teeth chewing her lip nervously. Everything in her face wanted to assure him, to repeat those sweet lies, but there was nothing she could do now… Not when Henry's birth father was present. So she tentatively reached for Henry—to feel, to comfort—but there was only pain as he jerked away from her. Her hand quivered and then fell back at her side when she realized that it was going to be futile. Not with that look on his face.
The same look he had given Regina.
"Henry—" Emma faltered as Henry continued backing away from her.
"Y-you lied," he said, his tone so lost and full of betrayal. "You lied. Like her. You…" He couldn't get the rest of the accusation out. Not when he was torn. He looked at Neal, who was also struggling to come to terms with this reveal as well.
"I have a son," Neal murmured with awestruck. "I have a son and you didn't tell me?"
"This is not the time," Emma tried speaking but her ex glared at her.
"This is the right time," he argued. "I had a son you kept from me and you tell him that I died?"
"Well, if you haven't abandoned me with those watches…"
It was then they realized they had another audience. Lily-Rose was sniffling again and she hiccupped as a fresh bout of tears came pouring from her eyes. Belle was holding her for dear life from the looks of it and Rumple had backed himself into the wall to use as support to keep him upright. Even he couldn't have predicted such a twist of fate or the irony that came with it as he regarded Henry Mills in a new light.
As intense and emotional this situation was becoming, Belle knew she had to act quickly or else someone was going to say something that they will regret later. She shifted her gaze to Henry who was obviously the most sensitive one at this time. And it was a good thing too… As soon as he saw Belle, Henry ran right to her and buried his face against her stomach. His body was trembling uncontrollably and she did what any motherly instinct demanded. She wrapped her free arm around him and guided him out of the apartment. He wasn't crying yet but it was going to be a matter of time before the dam broke. And Belle wanted him and Lily-Rose out of there.
While it killed Emma to see her son leave like that, she was also grateful that Belle was with him. She had a way with kids, especially with her daughter, and if anyone could be a calming force of nature that would be Belle. But part of her had hoped he would have run to her for comfort. Perhaps, earlier he would have, but not now. Not when she committed the worse crime and offense of all.
"He's beautiful." The strange, unfamiliar tone of parental pride spoke behind her and she faced Neal. Her sharp intake was in astonishment at the adoration and amazement that overwhelmed the former thief's countenance. As if he couldn't believe that Henry was a real boy.
But then his expression shifted into remorse and guilt as he regarded the mother. "Why didn't you tell me?" There was that heartbroken edge to his voice just like Henry.
"You left me to the cops. I went to jail and found out I was pregnant. What did you expect? You clearly didn't want to be with me anymore so why would a child change that?" It was bitter and a low blow. Regardless of how much of an asshole and Judas incarnate he was, he had no way of knowing he knocked her up. Purposely keeping Henry's existence from him was vicious and she should have given him the decency to know that he provided the extra Y chromosome. But there was no going back now. What was done was done and there was nothing Emma could do to change it.
Neal gaped at her. "It wasn't like that! I never wanted to leave you. I…" He dragged in a shaky breath as his hand ran through his hair. "Yes I fucked up. I will admit it. What I did was unforgivable and I'm sorry and I wish I could take it all back, but I had no choice Emma."
"There's always a choice Neal," she retorted. "You chose to be a prick and leave me to the cops."
He didn't flinch at her insult. "I deserve that. All these years… After everything we went through, it looked like I slapped you across the face, but Emma, it was never my intention. I was put into a situation where I had no choice but to let you go. As much as it killed me to do that, I thought I was doing the right thing. I thought I was giving you the best chance you deserved…" Neal snorted ironically, shaking his head. "I guess it was for naught."
There was something odd about the way he said it and Emma narrowed her gaze. "Wait…" She shifted her focus on Gold, who was unusually quiet, and glared at the imp. "Did you know this all along? Was this some sick, twisted game you had in mind when you asked me to do this favor?"
Her sharp question woke Rumple out of his stupor. "What? Of course not! How could I have known you two had a past?"
"I don't know," Emma said testily. "You have that future vision thingy. And the fact you also like to be a thorn in my ass. So not much of a stretch here to think you orchestrated this."
"Believe me, Ms. Swann," he said gravely. "I may have 'orchestrated' other things for my benefit, but not this. Not with my son involved."
"What else is new?" Neal mumbled as he shot his father a disapproving look. "Some things don't change."
"Bae—"
"The name is Neal."
The three were squaring off, their body language indicating they were ready to fight and defend their actions, but Rumple had the sensible mind (his son was here) to reign in some of his emotions. Belle and the children weren't here as buffers and he knew that his fiancée would want him to try and make things work for the best. Despite the fact that his son and the Savior were dealing with issues of their own that didn't concern him, Rumple really wanted to be alone with his son. But Emma wasn't making it easier for him to repair the damage he caused when he let go of his son's hand so many years ago.
Thankfully, the Savior did the smart thing and solved his dilemma by telling Neal they can talk later. Much later.
"Henry needs me," she explained. "And frankly, I'm not ready to do this just yet." Giving Gold a pointed and arched look, she said, "I delivered my end of the bargain. He's here for you to talk to. Have at it." Then she turned on her heel and walked out.
Now, there were only two.
Father and son exchanged awkward looks and it was clear this wasn't going to be easy either. But whatever Gods were smiling down on Rumple, they granted him this reward by having Bae remain where he was with him. Of course, the good fortune of their smiles lasted a brief second when his son said briskly, "You have ten minutes. Make it count."
"Son," Rumple started carefully (inwardly he cringed by not using his real name, but his son was adamant in this insistence of a new name). "I know I wasn't always the greatest father. I have no excuses. What I did was unacceptable and unpardonable. I never should have let my fears get the best of me, but I was too much of a coward. I didn't know what was going to happen or what would happen to my magic and I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to protect you—"
"Yeah, I get that," Neal interrupted. "But that's the thing. You were more worried about your magic than anything or anyone else. That's all you truly ever cared about. Believe me I had years to come to terms with that."
"No, no," Rumple said, pleading. "You have it all wrong. I love you. I did it all for you. I wanted to be strong and protect you from the horrors and troubles I faced as a lad. Instead, I let my fears take over and I lost you as a result. Not a day goes by that I don't think about that night and regret every single damn second."
Neal crossed his arms and it was saying he was done with this part of the conversation. "Tell me: what's the story with the fiancée and the other kid. Don't forget. You have five minutes left."
"Belle and I met and fell in love back in our land. And—"
"Oh no. There's more to it than that. What happened?"
Rumple sighed. Should he tell the truth? How would his son take the news that his and Belle's courtship was anything but conventional? As loathed as he was to share the real story, he knew his son wanted honesty from him. And he had promised that if he ever found his son he would be more honest with Bae. But how much?
"Tick tock," Neal reminded him.
"We met when her former husband brought me to her castle. He… He had the dagger."
His son did a double-take. "Whoa, wait. Your dagger? Someone actually had your dagger?"
"Yes. And as part of the wedding contract I was to be used to eliminate the ogres from Belle's kingdom. She took pity on me. She didn't like that I was being controlled and did the best she could to make the situation bearable for me. And we fell in love."
Neal frowned. "But you said her former husband. Was she married?"
Rumple's face flushed scarlet. "They weren't married at the time."
The look on his son's face was comical. "No…"
"Son, you have to understand. Love can come when you least expect it and Belle and I were no different. We did try to fight it and do the right thing, but it was useless. She wasn't happy and I was miserable. But sometimes doing the right thing whether it's for honor or duty doesn't always works out to be the best. Belle and I belonged together. We're True Love believe it or not and she has been the best thing in my life. She has supported me when I needed it, helped me find you because she knew that was important to me. Trust me, a lot of this wouldn't have come to passed were it not for her. I owe her more than I could ever repay her. And that's the Gods honest truth."
"And… your daughter, um…"
"Lily-Rose."
"Lily-Rose. She's my half-sister."
"Yes."
"Wow. A son and a baby sister all in one day." He was still wrapping his brain around it and Rumple took it as a good sign since he hadn't demanded him to leave now with his time up. That was progress. Perhaps his son realized that he wasn't the same person and he was truly sorry for what happened that dreadful night. He had to hold onto that belief that Bae was there, somewhere in this shell of a man hardened by the many years of hardships.
In fact, Rumple was able to observe closely at this young man. It was still hard to believe that he was an adult, but there was Bae—strong and healthy—and Rumple had to thank the Gods that his son wanted for nothing. He had a home and that meant a job somewhere. All very good things now but what as a child? Did he find a home where good people took care of him? Or did he have to fend for himself—alone and starving? Rumple prayed for the latter but remembering the look of spite on Bae's face when he saw him… There was no doubt that his boy did struggle to survive. And Rumple only had himself to blame for putting him in that situation. Even when they were living in the Enchanted Forest, poor and often hungry, they had each other to lean upon and that did count for something despite how Rumple wanted to give his son the world.
But that was then and this was the present. Time travel was impossible so it was a bitter pill for Rumple to swallow. At least he could make up for his past sins and hoped Bae would see how contrite and sincere he was for his actions. If not, then Rumple would fight for him. He lost him once and he was determined not to lose him again, no matter what. He had to be brave and do what was right in his heart regardless if Bae should kick him out. Since that didn't appear to be the case, Rumple had to seize the opportunity and convince his son to come home with him, Belle, and Lily-Rose.
"Bae…" He reached for him, the loving and affectionate nickname that Rumple often repeated for so long came out and his boy's head looked up in response. Rumple could barely contain his joy. There he was! There was the Baelfire he knew! Then as quickly as it came it vanished. Bae no longer gazed back at him… No, it was Neal in his son's place with those familiar yet cold, steel-like eyes.
"Your ten minutes are up."
"Please—" Rumple couldn't lose him now! Not when he was so close…
"I listened. I completed the rest of Emma's deal with you. Now you can leave."
"Son." He licked his lips as he tried to speak to him again. "Look, I've changed. Really. I'm not the same man I used to be."
Neal sighed. "I heard what you had to say. I don't know if I believe this story about your fiancée but right now… I need to be alone. I have a lot to consider and I can't deal with you and this."
It wasn't a flat out dismissal or rejection, but in between the lines Rumple heard the possibility that he will speak to him again. Not now. But later. That was more than what he hoped for from his son.
"I understand." Rumple truly did. His boy was a father now and he would want to get to know Henry. Gods… he was a grandpa. Henry Mills was his grandson and once Regina learns of this… His lips curved. She would have a stroke. Maybe this was a good thing after all. "You remember what Belle said? I—We would like it if you joined us. If not for me then for Lily-Rose. She has been waiting a long time to meet her big brother. Don't punish her because of me."
With those parting words, Rumple left the apartment and it was as if a great weight was finally lifted. He said his peace and now it was up to Bae to decide what to do. It wasn't just about him anymore. He has a family and now Bae has a new family too. If he was the same righteous person that he used to be, then he will show up.
He had to.
xxXXxx
Avonlea
The doors for the nursery burst opened and running in were Gaston, Belle, Hannah, and several guards.
Of course, the last thing they expected to find was the Evil Queen standing in the middle of the room, holding Lily-Rose in her vine-like arms. The monarch rocked the little princess, cooing softly as she was clearly fast asleep and not aware of the danger she was in or the one who held her.
Belle's heart plummeted to the floor at the sight, her gasp echoing loud all around. This was what she had always feared. And she felt so entirely helpless and powerless to do anything, except watch as her husband and his men drew their swords.
"Steady!" Gaston commanded his sword aimed at Regina. The last thing they wanted was to charge her, especially with such a precious hostage in her grasp.
The vile woman looked up at them, her smirk growing wide. "Well, well. You certainly came much faster than I thought."
In a growing sense of dread, Belle noticed how Regina slid her gaze over to Hannah. Before she could form a new thought, Regina lifted her arm and waved it over the men. In a split instant, all of them—including Gaston—collapsed where they stood, their swords hitting the floor.
Belle ran to her husband and was relieved to find he was asleep as were the other men. They're not dead, she told herself. Thank the Gods. They're not dead. Given Regina's history, she wouldn't be surprised if she had added more blood to her hands. But at least they would live. Or so she hoped with this sleeping spell.
Then it hit her that she wasn't affected and neither was Hannah. Frowning, Belle shakily stood on her legs as she looked over at her trusted friend. The expression on her countenance was anything but friendly—her features were twisted as her lips snarled upwards in a horrible smile. This wasn't Hannah. This couldn't be…
Hearing Regina's low chuckle, Belle slowly turned around and spotted a glowing and pulsing red object that had magically appeared in Regina's free hand.
"That was too easy!" she laughed, the sound gurgling from her throat. "Well, she was no match for me. Oh, she struggled all right your majesty. Wouldn't give up the girl for nothing, but I always win. And this was no different."
"What did you do to her?!" Belle screamed. "Hannah!" She ran to her friend and seized her arms, shaking her. "Hannah! Snap out of it!"
"Snap out of it!" Hannah cruelly mocked and it was then Belle realized in a horrifying manner that it was Regina's words coming from Hannah's mouth. Letting her go as she backed away, Belle couldn't stop shaking her head in hopes to wake from this terrible nightmare. But… there were others. If Belle could get away and call for help…
"I wouldn't try it, milady," Hannah said. "They're all asleep now."
Belle glanced at Regina who confirmed it with a nod. The Queen of Avonlea was at a loss. She had no one to turn to, no one to come to her aid, and there was nothing in her power she could do to stop Regina. Whatever she wanted… Belle had no way of fighting her off and she prayed to the Gods that somewhere, out there Rumple could hear her pleas.
But he was imprisoned and could do no more than she. Belle had her wits and she had to tread carefully, lest Regina decided to put her to sleep too and disappear for good with her daughter. That she couldn't allow and she would fight to her last breath to ensure Lily-Rose's safety and protection.
"All right Regina," she said with determination. "If you wanted my attention, then you have it. What is it that you want?"
The regal woman lifted her brow and brought the magical object to her lips, murmuring into it. Simultaneously, Hannah moved in her direction with her arms wide opened as she accepted the slumbering princess in her grasp. Regina shook the arm that held Lily-Rose and grimaced.
"Children are quite heavy. Gods, how can anyone want one?" she muttered.
Belle's eyes didn't leave her daughter and somewhat relaxed that Hannah did what she usually do—sing lullabies to Lily-Rose. Her face no longer had its hostile look and if Belle hadn't seen it with her own eyes… she would think Hannah was back to normal. Of course, it did look incriminating that she was in cahoots with the Evil Queen, but somehow that object in Regina's hand was connected to dear Hannah and it controlled her.
As if hearing her question, Regina answered smoothly, "I have her heart in case you were wondering if you were betrayed. I know how you nobles feel about betrayal and such. But this one… couldn't bribe her, couldn't offer her the world, so drastic times calls for drastic measures. Besides, I wouldn't worry if I were you. At least… not yet."
There was glint to her cold eyes that didn't set well with Belle and she remained where she stood with her fists clenched. With a snap of Regina's fingers, a black table appeared with two black chairs and a tea set on top. The Evil Queen sat down and crossed her leg.
"Go on. Sit."
Belle didn't know what her game was, but she knew her cooperation depended on everyone in this room and most likely those of her people. Rigidly, she moved to the table and did as she was told. There was no doubt that Regina was enjoying this power play and if Belle had powers… she would wipe that smirk right off that woman's face! For now, she kept her back straight and gaze direct and unshaken. The last thing she wanted was to show her emotions to her now. She had to be resolved, calm, and alert.
"Please. Have some tea," Regina said.
"No thank you," Belle replied. "Cut to the chase Regina."
"My, my. Testy, aren't we?" She set Hannah's heart on the table as she reached for the teapot to pour herself a cup. "It's quite remarkable, really," Regina continued as she prepared her tea. "I honestly didn't think he had it in him, but he did."
She slowly stirred the milk and sugar as Belle's nails bit deeper into her skin. "What do you mean?"
"I think you do," Regina purred as she tapped the spoon on the rim to shake off the tea that clung to it. "After all, you have done nothing to deny it."
"I'm sorry. But you have me lost," Belle said.
"Come now. There's no need for secrets. You can be perfectly honest with me." When Belle didn't falter or say what Regina wanted to hear, the woman sighed. "Very well. Although, I must admit, I do admire your tenacity. Even in a tough situation you haven't lost your cool. Most people will be bowing down and simpering right now in your position."
"Well, I'm not most people," Belle coolly responded.
Regina hummed in agreement. "That's why I like you. You're like me—bold, fearless, and unwilling to take bullshit from anyone."
"You and I are nothing alike. I'm not cruel or callous. And I certainly don't slaughter a village of innocents, especially children for information."
"Touché." Regina's lips curled. "And blunt."
"Enough of this civility," Belle demanded. "Why are you here? Why are you doing this?"
"Would you believe me if I said I felt scorned and insulted that I wasn't invited to the festivities?" Shaking her head, Regina went on. "Actually, I don't care about the brat's birthday. I'm here because I know the Dark One fathered her. To be honest, I thought any child of his would be all scaly. Imagine my surprise."
Belle didn't know what to say. What could she say? Her worst fears came true and Regina knew Rumple was the father. Even if she were to deny it, there was no way to disguise the dark magic in Lily-Rose's veins. Both Nova and the Blue Fairy knew and it was evident Regina sensed it too.
Since there was no point in keeping discretion, Belle said: "Well, you have satisfied your curiosity. Yes. Lily-Rose is Rumplestiltskin's. Is that what you wanted to hear? My admittance? Now you have it. If you would kindly let my maid go, then we can go our separate ways."
"Such passion," Regina drawled. "I wonder what in the world Rumple had to do to convince you into his bed. Of course with that little sparky attitude I can see why."
"Why are you doing this? I thought we were—"
"Friends?" the Evil Queen interrupted, practically spitting the word out. "Please. We are far from it and you know it. Although, receiving an invite would have been nice."
This was the second time she brought up Lily-Rose's party. Did Regina feel affronted she didn't get one?
"So you break into my castle, take my daughter, and enslaved my maid?" Belle said incredulously. "Because we didn't invite you?"
"It's the principle of propriety."
"And you always follow propriety," Belle spat.
The older woman glared. "I would watch your tongue, your highness."
"And you yours," Belle threatened. "This is my kingdom. And if anyone should feel insulted—it's me! So if this is not about the party or Lily-Rose's father, then why are you here?"
Belle was playing with fire the moment she agreed to sit across from Regina in this poor attempt at a civil conversation and tea. The whole thing was a farce and both women knew that. There was something more to this meeting than what Regina has revealed, and Belle wished she would get to the point and tell her what it was. For someone who didn't like to take bullshit from anyone, she certainly knew how to dish it. And frankly, the suspense was getting to be quite annoying.
"I saw him."
There it was. Those three little words and there was no doubt in Belle's mind on who "he" was that she saw. Belle nodded curtly for her to go on.
For clarification, Regina added, "Rumplestiltskin."
"I see."
Regina clearly wasn't getting a rise out of her and Belle could tell she was disappointed that the beauty didn't take the bait. While Belle wanted to know how her lover was and where he was kept, she didn't want to give Regina the satisfaction. And she had no idea if Regina was being honest with her or not. For all she knew, this was another game to the monarch and she would be damned if she was going to play the hysterical lover and demand to know his whereabouts.
"He's locked underground in a tiny jail cell with no one for company but the rats. I paid him a visit, being my former teacher and all, and he told me about you and the child. He also told me what a mistake she had been too."
Despite Belle's calm exterior, she couldn't help but react to the triggering emotion such a statement inspired.
"She is not a mistake!" Belle shouted.
Regina shrugged. "Whatever. The truth is… he doesn't care about you or your twerp. She should have never been born and he doesn't feel any obligation to her. It's a pity really. I sensed she is a powerful being as I'm sure you have noticed. With her birth father out of the picture, she will need help controlling all that power. And it just so happens, I am a student of dark magic and can be a good teacher to her."
"Wait…" Belle shook her head in disbelief. "Are you suggesting that I let you teach Lily-Rose?" This meeting took a complete and unexpected turn. Never in her wildest imagination would she expect Regina to make such a proposition.
And she wasn't done.
"Not just teach. I'll take her and raise her like she was my own. It would be worth your while, my dear. Think about it. She's a disgrace, a bastard. Doesn't matter that you were married when she was conceived. She was a child born out of an affair, and not by any man, but the Dark One. If the world found out about her and you… it'll be more than your hubby's broken heart you have to worry about."
"Never," Belle said, her chest tightening with anger.
"Come on. Don't make any rash decisions. You know she will grow up to be dangerous if her powers are left uncheck. Not to mention how your precious kingdom will turn against her and even you for your sins. If you let me have her, then I will erase everyone's memories, including yours, and it would be like she never existed. You can go back to that lunk-head of a husband and have more babies with him. He is certainly virile so you'll have another daughter in no time."
"No," Belle said, a bit louder. "I will never give my child to you."
"So you would risk a whole kingdom for her?" Regina asked, flabbergasted that Belle wasn't taking any of this into consideration.
"Yes. I love my daughter with all of my heart and the man who fathered her. Say what you will but I will never regret her or forsake her for what others may think. I know what I did and I don't regret them. As for her powers, I will find someone else who can help her. Now leave!"
"You foolish idiot!" Regina roared, jumping up. "If you think Rumplestiltskin will help, then you have another thing coming. He doesn't care about you or her!"
"Be it as it may," Belle said. "But that doesn't change my feelings."
"You will regret this," she warned.
Before Belle could utter another retort, Lily-Rose stirred in Hannah's arms. Whatever spell Regina cast over her was fading fast as the princess was quickly regaining her awareness. And it so happened she heard some of the things that the nasty lady had said to her mommy.
The fireball flew towards Regina unexpectedly and she managed to move away in time as the flames singed her hairpiece.
Belle could only gasp in astonishment, not realizing that Lily-Rose was capable of such violence. Yet, she only had thoughts of her well-being as Belle rushed towards Hannah and managed to rip her away from her embrace.
Holding her tight, Belle watched as Regina fixated a murderous look on the child.
"So… that's how you want to play it, huh?" Regina said. "Well, two can play at this game. I really liked that hairpiece."
In Belle's haste to get to her daughter, she had completely forgotten about Hannah's heart. But it was too late as Regina soon had it in the palm of her hand. She squeezed hard as Hannah let out a cry of agony.
Belle turned, her eyes widening in horror, as Hannah fell to her knees, her hand grasping her chest. Then Hannah slumped to the ground with her eyes shut.
Tears shimmering in her eyes, Belle looked at Regina as the Evil Queen glared at her. "Let this be a warning. I will come for your daughter. And that I can promise you."
The men began moving and Gaston let out a groan. The sleeping spell was wearing off but Regina was already gone by the time her husband was fully awake.
Belle ran to him, hugging him close, as he did with her and Lily-Rose. Catching Hannah's still form and his wife's quivering body as she cried, it didn't take much to put two and two together on what happened.
xXx
They had enough time to bury Hannah and give her a proper funeral befitting a friend of the Queen's before the Curse was at last cast and Regina's revenge was completed.
As the swirls of black and purple smoke overtook Avonlea, Belle held Lily-Rose close. Here it comes Rumple. Please let this be worthwhile after everything we've been through. And Hannah… I won't forget you my dear friend. One way or another, I will make sure Regina doesn't hurt another person again.
xxXXxx
Present
When Rumple returned to the hotel, he found Belle and Lily-Rose in their room. The toddler was curled on the bed taking a nap, the emotional stress taking its toll on her. This was fine since it allowed Rumple to speak to Belle about what happened with Bae. Furthermore, the adjoined room was oddly quiet.
"Emma and Henry are out for a long walk and chat. It wasn't easy for him and at first he didn't want to speak to her, but I convinced him he should hear her side of the story. I can only imagine how he must feel to know his father is alive, and at the same time, I know Emma must have had her reasons for keeping the truth from him. It's so amazing, isn't it? That all this time Bae was Henry's father."
"Indeed. It makes sense. There have been times when I thought I saw Bae in him, but I figured it was because of my desperate need to find my son."
"Well, it certainly changes things," Belle remarked. "Of course, I'm looking forward to see how Regina reacts."
Rumple smirked. "As am I."
They exchanged smiles until Belle asked, "So how did your chat with Bae go? You were gone for an awful long time. I take it went well?"
He sighed. "As well as it was to be expected. He heard me out and didn't kick me out right away. It was something, but… He still is hurting after what I've done. I don't blame him. I didn't react as well as I should have years ago. And he still doesn't believe that you could possibly love me. Given my track record… I suppose it would seem possible that you and I worked out some kind of deal. Anyways, I told him he was invited for dinner tonight with us if not for me but for Lily-Rose."
"Do you think he'll come?"
"I don't know," he admitted. "I hope he does. I really do Belle."
She squeezed his hands. "Anything's possible. Even miracles."
The hours ticked by and it was eventually six o'clock. Rumple, Belle, and Lily-Rose were already down at the restaurant. Emma and Henry opted to eat out by themselves since they felt it was important for Neal to be with his father first. As much as Henry wanted to finally officially meet his father, he knew this was a far bigger deal to Mr. Gold and Lily-Rose. As far as he was concerned, he had time to get to know him and his mother promised there will be no more secrets and she will take him back to Neal's apartment so he could talk to him.
By six-oh-five there were no signs of Bae. Ten minutes past and still Bae was a no show.
Rumple did his best to conceal his disappointment, but Belle could tell that both her True Love and daughter were upset he hadn't shown up. As much as she wanted to take their pain away, she knew this was something that Bae/Neal had to do on his own. While Rumple may have been quick to give up, she had faith that he will come.
And her faith paid off.
Lily-Rose was the first to notice. Her face lit up as if it was her birthday and she could barely contain her shriek of joy. "Bae!"
Belle and Rumple looked towards the entrance and there he was. Late, but nevertheless he made it.
For a moment, he awkwardly stood there as if not sure what to do or if he should leave. Then making up his mind, he walked towards their table where the empty chair next to Lily-Rose's booster seat was.
"This seat, uh, taken?" Neal sheepishly asked.
Belle grinned. "Not at all. Please sit."
He did and turned to face his little sister. To Rumple's sheer delight, his son smiled brightly back at the toddler.
"Lily-Rose, huh? That's a big name for a little girl like you," he teased.
"I'm this many Bae," she replied in a child's petulant way and held up two fingers.
"Wow. You're right. My bad."
She giggled. "It's okay. I forgive you. But you are late."
He put up his hands. "I'm sorry. I got stuck in traffic and ended up walking from the taxi to get here. I wanted to meet you. I know it didn't seem like it at first but—"
"It was a surprise. You can make it up to me," she told him.
"Be careful," Belle warned with a smile. "Lily-Rose has planned a lot of things for you two to do together. Tea parties, dress up…"
"All of which I'm looking forward in doing," Neal promised, sending his little sister a wink. "I do make a mean pot of tea."
"And don't forget stories too, Mommy," Lily-Rose reminded her. "I have a lot of stories we can read."
"She gets that from her mother," Rumple said affectionately, earning him a light slap on the arm from Belle.
Neal's brow arched at the teasing between his father and the beautiful brunette. If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes it would appear they were like any ordinary couple. Perhaps there was some truth to his father's story after all…
Turning to Neal, Belle said, "We are happy you came Neal. This means a lot to us."
"Me too," he replied sincerely. "This doesn't change things automatically but… I would like to spend time with Lily-Rose. You see, I always wanted a sister. Now I have one and it's a wish come true." His tone had the underlying message that it didn't change things with his Papa, but there was hope that it could change. Neal looked over at his father and right there in his eyes… Rumple could see that he wanted it to change too.
Yes, it was indeed a miracle.
As the dinner progressed, Rumple found himself relaxing more and more. This was his family, and while they still had a long road of recovery ahead of them, at this moment in time… all was well and what was lost was now found.
The End
