A/N: I cleaned up this chapter and added a previous one. Sorry for any confusion!

The Dark Castle

Rumplestlitskin looked once more at the enormously long and full table that he prepared for his guest.

As the clock struck, he heard the gates to his castle open, soon Jefferson would be inside. "Glad to see the boy is still punctual." He remarked to himself. While he and the portal jumper had their ups and downs, the imp knew he could count on him to show up on time. That was one of advantage of having mentored the man since he discovered him as a child.

If Jefferson could retrieve Rose from whereever she was being hidden, he'd do something similar - having her educated at a boarding school (after wiping her memory of course) and giving her whatever she needed materially. Like the Hatter she had the potential to be powerful, but it wouldn't happen by accident. He would harness her power.

He had no doubt that the girl would be able to learn. Both of her parents were intelligent and her grandmother Cora was exceptionally sharp. As petty as it seemed he had grown to love the idea of exploiting with Cora's family. It was exactly what that two-faced witch deserved.

"So happy you made it, my boy!" He happily greeted him.

"Wow, this must be a special occasion. The good china is out." Jefferson seemed suspicious and rightly so. What Rumplestiltskin was going to ask was an almost impossible task.

"It is! I just recently heard some fantastic news. It seems like one of my prized possessions is still around." He clasped his hands as if he already had her. When Jefferson refused to play along, he went ahead with his explanation. "Unfortunately, I have no idea where, which is why I need your special talents."

Jefferson took some eggs and pastries from the table, he started asking about the job. "What is this prized possession of yours?"

Rumple strutted up to him. "That's the best part dearie! My trinket is a small child. So tiny and compact." He wished that he could spend all of his time searching for Rose, but right now, he needed to focus his time and attention on getting Regina ready. She was rapidly gaining ability and her need for revenge was growing even stronger. He just had to guide her step by step so she could cast his Curse.

"What's so special about this one?"

Rumple laughed. "The same as you, my boy - she's a portal jumper." Portal jumpers were rare and for even the best like Jefferson had some hatter was one of Rumpelstiltskin's best assets, both at acquiring pieces for him, but as a piece himself. Talking more to himself he added, "Well, not yet of course, but she will be. And a special one at that, as she'll be able to travel between realms - with and without magic." He teleported from one end of the room to the next and then back.

"Sounds like she could be a powerful asset or liability. You sure you want that?"

"Yes, she is an asset, but like her mother, she can be manipulated."

The mention of a mother had Jefferson quirking his brow. "Just who is her mother?"

"Regina, of course." He leaned in to the hatter as if he was sharing a secret between friends. "Which is why I need your help my boy. I simply need you to find the girl and bring her to me without the Queen knowing."

"Why would I do that? It sounds like too much risk for such a small reward."

"Cause I will give you the treasure you want."

"I'm already wealthy and with the royal passport I have some respectability. There is nothing that I want nor need."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you wanted needed a doctor. My mistake. I found a perfect one for your darling Grace, but if you're already happy -" He lifted his hands in a mock signal of surrender. "Don't let the door hit you on the way out."

"Wait; you will find me a doctor for my daughter in exchange for Regina's child?"

Having 'raised' Jefferson, Rumple had manipulated the man into becoming exactly what he needed and he also knew what wanted most - a family. Through unforeseen circumstances the arranged marriage he created produced a fantastic gift - Grace, a baby born from true love. She was another child he couldexploit and seeing as she was gravely ill, he intended to use her as leverage. "I already have the doctor that you need to save your daughter's life. I think the terms of the deal sounds rather fair, doesn't it?" If Rumpelstiltskin understood one thing about Jefferson is that he placed his family and himself above everyone else.

Surprisingly his former apprentice didn't jump at the deal as he had expected, though his face made it clear that he wanted to. Instead Jefferson offered a counter-proposal, "I'll search for the child, but I'd like to amend the deal. I will give my best effort in finding the little one in exchange for the doctor. I'd like to be compensated for my efforts. That's my final offer."

He was growing desperate - it would only be a matter of time before The Dark Curse was cast. He was annoyed that Jefferson was trying to adjust the terms of the deal, but he didn't have that many other options right now. Rumple stood up and shook the hatter's hand. "Very well, my boy, we have a deal."

A/N: I want to give a shout to DaesGatling for the Greatest Irony, her wonderful series on Jefferson. I used it as a reference for this chapter. Please follow it if you haven't already!