I'll actually be switching point of views for this next part xD I haven't done that (except for that tiny portion of Regina and Henry last chapter), I've been sticking with just Emma's POV, so this will be an experience. Some of this stuff you might not understand. It is stuff I am taking from my storyline in my other story 'To Breathe Again', which is Mad Beauty (shameless plugging). It shouldn't be that difficult (I'm hoping), but…we'll see :) Enjoy! And thanks so much for the reviews! :)

Chapter 15:

It had been three days. Three long days of mourning. Everyone in the kingdom was in a deep sadness. They may have won the War, but they lost something very dear in the process.

Their Princess Emma.

Rumplestiltskin chuckled darkly. That old Regina did have one more trick up her sleeve. She was able to throw a sleeping curse at Emma at the last moment. How she was able, Rumplestiltskin did not know. The darkness that emanated from the dead body was her last weapon, her last defense. And it had worked too well. The Princess had fallen into a deep sleep, one that she could not wake from unless True Love's Kiss freed her.

His mouth twisted. And Regina was clever. She knew that there would be no True Love's Kiss for Emma. Knew that Emma did not have a True Love here in this world. He clenched his jaw. And she knew that if there was one…he wouldn't try it.

She had been one step ahead of him.

He was conflicted. Just like he had always been, he couldn't decide whether or not Love was worth giving up his powers. Just like with Belle, he knew this couldn't end well. And Regina knew all of this.

The witch.

He glanced over to the middle of the room. There, on a comfortable bed, just like the one her mother once laid upon, was Princess Emma. Her eyes closed, her body still. Her blonde hair fanned out around her, golden waves on the white sheets. She was wearing a simple white dress, her feet bare. Clasped between her hands that lay on her stomach, was her sword.

For the first time since he'd seen her again in Storybrooke…she looked peaceful. The hard lines that usually marred her smooth skin were gone, something Henry had almost managed since coming back into her life. He liked to think that her sleep was as serene as the way she looked. That her mind was finally quiet and calm. She had had so many hardships in her life, she deserved a little rest.

He turned away once more, putting his head in his hand. He was so tired. He had been on this world of the living for so long, searching for Bae, looking for a way out. Battling his curse, embracing his curse. Making deals, making enemies, shunning would-be friends. Being alone.

When he had the vision, so very long ago, of the savior he knew it would all change. He would finally get his chance to…to do something. To finally push through that haze that kept him from going forward or backwards. He would finally find a way to find his son. He'd get Bae back.

He knew this savior would change everything. He knew that she'd put an end to Regina's tyranny. And he knew that he had to become allies with her when the time came.

He just didn't know her name.

It wasn't until King James and Queen Snow visited him in his cage that he was able taste the syllables on his tongue for the first time.

Emma...

And then images, thousands of images flew threw his mind. This time it showed a blonde female instead of a faceless figure. She would be born right when the curse activates. She would go through the wardrobe. She would live and grow up in another world, and on her 28th birthday she would return.

But she needed a reason to come back. So he would have to give her one.

He had planned it to where he would remember, regardless of Regina's plans. And when the time came, he planned a little vacation over in Tallahassee, just a little time off from his busy schedule. The curse allowed him to leave, knowing that he'd be back- a little loophole he had planted when creating it.

When trying to justify why he was doing this, he kept reminding himself that he couldn't force her to fall in love, couldn't force her to like someone and do…what she needed to do. He needed a failsafe way. And there was only one.

It didn't hurt, he thought, that she was one of the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. It hadn't been as difficult as he thought it would. She had gotten drunk on her 18th birthday, and he was just a nameless stranger to her. As angry as she was with the world, he only fit too perfectly in her plan to stick it to society.

And as soon as it was over, he knew it had worked. He went back to Storybrooke. And while she never remembered him, not even during that night, he never stopped thinking about her. Ten years might seem like a long time to others, but what was that compared to the waiting he's already done? He could wait for her, and he did.

Nine months later, his sources told him that she had had the baby. In jail, no less. She had the baby boy put up for a closed adoption and he was there to pick the babe right up. Regina had been harping at him about wanting something more in her life. He had mentioned adopting. She loved the idea, like he knew she would. And that was that.

The boy looked like Bae.

Every time he laid eyes on the boy, his heart would squeeze itself. He would remember what he lost, and he would feel that hole clawing at his chest. That was when he would shake himself out of his stupor. He reminded himself of what he was doing now, to regain that which he lost.

Silently he had promised to watch over his boy. This boy with his eyes, her spirit, and his cunning. With her Charming genes, his mischievous ways, her wit, and their stubborn ways. He needed to do right by him. That was the least he could do.

But the boy didn't trust him, and he couldn't blame him. But he still kept Regina in line, he still watched over the boy, making sure his childhood wasn't horrible.

He was the one to sell the book to Mary Margaret. He knew that she would give it to Henry, and that the boy would realize.

And then ten years later…she showed up again. And things began to change. Not just for the town, but…for him as well.

Rumplestiltskin shook his head, rubbing his hand down his face tiredly. This…insufferable woman had done more than she was supposed to. She was just supposed to break the curse and get back with the Charmings. He was only supposed to be her benefactor. To maybe help her, and then when the time came they'd be allies, and he would get in good favor with the King and Queen.

When they met again, when he heard her name again, he knew things would not go as smoothly.

They started out as enemies. The first time she dealt with him was during the whole Ashley debacle, which immediately put him in a bad light for her. Then he tried to win back her forgiveness, slowly, and he had made progress. That is until he set the Town Hall on fire. And then old King Maurice stole from him…

She was never supposed to know about Belle. He didn't want to bring that part up about his life, he didn't want her to know. But she did, and stubborn thing that she is, she went out and investigated.

He still couldn't believe that Belle had been alive all these years. He will always be thankful to Emma for helping him get that closure. And one would think that with Belle back, he would finally have love again.

They'd be wrong.

All that time he'd spent with Emma, everything he learned, everything he felt…he had never known something like that. That feeling of right, that everything was okay. It felt so much different than it had with Belle.

Belle…Rumplestiltskin ran a hand through his hair. He had loved her. Maybe not to the extent of 'True Love', but he had loved her dearly. But they hadn't known each other that long when she had kissed him. And she had 'died' so suddenly, that…he never really knew her at all. And all these years he had blamed himself for her death. Wondering if that had been his last chance at love, at redemption.

But when he heard that name again…he knew it hadn't. "Emma…"

That woman had gotten under his skin. He couldn't make a single move without wondering what she'd think, how she'd react. He felt himself trying to be better, to make 'good' decisions. He wanted to help her, wanted her to succeed. He wanted her to be happy. Even if it wasn't with him.

And now he didn't know what to do.

There she lay, all her efforts, and those of his, seemed for naught. Regina still managed to best them, she still managed to come out on top even in death.

He had gained this power so he would never feel helpless again. He had wasted everything in his life that was good for this power. And yet…he could do nothing. He had never felt this powerless before, and he hated it.

He let out a long suffering sigh, one that spoke of many years of hardship. He had been sitting here since she had been placed in the room, just contemplating. Henry had been here for awhile, not leaving his mother's side, but they finally managed to get him to eat and sleep. Now he was alone with his thoughts.

He didn't know what to do. It still seemed that the question for him was what choice will he make? Will he choose Emma over Belle? And if so, will he choose Emma over his power?

'I still need to find Bae…,' he thought desperately.

A noise at the entrance startled him out of his stupor. Looking over, he saw Belle in the doorway. She seemed nervous, and he could understand why. Ever since she came back to him everything became so awkward between them. It was all so stilted, and when they would talk it would be about completely opposite things. She wanted to change him, but he always needed to focus on his plans. There was a rift between them that seemed like it would never be repaired.

It was there in Storybrooke and it stayed there in Fairytaleland. No matter how they tried, it seemed like they would never be. And he would blame himself, because if only he had looked for her. If only he hadn't taken Regina for her word, instead of knowing she was lying. And he would kick himself, and she would tell him not to, and he would yell, and then they would fight.

She was looking at him now, knowing that he was in turmoil, but just not knowing how to fix it. She stayed away from him, near the door, not knowing how to approach him. He hated it. If it had been Emma-

He shut those thoughts up quickly.

Belle tentatively stepped closer. He didn't move, just watched her. When he didn't protest, she walked closer. She sat next to him gently, her face turned away. He realized she was looking at Emma. Neither spoke, both choosing to just wait the other out. Finally Belle took the plunge, gathering up her courage.

"Rumplestiltskin…I know."

He glanced at her, confused. She stared back into his eyes, hers clear and seeming full of knowledge. She smiled at him, "And…I'm okay with it."

He turned from her, his head shaking, "I-I don't," he tried to deny, but she stopped him. She lay a hand on his shoulder, "It's okay." She paused, "I think I've always known. Ever since we reunited at the ball, you've always seemed so…distant." She bit her lip, "And…I don't think I've ever known you, anyways." She looked over at him, "Do you know what I mean?"

He didn't reply. She bit her lip again. "And, if I'm completely honest…it's not one sided. This distance." She kept a steady gaze on his eyes, wanting him to understand. And he thought he did.

"You love him, don't you?" They both know who he means. She hesitantly nods, and he can see that it's not her feelings that she's unsure of, it's how he'll react. But he smiles at her, catching her off guard.

"Who am I to stand in the way of True Love, dearie?" and then she smiled at him, one of the first true smiles he's ever gotten from her. She reached over and hugged him. "I know you're unsure," she whispered to him, "But for once follow your heart, not your mind…you'll know what you need to do."

She pulled away, giving him a meaningful look. She softened it with a smile and squeezed his shoulder, "Good luck." He nodded his thanks, unable to create a verbal response. She stood up, fixing her dress, and then began to walk to the door. His gaze was riveted to the floor, thinking.

"Oh, and Rumplestiltskin?" she paused, turning around. He looked up, expectant. She smiled again at him, this time looking grateful, "Thank you."

He knew what she meant. She was thankful that he was okay with her being in love with someone else. And he was. He knew the Hatter, knew of how he cared for Belle when he had kicked her out. He just wanted her to be happy.

He nodded, smiling as well. "You're welcome."

And then she left, casting one more meaningful look at Emma's unconscious body. He sighed. She always was kind of pushy. He lightly smirked.

It dropped off his face instantly.

He was still unsure of what to do.

Hesitantly, he stood up on unsteady legs. Step after step he took, slowly reaching her form. She was so beautiful. He always marveled at how her beauty so contrasted her coldness. She had shut down her emotions, hardened and built up her walls, because of all the hurt that was dealt to her. He knew she didn't deserve it, and it was why he hated that this had happened to her.

He started to circle the bed, keeping his eyes on her face. She looked so calm, so different than she usually did. He stood on the other side of her now, to her right. She didn't move. Her eyelids flutter minutely, and he wondered if she was aware of her surroundings, but unable to move.

He clenched his jaw. What decision should he make? Blast it all! He rested his hands on the side of the bed, and lowered his head. His power or her? His son…

He looked up slightly. Her face was still slack, so unassuming. He thought of Henry. He'd be without a mother once more. Charming and Snow would lose their child again. The land would lose their savior. And…he would lose her.

"Forgive me, Bae," he whispered. His decision was made. He could only hope his son would understand. He leaned forward, the familiarity of the movement was not lost on him. He had almost done this earlier, it was ironic that their first kiss would be now. One hand kept his weight and the other touched the side of her face, brushing aside some hair. He lowered his head, gazing upon her features. 'To see those eyes open,' he thought, 'would be worth it…'

And he touched his lips to hers.

Well! :) Hope you guys liked it. Not sure how I feel about it, but…ehh :) Tell me what you think. I was trying to portray how he was conflicted between saving her, who he loved, or keeping his power and finding his son. Now, I love Bae, don't get me wrong, but I think Rumple loved Emma enough to risk it all. He for once did something for the greater good. In fact, he was willing to give up his power, something Bae had wanted.

But anyway, do not fret! I have already started the next chapter! :)