Rumplestiltskin was sitting at the picnic table in the front yard when Grumpy and Belle returned to the cottage. He knew his presence wasn't welcome, so he was not going to join Snow and the other dwarfs unless he absolutely had to. He stood when Belle approached him. She went to his side, "All is well. Grumpy may not be happy about you being here, but he's willing to accept the circumstances and be civil."

Grumpy came up behind her and addressed Rum, "Just keep your distance, though. Just cause I'm letting you stay here doesn't mean I can't change my mind." He walked off before Rumplestiltskin could retort.

Belle laced her fingers through Rumplestiltskin's, "Come, we should join them for breakfast."

Rumplestiltskin hesitated, "Uh...I don't think it's such a good idea dearest."

"No, it will be fine. Snow knows how I feel about you, plus she's not going to let you starve."

Rumplestiltskin gave in and let Belle lead him inside. Grumpy had just entered before them.

"There you three are, I was getting worried," Snow said as she finished cooking, "What happened?"

Grumpy used one hand to rub the back of his neck as he spoke, "Ah yes, we got…tied up…" He wasn't exactly sure how to answer Snow's question, and he most certainly wasn't going to tell her the truth.

Belle placed a hand on his shoulder to signal she could handle it, "Grumpy and I just wanted to watch the sunrise at the pond. He told me how pretty it was, and I couldn't help myself."

Snow eyed the three conspicuously, "Oh ok," she went to walk away but noticed something, "Belle you have…some hay in your hair." Snow pointed to her head to demonstrate her point.

Belle jumped slightly and blushed. She could tell Rumplestiltskin was holding back a smile, and Grumpy was trying to excuse himself from the soon to be embarrassing situation. "Thank you," Belle said as she plucked the few pieces of straw from her head, and glanced sideways at Rum trying not to smile.

Snow, who had a good idea of what was going on, didn't want to push the point further, "Well breakfast is ready."

"Oh yes let me help you," Belle offered, and grabbed dishes to set the table.

As they ate their breakfast, Rumplestiltskin kept to himself mostly, only speaking when Belle or Snow spoke to him. The dwarfs ignored him, but he knew they were keeping a watchful eye on him. Belle told Snow about her and Rumplestiltskin's escape from her father's palace. She left out the part about the dagger, and how it controls him. She trusted Snow, but she didn't think it would be a good idea to start spreading that bit of information around, especially since Rumplestiltskin trusted her to keep it safe.

Snow updated Belle as well. Since her visit to the castle, she had been staying with the dwarfs while Queen Regina thought she was dead. She also had regained her memory of her true love Prince James, or Charming, as she liked to call him. He would come visit her periodically, but they couldn't be together completely until she could come out of hiding. The prince was also having problems with King George, and they were currently working on a plan to overthrow him.

"So what do you plan to do?" Snow asked Belle referring to the future, "I'm assuming you don't want to stay here very long, as much as I would like that."

"Well as much as I would like it too, no. Rum and I have our own plans, but we did come here for a reason," Belle smiled and her cheeks became red.

"Oh?"

"We're going to get married, and I would be honored if you could be there for me," Belle held out her hand to show Snow her engagement ring.

Snow wasn't as shocked as Belle expected her to be, but some of the dwarfs did choke on their food or drink. Snow pulled Belle's hand closer so she could examine the ring, "Why your ring is beautiful Belle and I wouldn't miss it for the world. Where and when exactly?"

Belle's face fell slightly, "Well that's the thing. As you may know, I'm not marrying the most liked man in all the lands, and we aren't even sure if we can find someone to marry us. I really don't want a big wedding or anything. Just something very simple."

Snow placed a hand on top of Belle's and smiled, "Don't fret anymore, I know just the person who would do it."

"You do?"

"Yes, Charming. He's a prince so he can officiate."

Belle took a quick glance in Rum's direction to see how he felt about the matter. From what she could tell by the look on his face, he didn't object to Prince James marrying them, but she was pretty sure they had crossed paths before. Whether or not their interactions had been pleasant or not was the question. She was sure she knew the answer. She turned back to Snow, "And you think he will do it?"

"I'll talk to him this afternoon, but I don't see why not."

Belle's face lit up, "Oh thank you Snow!" She gave her friend a small hug.

"Charming should be here soon. We have a council meeting today, and he usually arrives before everyone else, so you'll be able to meet him."

"Sounds good."

"However, when the meeting starts I will have to ask you to stay inside. It's not that I don't trust you, but the other council members don't know you and well," she glanced up at Rumplestiltskin then back at Belle, "I don't want to make them uncomfortable."

"I completely understand."

All of the dwarfs, with the exception of Grumpy, left for work once they were finished eating. Grumpy stayed because he was part of the meeting, but he also wanted to monitor Rumplestiltskin. Prince James arrived in the early afternoon. Snow White saw him walking toward the cottage and she ran out to meet him.

Belle watched through the window as they engaged in a lover's embrace. She was so happy Snow had found true love. She only hoped they could get things sorted out with King George and Regina.

Rumplestiltskin was the first person Charming laid eyes on when he came into the cottage with Snow. "What are you doing here?" Charming snapped at Rumplestiltskin. He turned to Snow, "Please tell me you didn't invite him here to make some sort of deal, because if so we're not doing it. We can take King George on our own without his help…"

Snow grabbed Charming by both arms, "Charming, Charming, calm down. He's not here for a deal."

"Then what?" He faced Rumplestiltskin and pulled out his sword, "I've only known this creature to visit when there's something that he wants. What is it you want?!"

Rumplestiltskin rolled his eyes, "Calm down dearie, and put that away."

Charming's sword disappeared from his hand. He searched frantically for it only to find it had taken it's place in his belt holster.

"I'm here on account of true love," Rum said as he waved his hands through the air.

Charming scoffed, "What do you know of true love?"

"Well not as much as you, perhaps," he pointed to Charming, "but not as little as you might think."

Their conversation was paused when Belle entered from the other room and smiled when she saw the trio. Snow went to her and grabbed both her hands pulling her toward the two men, "Belle, dear, come here and meet Charming."

Belle smiled up at the man that stood before her. He was tall and handsome, with short blond hair. She could tell he was a prince by the outfit he was wearing, but he also looked like a warrior.

Snow introduced them, "Charming, this is Belle. Remember I told you about her. She was my closest friend growing up."

Rumplestiltskin was forgotten for a moment as Charming greeted Belle, "It's a pleasure to meet you Belle."

Belle took a small curtsy, "And you your majesty."

He waved a hand in disapproval, "Please call me James or Charming."

Belle smiled, but then she picked up on the tension in the room. She tried to play it off with a teasing tone, "You're not causing trouble again are you, Rum?"

"Only my presence, dearest," Rumplestiltskin stated with a grin. He snaked an arm around her waist from the side.

Charming furrowed his brow as he watched the interactions and looks going on between Belle and Rumplestiltskin. Then he understood. He looked down at Snow who was telling him, 'Yes it's true,' with her eyes.

After the initial shock wore off, Charming spoke, "When you told me about your best friend, you failed to mention she was in love with Rumplestiltskin."

Snow chuckled, "Yes, that is a hard thing to just bring up in conversation."

Grumpy peeked in through the front door, "Everyone is arriving, and we must get started soon."

"Yes thank you Grumpy," Snow said. Grumpy returned outside to greet the visitors as they arrived.

"Ah yes the meeting," Charming stated as if he'd forgotten. He addressed Snow, "I don't want him anywhere near us during the meeting," he said pointing a finger at Rumplestiltskin, "In fact it will better if the others don't know he's here, they will get suspicious."

Snow opened her mouth to respond, but Rumplestiltskin held his hand up to silence her and spoke instead, "Do not worry. I will not interfere with your precious meeting. As much as you want to believe it, and as much as I would like to, ahhha, I'm not here to cause mischief. I will stay out of sight until your guests have departed."

Charming was slightly taken aback by Rumplestiltskin's cooperation, "Well I thank you."

"Tis no problem, dearie. Just remember that in the future."

Charming looked at him questionably for another minute as if he was still unsure whether or not to believe Rum. Eventually he decided he had no choice. He turned to leave. Snow silently mouthed her appreciation and followed Charming out the door to greet her guests.

Belle smiled up at Rum once they were alone, "Thank you for that."

"It's no matter," he tried to play it off.

Her smile brightened and she walked into the kitchen to pour the two of them some tea. She pulled out two cups and filled them. When she was just about to fill the second cup, it vanished only to be replaced by the chipped cup Rumplestiltskin adored so much. Belle laughed, "I'm beginning to think you enjoy that cup more than me. You did risk our escape to retrieve it."

"It is the only treasure I have that reminds me of you, from when we first met. I cherish it, but not more than you my Belle." Rum stepped closer to her and she reached up and put her arms around his neck. Belle gave him a soft loving kiss on the lips. He stroked the small of her back as he enjoyed the embrace.

When they parted she nuzzled her head into his neck, "I love you, Rumplestiltskin."

"Yes, and I you."

As they held each other, a small chirping noise could be heard. Belle thought it to be the crickets outside from the nearby pond, but then she realized it sounded like it was in the house.

"I believe we have a visitor." Rumplestiltskin acknowledged, pointing to the open window.

Belle followed his gaze and saw a cricket resting on the ledge. She smiled and went to help the insect back outside, until she noticed he was wearing a top hat, matching jacket, and holding a small umbrella. The cricket chirped some more, appearing to be speaking to her. She was only confused.

"I believe this will be of some assistance," Rumplestiltskin snapped his fingers and a small golden gramophone appeared next to the cricket.

The cricket chirped again, only this time his chirps were translated into words that Belle and Rum could understand, "Ah yes, thank you. I didn't mean to interrupt, this is my usual point of entry. My name is Jiminy Cricket."

Belle gasped and stepped back toward Rumplestiltskin. He grasped her by her sides from behind to let her know it was okay. Belle had a hard time getting her next sentence out, "But...I...I thought you said even with magic we couldn't communicate with animals? I assumed that meant insects as well."

"Well this cricket is an exception, because you see my Belle, he's not really a cricket. He was a man once," Rum explained.

"As were you Rumplestiltskin," noted Jiminy.

Belle's curiosity flared up. It had never occurred to her that Rumplestiltskin had been anything other than what she knew him as, "What happened?"

"To me or Jiminy dearest?"

"Well, I'm curious about both actually."

Rumplestiltskin glanced down at Belle lovingly, "Mine's a tale I'll share with you soon, but as for Jiminy, all magic, good or bad, comes with a price. Something most people have to learn the hard way. For him this is how magic claimed its price." He gestured toward Jiminy's insect form.

"Yes, and I don't blame you Rumplestiltskin. I asked you for the potion. It was my fault the boy lost his parents, and now, like you said, I'm paying the price."

Belle's face fell to hear Rumplestiltskin had something to do with it, "You gave him a potion?"

"He asked for it. Someone was holding him back from being free. I merely helped him in the right direction, but all did not go as planned," Rumplestiltskin explained.

"But do not feel pity, I did become free of my burden. I do not regret becoming a cricket. I only wish the price had not been so high."

Rumplestiltskin let out a sinister chuckle, "That's magic dearie!"

"Oh," Belle looked at Jiminy with understanding, "I know how it feels to be trapped, a prisoner. It's not pleasant."

Jiminy was intrigued, "It's hard to believe such a beautiful girl as yourself was a prisoner. Might I ask what happened?"

Belle was flattered, "I was a prisoner of my father's castle. I only managed to escape when Rum came into my life."

"Ah yes I see. I did hear about his capture and escape. You must be King Maurice's daughter. Only the tales say Rumplestiltskin kidnapped you."

"He most certainly did not. It was my choice to leave with him."

"I quite understand. I did not believe the tales. As treacherous as Rumplestiltskin is, he doesn't just steal something or someone. He's a dealmaker."

Belle glanced at Rumplestiltskin. He agreed with Jiminy, "He's right you know."

"I must take my leave to join the others outside," Jiminy said, "It was a pleasure to meet you Belle. I wish you happiness in all your endeavors. If you ever need me just give a little whistle."

Belle smiled and waved as Jiminy left, "Bye, it was nice to meet you too."

Rumplestiltskin walked over to the front window to watch as Jiminy joined the group. He was interested to know who was a part of Snow's war council. The council against King George consisted of Prince James, Granny Lucas, Jiminy Cricket, Grumpy, and Snow herself.

Rumplestiltskin observed Prince Charming enviously. In a way he wanted to be like him. He was everything Rumplestiltskin was not: a prince, very handsome, tall, and brave. Rumplestiltskin knew he was a coward. He had always been a coward. Even after gaining the powers of the Dark One, his cowardice never ceased. He also knew he wasn't much to look at. Even as a man, women never thought him more than pleasant to look at. As much as Belle tried to convince him otherwise, he would never see himself as anything but a monster. He had tried harder not to express how he felt about himself around her because it upset her, and he hated seeing her upset. 'Belle. Well at least that's one thing I don't have to be envious of. I've found a beautiful woman to love me no matter what. I've found my true love.'

One last visitor joined the group, and it was not a visitor that Rumplestiltskin was happy to see. As soon he noticed the new visitor was the Blue Fairy, the air around him became particularly unpleasant. He grabbed Belle by the arm, "Belle we must leave."

Belle was perplexed by his sudden change of mood, "What? Why?"

"Because the Blue Fairy has arrived, and I will not be anywhere near that thing."

Belle shrugged out of his grip, "Oh Rum, she can't be that bad, just stay away from her. She doesn't know you're here, so she won't bother you."

Rumplestiltskin became almost furious at her refusal, "I told you what she did Belle! After that, I never want to be within a kingdom of that thing, but I'm here for you! Now unless you want to be served fairy stew for dinner tonight we will leave, now!"

Belle stood her ground, "Well you can go, but I'm staying here."

"Belle…" he pleaded. He was not keen on leaving her alone.

She placed a hand against his chest in reassurance, "I'll be safe with Snow. You needn't worry."

Belle watched as Rumplestiltskin internally struggled with her decision before coming to one of his own, "I'll return when she's long gone. Stay within this cottage. Do not talk to anyone you don't know. I do not wish to go on a rescue mission."

"Rum, I'll be fine." After one last pleading glance, Rumplestiltskin knew she wouldn't give in. Belle watched as purple smoke surrounded Rum and he vanished. She sighed and sat down at the kitchen tablet to drink her tea.

Charming was about to start the meeting when he felt an arm pull him into the tree brush. Startled and ready to fight his attacker, he reached for his sword to face his opponent, only to find Rumplestiltskin, "Wh..what? I thought you said you would stay away?"

"I am. I will journey to town whilst you attend to your business. I only sought you to provide a warning," Rumplestiltskin grabbed Charming by the collar and pulled him close to his face, "If any harm comes to Belle while I'm gone, I'm holding you personally responsible. I will kill you."

Flabbergasted, Charming could not think of what to say in return, but it was to late. There was no sign of Rumplestiltskin after his threat was spoken. He gathered himself and returned to the group to start the meeting.

Belle was left alone to her thoughts while Snow and the others discussed their plans to attack King George. She was about to go retrieve a book to read, but the door opened to reveal someone she hadn't met yet. She had seen the girl outside with the others and just assumed she was part of the council. The girl had a full head of curly dark brown hair with blue eyes. She was a tall, slender, and wore a bright red cape.

"Hello, I'm Belle, what's your name?" Belle greeted.

The new girl smiled, "It's Red Riding Hood, hence the red hood, but most people just call me Red."

"So why aren't you outside helping the council?"

"Granny doesn't allow me to participate. Says it's too dangerous, and I'm too young to be a part of it. What about you?"

"Oh, I'm just visiting Snow for a few days. I didn't even know about it until today. Besides, I have no desire to participate in war. I've seen to much to know what it can do."

Red wanted to ask what she meant, but she sensed Belle did not want to talk about it, "So how do you know Snow?"

"Oh we grew up together. You?"

"We met a few months back. I live not too far from here with my grandmother."

Red and Belle continued chatting inside while the meeting was held. When the meeting was over, Snow walked up to Charming, "I have a favor to ask of you."

"Yes my dear, what is it?" Charming said only halfway paying attention to her. His mind was still on their plans for King George.

"I wanted to see if, at all possible, you would be willing to officiate a wedding."

"Sure, but I haven't had much experience with that, is there no one else you can ask? The Blue Fairy perhaps?"

Snow averted her gaze, "See that's the thing. I don't think so. It's for Rumplestiltskin and Belle's wedding."

Charming seemed to be choking on air when he heard her confession, "Rumplestiltskin?! What, Snow are you crazy?!"

"Charming, Belle's my best friend. I wouldn't let her do this if I didn't trust her."

"Never mind Belle, it's him I don't trust."

"Charming..." Snow grabbed him by the arm, pleading.

"No, Snow. I won't do anything for that man. You know he threatened to kill me right before the meeting?"

"What?"

Charming nodded his head, "Yeah, he said he was going to town and if anything were to happen to Belle while he was gone he would kill me."

Snow rolled her eyes, "Can't you see he loves her? He just doesn't understand how to handle it..."

Charming raised his voice, "Why are you defending him? He threatened to kill me!"

"I'm not defending him. I understand that it was wrong of him to do that but..."

"Is everything ok over here?" asked the Blue Fairy as she flew toward Snow and Charming after hearing the raised voices.

"We're fine," Snow stated, trying to play their conversation off.

Yet, Charming didn't seem to mind voicing the origin of their argument, "Snow here just asked me if I'd be willing to officiate Rumplestiltskin's wedding and I'm trying to tell her she's being ridiculous."

The Blue Fairy was astonished, and she sided with Charming, "I've seen what happens to anyone who loves Rumplestiltskin. He will only end up hurting this girl that wants to marry him. It's best to stay out of this matter."

Snow was about to defend them, when she registered the Blue Fairies words, "Anyone? So you're saying someone has loved him in the past?"

"Not romantic love. I speak of his son. Along time ago, he came to me to help his father, and when it came time, Rumplestiltskin chose power over his own son, despite the fact that he loved him. If the time were to present itself again, he would do no different for her. He may love her but he doesn't love her more than his power. He's never loved anything more than that power. Don't let him try to convince you otherwise."

Snow wasn't sure whether she should trust the Blue Fairy's words. She knew her never to lie, yet she also believed Rumplestiltskin loved Belle dearly. 'But could he?' she thought, 'I know how Belle feels about him, but I've only seen him around her for a day.' Snow didn't know what to do. She didn't want to disappoint her friend, but she didn't want her heart broken either. However, she knew she couldn't force Charming to do something he didn't want to do.

"I'll do it," spoke a forth voice all of a sudden. Snow, Charming, and the Blue Fairy turned to see who was speaking. The voice was small, and belonged to Jiminy Cricket. Jiminy continued, "I can see that they truly love each other, and if Rumplestiltskin is willing to take that step with a woman, than something in him is changing after all these years."

"Jiminy, you can't be fooled by his actions. There's no telling why he wants to marry. He will leave her broken and alone, just like his son," the Blue Fairy reasoned.

"I disagree. Something tells me it's the right thing to do."

The Blue Fairy frowned, clearly unhappy with Jiminy's decision, "Do as you wish, but I will have no part in this," she said as she rose up higher into the air to depart, "I do not want to be held accountable for another heart Rumplestiltskin breaks." With that, the blue fairy left.

"Well you can't please everybody," Jiminy Cricket noted.

"Are you sure about this?" Charming asked, "It seems like the wrong thing to do..."

"Wrong things may seem right at times, and right things may seem wrong sometimes. This is one of those times where the right thing seems wrong. I wouldn't do it if I didn't have total faith."

Charming sighed, "I hope you're right, for her sake, I hope you're right."

As everyone went their separate ways, they didn't notice the figure that had been watching them the whole time, taking cover in the woods.