Before her life with Rumple, Belle never met many interesting people. But now, she was getting accustomed to it. Their newest visitor, Jefferson, was a very interesting character indeed, Belle thought as she looked him over. The most distinguishing feature about him was his top hat, but he was also dressed eccentrically with leather pants, a brown overcoat, and a shiny burgundy vest with a bright red scarf. And as he made his way over to her, he removed his hat to reveal a head full of wild curly brown hair.

Holding his hat at his waist Jefferson took Belle's hand and brought it to his lips for a lingering kiss. "Another apprentice Rumple? You just barely finished with the other one. And she was a handful. I thought you wouldn't want to put up with another, at least not so soon." His eyes roamed over Belle, "But I must say this is the prettiest one yet. There's no hiding you're getting older."

Rumplestiltskin rolled his eyes at the comment, but didn't have a comeback. He was used to the Hatter's snide comments.

Belle blushed as the Hatter looked at her, and she gently tried to tug her hand from his, slightly uncomfortable with his mannerisms. Yet as she pulled away he only grabbed on tighter when he noticed the shiny gold band on her left ring finger.

Jefferson scrunched his eyes as he examined the ring, "Wait, she's not an apprentice at all is she?" He dropped Belle's hand and looked over at Rumplestiltskin, "What kind of a deal have you gotten yourself into this time?"

Rumplestiltksin sniggered, "How do you know she's even my wife?"

Belle was instantly offended by those words and it was clearly evident on her face as her mouth fell open to rebuke. He had already denied their marriage to that poor excuse of a witch, Yzma; she was not going to let him do it again. "Rumplestiltskin! If you're going to keep denying my relationship to you, then perhaps I'll see to it that it becomes the truth!"

Rumplestiltskin glanced over at Belle, surprised at her outburst. "Now, there's no need to get worked up dearie."

Belle glared daggers at him when he used the nickname she made him swear never to use on her again. She was not happy. But from the grin on his face, she could tell he was putting on an act. Why did he insist on acting like this when others were around? Did he care what they thought of him that much? He should be proud to show her off as his wife!

Jefferson chuckled looking smug as he glanced between the two, picking up on Belle's annoyance. "I've been dealing with your gold for years," he explained to Rumple, "You really think I can't tell it apart from others?" He glanced over at Belle triumphantly, "Besides, this beauty's reaction, states otherwise." He stepped closer to her, invading her personal space, "But if you don't want her…" he brushed a curl off her shoulder, behind her back, "Then I'm certain I can find someone who does."

Belle momentarily forgot her aggravation with Rumple, instead beginning to feel very uneasy with this man's closeness and the insinuations he was making.

"Careful Hatter," Rumple said with warning in his tone, "As I recall you already have a wife."

The Hatter's mood suddenly went from playful to solemn, and he stepped away from Belle to her relief. "Yes I do. And that's actually what I came here to talk to you about."

Belle stepped closer to Rumple slipping her arm through his to try and avoid the Hatter if possible. Although from the concerned look on Jefferson's face, and the worried sound of his voice, she began to think that he may have been teasing the entire time. Still, if what Rumple said was true and he had a wife, he did not need to act like that around another woman, even if it didn't mean anything. Belle certainly would not be happy if Rumple acted in such a manner.

Rumplestiltskin rolled his eyes, "What is it this time? She not speaking to you again? How many times must I tell you to keep the mice out of the teapots? You know she despises that."

Jefferson held a hand up in defense, "No it's more serious this time. She's been kidnapped by the Red Queen. And I need your help to get her back."

Belle frowned feeling worried for this woman she had never met.

"And what makes you think I'd be so willing to offer my assistance?" Rumple asked in a non-caring manner.

"Rumple!" Belle scolded, not happy with his reaction.

Rumple eyed her from the side, but waited for the Hatter to answer.

"Well old man, I think you'll want to help me." Jefferson seemed sure of himself. "Do you recall a certain pair of ruby red slippers you insisted on procuring?"

"Yes, but I also remember you said they were no longer in this land."

"I did, but I've recently discovered which land they currently are in."

Rumplestiltskin's eyes widened, feeling excited. He had searched for a way back to Bae for many many years, and the slippers were one item he learned about that could travel between realms. There were many items that could do this, but none that could travel to the land without magic. He was certain that the slippers could. Yet, they had disappeared before he could get his hands on them. If the Hatter was right, then Rumple would be one step closer to finding Baelfire. The red slippers could be the key.

The Hatter continued with his conditions, "And I'm going to help you get there as long as you help me get Alice back."

"And how do I know you're telling the truth?" Rumple asked a little skeptical.

"Have I ever lied to you before?"

Rumple eyed him suspiciously, "Not to my knowledge, but there's always a first time for everything."

Belle squeezed Rumple's arm to get him to look at her, and she looked at him with pleading eyes. It was obvious that the Hatter and Rumple had known each other for a while. And the way they bantered back and forth, she might even go so far as to say they were friends. "Your friend is in trouble and when friends are in trouble, it's only right you should help."

Rumplestiltskin laughed, "He's not my friend dearest, just someone I've done business with in the past."

The Hatter looked appalled, but it was hard to tell whether he really was or not, "Rumple, I'm offended! After all we've been through? I would have thought you felt more highly of me!"

Rumplestiltskin just shook his head in denial.

"Still," Belle continued, not completely believing that they weren't more than business partners, "His wife is in danger. What if I was in danger and you needed assistance?"

"But you see dearest, I wouldn't need assistance if it were you." Rumple replied with a cocky smile.

Belle frowned, "Not everyone is as powerful as you. You could use your power for good you know."

Rumplestiltskin stared at Belle, her words making him feel conflicted.

"So what do you say old man? Do we have a deal?" Hatter asked interrupting his thoughts.

Rumple turned his gaze to Jefferson and took a moment to answer, "Very well. I will help you get Alice, if you ensure I will get those slippers."

"Great!" Jefferson said with excitement and threw his hat down on the floor, bottom facing up, "We leave now."

"Now?" Rumple groaned, "Not even a cup of tea first?" He knew how to manipulate the Hatter and he wasn't particularly looking forward to this quest. The Red Queen was in Wonderland and he despised that place. Everything in it made no sense and it turned out to be more of a nuisance than anything. On more than one occasion he had considered burning the entire land to a crisp just so he never had to deal with it again, but he had settled on just never visiting again. It seemed he should have went with his first instinct while he had the chance, but it was too late now. Now he had no choice but to go again and Belle would go with him. 'Oh gods, Belle,' he thought with dread, 'Her curiosity is going to run wild. It'll be a wonder if I ever get her to leave.'

"Perhaps another time," Jefferson replied, "We have to get to her as soon as possible."

Rumplestiltskin huffed and turned to Belle, "Go gather your things for a couple of days. By gods I hope we are not there that long, but best be prepared."

Belle nodded and ran off as quick as she could. She knew every moment counted.

"Well that's definitely a first," the Hatter stated with shock after Belle was out of the room.

"What is?" Rumple asked confused to what he was referring to.

"The Dark One letting a woman control him."

"I don't know what you mean. She isn't controlling me." Rumple recalled that she did have the dagger, and she could control him whenever she wanted, but she had never given any orders or tried. He was certain. He would have felt the pull of the dagger if she did, unable to stop whatever she commanded him to do. But he hadn't had that feeling since Maurice held the blade.

The Hatter chuckled, "She convinced you to help me in minutes, got you to agree to the original conditions. Any other time you would have been more reluctant and asked way more of me."

Rumple shot him a fierce look trying to deny it.

"Face it Rumple. It's obvious. She's got you wrapped around her little finger."

Before Rumple could retort, Belle entered with her bag. "I'm ready!" she said, looking between the two men as she approached them.

"Excellent!" Jefferson exclaimed and held out his arm, "Now take my arm and we'll be off!"

Belle cocked an eyebrow at him, not giving into his antics. Instead she walked over to Rumplestiltskin and linked her arm with his. "My husband's arm will do just fine, thank you."

Rumplestiltskin grinned at the Hatter, then turned to Belle, "Now hold on tight and jump when I tell you to."

"Jump?" Belle questioned, but before she could get an answer, Jefferson's hat on the floor began to spin, slowly at first, then picking up speed.

Belle furrowed her brow, but before she could inquire to what was going on, Rumple yelled for her to jump. She obeyed gripping his arm tighter than ever and leaping along with Rumplestiltskin and Jefferson. As they fell towards the hat, they shrank, until they were small enough to fit through the rim. Once they completely disappeared into the hidden abyss, the hat halted to a stop, and sat, abandoned, in the middle of the dining room.