"That's not normal," said Emma.
"No indeed." Agreed Rumple as his eyes adjusted to the dark, he saw the shadowy shape of Belle step towards him looping her arm through his again.
"Watch Henry for me Fae I've got to go check this out." said Emma who had pulled out a flashlight.
"What do you think happened?" asked Grace.
"My guess would be someone forcibly cutting the power," replied Rumple.
"To what end?" asked Pip as the Hatter pulled out a lighter illuminating their little group. Rumple used this light to search around in his coat and pull out a pocket-sized flashlight.
"I think I know," said Belle and she pointed in the direction of the candle selling booth where people had begun to gather to get candles so as to light up the area.
"It looks like those candles will get sold after all," said the Hatter.
"Damn," said Belle suddenly.
"Everything alright?" asked Rumple who doubted Lacey was upset about the candles.
"I left my purse by the chairs."
"Take my flashlight," he told her and she headed off to grab the purse.
"Ah Leroy. He was rather desperate earlier to get them sold mind you I don't give money to...fairies though." The Hatter said his tone a little bitter. Rightfully so.
"Leroy is Dreamy the dwarf!" said Henry. Pip made a sound of understanding.
"True love seeping through again it seems. The dwarf is fighting for his fairy love."
"He gave up their running away together so Nova could be a fairy godmother, right?" said Henry.
"Well, the Blue Fairy originally convinced him to do so. Up until our dear Pip convinced Nova to prioritize her happy ending and true love." Corrected Rumple.
"So a villain was technically responsible for them getting together and the Blue Fairy was the one stopping it?" asked Henry in surprise.
"I mean Rumplestiltskin supposedly played a bigger hand in Snow White and Charmin getting together than any of the forces of 'good' ever did going of the events of the book," said Grace thoughtfully. Rumple shrugged.
"I'm a fan of true love though I admit I did forget about those two. Your grandparents will no doubt be angry at me for mentioning this, once they wake up, but the world isn't as black and white as the heroes make it seem."
Before Henry could respond the sound of Belle's footsteps returned and any fairytale talk was cut short.
"Found it. I suppose I'd lose my own head if it weren't attached." Rumple saw the Hatter's hand go to his neck uncomfortably.
"Henry!" cried a shrill voice and they all turned to see Regina striding towards them.
"I was so worried! What are you doing hanging around with these people they're dangerous."
"His school teacher and best friend are dangerous?" asked Pip in a deceptively innocent tone.
"I was referring to the Gold and the escaped lunatic. Though your boyfriend isn't much better."
"Lacey was given a clean bill of health Madame Mayor," hissed Rumple stepping in front of Belle. "And as I recall you are supposed to keep up our bargain." Regina glared at him.
"Just make sure you keep up ours," she snapped and turned on her heel practically dragging Henry behind her.
"What did she mean by deal?" asked Belle. Rumple shook his head.
"Something she things is going to benefit her but will come crashing down when all is revealed."
"I do like the sound of that," said the Hatter rubbing his hands together.
"You really must invite me to these revenge parties of yours Robert. I am fond of a good scheme," chuckled Pip. Belle rolled her eyes evidently not entirely sure what to make of the trio. She lowered herself to Grace's level.
"Am I the only one feeling left out of the schemers club?" she asked. Grace giggled.
"I don't think I'm old enough to qualify yet." this caused the girl's parents to burst out laughing.
"I nearly forgot," said Rumple he reached inside his coat and pulled out a single yellow rose.
"A token of congratulations," he said handing it to Grace who grinned and curtsied.
"Thank you, Mr. Gold." Rumple smiled he had to admit while Belle was his priority, he would certainly be glad when little Grace got her memory back as well.
The five spent the rest of the evening laughing and chatting and it was only as Rumple walked Belle back towards the library that he caught sight of the Sheriff putting David Nolan into her car. But that was a plan for a different day. For now, he'd focus on the feeling of Belle clutching his arm.
OUAT
Rumplestiltskin was busy at his wheel mentally going over his plans for ultimately framing Regina when he heard the front bell tinkle.
"Mr. Gold!" came a slightly high voice that he recognized immediately as belonging to his goddaughter.
"Back here," he called trusting the girl to have enough of her old self to let her back. Seconds later the petite blonde appeared.
"Hello Rumplestiltskin," she said.
"Well if we're going off real names, hello Gracelyn." he replied.
"Grace. Although I suppose I should be glad this curse didn't leave me with some pun of a name like Mama or Jiminy." She said.
"The Evil Queen was remarkably uncreative," he agreed. "Why are you here?" he didn't say it unkindly.
"I had some questions," she replied stepping closer.
"Such as?"
"Did I spend a lot of time back at your castle in the old world? Because I've been having dreams lately of a place that looks like the Dark Castle from Henry's book. Does that have to do with the curse weakening and are other people having them? And why was I so easily convinced about the curse but everyone else was in denial?"
Rumple paused surveying her.
"As I'm sure you'll eventually recall yes. You did spend an extended amount of time at the Dark Castle even before you and your mother took refuge there after your father was trapped. I suspect the dream does have to do with the curse weakening as Belle did mention something similar. You could try inquiring with a few other residents but I'd advise being subtle."
"Henry and I can be subtle," said Grace.
"Forgive me for being a bit too well acquainted with his grandparent's rather blunt way of handling things," said Rumple wryly. Grace giggled.
"What about the last one?" she asked. Rumple tapped his finger on the spinning wheel.
"On that I can only really speculate. My best guess would be a combination of the fact that children's personalities weren't really altered by the curse meaning you maintained your natural curiosity and penchant for rather...unique notions and the connection to the curse caster spawned from me helping tutor you in magic.
"I have magic?" said Grace her eyes going wide.
"Yes, light magic. You nearly blasted the Blue Fairy with it. But that's beside the point. During training the bond between mentor and student is strong. It could have worked to nullify some of the curse's power in convincing it's victims that everything was normal."
"Well, I suppose I'm lucky then. Though I wish I could be more useful." said Grace.
"You helped get the Savior here that was half the battle. I'd say that was useful," he comforted her.
"Thanks. How are things with you and Belle?" Rumple snorted.
"Like father like daughter." Grace laughed.
"I know you'll win her over."
"What makes you so sure?" asked Rumple who honestly wasn't 100% confident in his ability to make Belle truly love him again. It had been a miracle the first time.
"You said yourself. The mind can be tricked and memories erased, but the heart, that never forgets." The innocent smile on her face almost washed away his doubts.
"You always were wise for your age," he said with a slight smile. Before Grace could respond the front bell tinkled again and this time Belle's voice called out for him. Quick as the rabbit her father called her Grace mouthed the words.
"Good luck," then darted out his back door. Smiling fondly Rumple called for Belle to come join him hoping that Grace was correct.
OUAT
Lacey had decided to surprise Robert with lunch one day picking it up from Granny's. The whole town was abuzz. David Nolan had been cleared of Katherine's murder now and instead Mary Margaret was put in jail. A hunting knife supposedly used to kill Katherine was found in her house and the school teacher's jewelry box had turned up with supposedly Katherine's heart in it.
That said Lacey didn't entirely trust the doctors of Storybrooke, Archie aside, they'd let her get shut up with little to no evidence. This was a nice little town but it certainly had its problems, stemming from the very top.
She stepped through the door of the pawnshop calling out.
"Robert!"
"I'm in back," came the reply and Lacey stepped around the counter into the small back room. Robert sat at a spinning wheel. An honest to goodness fairytale spinning wheel threading wool. He paused his turning of the wheel when he looked up at her.
"I wasn't expecting you."
"I was hoping to surprise you. I hope it's not unpleasant," she replied setting the bags from Granny's down on a side table.
"Not at all," said Robert.
She then stepped closer to the wheel absentmindedly her hand coming to rest on it. Suddenly she had an image in her head of a man with almost scaley skin dressed in leather who looked like a different version of Robert and her in a blue dress. She shook her head the image fading as fast as she tried to cling to it.
"Everything alright?" he enquired and she'd almost say he looked, hopeful.
"It's nothing. Just my mind playing tricks on me. Though don't let anyone else hear that." she said.
"Hmmm. Perhaps it's your memory trying to get through."
"I'm not so sure. It was rather fantastical." she said. "Though the image of you in leather is tempting." she added teasingly. Robert let out a bark of laughter.
"You are a girl with wonderfully odd taste." Lacey settled herself next to him on the bench.
"Says the man using a medieval spinning wheel straight out of Sleeping Beauty. What's all this for?" Robert shrugged.
"Spinning helps me think and focus. It's something I learnt when I was young and I've always had a talent for it. In a way it helps me never forget my more...humble origins."
"I suppose that makes sense," said Lacey who could see how something repetitive like that could be relaxing. Then she paused.
"Do you mind if I ask you something?"
"You can always ask Lacey. I may not always respond but I won't lie and I won't be made at you for curiosity." replied Robert softly as he took her hand and gently kissed the back of it. He really was a gentleman. So far they hadn't even kissed properly.
"The other night you told me two reasons you didn't like the nuns but said you didn't want to voice the third in public. What is the third?" a look of realization crossed Robert's face.
"Ah." He sighed. "The third would be my son."
"You have a son?" asked Lacey and then shook her head. "I'm sorry it must be frustrating to have to retell things to me." Robert shook his head.
"It means a great deal you actually care and that is enough. Yes, I have a son. I've searched for him a long time. Once long ago I failed him I freely admit to my part in that however, the Mother Superior also played a hand in our separation and actively tried to thwart my search."
"Why would she do that?" asked Lacey in shock.
"She sees the world as black and white when it is not. She sees me as a villain and thus refuses to assist me in any way."
"I see. That's terrible that you lost your son. Is there any chance of reuniting?" she felt horrible for she could see the pain and regret on Robert's face.
"I think there is. I do believe I'm quite close to finding him," Robert replied. She squeezed his hand.
"If there's anything I can do to help please let me know."
"That's a very kind offer Lacey. I shall keep it in mind," Robert told her with a small smile.
OUAT
"Speaking of helping, I dropped by the sheriff's station to check on Mary Margaret and she mentioned you are defending her. What's going on there?" asked Belle. Rumple withheld a sigh. If this were his Belle he'd open up and tell her everything. Maybe even bring her in on it if it proved advantageous. But he couldn't do that with Lacey. At least not entirely.
"It's all part of that deal the mayor mentioned back on Miner's Day."
"Oh, the one that's supposed to eventually back fire on her?" said Belle.
"The very same."
"What did she have to offer you?" Rumple cleared his throat awkwardly causing him to receive a raised eyebrow that was almost entirely his wife.
"She may have gotten the DA to drop the charges against me regarding your father."
"I see," was her only response. Rumple was honestly still a little nervous about the inevitable fall out that was going to occur over that once the curse broke. He couldn't imagine his wife being thrilled cathartic as the moment had been.
"Well, as long as nobody innocent ends up hurt," said Belle.
"Unlikely," said Rumplestiltkin. "Honestly I think if I weren't involved things might go worse for certain parties." Regina was far from merciful or subtle. Rumple was more than willing to bet that if left to her own devices the Evil Queen would have been perfectly willing to ACTUALLY murder Princess Abigail. Rumple was simply keeping her out of the way. Even if she was unconscious.
"If Regina is involved then I could probably see that," said Belle.
"Enough about me, how are things at the library?" he asked. Belle's face lit up in a way that brought him both joy and pain.
"Jane Cygne one of the teachers at the school brought in a class earlier today and they all got to pick out a book after I read them a story."
Odette Cygne, also known as Princess Elisa. Or the Swan Princess in this realm.
"And they all behaved themselves?" Belle laughed.
"Yes, they did. I admit I'm looking forward to Henry and Grace's class. Though I don't know if their substitute will want the extra work of a field trip."
"Believe me, Lacey, between us this Mary Margaret affair will be sorted out sooner than you think."
"Well I do trust you," she said quietly.
"You are one of few," said Rumple. "Now shall we eat the food while it's warm?"
"Yes, I brought your favorites though one of these days we should really go there in person together."
"Perhaps," he said. He really was trying to avoid people getting too much of a negative opinion of Belle. With any luck friendships she forged now would be able to weather the breaking of the curse. Also, his presence always tended to complicate things no matter where he went.
"Stubborn man," she said though there was a fondness in her tone.
"Like you are much better," he replied and Belle giggled. It still wasn't perfect but it was something. It was hope. If he worked at it perhaps, he could prove Grace right.
OUAT
Lacey smiled as she dusted some books in the library. She truly was growing to love this place. Or love it again per say.
Suddenly the door opened and she turned to see Henry Mills.
"Hello Henry!" she said with a smile.
"Hello Lacey!" he replied as he put his back pack up to the desk to pull out the book that needed to be checked in. As searched through he ended up bring out not only his borrowed copy of the Adventures of Robin Hood but also a large book with the title Once Upon a Time on it.
"What's that?" asked Lacey always curious about any book. Henry smiled.
"It's a book I got from Mary Margaret, though you can't tell my mom I have it. She wants to take it away."
"What's so bad about the book?" said Lacey ideally opening up the title page to see a list of fairytales.
"Because all the stories in this book actually happened!" said Henry. "Everyone in this town is someone from that book. And they were all cursed here by the Evil Queen who is my mom. Well not my real mom. Emma is supposed to be the savior to break the curse." Lacey listened to the boy spin his story. She could certainly buy Regina as an Evil Queen.
"What makes you so sure about it?" she asked.
"Because up until recently nobody in this town has ever aged, time was stopped I just kept moving up grades. Nobody can exactly remember details about their past beyond what's necessary and even the pictures match the people in town whose jobs go along with the enchanted forest."
"Like what?" she said flipping through the pages. She had to admit the Snow White and Charming of the book were quite reminiscent of David and Mary Margaret. Surely though it was coincidence.
"Archie the therapist was Jiminy Cricket a conscience, Mary Margaret loved birds and was kind so she's a school teacher. Mr. Gold is Rumplestiltskin and he makes deals, and Regina,"
"Is the Queen and the mayor. So what does that make me?" Lacey said pausing in her search. Henry smiled.
"Beauty from beauty and the beast. You're pretty, love books, and in love with a man who people think is a monster!" Lacey smiled feeling that last one was a particular stretch. Still she didn't want to break the kid's heart or make him think she thought him crazy.
"Well it's certainly an interesting theory."
"Why don't you borrow the book and read it?" suggested Henry.
"If you're sure," said Lacey. Henry nodded.
"I actually need another place for it to be safe for the moment anyway."
"In that case I'll take good care of it," said Lacey taking the book. "Now I'm close to closing but why don't you go find another book while I finish cleaning?" Henry grinned and hurried off among the shelves.
Lacey took another peak at the book opening to a random page and froze. There on the page was an illustration of a woman nearly her mirror in a blue dress sitting by a spinning wheel next to a man with sparkled skin. It was just as she dreamed and Lacey had no idea what to think.
Author's Note: I'm trying to get a little more Henry and Gold interaction in so I felt him laying the groundwork for Henry to not see things as black and white would be good. I also didn't want to totally throw aside the fact that the kids know about Jeff, Pip, and Gold being awake so we get a conversation with Uncle Rumple! And then some more Rumbelle flirting. I do hope this isn't all feeling like a retread of book one. Thanks to all my readers and especially commenters! If you like the story please leave a note in the comments below it really does mean a lot!