Lacey figured if Robert did manage to get the library back open it would certainly take quite a while. So, she was shocked when barely two weeks after her discussion with him, when waking after Robert had already gone to work, she found a key next to her bedside table with the word "Library" attached.

She all but rushed through breakfast and hurried to the library. Turning the key in the slightly rusty lock she pushed the doors open to see a beautiful library. In front was a circulation desk and the rest was covered in rows of shelves and shelves of books. As she stood in awe a voice rang out.

"We may sit in our library and yet be in all quarters of the earth."

"Robert," she said as he stepped around the corner of a shelf smiling at her.

"Welcome home," he told her.

"What?"

"I've never seen you more at home then when you're surrounded by books," he explained.

"You managed it so quickly," she said in surprise. Robert shrugged.

"Well, I spoke with a few people and the city ended up being agreeable to selling over the property to me. On the condition nobody tries to use the elevator which is legitimately unstable."

"I think I can handle the stairs." said Lacey with a smile. Then she shook her head pulling herself up to sit on the circulation desk looking down at the key.

"What's wrong?" asked Robert. She sighed.

"You've done so much for me. Without ever demanding payment. All because of the love you hold for a woman who can't even remember you. And I wish I did. I feel terrible that I can't give my heart to you right now the way you do me. Even if you never openly say it." Robert limped forward so he was right in front of her. As he stared at her she took in his face, the shoulder length hair the brown eyes. He wasn't conventionally attractive but she certainly felt pulled towards him.

"Lacey that isn't your fault. I don't blame you..." she cut him off feeling her eyes get a little wet.

"You don't understand I don't just feel terrible because I can't respond to you properly. I feel terrible because I think there was a time when I genuinely felt the same for you. I...I can't say how exactly I feel...right now but I know I like you possibly as more than a friend. I'm just scared if I take the jump, I'll hurt you even more. And hurting you is the last thing I'd ever want to do."

Robert's thumb came up and brushed away a tear that was starting to trickle down her cheek.

"Hey, it's alright. You take all the time that you need. If you choose me, I would be the happiest man in the world I fully admit that. If you don't simply having you in my life is a greater gift than I deserve."

It was at times like this when he was so sweet that Lacey genuinely had no idea how anyone could see Robert as a monster. She took a deep breath making her choice.

"I'd like to try. The two of us. But...I still need to take it slow. Because I do care for you." The look of joy that filled Robert's face confirmed Lacey's belief she was doing the right thing. To her surprise Robert took her hand and kissed the back of it before giving her a small smile.

"I would like the Lacey. And I'm happy to follow your lead." Lacey smiled back feeling happier than she had in ages.

OUAT

Getting the library back into shape for its reopening actually didn't take as long as Lacey expected. Any technical issues had been resolved and even in terms of cleaning Robert had apparently had the place scrubbed down. Mostly it was moving into her new home that took up her time.

There was an apartment for the caretaker of the library right above the library itself and Lacey, with the help of Mr. Gold's man of all work, Mr. Dove (who also felt oddly familiar in a pleasant way) helped her get her clothes transferred over.

Fortunately Regina had apparently simply seen fit to close the place down rather than both removing anything so most of the furniture from before she was locked up was still there. Well at least according to Robert though from the way his eyes shifted she had a sneaking suspicion some if not all of it might have been added by him and he'd simply not told her so she wouldn't feel further indebted to him.

Either way she was nearly set to open the library and decided to pop across the street to Granny's for some lunch one day. She was still mostly using a borrowed credit card of Robert's, slightly to her chagrin. Though she swore she'd stop the second her first paycheck as librarian came in. Not that he seemed to care.

She stepped inside Granny's and made her order chatting with Ruby. Suddenly Mary Margaret stood up most people tried to ignore her. From what Lacey had gathered apparently, she'd been having an affair with one David Nolan who was married to the now missing Katherine. Considering the woman had been nothing but sweet to Lacey though, helping decorate the library and promising to set up a time to bring her class over at some point Lacey felt no particular desire to shun her.

Sure the woman clearly hadn't displayed the world's best judgement but everyone made mistakes, and from the sound of it David had been supposed to break things off in the first place but dithered about. Hardly a Prince Charming.

"Excuse me everyone!" called the school teacher. "I just want to remind you all that tomorrow is Miner's day and the nuns will be selling their beautiful handmade candles. If anyone would like to help volunteer sell them it would be appreciated!"

There was dead silence then Leory a short man with dark brown hair and large beard who worked at the docks and was considered the town drunk, Lacey picked up an insane amount of gossip from Ruby, stood up.

"Oh Leory!" beamed Mary Margaret.

"I'm just trying to get out the door sister, do you really think people would buy candles from the Town Harlot and the Town drunk?" scoffed the man.

"Well, there's no need to be so unpleasant." replied Lacey surprising herself. Leory snorted.

"Because the town Gold Digger is so much better."

"Get out of here Leory," snapped Ruby and the man left. Lacey shook her head only slightly bothered by his words. It wasn't like her love life was his business.

She took a ten-dollar bill from her pocket.

"Here," she said stepping over to Mary Margaret.

"Thank you," the woman replied.

"Don't listen to them," she told the woman kindly as she took the candle.

"They aren't entirely wrong," Mary Margaret sighed. Lacey shrugged.

"It doesn't mean their opinions matter. We all make mistakes. I guarantee every person that shuns you has probably done something they aren't all that proud of either."

"After all you've been through, I don't know how you manage to stay so nice," said Ruby as Lacey returned to the counter to take her order.

"If I let what others say bother me I think I'd have stopped being me a long time ago," said Lacey. She wasn't entirely sure what made her say the words but she knew them in her heart to be true.

OUAT

Rumplestiltskin had just returned from denying to give the nuns, or fairies an extension on their rent, my had that felt satisfying, when Jefferson entered his shop.

"Feeling safe to walk around again?" he said to the man.

"Yep. With this "mysterious" disappearance I'm fairly certain the Savior has stopped bothering with trying to find who broke out Lacey. Especially since it's been proven she shouldn't have been there in the first place."

"Then if you don't need anything why are you here?" asked Rumple.

"Did the curse make you forget that little bit where you and I are friends? I don't need an ulterior motive to stop by and see you. Especially since you are one of the few people, I can talk to in this town that actually knows what the hell is going on." Rumple had to hold back the smile that threatened to come to his face.

"Then what friendly enquiry are you here to make?"

"Obviously how are things going with you and our darling Belle?" said Jefferson grinning. Once it would have been a cold day in hell that Rumple would ever discuss his LOVE life with anyone but now...well Jefferson was family.

"Surprisingly well, we've agreed to start dating again however we're taking things slowly." Jefferson looked befuddled.

"Slowly? Why do you need to take things slowly? She clearly has feelings for you and no cursed memories to overcome unlike Alice. Why can't you in the words of a Jamaican crab just 'kiss ze girl"?" Rumple rolled his eyes. Trust the Hatter to have zero subtlety.

"Because Hatter. Just because she has feelings does not mean they are those of true love. Until I've rekindled those a kiss will just be that. A kiss. And I don't want to push her too fast. If I do Lacey is bound to skitter away."

"You always were overly cautious," muttered the Hatter.

"I have just cause to be this time," snapped Rumple.

"I'll win her back but it may take time. At the very least if I take it slow she'll still be by my side." The Hatter huffed.

"Well at least this time we don't have to deal with your gigantic sense of denial."

"You really are quite lucky I don't have magic at this point or you'd already be a tea pot."

"I'm terrified," deadpanned the Hatter. Rumple shook his head.

"I admit I don't know how you managed for 28 years. Having Belle not properly recognize me for who I am and what we are to each other..."

"It's agonizing. Yeah. Well. I dunno what to say to you about that one. I think just telling myself day in and out that it would end and I would be with them again. And making hats."

"I suppose at least I don't have to wait as long as you did."

"Still do, remember. Alice is back and Grace knows I'm her father but it's still not the same." Rumple smiled slightly.

"I do look forward to getting her Ladyship back."

"You old softie," chuckled the Hatter. Rumple glared at him only leading to Jefferson laughing.

"So will you be coming to Miner's day? I know you HATE the fairies but Gracie's class is performing a song." Rumple nodded.

"Yes, I'll be there. Belle just texted me asking if I wanted to go together." Jefferson clapped his hands.

"Progress!"

"Sod off." quipped Rumple but a crooked smile had spread across his face.

"Alice and I shall see you there then. For now I'll get out of your hair Your Darkness," Jefferson gave an exaggerated bow before departing leaving Rumple feeling both amused and utterly exasperated.

OUAT

Lacey met Robert outside of his shop, which was conveniently right across from the library, just as it was getting to be dusk. She was bundled up in a furry navy coat and gold scarf with a matching hat. She'd found that she had a preference for heels but in deference to tonight's weather had gone for a pair of heeled boots and warm black wool tights beneath her sweater dress.

They were nearing spring with it now being around late March but the evenings still got chilly. As Robert locked his shop she took a moment to covertly eye the rather suave frame he cut is his expensive wool coat and suit.

"Shall we?" he said offering her his arm and she looped hers through it making their way to the center of town which was all lit up.

"I've been looking forward to tonight," said Lacey. Robert gave her a small smile.

"I don't normally attend but I have been looking forward to spending the evening with you. And Paige's class is performing this year so I feel I rather should."

"How long have you Fae been friends?" asked Lacey. Robert tilted his head.

"It's difficult to give an exact date. But it does feel like years and years sometimes." Lacey noted this was something of a half-answer but brushed it aside.

"And Paige?" she questioned.

"Is one of the few children who oddly enough seems to lack the sense of self-preservation to stay away from me," chuckled Robert and Lacey laughed.

"Or perhaps there's more to it than meets the eye."

"Perhaps," conceded Robert as they entered the town square which was lit up with strings of fairy-lights.

"Oh it's lovely!" exclaimed Lacey. Robert merely hummed in agreement as they began to walk around the different stalls. They passed Mary Margaret and Leroy who were still promoting the nun's candles.

"Any luck?" she asked the woman who shook her head sadly.

"We tried going door to door but everyone slammed them in our face." Mary Margaret turned to Robert, "would you..."

"Don't bother sister. The man wouldn't give the nuns an extension when I offered to sell my entire boat." snapped Leroy. Lacey glanced at Robert a little surprised by his vehemence. The man himself simply schooled his features to one of cold indifference."

"A contract is a contract. It's hardly my fault if the other party can't hold up their end. Now if you'll excuse us." he made to move on and Lacey shot an apologetic look towards the pair as she joined him.

"Alright I suppose I could understand wanting to keep your contract but Leroy was offering a fairly decent trade rather than asking something for nothing." When Robert didn't answer she raised an eyebrow.

"Which means it's personal?" Robert shot her a wry smile.

"Perceptive as ever."

"Might I enquire what it is with you and the nuns?" Robert nodded.

"You may. You knew once before. The nuns and I, particularly the Mother Superior have had a... contentious relationship for many years. Over that time for a variety of reasons though most stem from their rather sanctimonious and black and white view of life. That alone would make them a nuisance however they did three things I can never forgive."

"Which put them on your list of active enemies," said Lacey dryly then her face softened. "What happened?"

"The Mother Superior interfered with the lives of two people I held dear at various points. The last I'd rather not discuss around so many other people."

"I understand," said Lacey then she added. "Well, I suppose I can see why you would be significantly more unwilling than normal to alter their contract." It didn't make it nice. But a deal was a deal. Robert wasn't going outside what the nuns had agreed to and if he was enjoying it well...evidently, he had a fairly decent reason.

"As usual you are one of the few who do understand." agreed Robert. They'd reached where a stage had been erected and the children were lining up.

"Oi! Over here!" called a voice and Lacey and Robert turned to see a man with dark hair and familiar wild blue eyes. It was her unnamed rescuer.

"Lacey this is Jefferson."

"His oldest living friend." said Jefferson.

"More like oldest living nuisance," scoffed Robert and Lacey suddenly felt a tug of familiarity both at Robert's words and towards Jefferson who something told her was more than a onetime acquaintance.

"Glad you two made it." The man said as the pair sat down.

"I'm certainly excited. Which is Paige?" she asked.

"The blonde with the brown eyes third from the right and the one next to him Henry Sheriff Swan's boy." explained Robert. Lacey remembered Mary Margaret mentioning the fact that a "Henry" was Emma's child though the mayor had adopted him. Fae was up front helping organize the kids as music teacher she'd be directing them.

"Emma over here!" called Lacey seeing the Sheriff and gesturing for her to join them.

"Seriously? You brought Satan? Doesn't seem like his scene."

"Well there might not be much fire and brimstone but I enjoy a good concert as much as the next person," quipped Robert as Emma begrudgingly took a seat next to Lacey.

"More like Lacey here convinced you to come," she heard the Sheriff mutter and Lacey's cheeks flushed.

"Emma!"

"Nah, she's right." Agreed Jefferson.

"And you're very close to losing something vital Hatter," said Robert.

"Hatter?" said Lacey.

"Did you seriously just threaten him in front of a police officer?" asked Emma.

"I make hats for a hobby," said Jefferson. "And worry not Sheriff I've been bothering this one for years and have yet to end up on his bad side." Robert rolled his eyes and spun his cane idly.

More people began to fill in the seats around them and soon things began to quiet down. Fae turned around.

"Hello everyone! Welcome to Miner's day! Tonight Storybrooke's fourth graders shall be singing you a few songs. Hopefully on key if I've done my job right." Fae smirked slightly as everyone tittered with laughter. Fae turned back and raised her hands to direct.

"One, two, three..."

The children began to sing a song Lacey didn't quite recognize however she did enjoy listening. Fae had done her job right because the children were fortunately in key so nobody was obligated to listen with gritted teeth while pretending to enjoy the matter. Glancing over she saw Robert had the ghost of a smile on his face as he watched.

OUAT

Rumple had to say that he truly did enjoy the performance of the children though he mostly kept his eyes on his goddaughter.

When the children finished their musical numbers everyone clapped politely before beginning to disperse and the children jumped down from the stage to find their parents. Grace and Henry headed in their direction followed by Fae.

"Great job kid," said Emma to Henry.

"Yes, you both did great. Of course, I never did doubt my rabbit," chuckled Jefferson picking up Grace and lifting her up for a tight hug. The girl laughed.

"Mr. Jefferson really!" though Rumple noticed she returned the hug. It was clear memories or not Grace at least had grown close to Jefferson and these feelings were augmented by the knowledge he was her actual father. That said the clever little thing was wise enough not to address him as such in public.

"I don't know how you wrangled all those kids into sounding good," chuckled Emma. "My school choirs never were that impressive."

"Fae's has a bit of a magic touch one might say," said Rumple casually and noticed that Henry's grin widened a little. He graced both children with a small smile.

"You were both impressive tonight."

"By the way this is Lacey she's just...returning to town." said Emma.

"You know you don't have to sugar coat it." said Grace.

"Yeah just because we're kids doesn't mean we don't hear what's actually going on." added Henry.

"Sometimes more in fact," Grace chimed in. Robert chuckled. Of course, the children knew what had actually happened to Belle but evidently the Storybrooke version of her imprisonment had also made it's way around.

"I feel like I should be disturbed at how slick our kids are." said Fae.

"You didn't work that out when they ran a con to steal Mary Margaret's credit card and hitch Henry a ride to Boston?" asked Emma. Belle looked slightly confused but also amused.

"Now that is a story I'd like to hear. I do hope the two of you will be coming to the library when it opens."

"Oh absolutely!" said Grace.

"Yeah books are great." agreed Henry.

"Well..." began Jefferson but was cut off as the power was suddenly cut off and all the lights went dark.

Author's Note: So Rumbelle agrees to date! This is as mentioned what I felt the show should have done once Belle lost her memory. Also I've missed Hatter/Rumple banter so we get some of that. Dreamy was favorite episode and I promise once the curse breaks we'll be seeing Nova and Dreamy again proper. Thanks to everyone reading and especially my commentors you always make my day. If you like the story PLEASE take a moment to leave a note!