Rumple, Jefferson, and Pip were busy having one of their as young Grace had dubbed them "scheming sessions" this time located at Jefferson's house.

As his girlfriend nobody would question Pip's presence at Jefferson's home and if anyone asked about HIS Mr. Gold was there enquiring about some property.

"So, you plan to suggest to her Evilness a way for Mary Margaret to try and escape?" said Pip as Rumple laid out the next step of his plan.

"Yes, and I have a feeling she'll head this direction. It's out of the way enough from the Sheriff's station."

"And you want me to stop her until the Savior can come and talk her back?" said Jefferson.

"Yes." said Rumple.

"You know while I have Emma here, I could try and convince her things are real. With these dreams the kids mention people are having and people getting happy endings the curse is weakening." said Jefferson hopefully. Rumple and Pip shook their heads.

"She's still to firmly in the reality camp at the moment. It's just going to make you look crazy."

"Crazier," quipped Rumple.

"Fine! Fine! It was just an idea. I'll keep Snow White here. At least the school teacher will be less trouble than the bandit."

"Please don't do it in a way that'll get you arrested," added Pip. Jefferson looked offended.

"I can be subtle. And in any case this one would bail me out in a heartbeat if I was caught." he jerked a thumb at Rumple who rolled his eyes at his friend's blase attitude.

"Do what you will Hatter just be successful." The Hatter leaned back an arm swung around Pip's shoulders.

"Oh that I promise."

OUAT

Well things did play out as Rumple planned Mary Margaret made a run for it and according to the Hatter's report after he'd tricked her into coming inside before locking her in his hat room (sans scissors). He then waited for Emma to come along and talk the other woman back into coming.

Apparently, the Sheriff had decided to overlook the temporary forced imprisonment. Now all that remained was to let Katherine Nolan go.

OUAT

Lacey sat in Granny's waiting for her iced tea when a man she vaguely recognized as being a doctor from the hospital slid into the opposite seat.

"Hello," he said with a smile that was a little too friendly.

"Hello," she replied hoping that tea would come soon.

"I'm Dr. Whale. I was terribly sorry about what happened I assure you I had no idea about what was going on down there. However, I was wonder if I could take you out some time. Maybe for an apology drink?" Lacey wasn't stupid. She knew what apology drink was code for.

"No, sorry I'm not interested. Besides I'm already with someone."

"I'm sure they don't appreciate you the way someone else might..." began Whale but another voice cut him off.

"She said NO. Now back off before someone hops off and tells Gold what an idiot you were," Lacey looked up to see a man with curly brown hair and a short beard. His accent was Irish and he wore a brown leather coat and red tie. Whale skittered off and the man sat down.

"Sorry about that. Don't worry I'm not stupid enough to hit on you. Or interested for that matter, no offense," Lacey noticed his eyes stray to Ruby for a moment. Then he looked back.

"Graham Humbert, former Sheriff. Now deputy."

"Former?" she asked.

"Yeah, after I got a back bone and decided to stop listening to Regina, she fired me. Then Emma hired me back as her deputy." He gave a slight chuckle before his face fell. "I'm just sorry I didn't start standing up to that woman when it counted for you."

Lacey realized he must have been Sheriff at the time of her imprisonment.

"Well, to be fair Regina does a mighty good cover up. I forgive you. Especially since you seem to be making amends."

"That's good of you," he replied. Ruby came over and dropped off the ice tea then froze.

"Oh Graham. Hi."

"Hi Ruby," the deputy said awkwardly.

"Well, umm. I'd better go get the check," said Ruby before hurrying off. Lacey smiled.

"You know if you really want to make it up to me, go ask out Ruby."

"What? Do you seriously think...?"

"I do," said Lacey just as Ruby came back. She paid the bill and the swiftly left. Once she was outside, she looked back through the glass and saw the two talking and Ruby nod. It was nice to see someone find love.

Of course, she and Robert were still going slow and that was fine with her admittedly there was still a part of her that was a bit nervous.

She was about to re-enter the library when a man walked up to her a man she only knew from a picture when she'd read her file. Her father Moe French.

"Lacey!"

"Papa." she said bluntly. "The library is about to open if you want something but you'll have to wait a little while longer."

"I'm not here about the library I'm here about you. I wanted to apologize. I was just trying to do what was best for you."

"Best for me or what you THOUGHT was best for me? Because locking me up instead of respecting my choices doesn't really seem like doing what's best."

"You were in the clutches of that monster. Still are it seems if the rumors are true. Please leave him. And if you only have this job because of him come back with me you can work in the shop."

"Firstly in case you forgot Papa, he owns the town so it doesn't really matter anyway, secondly he's not holding anything over my head. I wish we could make amends but certainly not if this is how you'll act," she made to leave but he caught her wrist.

"Lacey..."

"Get your hands the hell off her," said a voice and Lacey saw Jefferson shove her father away firmly before putting himself between her and Lacey.

"You're a friend of Gold's." snapped Moe. "Has he got you stalking my daughter now?"

"Nope. I'm just a friendly Samaritan keeping belligerent fools away from my friends. Now piss off and don't come back unless you want us to get the Sheriff.

"Lacey you aren't serious about this," babbled her father. Lacey stepped to stand beside Jefferson.

"I am." her father let out several swear words at Jefferson but left.

"You, ok?" the tall man asked.

"Yeah, just fine." she said. "Thank you. Second time today I've needed rescuing. I do hope it doesn't become a habit."

"Nice woman like you I'm sure there will always be plenty of volunteers," joked Jefferson as she unlocked the library door.

"Maybe. Also could you not mention it to Robert? I'd rather he not go off on my father again."

"Sure thing," said Jefferson with a shrug. Lacey smiled. Jefferson was kind, even if he had a slightly mad edge to him that she couldn't quite place. And he also was the one that freed her even if they all didn't acknowledge that.

"Are you going to Marry Margaret's party tonight?" she asked. Jefferson coughed.

"Erm no. Mary M and I aren't on good terms I don't think so best not. Fae is going so I'll watch Paige."

"Its sweet how you act with her. As if she's your own," Lacey commented. Jefferson nodded.

"I love her and her mother."

"Fae's a lucky woman. I'm glad she has you."

"And I'm glad Robert has you," replied Jefferson before tipping the top hat he tended to wear and leaving.

OUAT

Rumplestiltskin didn't usually attend parties. At least not unless he was crashing them. People tended to dislike inviting the Dark One and even now Mr. Gold was hardly any more popular than Rumplestiltskin had been.

However, Belle had been invited and as Snow White's lawyer he was technically also on the guest list so the pair had made their way to the school teacher's tiny loft apartment.

Now Rumplestiltskin stood in a corner observing everyone interacting. Lacey had been by his side for a while but at some prompting left to socialize with some of the other guests.

"How'd you get in here? I didn't think they normally invited the grim reaper," said a voice next to him and he turned to see the Savior. God only knows where that woman got her wit from because it certainly wasn't her parents.

"Well as her lawyer I do get some privileges. Besides Lacey was invited and asked me to come with her."

"You really would do anything for that woman wouldn't you?" said Emma though her tone was surprisingly not mocking. Rumple nodded.

"I would."

"Well, I suppose I should just hope that anything doesn't result in me arresting you again."

"I didn't know you cared Sheriff I'm touched." said Rumple a tad mockingly. Emma scoffed.

"I meant for Lacey's sake. Putting you in the back of the squad car has been my favorite law enforcement memory to date." Rumple chuckled.

"Fair enough Sheriff Swan."

"Curious about Katherine though. Did you make her materialize like that. Was that the magic you worked? Because if you kidnapped and innocent woman just..." Rumple cut her off.

"Are you proposing I'm working with or against Regina?" Emma looked slightly frustrated.

"I don't know. Maybe diagonally."

"Keep working on it," he quipped. "I do have a question for you about our newest arrival." He pointed to the tall young man talking to Henry. He was tall with dark hair. Rumple couldn't help but wonder if this outsider might just be his son. After all Bae was likely older now and it could somewhat explain his coming in since he was originally from their world.

"What do you know about him?"

"Goes by August. He's a writer. Typewriter wrapped in an enigma wrapped in stubble. Why?"

"He was poking around my shop today. August Wayne Booth, clearly a false name. There's one thing I know about, it's names." Baelfire of course wouldn't be a feasible name in the world so the name wasn't an issue.

"Writers go by pseudonyms. What does it matter?" shrugged Emma.

"Do you trust him?" he asked.

"Yeah. A lot more than I trust you." said Emma before striding off to talk to August. Lacey wove her way over a drink in hand.

"Everything alright I hate to leave you in a corner like this."

"Corners are the best place to observe and observing is far more useful to me than inadvertently scaring off anyone that you tried to talk to." Lacey shook her head.

"They don't know you like I do." Rumple shrugged.

"I wouldn't care for them to. One must be careful who they let in. There's a great deal of room for betrayal. Hence why I'm frugal with those I trust." He graced her with a small smile. However, she looked slightly sad. She laid a hand over the one that rested atop his cane.

"I'm sorry you see things that way. But I'm grateful you trust me." nodded then cleared his throat.

"You seem to be getting on well with everyone."

"Yes, it was a surprisingly large turnout according to Mary Margaret."

"Surprising indeed considering most of these people were shunning her less than a month ago." said Rumple quietly. From the way Belle tilted her head he could see she was weighing his point then sighed.

"Yes, you are right there."

"She'll also forgive them all. Deserving or not," he added.

"No wonder Henry thinks she's Snow White with the way that woman radiates kindness and light."

"Ah so you heard about his theory." This intrigued Rumple. He hadn't realized the boy had informed Belle about Henry's theory. Before Belle could respond the conversation was cut off by Ruby calling her over to ask her something. She shot him an apologetic look but he tilted his head in the direction of the werewolf urging her to go.

She could socialize. He could use the time to plot his next move in figuring out the elusive Mr. Booth.

OUAT

Lacey glanced back at Robert. She hated how he seemed to be so ostracized though she supposed some of it was deserved. But he seemed to have embraced the role and she wasn't going to force him to socialize for her benefit. Still, it was clear he'd mostly come in the first place for her sake.

At least he'd been talking with the Sheriff. That had to be a bonus.

For her part Lacey was largely enjoying herself. She'd particularly had a nice time chatting with Ruby mostly because the woman's energy was utterly infectious. They'd actually gone out for ladies' night drinks a few times though she was far wilder than Lacey.

It also seemed Ruby was finally in a stable relationship as Lacey's little match making with Graham had turned out to be something of a success.

"I'm telling you Lacey he's just the sweetest man. I used to think I'd go for a wilder type but Graham is just perfect. He comes in every day before his shift starts just so he can see me in the mornings isn't that romantic?"

"Incredibly. I'm so glad you've found someone wonderful," said Lacey with a smile.

"And how are things going for you with Gold?" asked Ruby raising a suggestive eyebrow and Lacey blushed.

"Slow and steady but absolutely wonderful." replied Lacey not meeting her friend's gaze.

"You know I wouldn't think he'd really be anyone's type but he's certainly besotted with you." said Ruby.

"Thank you Ruby I'd never have realized that on my own," said Lacey sarcastically and the pair laughed.

OUAT

After a hotel room break in and a visit to a very unhelpful cursed blue bug Rumplestiltskin was left in the back of his shop spinning and trying to work out what to do.

Booth had a picture of the Dark One dagger in his room. Only Bae should have known about the dagger. But did that mean he wanted to kill him? Then there'd been the visit to the convent. The Mother Superior had said August wanted advice on reconnecting with his estranged father.

It mostly fit the bill for Bae. But now he wasn't sure what to do. Normally he'd have gone to his wife for advice talking this out. Hell even the Hatter or Pip might have been a good resource but unfortunately the pair were preoccupied today with Grace and he didn't feel this could wait.

He supposed Lacey was an option. The cursed version of his wife knew about his son. But that still had the potential to create more problems than it solved. No he needed someone he could consult that wouldn't look at him as the town monster and who would keep their mouths shut.

His mind wandered back to Belle speaking with Archie at the get party the other night and it hit him. Jiminy Cricket. Yes. He was a therapist which came with confidentiality. And even after people woke from the curse the fellow was a conscience and was unlikely to go around blabbing. He grabbed his cane and left his shop planning to make his way to the therapist's office.

OUAT

He knocked on the former cricket's door and the bespectacled man opened it.

"Mr. Gold are you here for the rent?" Rumple looked around.

"Why does everyone ask that?"

"Well because you..." Archie began what Rumple suspected was going to be a quip but stopped himself seeming to remember who he was speaking to. "Never mind. Please come in." Rumple limped into the small office.

"What was it you wanted to discuss? Is it about Lacey?" Rumple shook his head taking a seat.

"No everything is fine there. I think. In part thanks to you." If he wanted this man's help, he might as well be a bit appreciative. "I appreciate all you've done for her."

"She's a good woman. I'm happy to help," said Archie. "But what are you here about then?"

"It's about my son."

"I didn't know you had one?" said Archie looking surprised.

"Well, it's not something I tend to bandy about. In part because we had a rather severe falling out. I haven't seen him in years. But now I think I may have found him."

"You mean you think he's here in town?"

"Possibly."

"So, you recognize him?" Rumple placed his head in his hands for a moment before looking up.

"Maybe. Perhaps I'm just seeing what I want to see. I don't know." Archie looked pensive.

"Okay. Well, wouldn't he recognize you?" Rumple let out a bitter laugh.

"There was conflict. I'm not sure he's ready for a tear-soaked reunion."

"So, he sought you out and he's hanging back? Maybe, he's watching to see if he's welcome. Looking for a sign that all is forgiven." Rumple shook his head.

"No, no, no. He's not the one that needs to be..." he sighed. "I think he might still be very angry."

"Anger between a parent and a child is the most natural thing in the world." said Archie clearly trying to be comforting.

"I think he might be here to try to kill me." And to be honest even if he did want to Rumple would probably let him. So long as he got a chance to apologize. Archie now looked shocked.

"Ah. Right. That's- That's not."

"I let him go. I've spent my entire life since trying to fix it. And now he's finally here... And I just don't know what to do." Now they came to the real issue. Archie shrugged.

"Be honest. Just tell him what you told me, and ask him for forgiveness. And when you're face-to-face, you'll know what to do." Rumple sighed knowing the therapist was probably right. It was certainly the sort of thing that Belle would advise him to do.

"Honesty has never been the best color of me." Archie stood firm.

"There's no other way." Rumple nodded.

"I suppose you're right." He heaved another sigh and then stood. "Thank you, Doctor Hopper this has been most enlightening. You needn't worry about next month's rent." Archie's eyes widened.

"Oh really that's not necessary I'm just doing my job."

"You're a therapist in a small town Dr. Hopper. It is." replied Rumple before turning on his heel and leaving hoping he'd be able to have the courage to follow through on the man's advice.

OUAT

Before going to find the man, he hoped was his son he decided to make one more stop to check on his dagger. A few days before the curse hit Belle had returned it to him. Knowing they would be separated she didn't want the risk of her falling into Regina's hands and having the dagger on her. Especially being without her memories.

That said once everyone awoke Rumple had every intention of returning it to it's proper hiding place with his wife. However, for now a hole in the forest would do.

As coincidence had it though he found August Booth in the woods. Rumple stopped taking a deep breath.

"I know who you are. And I know what you are looking for." August turned around and smiled.

"Well, then, I guess all the lying can stop. Papa." Rumple's heart swelled with hope and joy. He'd done it he'd found his boy!

"Oh my boy. You were right, Bae. You were always right. I was a coward and I never should have let you go. I know, it's little consolation but I just want you to know that ever since you left, ever since you crossed the barriers of time in space in every waking moment..." his voice broke but he pushed on, "I've been looking for you. And now that I've finally found you... I know I can't make up for the past, for the lost time. All I can do," very slowly he approached not wanting to scare Bae away, "is to ask you to do what you've always done. And that's to be the bigger man... And forgive me." Tears were now running down his face and he could not stop himself from crying. "I'm so sorry, son. I'm so sorry, Bae." And then Bae did something amazing. He embraced Rumplestiltskin. Rumple pulled him close still crying and holding him tight. "Oh, my boy. My beautiful boy. Can you truly, truly forgive me?"

"I forgive you, Papa." After a moment Rumple brought himself to step back his tears slowing.

"You were looking for the knife." Bae nodded.

"I thought, if you still had it, it would mean that you hadn't changed." Rumple gave his shoulder a squeeze.

"Well, let's go and find it and see."

OUAT

They made their way up to the spot Rumple buried the dagger and Bae offered to do the digging.

"I buried it here, shortly after Miss Swan came. Things were changing. Didn't want to take the chance of Regina finding it. " Bae nodded.

"Of course." Rumple knelt down wincing a little feeling in the hole that had been dug.

"It should be right about here, son. Here. Look." His hand closed around the hilt of the dagger wrapped in cloth. He pulled it out and handed it over to Bae. This would show him. This would prove to Bae he was willing to change and make amends. "I want you to take it. Destroy it, the way I know you always wanted to. I found you, and I don't need it anymore. I chose it once. Now, I choose you." Bae examined the dagger.

"It's remarkable." Then to his shock suddenly the man he believed to be his son pointed the dagger's blade at him. "By the power of the darkness I command thee, Dark One." Rumple's eyes widened in disbelief as betrayal, anger, and disappointment flooded him.

"You're not my son."

"I command they Dark One." snapped Booth angrily though of course there was no effect.

"You're not my son. You're not Baelfire." repeated Rumple. The man seemed to realize he'd tripped up because he attempted a mask of innocence.

"Papa, why would you say that? I'm just trying to use your power to help us." It didn't fool Rumple and now the closer he looked the more he realized that this man truly didn't bear that much resemblance to his Bae.

"Enough!" He yelled. "It's over, Booth. Or whoever you are. My son would never try to use me. And he would know, that this knife cannot harness any magic in this world, because there is no magic in this world. He didn't want me." Rumple grabbed August's wrist and wrested the dagger from him. "Dabbling."

"So, why bury a useless knife?" asked the man. Rumple looked at the dagger.

"Oh, I wouldn't say it was useless. It still cuts through flesh rather nicely. It's about time you start answering some questions, sunshine. Why the theatrics? Why didn't you just come to me?"

"I needed you to work for it. I needed you to want it so bad, you would ignore what your eyes were seeing. Do I even look like him at all?" Rumple ignored the jab.

"How did you know about this knife?" he began to circle Booth in a predatory manner.

"I hear things.' the man said with a shrug.

"No one here knows about this knife."

"No one here remembers." countered Booth.

"And yet you do. You're from there, aren't you? From my world?" Rumple's mind was whirling trying to piece together who the man was how could he know of the dagger.

"The fact that you're asking the question means you know the answer." Rumple took a deep breath.

"Now, that's that settled-" He lunged at August pressing him against a tree with the blade at his throat. "How about my other question? Who told you about me and the knife?"

"A little fairy." said the man looking nervous now and the answer hit Rumple. Of course. The Blue Bug. She knew of the dagger. The question now was who would she tell.

"Why did you want it? If you know who I am, then you know who I am. The chances of you surviving this little encounter are pretty slim. So, why take the risk?"

"Because I'll die anyway." This had Rumple raising an eyebrow.

"What?"

"I'm sick. I'm sick and I need magic. I was going to get the savior to believe. But that woman. I don't think I'm going to make it long enough to see that happen." He lifted up his pant leg slightly and Rumple saw wood.

"Ah. Pinocchio. Been a bad boy I see." That would explain somewhat him knowing. Blue had been close with the boy and his father. Rumple mulled it over. "She trusts you. It might be enough. Try again." He removed the dagger and stepped back. Pinocchio looked confused.

"You're gonna let me live?" Rumple shrugged trying to sound blase as a storm of emotion raged inside him.

"You're gonna die either way. This way at least I might get something out of it."

Then he turned and left the puppet standing in the woods. He needed a drink and he knew where to get one. After all in this realm the Mad Hatter drank a little more than just tea.

Author's Note: I always wanted to smack August for that deception it was literally one of the lowest things he could have ever done and I always felt terrible for Rumple. Thanks to everyone for reading and especially my commentors! If you like the story please leave a note in the comments below it really helps me stay motivated to keep going. That said I'm not going to be able to update again till the week after next as I'll be on holiday. Until next time!