It was early evening by the time Rumplestiltskin's Cadillac pulled up to the Hatter's house. He saw the car in the driveway and the lights on and so limped up the front porch. It was a Sunday so the man would have left Pip and Grace by now who'd have an early morning for school.

It wasn't long after he'd knocked on the door that it was opened up by his friend.

"Jesus, you look like hell," were the man's first words.

"I presume you have something stronger than tea in your cabinet?" asked Rumple.

"Come on in," said the Hatter stepping back and gesturing Rumple to his living room Rumple nearly collapsed on the couch. He could feel his emotions that he he'd tried to tamp down in front of the puppet rushing to the surface now. He put his head in his hands.

Not long after he heard the Hatter's footsteps and looked up to see a glass of expensive brandy in front of him.

"What on god's green Earth is wrong Rumple?" asked the Hatter for once being serious. "Is it Belle?"

"No. Not Belle." replied Rumple as he took a swig of the alcohol. It burned his throat a bit with how fast he drank it but he didn't care.

"Then what?"

"My son."

"Baelfire is here?" asked the Hatter in surprise but Rumple shook his head.

"No. I. I thought I'd found him. In truth I was just fooling myself. So, I let him fool me." the Hatter's eyes narrowed.

"Who fooled you?"

"August Booth. The stranger that came to down."

"Sooo do you need help hiding a body?" asked the Hatter. Rumple tilted his head back letting out a humorless laugh.

"No. Pinocchio is dying already and plans to try and convince the savior. So, he can live for the moment."

"Alright. But if you change your mind I've got a nice dark stretch of earth with the puppet's name on it anytime you want." This time Rumple managed a crooked smile.

"The thought is appreciated Hatter."

"Nobody hurts my family. Though this fellow really seems like an idiot. What did he want?"

"The dagger. He hoped to control me so I could fix him. As if I could in a world without magic."

"Well, that's freaking sick," scowled the Hatter. "We've all done a lot of bad things in our lives but taking advantage of you as a father was beyond low."

"I was foolish for falling for it. It was far too easy." sighed Rumple. "He doesn't actually resemble Bae that much."

"No, you're human. And it's been years you don't know for sure what Baelfire looks like. Honestly, I can't say I might not have made the same mistake in your place." shrugged the Hatter.

Rumple nodded truthfully; he supposed the Hatter could relate on some level. They were both fathers. Single father's too even if it had been temporary. And they both loved their children with all their hearts. It had been a part of what drew him to Jefferson in the first place first as an employee then as a friend.

He also knew it was probably the reason Jefferson had come to trust him at first. Not to mention the man had displayed the ultimate trust in Rumple in making him Grace's godfather.

It was the trust that had led him to the Hatter's doorstep tonight. Well that and perhaps one other thing.

"Thank you for this Hatter," he said quietly taking another sip.

"There's nothing to thank. Although I'm sure if your wife were awake, she'd have been your first option." The Hatter paused. "Actually, that puppet better pray for mercy when the town wakes up if Belle ever finds out about this. That woman is damn protective over you. She'd at least hit him with an encyclopedia." Rumple chuckled. Yes, that did sound like his wife.

"Very true. But I mean it all the same."

"There are no debts between family," shrugged the Hatter without a second thought. Rumple couldn't help but warm a bit at the words. He'd never expected to find a family in the Hatters, or to find true love with Belle. The only thing that could complete this would be to get Bae back. But that goal seemed farther away than ever now.

"You'll find him Rumple. You've come this far. If I can be banished to that mad land under Cora's rule and still get back to my wife and daughter, you can get back to your son."

"I appreciate your faith Hatter," replied Rumple as he finished off the drink and stood up. The Hatter joined him.

"You ok to head home?"

"It was one drink I'm hardly stumbling around," said Rumple dismissively as they headed out onto the front porch. To his surprise the Hatter locked the door behind them. "Where are you going?" he asked the man. The Hatter gave him a dark grin.

"Oh, I have some business to take care of."

"Just make sure this business doesn't result in me bailing you out of jail tomorrow," Rumple warned as he got in the Cadillac and the Hatter gave a mock bow that had him rolling his eyes.

OUAT

The following morning Rumplestiltskin stopped by Granny's in the morning to pick up something for Belle. It was quite early but the Hatter was already there drinking a cup of tea in one Booth while Pinocchio was in another.

Notably though the little liar was sporting a bandage over a broken nose. Rumple raised an eyebrow and limped over to the Hatter.

"Do you have any idea what happened to Mr. Booth?" the Hatter scratched his head.

"Oh! Well turns out he and I have a mutual love of puppetry and decided to act out a bit of Punch and Judy."

Rumplestiltskin snickered.

"Well played."

OUAT

Lacey was invited to a girl's night at Mary Margaret's house a few weeks after the woman's release. Apparently she and Fae wanted help planning the yearly town dance that raised money for the school. Emma, Ruby, and Ashley, the last of which Lacey still couldn't bring herself to like completely for some reason, were also in attendance.

They know all sat around each with a glass of wine.

"So, you guys use this dance as a fundraiser?" asked Emma.

"Yes. It's held in the town hall and with any luck it will go a little smoother than Miner's Day," said Fae.

"Usually, it's a night all the adults get to go dancing. Granny and some of the older town residents usually provide childcare at the diner," added Ruby.

"So, what needs to be done?" asked Lacey.

"Well, we need a theme and then we'll need to assign people roles to help with putting up the decorations made by the kids and things like that. I've already got the catering ordered at Granny's she was more agreeable than usual," said Mary Margaret.

Personally, Lacey felt a good deal of that was probably from the guilt of how Granny and everyone had acted towards Mary Margaret.

"Oooh I have an idea," said Fae suddenly.

"Oh?" said Mary Margaret.

"What about Fairy Tales?! You KNOW that would piss off Regina! And it would be quite fun."

"You realize you'd be playing into Henry's book theory, right?" said Emma. Fae shrugged.

"It's just a party. And let's be honest he's not totally off with the parallels."

Lacey still was trying to come to terms with what she thought about the whole Henry book theory. There were parts that actually fit to a degree but there was also the fact that the theory in itself was utterly fantastical. Realistically that sort of thing didn't happen. Even if Regina would make an excellent Evil Queen.

"I agree I think it would be delightful. And personally, anything to annoy the mayor is a bonus," said Lacey who still held a grudge against the woman for holding her captive.

"I suppose..." said Mary Margaret.

"I bet you'd make a gorgeous Snow White," said Ashley. "And I have always wanted to wear Cinderella's ballgown.

"Then it's decided?" said Fae. "Fairy Tales?" Mary Margaret nodded.

"Fairy Tales. The kids will love making the decorations." Ruby glanced over at Lacey.

"Hey you think you'll get Gold to come?"

"He never comes," said Mary Margaret. Emma smirked.

"He'd jump off the clocktower if she asked. He'll come." Lacey put her head in her hands.

"Can we discuss something OTHER than my love life?!"

"No! It's the most interesting!" said Ruby. Lacey let out a mock groan and the women shared a laugh.

OUAT

A couple weeks passed and soon it was only two days before the dance. For some reason however, Lacey had been putting off asking him. Still with such little time she knew she had to act soon so on her lunch break she popped across the street to the pawnshop.

"Robert!" she called and her...she supposed boyfriend, came out of the back room with a smile.

"Lacey. What can I do for you?"

"You do realize I can come here just to see you right?" she asked moving behind the counter and sitting on it.

"Yes, force of habit I suppose," said Robert.

"So did you hear about the annual dance theme?" asked Lacey. Robert smirked.

"Oh yes Regina has been storming all around town ever since."

"Fae thought that might be the case," said Lacey.

"Fae does love stirring up a bit of trouble now and then," shrugged Robert. Lacey took his hand.

"So...I was thinking with the dance. Were you planning on going. I heard you don't normally."

"Well, I've hardly felt anyone would miss me."

"What about now?" asked Lacey.

"Is that an invite?" asked Robert.

"If you like," said Lacey who had found that Robert had taken to letting her take most of the steps in the relationship. Robert brought her hand up and kissed it.

"If you wish to go with me to the dance. I would be honored." he said. Lacey grinned.

"I'd love that."

"Do you know what you are going as?" asked Robert.

"Well, I was thinking Belle from Beauty and the Beast. You know the whole librarian books thing. Just need a gold ball gown."

"You're forgetting the very name applies quiet well to you," pointed out Robert. Lacey blushed.

"You would say that."

"As it happens, I do have something that might work for you."

"Really?" asked Lacey in surprise.

"Yes, you'd be surprised the number of elegant old clothes that get sold here though I keep them mostly in back." Robert strolled to the back of the shop and she heard him rummaging before he came out with the most gorgeous dress she'd ever seen.

OUAT

Rumple had actually been unsure about the whole dance thing. After all his leg was hardly up for a night of sashaying across the dance floor. But if Belle wanted to go, and best of all with him, he was hardly going to object.

He was also immensely pleased with the theme suggested by Pip. Of course, that hadn't been an accident but another strategy in fact suggested by young Grace and Henry who thought maybe if people became themselves for the night, it might help bring memories up. Even if it didn't the fact it pissed off Regina was almost reward enough.

Lucky for him "Lacey" had chosen to go as Belle and he had just the costume in store for her. It was the very same dress she'd worn when they first met. After he'd gotten her a wardrobe of clothes he'd transfigured the gold dress he'd originally changed back to its original form and cleaned it.

Apparently as an object of immense sentimental value the dress had made its way over.

Belle looked speechless for a moment as he brought it out and he smiled pleased with the reaction.

"Oh Robert. It's too fine. I can't possibly."

"You can. I'm fairly certain it's the perfect size. And if you feel absolutely determined I'll even let you take it as a loaner."

Belle jumped down from the counter and he set the dress aside as she hugged him tightly.

"You are the most wonderful man I've ever met," she whispered in his ear. He smiled.

"If that's the case it's only because you bring out the best in me," he said as she pulled away. For a moment he considered it. Taking a chance and kissing her. Perhaps she'd wake. But before he could the bell rang and Marco, or Geppetto entered the shop. He cursed internally. He'd forgotten he'd called the man to have a clock looked at.

"Well, I'll take this and go," said Lacey giving him a peck on the cheek. "I'll see you later Robert."

"Goodbye Lacey."

OUAT

Rumple had just said goodbye to Geppetto when the door to his shop opened again and Henry Mills walked in.

"Hello Henry," he said a little surprised.

"Hello," said the boy he appeared slightly nervous as he paused to lean on the counter.

"What can I do for you?" he asked. Rumple had to admit he had a slight soft spot for the boy. He reminded him much of Bae. Not to mention being his goddaughter's best friend.

"Why did you create the curse?" asked Henry. That was not the question Rumple had been expecting.

"Why do you want to know?" he asked in return.

"Paige...I mean Grace. She insists that you aren't all bad. She says she can't remember why you were having Regina cast the curse but that she doesn't think you'd do it without a reason. And I don't suppose you can be all bad if someone as nice as Belle is your true love. But it doesn't add up." Rumple paused thinking things over he supposed he did somewhat owe the boy for being the one to bring the savior here.

"Ah so your book doesn't tell you everything then, does it?" said Rumple. Henry shook his head.

"No. Just that you became the Dark One to save your son."

"And why should I tell you?" asked Rumple buying time. Perhaps a bit of truth wouldn't hurt. It might even serve to help give the boy a more favorable outlook on him which could work in his favor with Henry's mother and grandparents once they awoke.

"Well, I did bring Emma here and I helped you break out Belle." suggested Henry. Rumple gave crooked smile.

"Very clever little prince." It almost made one wonder if he wasn't the grandson of the oh so good Charming's. "I take it you can keep a secret better than your grandmother?" said Rumple who guessed the book must have included Snow White's little tattle tailing.

"I promise not to tell." said Henry.

"Well, a long time ago I lost something dear to me. And it ended up in the land without magic. I searched for centuries but the only way to get there, was the curse."

"And now you want it broken so you can search for the thing?" said Henry.

"Yes," said Rumple nodding his head.

"It must be awfully important," said Henry.

"It is. Of course, the curse also had the added benefit near the end of reuniting Grace, Pip, and Jefferson after your adopted mother stranded him in Wonderland so I'm not the only one that profited."

"I never considered a curse could do anything good. But a lot of people are still unhappy," pointed out Henry.

"And your mother is going to change that. With your help."

"So, you didn't do it to be mean." Rumple chuckled.

"No. Everything, I do has a purpose little prince. That I can promise you." Henry seemed to mull this over.

"Ok. Well, thanks. I should get going before Emma or Regina see I've been here."

"A wise choice," said Rumplestiltskin and Henry departed leaving Rumple with a slight smile on his face.

OUAT

The night of the dance came and Lacey had had Fae come over to help her get dressed. Fae was going as Alice in Wonderland with her husbanding being the Mad Hatter.

The woman her long blonde hair down with a simple black alice band holding it back. Her blue dress was knee length with puffy cap sleeves and a few white petticoats beneath to give the skirt some fluff and flair. Over it she had on a white pinafore with frills. Her tights were white and the shoes black with a strap over the top though they were heels.

She was now helping lace up the back of the gorgeous gold ballgown with beading on the bodice and off the shoulder sleeves. Her long chestnut hair was half up half down.

"There you look positively gorgeous," said Fae with a grin.

"Thank you, you look nice too."

"Oh well, Grace made the suggestion and Jefferson and I couldn't really say no." she replied.

"I'm sure you and Jefferson will look wonderful." Fae simply let out a light hmmm.

"I'd best be off Jefferson will be picking me up at the apartment soon. I'll see you at the dance!"

Lacey waved her friend off and had finished putting the last touches of make up on when she suddenly gripped the back of the chair as another one of the strange visions overcame her. Her dressed in that same gown in a room full of strange men facing a man with sparkling skin as he trilled in high voice "It's forever dearie."

She was brought out of her revere by a knock at the door. Lacey shook her head. Maybe she'd been reading too many of Henry's stories. Opening it she found Robert dressed in a long royal blue tailcoat with gold trim and a gold vest over a white shirt. He also wore tall black boots.

For a moment he just stared at her before shaking his head.

"Sorry. You look stunning Lacey." She curtsied.

"Why thank you. I'd say a big part is thanks to this dress."

"Oh, I doubt that." he answered as she took his arm after locking her door.

"You look quite handsome yourself," she added. "I'll have to be careful the other girls don't try to steal you away." Robert laughed.

"I can assure you that is one thing you need not fear." Lacey shook her head. The man really needed to think better of himself.

OUAT

Rumplestiltskin was briefly lost for words as he stared at Belle who looked almost exactly as she had on the day, he'd taken her from her father. In other words, absolutely gorgeous.

After an exchange of compliments that gave him a bit of deja vu from Grace's birthday ball as well as the time they'd crashed Cinderella's wedding the pair made their way to the town hall which was decorated to look something like a forest with a bunch of fairy lights strung around to give something of an atmosphere.

Many people were already there and Rumple led her over to the table to get some food. They sipped their drinks and ate a few of the admittedly rather good appetizers and spent some time simply talking and observing the other guests before Belle was pulled away to dance.

He observed everyone in their costumes, Ruby as Red Riding hood, Ashley in a blue dress as Cinderella, Mary Margaret as Snow White, and Jane Cygne in a feathery dress that screamed Swan Princess. Pip was particularly amusing really given she'd gone for her Disney counterpart which was really almost NOTHING like the real her. She and the Hatter were currently having an excellent time it seemed dancing to a rather jazzy number and were doing some sort of swing dance if he wasn't mistaken.

Miss Swan had apparently opted to wear a crown on her head and a fake sword but that was really it for costume. He'd heard from Grace that Henry had spent ages trying to talk the woman into an outfit and the compromise was that she'd be "A princess that would rescue herself." How ironic considering they were relying on her to do the rescuing. That said she wasn't speaking to him since he'd refused to help her take on a custody battle.

The song ended and the Hatter's fought their way over.

"So, no dragon skin?" asked Jefferson.

"Funnily enough it's not an easily found commodity in this realm," replied Rumple.

"And honestly can you see him trying to get the leather on? I'm pretty sure he used magic back in our realm," snorted Pip.

"Didn't need the mental image darling," said the Hatter and Pip laughed.

"So why don't you ask your lovely lady for a dance I didn't help her get ready for the rest of town except for you to get to spend time with her," said Pip to Rumple.

"She's pre..." began Rumple but then turned to see that without him noticing Belle had made her way back over. The Hatter shot him an incredibly unsubtle wink as the next song began to que up.

"Would you care to dance?" he asked her. He couldn't waltz her around like he could back in their realm but he could still manage. Belle smiled.

"It would be my pleasure." They stayed on the edge of the floor slowly swaying and making smaller movements around. She didn't seem to mind as he leaned a little on her. Instead beaming up at him as the music played. Taking note of the lyrics he realized they were rather fitting.

The Power of Love

A Force from Above

Cleaning my soul

Flame on burn desire,

Love with tongues of fire

Purge the soul, make love your goal.

Out of the corner of his eye he noted several other happy couples dancing together. The curse truly was weakening for while they didn't have their happy endings just yet they were getting close. Before no one should have been able to reunite with their loved ones yet now it was starting to happen all over.

He looked back down at Belle who had her head on his chest. They continued to dance into the next few songs which were slow until Belle insisted, they stop for the sake of his leg despite the fact he was trying to hide the pain.

They returned to sitting on the side for a while conversing and Belle turned down further offers to dance aside from one with Jefferson during which Rumple consented to dance with Pip.

"So, getting close?" asked Pip quietly.

"I think so. You're close with her you tell me?"

"Almost certain. And even if it isn't love yet she certainly won't object to a kiss. Give it a go Rum." his friend told him in an undertone and he nodded.

Nearing midnight he and Belle finally called it quits and departed the hall. Regina had fortunately not shown up all night, probably home pouting.

As he reached the front of the library he and Belle paused.

"I loved tonight," she said softly.

"So did I," he replied.

"Well, I'd better turn in," Rumple nodded but reached out laying a hand on her cheek very slowly he began to move in but just as their lips were about to meet two voices yelling broke the night they looked over to see that a drunken argument had broken out between the former Sheriff of Nottingham and it looked like Dr. Whale. To say the mood was ruined would put it lightly.

Belle sighed.

"I'll see you later Robert," she leaned up and kissed his cheek before heading inside.

Rumplestiltskin glared across the street and made a mental note to raise both men's rent. He'd been SO close.

Author's note: Hello all I'm back! So we get some Henry and Rumple interaction which I hope you liked and another case of some good old Hatter/Rumple friendship. I felt Jefferson offering to help hide a body was very in character for their friendship. I hope you liked my punishment for Pinnochio (sadly using him for a bonfire was not an option). Also Rumple and Belle nearly kiss! (I know I'm a tad sadistic). Thanks to all my readers and especially those that comment if you like the story please do a leave a note it makes my day!