The ship came sailing into Storybrooke to a thundering of applause. Several people seemed to have caught sight of it approaching and by the time they reached the docks a crowd had gathered to greet them. Front and center were the Hatter's.

"HENRY!" cried Grace and Rumple smiled as his goddaughter practically tackled her best friend. He strode down the gangplank arm in arm with Belle.

"Well I see you made it back in one piece after all Rum," said Pip with a smirk.

"Surprised?" asked Rumple and the Hatter laughed.

"As if Belle would have let you return in any other condition!" the portal jumper stepped forward and swept Rumple's wife into his arms. "Welcome back Belle my dear!" Rumple merely rolled his eyes good naturedly at the Hatter's exaggerated actions.

"It's good to see you both. I'm grateful for your help sending us Pandora's box. It came in handy."

"As usual we're happy to be of service," said Pip with a smile then she pulled Rumple into an embrace. Someone cleared their throat behind them and Rumple pulled away from Pip to see Bae standing there.

"Hey, I uh found this below deck. I didn't know if you'd still need it," he held up Rumple's cane and Rumple took it.

"Thank you Bae. I do. As a reminder of the man I was and no longer shall be." He'd keep the lack of a limp he decided now that Bae had forgiven him. But he would also keep the cane.

"Welcome back Uncle Rumple," said a small feminine voice and he looked down to see Grace.

"Why thank you very much your Ladyship," he said accepting the hug from his goddaughter.

"I see you did an excellent job on protecting the town." the girl's cheeks flushed with pleasure at the praise.

"I've had a good teacher." She then moved on to embrace Belle.

"So what about that shadow?" asked David.

"It's trapped in the sail. The only person who can free it, is trapped in here," Rumple held up Pandora's box. "And he's not getting out."

"Speaking of which shall we head back to the shop and seal that menace away?" asked Belle.

"I quite agree," said Rumple.

OUAT

They headed back to the shop and entered to find it mostly the same though there were a few things out of place.

"Sorry, there was a bit of an upset when darling Michael and John tried to hold me and the mermaid at gun point," said Pip.

"Somehow I'm shocked that encounter worked out as well for them as it did," replied Rumple coolly as he removed a board in the floor and set the box inside before replacing it and muttering a number of complex spells. Finally, he opened his eyes.

"Now I've sealed the box in here, no one can break the spell but me."

"You're not going to do that?" said Henry. Rumple shook his head.

"Believe me, I want Pan trapped as much as you."

"Don't worry, Henry," said Emma and Bae nodded in agreement.

"He's not getting out of there."

"We won't let anything happen to you again, I promise," said Belle.

"She's right. You needn't worry. As long as I'm alive, that boy will never see the light of day," he promised his grandson and he meant every word.

OUAT

"Are you sure about this?" asked Rumple as Belle fixed his tie.

"Yes, we were BOTH invited. Besides not everyone there hates you. I think you are in the double digits with people that like you now," she finished smoothing the tie as Rumple rolled his eyes. "There. Perfect."

"Thank you," he replied with a crooked smile.

"You're welcome. Though I suppose we do have one question to answer. What now?" Rumple grasped her hands.

"Well, that's a question I haven't had to ask myself. I didn't think I had a future." Belle beamed.

"But you do. The boy wasn't your undoing. And neither was Pan. So now you can stop worrying about prophecies and start thinking about your future. There's endless possibilities; countless paths to take."

"But there's only one of those paths I'm interested in." Belle tilted her head.

"Which one is that?"

"The one where you and I are together." Then he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers.

OUAT

Granny's was bustling with life as they entered. Red came striding over a wolfish grin on her face.

"Hey! Glad you could make it!"

"We're glad to be invited," said Belle.

"Of course," said Red. "Welcome back Mr. G."

"Thank you Miss Lucas," said Rumple stiffly. He didn't think he was ever going to get used to that name.

"Well drinks are over by the bar and foods at the buffet table. Granny's made plenty so help yourselves." Rumple nodded.

"You go ahead and socialize I'm going to get a drink," Belle sighed.

"More like lurk in a corner."

"Go," he said giving her a gentle push towards the crowd before moving over to the bar and ordering a scotch. His eyes scanned the room. Bae and Emma were speaking as were Henry and Grace. The Hatter was tied up talking to Frankenstein and Pip was with the cricket.

"So glad to be back?" asked an accented voice and he turned to see the Huntsman.

"Did Red and Belle send you over here?' asked Rumple. The deputy's lips twitched.

"They might have mentioned something about making sure that you didn't hide away the entire event." Rumple sighed good naturedly.

"That's my Belle and in answer to your question yes. VERY glad. If I never see that blasted island again it will be too soon. Though I'm sure that the rest of the town would have been happy if I failed to return."

"Oh, I suspect there's a few people outside Jefferson's family that would miss you."

"At the very least you are far more integral to this town than many of it's residents would care to admit," said another voice this one far lighter and feminine. Rumple looked to his other side to see Nova.

"That might be true though I'm not sure your head fairy would like you speaking like that." Nova shrugged.

"Blue doesn't like anything I do and I'm past the point of caring." Rumple chuckled and made a show of checking out the window.

"Everything alright?" asked the Huntsman.

"Oh yes. I was just making sure Armageddon hadn't hit because I think I'm getting on with a fairy." Nova let out a bell like laugh.

"I do believe the same could be said on my end Rumplestiltskin." Rumple glanced down the length of the bar and saw the Blue Fairy speaking with Tinkerbell and Regina. It didn't seem to go well for a moment later the Head Fairy stalked away looking smug and leaving a dejected Tinker Bell. Seeing a potential ally Rumple gestured for her to join them while saying to Nova,

"Speaking of fairies I do believe there's someone you should meet."

"Tinker Bell!" exclaimed Nova. The blond smiled.

"Good to see you Nova. I heard you didn't get that fairy godmother position?"

"No, Blue wouldn't let me. But I found something better. True love. And I've found other ways of helping people."

"I'm surprised to see you here Dark One. I was under the impression you didn't like fairy's."

"Generally not. But there are a few tolerable exceptions. Coincidentally they also tend to be the ones the Blue Bug dislikes. I take it your conversation did not go favorably?" the green former fairy sighed.

"No apparently I don't believe in myself enough so why should she?"

"Nonsense," scoffed Rumple.

"What do you mean?" asked Nova.

"She's not wrong about you needing to believe to make the pixie dust work properly. But that's got nothing to do with reinstating you as a fairy. As head fairy she could do that any time she wants. If anything I suspect she's hoping to shake your confidence further."

"How do you know all that?" asked the Huntsman curiously.

"Oh I've spent my fair share of years studying every branch of magic imaginable even the ones I'm not particularly fond of." replied Rumple.

"I don't suppose there's anything you could do? Even for a price?" asked Nova. Rumple shook his head.

"Fairy status and magic is something that can only be restored by the head fairy."

"Then I'm stuck," said Tink. "Unless you've got any advice." Rumple shrugged.

"In my experience the only way you'll get her to cooperate is to back her into a corner. Find a way to twist her arm and you may get what you want." Both women looked a bit conflicted but not entirely repulsed by the suggestion.

"I suppose Dreamy and I did force her hand by telling Snow White about our love," said Nova thoughtfully.

"I'm going to pretend I absolutely did not hear anyone plotting against Rheul Ghorm," said the Huntsman casually.

"Your discretion is appreciated," said Rumple with a chuckle. Perhaps tonight would not be so bad after all.

OUAT

Belle smiled as she rolled over in bed and buried her face in her husband's bare chest. She heard him chuckle a hand wrapped around her waist.

"Good morning my darling." Belle looked up into his sable eyes.

"Good morning. Gosh I didn't realize how much I'd missed waking up to you in a soft feather bed till I'd been sorely deprived of it."

"You do grow to appreciate the simple things in life when you have to go without them," agreed Rumple.

"It feels wonderful to be home. Everyone is safe."

"Indeed. Best of all Bae's finally forgiven me. It's more than I ever could have hoped for," replied Rumple.

"And exactly what you deserve after all this time," said Belle.

"I think some would say that's debatable," said Rumple.

"Oh come on. I saw you talking with no less than TWO fairies last night. And nobody came away a pile of pixie dust. If that isn't progress I don't know what is," said Belle teasingly and Rumple laughed.

"Fair enough." They fell into silence before Rumple spoke up again.

"Much as I would love to lay here all day we should probably get breakfast."

"Hmmm. Are you cooking?" asked Belle.

"I would but we don't seem to have anything edible left in the fridge. I'm afraid we'll have to resort to Granny's," said Rumple and Belle heaved a dramatic sigh.

"I suppose that's a decent second best. Right then. Granny's it is."

OUAT

Rumplestiltskin and Belle eventually made their way to Granny's though it took a little longer than strictly necessary. When they got there they made their order's and then he glanced over and noticed his son sitting alone in a booth. He headed over while Belle chatted with Ruby.

"Good morning Bae," he said.

"Oh, morning Papa,"

"Waiting for someone?" he asked sliding into the booth. Bae sighed.

"Yeah. I asked Emma to meet me here. She didn't give a yes or a no. Basically if she doesn't turn up though I'll know she's not interested."

"The waiting bit is agonizing I'll give you that," said Rumple.

"Speaking from experience then," said Bae. "I read Henry's book. You seriously gave Belle her ex-fiance as a rose?"

"He threatened me with a sword and paid the price," shrugged Rumple.

"You have a funny idea of what romantic is. Then again I met Emma when she stole my stolen car. Which is about as weird a meet cute as you can get sooo maybe I can't talk." Rumple chuckled.

"That is rather an entertaining manner of getting together. Speaking of which don't give up hope even if she doesn't show. Miss Swan is a guarded woman but I've seen the way she looks at you. Give it time and she'll come round."

"You sound very sure about that," said Bae.

"Well I did get her parents together so I have a good track record on these things," said Rumple with a shrug. Bae gave him a half smile. "Thanks Papa."

"You are welcome." At that moment Belle joined them holding the bag with their take out from Granny's.

"Good morning Bae."

"Morning Belle. Good to see you."

"Lovely to see you as well." Rumple smiled pleased with how well his son and wife got on.

"Well, we won't keep you," said Rumple standing up. He gave Bae's shoulder a squeeze. "Take care and good luck."

"Thank you," said Bae and then they departed heading for the Pawnshop.

OUAT

Belle and Rumple stood in the pawnshop they'd spent most of the rest of the day there after having breakfast making sure everything was in order since they left.

"So," said Belle. "I was thinking about that conversation that we had in Neverland." Rumple raised an eyebrow.

"Oh?"

"Well, it's just, everything finally seems to have settled and you and Bae are on good terms. I was wondering if maybe you wanted to try for...you know." she couldn't quite bring herself to finish the sentence. Rumple paused seeming to think it over for a moment and then he nodded giving her a small smile.

"If that's what you want. Then yes. I'd be willing to try for a child of our own."

Belle beamed and hugged Rumple. She opened her mouth to say something else when the door to the shop opened and in walked the Hatters. Belle saw Rumple roll his eyes.

"Sorry to interrupt whatever, 'this' is but we've got to talk," said the Hatter."

"Good morning to you to," said Rumple sarcastically. Belle smiled at her friends and goddaughter.

"What's the problem?"

"Go on Gracie," said Alice.

"It's Henry. It think there's something wrong with him," said the girl. Belle exchanged and alarmed looked with Rumple.

"What do you mean by that?" asked Rumple.

"A couple things in his behavior. Forgetting our secret handshake, acting like we were...more than friends, and then just this feeling I got. Like something was off. It was the same sorts of feelings I got about people under the curse."

"Individually I wouldn't be concerned about those things but combined. That's worrying," said Alice.

"No I quite agree," said Rumple. "Well thank you for bringing this to our attention. I will investigate this. In the meantime I'd advise you avoid Henry and if you do see him don't let on that you know something is off."

"Understood Uncle Rumple," said Grace.

"Well, so much for things being settled," said Belle as they threw on their jackets and the five made to leave.

"A quiet day in Storybrooke?" said Jefferson. "As if."

OUAT

Rumple was just locking the door to the pawnshop when Emma, David, and Snow came running up.

"No, I'm afraid we're closed. Whatever crisis you're dealing with, I'm done for the day." He'd investigate the matter regarding Henry but he was NOT going to solve more of the heroes problems.

"Rumple," said Belle in a lightly scolding tone.

"Pandora's Box. Give it to me." said Emma who was looking oddly frantic. Rumple raised an eyebrow.

"Why would I do that?"

"We need to open it."

"Sounds like a tremendous idea let the evil being you just captured OUT of the box so it can kill us," scoffed Jefferson.

"Somehow he's controlling the Shadow from inside the box," said Snow.

"It killed the Blue Fairy." added Charming and Rumple felt a twinge of delight at the news.

"Damn now I owe Pan a fruit basket," quipped Pip and Rumple rolled his eyes before meeting Emma's gaze.

"Please. Henry's life is in danger. I'm not asking the Dark One. I'm asking his Grandfather."

"And you think letting Pan out will change that?"

"Yes. Because we can stop finally and forever." said Emma firmly. Rumple was completely convinced yet.

"All due respect, Miss Swan, we barely succeeded in apprehending him the first time. If I've learned one thing, it's not to tempt fate."

"Rumple has a point we could be inviting more trouble," added Belle.

"I am not looking to apprehend him. Wouldn't you rather be sure he's gone?" Rumple raised an eyebrow at the steely look in the Savior's eye.

"Well, what do you have in mind?"

OUAT

They all drove to the town line and once outside of their car's Rumple explained,

"There's no magic beyond the town line. If we release Pan outside Storybrooke, he'll be powerless to fight back."

"Neutralize then murderize," said Pip cheerfully.

"Darling you'll disturb the heroes," said Jefferson in a playfully chiding tone though his smirk said otherwise. Grace meanwhile was completely unperturbed by her mother's words and appeared lost in thought.

Sure enough Snow and Charming were side eyeing the Hatter's. Clearly attempting to smooth things over. Belle interjected.

"Come on let's get this over with shall we?" Rumple made to step up and place the box over the line but Emma blocked him.

"Uh-uh. I'm doing this."

"I can cross the line and retain my memory." said Rumple who was wearing Bae's shawl and thus confused as to what the problem was. However Emma looked genuinely concerned.

"It's not about that. There's no magic over there. All due respect, the real world is my expertise. You're gonna deal with Pan on my terms."

"He is my father," said Rumple who was turning over in his head the fact that the Savior seemed to actually care what happened to him. Emma shrugged.

"It's my hunch. If I fail, you're more than welcome to pick up the pieces." Emma stepped over the line pulling out her gun and cocking it.

"Emma, be careful." said Snow. Rumple waved his hand over the box the top glowed red and a mist began to form he swiftly set the box across the town line and then stepped back. Seconds later Pan appeared looking confused. Rumple pushed Belle behind him as the boy turned to Emma.

"Mom?"

"What?" surprise and suspicion reared inside of Rumple who shared a glance at Belle.

"Could it be?" she said.

"Don't shoot me! Please. I'm Henry. Pan... he switched our bodies."

"You expect me to believe that?" asked Emma. Then Grace piped up.

"It would make sense. That's why Henry has seemed so different to me."

"She's right it answers the earlier query," agreed Belle. Rumple however couldn't help some paranoia.

"Or it could be one of his tricks."

"No, it's not. He did it right before Grandpa captured me in the box, I swear." begged the Pan look alike and god did the words SOUND like Henry. Emma aimed her gun.

"Don't come any closer."

Rumple was utterly torn. On the one hand he felt an instinct that they should shoot the boy that looked like his father. On the other the chance that it could be Henry kept him just slightly wavering.

"Maybe Grace is right and he's telling the truth. Maybe that's why I can't shake this feeling something is off about Henry. That's two people he seemed different to," said Emma.

"Maybe that's what he wants you to believe. If he steps over this line, we're all dead." said Rumple. "Find a way to make sure. Otherwise shoot him."

"All right, if you are really Henry, prove it. Tell me something only Henry would know." demanded Emma.

"I-I got trapped in the mines with Grace. I tried blowing up the well . I like hot cocoa with cinnamon." the boy rattled off desperately.

"That doesn't prove anything," said Pip regretfully. "Pan could have learnt all that in Neverland."

"We need something that not only would Henry only know but that Pan wouldn't have thought to ask about," said the Hatter.

"Henry," said Belle suddenly.

"Yes Grandma?" asked Henry.

"What book were you returning when you gave me the Once Upon a Time book to hide?"

"Why does that matter?" asked Charming. Rumple smiled at his wife's cleverness as she replied.

"That's the thing it doesn't there's no reason for that fact to have ever come up in conversation with Pan. Now what book?" Henry seemed to think for a moment.

"It was the Adventures of Robinhood,"

"And why did you say I was like my Storybooke counterpart?" asked Belle.

"Because you were in love with a man who everyone else thought was a monster," replied the boy before shooting Rumple an apologetic look. "Sorry Grandpa."

"That's right," said Belle. "It's him Emma." Emma lowered her gun tucking it away and opening her arms.

"Henry." Rumple felt a wave of relief. The pair on the opposite side of the line stepped towards them.

"Promise you're not going to incinerate us when we step over the line?" asked Emma. Rumple shook his head. Emma picked up the box and together mother and son crossed the town line.

Rumple took the box back from Emma and Henry, oh it was odd thinking of him that way while staring at the image of his father hugged Snow and Charming before turning to Rumple and Belle.

"I'm sorry I doubted you, Henry. And I'm sorry I put you in this box in the first place," he said. Henry offered him a small smile that didn't look like it quite belonged on Pan's face.

"It's okay. I would have done the same thing." Then he stepped forward and hugged Rumple who returned the embrace holding him close. Henry pulled away and moved on to Belle saying.

"Thanks for making sure I didn't get shot Grandma." Belle let out a little laugh.

"Of course, Henry."

"EHH hmmm?" coughed Grace. Henry walked over to the blond who held up a hand.

"Wait. Secret handshake?" a grin spread across the boy's face as the two engaged in a swift but complicated series of movements.

"Knew it!" said Grace with a grin.

"This is a lovely reunion and all," said Pip but might I point out the ogre in the room?"

"She's right," said Emma. "If Henry's here then that means Pan is with Regina who has her guard down."

OUAT

Night was falling as they all hurried to Regina's vault. Belle was relieved that her test had worked and they'd found the real Henry. The problem now was what to do about the false one.

"Regina's still not answering." said Emma who had frantically been dialing and redialing on her cell phone.

"When we find Pan, remember he's still in my body. So if you have to throw fire or something, at least avoid the face," said Henry.

"I'll do my best." deadpanned Rumple to his grandson and Belle couldn't help but smile at the look of fondness that passed between the two. Henry really did get his grandfather's sense of humor.

They approached the vault to find Hook, Bae, and Tinker Bell outside the entrance. Bae, who had been informed via a phone call with Belle what had happened, ran forward.

"Is it really you?" he asked. Henry nodded and the pair embraced.

"Dad."

"Did you find the Shadow?" asked Charming.

"Not yet." said Tinker Bell.

"Well, we'll be ready for him when we do." added Hook holding up the coconut halves.

"I think it's Pan we should be concerned about now. Why are we still up here?" asked Rumple.

"It's locked up tight." said Bae.

"Really?" asked Rumple firing a fireball at the vault which bounced off.

"Told you." said Bae snarkily.

"I doubt the Regina route will work on her own vault," added Belle Rumple rolled his eyes at the pair of them.

"Fair enough. This is going to take some time." He closed his eyes holding out a hand and presumably beginning some more complex spell work. Belle stood back with the Hatter's

"Do you want me to leave with Grace if things go sideways?" she offered. The couple nodded.

"Read our mind," said Alice. "Minus Jeff joining you."

"What?" asked Grace.

"Look we don't want you nearer the fighting than necessary. And it makes sense to let the more powerfully inclined people handle the first wave of action," said Jefferson. "

"But I want to help!"

"Rabbit, sometimes being a help is knowing when you are more of a hindrance than an asset," said Jefferson. Grace gave a huff.

"FINE."

"Shall we?" called Rumple who had apparently managed to break the protective spells on Regina had laid on the vault. A minute later they heard Emma call clear and Belle, Jefferson, and Grace joined the others to find a rather frantic crow.

"Please tell me you didn't keep it down here." Rumple was saying to Regina.

"Where else would I keep it?" demanded Regina.

"Keep what?" asked Belle her heart rate spiking with fear.

"Yeah, what did Pan take?" seconded Emma.

"The curse. The curse that tore everyone from the Enchanted Forest and dropped them here." said Regina.

"Why would Pan even want the curse? This one already cast it." said Jefferson.

"And I broke it." added Emma. A sense of foreboding settled over Belle.

"Well, that doesn't mean you can't cast it again. And this time, without your parents' woven in, even you would be powerless to break it." explained Rumple.

"I don't understand. We're already in this land." said Charming

"The shepherd makes a good point. What exactly would casting that curse in Storybrooke do now?" asked Pip.

"Whatever Pan wished," said Rumple. "So long as he fulfills the requirements of the casting he can shape the curse to do whatever he wants." Nobody felt the need to voice the simple fact that they all knew which was that whatever Pan had in store would undoubtedly be 100 times worse than anything Regina had done to them.

Author's Note: So we get some more bonding with Nova, the Huntsman, Rumple and Tinker Bell! I want to show Rumple and Belle having a few more allies. Grace being Henry's best friend suspects something is up of course, and the we get some Rumbelle fluff before everything goes to hell again. I also had Belle ask the question to check if it was Henry because imo the question Emma asks is still something that Pan could have found out on the island. Something more obscure would actually be more reliable for verification. If you like the story please leave a note below with your thoughts! Thanks for reading! Until next time!