#reyberrie

Jefferson stepped up to the counter, glowering at Rumplestiltskin. “I’m here. What do you want?”

“Good afternoon to you too, Jefferson.”

“You have fifteen minutes before I need to get out of here and pick up my daughter.”

“Lucky for you, that’s all I need.” Rumplestiltskin reached under the counter and lifted up a large black hat box.

Jefferson backed up warily. “What’s that?” He all but growled the words.

“I think you know.”

“It’s broken. It doesn’t work.”

“Oh I can remedy that. I have a need for it. I wish to go to a little land that you’re quite familiar with.”

Jefferson shook his head. “I won’t go back there.”

“I wouldn’t dream of asking you to. I have both a favor to ask of you and something to offer you. Some time ago you saved Belle from her fate in the hospital. If it hadn’t been for you, she might still be trapped there. You helped reunite us, and for that I am grateful. I’m sorry for never having told you before.”

“Think nothing of it. I did it for my own reasons.”

“Yes, indeed. Well, be that as it may, I am still quite grateful to you. So I am going to fix this hat, and I will visit Wonderland. I simply need some of your input, and you are free to go and pick up your daughter from school with time to spare.”

“You said you had something to offer me.”

“You see, I have a soft spot for keepsakes… I thought that perhaps you might want something like that for your daughter… for the holidays, you see. Perhaps something from the shop… or perhaps something from Wonderland?”

Jefferson took in a breath. “How did you know?”

“Whatever do you mean?” Rumplestiltskin grinned. He knew nothing specific, but he wasn’t about to tell Jefferson that. He once had a son, and if he was in Jefferson’s place, he would want to find the perfect gift for his child. If he had a chance to give his child something with meaning, well that would be even better. Jefferson spent years in Wonderland, he had indeed met his child’s mother there. Perhaps there was something there he’d want for his daughter.

Jefferson rubbed his chin. “I know just the thing, but I’ll need to give you directions.”

------

Later that same afternoon, Belle returned. Rumplestiltskin was in the back room, tinkering with an old pocket watch, when he heard her call from the front room. “Don’t get up! It’s just me!” He heard her stomping her feet. “It’s gotten colder out there!” She walked in and dropped a handful of bags to the side of the room.

“You’re cheeks are red from the cold,” Rumple said with a smile.

Belle put her hands on her cheeks. “Are they? I walked most of the way here. Probably not the best idea.” She had taken off her coat, hat, and gloves. “At least it’s quite warm in here!”

“If you want a warming spell, I could…” Belle waved away his suggestion. “You know that would be unecesarry, Rumple. I’m sure I’ll warm up soon enough. Do I have some time to continue the inventory check?”

“I thought we’d close up shop in an hour. It sounds like the weather outside is frightful,” he said with a wink.

“It’s getting to that point, yes. I’m looking forward to getting home and cozying up under the blankets.”

“Me too,” he said under his breath, and with a tiny smile he couldn’t quite help.

“I heard that.” Belle laughed quietly. Rumple noticed her cheeks grew a bit redder. She turned away from him, and started climbing up the ladder to continue her work from earlier. She was humming Christmas songs to herself. Probably, a result of being out shopping all afternoon and his little joke.

“Was your shopping trip successful?” he asked.

“Mmmhmm… Hey, what’s this big box up here. It isn’t as dusty as the others. Is it new? I can’t recall.” She was reaching up towards an item on the top shelf. It was an item that Rumple had very recently taken down. Her fingertips could reach the bottom of the hat box, and she started to shimmy it off the shelf.

“Belle, be careful. Let me help-” He got up just as the box slid off the shelf. Belle reached over to grab it as it fell, one hand on the ladder. She started to lose her footing just as Rumple reached the ladder. He grabbed onto her waist, and held her as the box tumbled to the floor. She leaned toward the fallen box, losing her footing once again.

“Leave it. Are you alright? You didn’t twist your ankle, did you?”

Her feet, in her fashionable winter boots, were at an odd angle on the steps of the ladder. She shook her head. “I’m fine.”

“Here, come down off of there.” He helped her off the ladder, watching as she placed her feet carefully on the floor. “You’re sure you’re alright…”

“I think I’m alright now.” Her hands were on his shoulders, and she reached up to brush some of his hair out of his eyes. “I find it romantic when my magical husband forgets he can use magic to save me.”

He pulled her even closer against him, attempting to distract her. He murmured, “Speaking of romance… I think it might be time to close up early.”

“I like that idea,” she kissed his cheek softly, and turned to pick up the fallen box. “Let me just clean up this mess…”

“I’ll take care of it-” Rumple tried to stop her, but was too late. She had the open box on the workbench in no time, and was inspecting the flattened and tattered hat.

“Oh… is this Jefferson’s hat? The Mad Hatter’s hat?” She was trying to put it back into shape, and turning it over in her hands.

“Yes.”

“Has it been here all along?”

“For a while. I found it at the front door, already broken.”

“Were you looking over it recently? The box doesn’t look like it’s been sitting around as long as that.”

Rumple stepped up behind her as she inspected the hat. She looked up at him as he sighed and put his hands on her arms. “I had hoped to make it a surprise.”

Belle looked at him quizzically. “You were going to surprise me with a broken hat? Wait… you don’t mean...”

“I can fix it.”

“And we can use it? Will Jefferson help us use it?”

“I spoke with Jefferson. We don’t need him to use the hat. Not once I fix it. We’re going to go on an adventure, Belle. I wanted to show you the world, but I think an adventure in Wonderland will do nicely.”

Belle turned around, radiating excitement. “Was this supposed to be a holiday present and I ruined the surprise?” For someone realizing she had ruined a surprise she looked quite joyous.

Rumple laughed and nodded. She still held the hat in her hands. Rumple tapped the rim of the hat. “I promised Jefferson that we would retrieve something from Wonderland for him. What do you say Mrs. Gold? Would you like to come with me on mission to Wonderland? I warn you. Wonderland may be wondrous, but it might also be fraught with danger.” He waggled his eyebrows at his last words.

“Well Mr. Gold, as long as we’re together we can handle a little danger. I accept.” She laughed and wrapped her arms around him, all the while still holding the tattered hat.

------

Belle and Rumple stepped through the glass doorway that served as a portal and walked out onto the bright yellow road covered with colored pattern of circles. Belle looked all around, and spun on her heels without realizing it. She took it all in. The vibrant colors of this land, the unusual foliage, the giant mushrooms! She’d never seen anything like it. She’d read about it, of course, but to actually see it?

“Rumple, this is amazing! Thank you!” She looked up at him. He was grinning at her. She always loved his smile, but in this place, it was even more dazzling to her. She reached out for him to take her hand, which he did. She pulled him closer, and stood next to him as they both took in the sight of Wonderland.

She turned and observed two giant mushrooms around her. She stepped away from Rumple. “I just had a thought. We could use a bit of these.” She took of a couple of small pieces of each mushroom and placed them in her purse. “When in Wonderland, take advantage of the mushrooms.”

Rumple laughed. “Time for business. Let’s take a look at Jefferson’s directions.” He pulled out a piece of paper from the inside pocket of his suit jacket. As he studied it Belle decided to explore a bit. There were some pretty flowers along the road, and she wondered if they had any magical properties like the mushrooms did.

“Don’t go too far, Belle. I don’t want to get separated.”

She looked over her shoulder. “I’m right here, Rumple. What could possibly happen?” She turned back and squatted down to inspect the flowers. She touched one of them, examining the unusual stem and leaves. They were scratchy to the touch. She wanted to take the chance to sniff them, but thought it might not be the wisest course of action in this place. The patch of flowers rustled in front of her at that moment. Before she could pull back something seemed to take her hand. She gasped loudly, and pulled her hand away. She saw two ears emerge from the patch of flowers, and then more rustling. “What in the world?” Rumple rushed up next to her as she stood up.

“Are you alright?” Rumple asked as he held her by the elbow and helped her up.

She looked down at her hand and touched it with the other, to see if she was hurt. “Yes, I think so. Something grabbed my hand… Oh no!” Something was missing. Something important. She rubbed her finger where it used to be. “It’s gone. My wedding ring.”

“Perhaps it just fell off amongst these flowers. Here, let’s take a look.” Rumple bent down and pushed the flowers apart.

“No, I don’t think so. Whatever that was… Whatever touched my hand. I think… it stole my ring.”

Rumple stood up and frowned. “No sign of it on the ground. Did you get a look at the creature?”

“All I saw was its ears. They looked like, rabbit ears, to be honest.” She looked sheepishly at Rumple. “But I suppose that isn’t very unusual in this place, is it?”

“Not very unusual at all.’

“What do you propose we do about it?” She looked at him imploringly. She really didn’t want to let it go. It was her wedding ring. Even if they could get a new one, it had sentimental value. She wanted it back. If they could manage it. “ Should we just let it go, or try to get it back?”

“We get it back,” he said definitively. “I wanted to give you an adventure. It seems like Wonderland doesn’t want to disappoint.”

------

Belle’s heels clicked against the cobblestone road. She followed closely behind Rumple, as he moved towards a crossroads. He looked up and down, seeming like he wanted to get his bearings.

“Are we lost?” she asked.

“Oh no… I’m just thinking. We could walk or we could use magic to get there faster. Which would you prefer?”

“You’re sure we’re not lost.”

He grinned at her. “Yes, sweetheart. I’m sure.”

She raised an eyebrow.

He laughed. “Normally I’d say let’s walk if it isn’t too far, but since this is a matter of some urgency…”

“Is it far?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Then let’s walk. No need to use magic unnecessarily.”

“Might I suggest something to use magic for then?”

Belle tilted her head curiously. “Go on.”

“We need to change our attire. I don’t think we’ll be on paved roads the entire time, and well… where we’re going… I think designer clothing might not be preferable. I think we need to look a bit more… formidable.”

“Just where are we going, Rumple?”

“Jefferson told me of various locations in Wonderland, and what to look out for. I’ve not spent much time here myself, so I asked for some guidance. This place is called the Underland, and we’ll be encountering people of the more nefarious sort. They might know more about this rabbit that has run off with your ring.”

Belle nodded. She was a bit frustrated that her innocent moment of wanting to look at some pretty flowers had caused them some trouble. She didn’t feel frightened. She could take care of herself much of the time, and she had Rumple with her, and he could most certainly watch out for them both. She hoped he wouldn’t have to resort to any darker means to get this ring back. She would need to prepare to reason with him if that was the case. The ring wasn’t worth darkening his heart anymore.

Rumple walked around her, looked her up and down. “I think I’ve got it.”

He snapped his fingers and red smoke swirled around her. When it dissipated she looked at her new attire. It was similar to the clothing she wore while hunting the yaoguai back in the Enchanted Forest. Except this was an even darker shade. She also had a machete like weapon hanging at her side. She felt her chest. There was a dagger there too. Rumple wasn’t one to skimp on the details. She smiled at him. “Well done.”

“Thank you. As always you look lovely in anything.” He complimented her, reaching out to squeeze her hand.

Belle felt her cheeks flush. “What about you?”

Rumple considered for a moment. Then a puff of red smoke encircled him. Once it had dissipated Belle saw that he was now dressed in the leathers he wore in Neverland. She nodded in approval. “Very good choice.”

Rumple bowed. “Why thank you.” He reached out to her. “Shall we?”

They walked down the road hand in hand, dressed for the occasion, but looking more like lovers on a weekend stroll than a pair out to do battle with thieves.

------

They stood in front of a doorway that was carved into a giant mushroom. This was the entrance to the Underland. A dangerous place, according to Jefferson.

“Why do I feel like we are entering a wolf’s den?” asked Belle.

“It’ll be alright. Stay close.”

He opened the door and stepped inside. Loud music reached up to the landing on which they stood. Long, winding stairs led to a huge space. It was much larger than Belle had anticipated. She followed close behind Rumple as he slowly descended the stairs. The place was smoky, and dark, lit only by lamps along the bar and tables. It smelled of alcohol as well. This was the Rabbit Hole times ten or more.

They reached the bottom of the stairs and Rumple looked around. “Let’s find a table and order some drinks while we take the place in,” he suggested.

Belle saw a table being vacated nearby and made her way towards it. She could feel Rumple at her heels. The table was dirty but it would do. She sat down, and glanced around for a server to flag down. Before Rumple could join her, however, a large leather clad man, with bare muscled arms, stood in Rumple’s way. “Sorry pal. I’ll be joining the lady.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, but we’re together!” Belle said loudly, and got up to stand next to Rumple.

“Honey you could do better than this guy,” the man said, looking down at Rumple. He was quite a bit taller, and larger.

Rumple looked up at the man, and Belle moved to take her machete in hand. Rumple reached out to stay any other aggressive movement from her. She didn’t draw her weapon, but her hand remained on the hilt. She wanted to be ready just the same.

“You should move along,” Rumple stated simply.

“Now why should I do that? You’re the new guy. You should move along, while I move in on your girl.” He laughed, and those at nearby tables laughed along with him. It seemed that they had attracted an audience.

Rumple took a step closer to the man, and though he was smaller, and held no weapons, he radiated power. His teeth flashed as he spoke. “You should move along, because you’re out of my league, and certainly out of my wife’s. I can take out everyone in this place in the blink of an eye. Are you willing to take that chance?”

The man seemed unwilling to take the hint. “Prove it.”

“Rumple, don’t…” Belle took his arm, but she was too late to stop him from using his magic. She looked around as suddenly everyone seemed to check themselves, including the man that stood before them. He tapped his chest and side.

“Hey, where’s my blades?” Similar shouts went on around them.

“Gone,” answered Rumple. “I’ll return them, once you step aside, and let us order our drinks. Once we do that, you’ll be answering some questions for us instead. Deal?”

The man nodded, and in a moment everyone had their weapons returned. Hushed conversations and stares were aimed in their direction. “Magic,” the man muttered.

“Oh yes,” Rumple stated, he expression still threatening. “Now go and fetch us a waiter.”

The man nodded quickly and rushed off, while Rumple pulled out a chair for her to sit. He sat down opposite her and said, “That went well.”

Belle let out a sigh. “I thought he might wet himself by the end of that,” she said with a laugh. Rumple chuckled along with her as the waiter arrived to take their order. The burly man was with him. He was nervous as could be. The waiter took their ordered and made a hasty exit. Only the burly man remained.

“Have a seat, friend,” Rumple said, as a chair slid towards the burly man from behind. It knocked into the back of his knees and he fell into it with grunt. Unsurprisingly, this did not appear to make him more comfortable.

“We’re looking for someone,” Belle began.

“A thief,” Rumple supplemented.

“Yes, He.. or she... had long ears, like a rabbit. Grey, with white spots. They took off with my ring. Took it straight off my hand.”

“Do you know anyone with that description that specializes in thieving?” Rumple asked.

The waiter arrived with their drinks, and placed them on the table. Once he stepped away, the man leaned forward. “I do know someone. Stops by this place too. Every Friday for happy hour. Comes for the free drinks. Looks like you’re in luck.”

“It’s Friday,” Belle stated.

“Yup. He should be stopping by any time now.”

“Is the door on top of the stairs the only way in?” asked Belle.

“Yes, ma'am.”

“Perfect,” Rumple said. “You’ve been helpful. You can move along now.”

The man nodded gratefully, and left speedily, knocking over his chair in the process.

Rumple stood and righted the chair, before taking his place across from Belle.

“We have a perfect view of the staircase,” Belle said. “Now we just have to hope the creature visits today.” She took a sip of her drink. “Mm… this is good. Did you try yours Rumple?”

Rumple shook his head and lifted his glass. “Cheers,” he said, and Belle clinked her glass with his. Rumple took a sip and nodded his approval.

Belle kept an eye on the door, while Rumple eyed the inhabitants of the room. Many glanced over at their table, and whispered to each other.

“I think you’ve scared everyone off,” Belle said, amused.

“I have a way with people.”

“You certainly do.” She was looking at him affectionately, momentarily forgetting she was suppose to be looking out for their thief. Rumple glanced at her with a sideways smile, but turned his attention back to the staircase. He was still on guard.

Once happy hour arrived, it wasn’t long before their thief made an appearance. Their burly ‘friend’ was true to his word. Rumple got up as the happy hour comedy show began on stage. Apparently there was more than one reason it was called happy hour in this land. Amidst the laughter, and applause, Rumple approached the small creature. Belle was right next to him. She had been correct. It was a grey and white rabbit, wearing sunglasses.

“Might I have a word?” Rumple asked as he sidled up next to the rabbit as he stood on a stool ordering a drink at the bar.

“Depends on if you’re buying me drinks at the end of happy hour,” the rabbit replied, cooly.

“I will be doing nothing except taking back what’s been stolen.”

Belle stepped closer to the rabbit and added, “You took my ring. On the side of the main road, by a yellow and white flower patch. “I’d like it back.”

“Look, just because someone might have told you that I occasionally make away with things, doesn’t mean it was me. I mean, I wasn’t even by that road today. Couldn’t possibly have been me.” The rabbit took a long swig of his drink, and before he could set it down it disappeared from his hand.

“The ring, please,” Rumple said. “I won’t ask nicely again.”

“I’d hand it over if I were you.” Their burly friend was seated at the bar nearby. “This one ain’t the type to mess around.”

“Give us the ring back and we’ll be on our way,” Belle said, and held out her hand.

The rabbit looked from her to Rumple and to the burly man. He seemed to be struggling with the decision. Belle gave him the type of look one would give a child who had been caught in a fib. The rabbit sighed, and reached into the small pouch at his side. He pulled out the ring and placed it in Belle’s palm. “This it?”

“Yes, and as promised, we’ll be on our way.” Belle slipped the ring back onto her finger as she turned to leave. “Rumple?” She beckoned him to follow.

“A bit of advice,” Rumple said as he followed behind Belle. “You’d all do best if you steered clear of us.”

“We’d like to enjoy the rest of our trip,” Belle replied sweetly, with a tinge of sarcasm.

She took Rumple’s arm as they made their way out of the Underland.

------

They trudged through the Tulgey woods, nearing the Hatter’s house. Belle was having fun using her machete to occasionally cut away some brush along the overgrown road. Rumple was happy to see her having a ball doing this kind of adventuring, keenly aware that he was grinning like a fool as he followed behind her. He hadn’t planned on their Underland adventure, but all in all it worked out. At least it hadn’t gone badly in any way. If he was going to be wandering the woods with anyone at all, he’d choose Belle. It reminded him a bit of their time in the Enchanted Forest.

Belle grunted as she hacked at a particularly dense portion of forest. Once she had cleared enough of it she turned towards Rumple, and sheathed the machete. “Tired?” he asked.

“A bit, actually. It’s a good workout. Maybe I should take up fencing,” she said with a laugh. “I used to practice a bit back in my father’s castle, much to his dismay. I didn’t realize I missed it. What are you smiling at?”

“Just taking a moment to admire my wife. No harm in that, is there?”

“Mmhhmm. Why do I feel like you’re up to something?”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” He stepped forward and took her hand. “Come along. It isn’t far now, and I want us to be somewhere else before dark.”

“You are up to something!”

He laughed and pulled her along. In a few hundred feet they could see the Hatter’s house. “That must be it.”

They picked up their pace. As they stood by the door Rumple held up a hand. “We should make sure that no one has made a home in this place. It’s been quite some time since Jefferson has lived here.”

“I agree.” Belle brandished her machete. “I’m ready.”

Rumple outstretched his hand toward the door and it unlocked with a click. He nodded towards Belle and they both stepped in together. They placed their backs against each other and surveyed the large room before them. It was covered nearly wall to to wall and floor to ceiling with hats. They took a few steps into the room. Rumple relaxed, and as he did so, he felt Belle relax behind him. “We’re alone.”

Belle looked around and said, “Poor Jefferson. Imagine being stuck here with your only task to make a portal producing hat. Something you have no idea how to do, and yet it’s your only way back home.”

“I know a little bit about that. Lack of portals. Separated from a child.” He felt Belle’s fingers latch onto his. He turned and smiled at her in thanks.

“So what exactly are we looking for?”

“A necklace. A locket, actually.”

“Let’s split up and look,” Belle suggested. “I’ll go to the back of the house.”

They looked for nearly an hour without any luck, and then finally Belle called out for Rumple. He looked up and saw her sitting on the bed with a bunch of hat boxes around her. There was also a small wooden box with a hinged top that she had open in her hand.

“Did you find it?”

She put the box down and held up a necklace. Attached to the necklace was something oval. “Come take a look.”

He sat beside her on the bed, and looked at the golden locket in her hand. He could tell it was a locket because of the tiny hinges on the side. It had an ornate, engraved pattern on the front of it. Belle opened the locket and leaned closer to him so he could look at the same time. On one side was an image of Jefferson as he was years ago in the Enchanted Forest. His hair was a bit longer and curlier. He was well dressed. On the other side was an image of a lovely young woman, wearing a lilac colored dress. Her hair was blonde, and she very much resembled Jefferson’s young daughter Grace.

“He wanted this for his daughter. He must have left it behind, and then he got swept up in the curse. It didn’t make the trip along with him,” Rumple told her.

“She’ll love this, I’m sure. I would have loved something like this of my mother. It’s amazing isn’t it, Rumple? These aren’t photographs. They’re shrunken paintings.”

“Courtesy of Wonderland no doubt.”

Belle took the locket and placed it back in the small box. She tucked it into the pouch attached to her belt. “Now what? We have less than an hour or so before sundown, I think. Do we have time to get to where you wanted to go, or should we spend the night here?”

“If you wouldn’t mind some magical transportation…”

“I admit you have me curious, Rumple.”

“If we’re going with magic, then a change into some softer, evening attire is in order.” He waved a hand and their clothes changed from adventure outfits, to a pale blue dress for Belle that gave her a wispy appearance. She wore flat slippers on her feet, and her hair was now loose. She felt very comfortable. Rumple had changed to black slacks, and a navy button down shirt. He did not wear a tie, and so the top of the shirt was undone. It wasn’t the usual look one would see him sporting outside of his home. Belle was the only person who routinely saw him in such a relaxed state.

“Now I’m even more curious,” Belle said, indicating their change in clothes.

Rumple motioned her to come closer, and he placed an arm around her. In a puff of red smoke they were gone.

------

They appeared in a large meadow surrounded by forest. The setting sun could not be seen behind the trees, but above them was an unobstructed view of the darkening sky, the first few stars just becoming visible. Belle looked around. An outdoor venue wasn’t what she was expecting. “It’s lovely out here Rumple, but I’m confused.”

“Were you expecting an intimate dinner for two in someplace cozy and indoors?”

“Something like that,” she admitted.

“I can give you a bit of that, and an evening under the stars with a little something extra. Jefferson assured me that this is one of the most romantic places in Wonderland. It’s famous for it, in fact.”

“Really?” Belle could see the appeal of the star gazing aspect, and the remote nature of the space. With a nice fire crackling, it could be romantic. To be famous for it, though? She wasn’t sure about that.

“Before the main event…” Rumple snapped his fingers, and a large, purple and white striped tent appeared. “Our accommodations for the evening. This tent is invisible to anyone but us, and it is protected by a shielding spell. No one but us can enter. After you.” He swept out an arm towards the entrance.

When Belle entered, the first thing she noticed was that inside the ‘walls’ of the tent were see through. It was as if she just stepped through the door and back into the meadow, except the grass was covered with pillows and blankets that had a print very similar to Van Gogh's painting A Starry Night, which she had been admiring just the other day. Rumple had done his homework. She heard him enter behind her.

“What do you think?” he asked, as he stepped towards a small table spread with wine, cheese, and fruit. He poured the wine into two glasses and handed her one. “To the newlyweds.”

Belle nodded and said, “To us.” They clinked their glasses and sipped at their wine while gazing up at the stars.

“So no one can see us right now?” Belle asked.

“Not a soul.”

“It’s amazing. I can feel the breeze. What if it started to rain?”

“The shield spell would take care of any harsh weather.”

“You’ve thought of everything.” Belle was impressed.

They ate quietly for a short while, enjoying each other’s company, until Belle noticed that Rumple was getting restless.

“What is it?” Belle asked, setting her glass down. The breeze was picking up a bit, and his hair was getting in his eyes again. “Is it a storm?”

“No, no… nothing like that. As I said earlier, we’re here for a special event.”

“I thought all of this,” Belle indicated their surroundings and looked pointedly at the pillows, “was a special event.”

Rumple chuckled, and Belle noticed a pink tinge to his cheeks. She took his glass and put it on the table, and tugged on his hand. “Come on, let’s try these out.”

He didn’t immediately follow. He took another long look at the sky. Belle flopped onto the pillows and watched him. He struck a very handsome figure with the star filled sky in the background.

“It’s very comfortable down here, Rumple,” she coaxed.

He turned to her, and looked flustered for a moment. “Very inviting, you mean.”

He joined her on the fluffy and abundant pillows and blankets. She felt as if she could swim in them there were so many.  She cuddled up next to him and looked up at the beautiful sky. There was no moon. Just loads and loads of stars. She felt Rumple kiss her temple. “Tell me you’re enjoying yourself, Belle.”

She nodded. She understood that he needed some reassurance even if he knew she was having a good time. “I can think of one way it would be better though,” she teased, and tugged a bit on his shirt collar. This time he didn’t need much encouragement to follow. She pulled him into her kiss. She would be lying if she said that she hadn’t been thinking about this from the moment she walked into this tent and saw this elaborate set up. He shifted and pulled away from the kiss, leaning his forehead on hers.

“Is this alright? Out here, like this?”

She was already untucking his shirt, “You said, it was safe. Private. Rabbit free.”

“It is,” he said, softly, and with a hint of amusement

“Then yes.” She kissed him again, pulling him over her.

He was murmuring words of affection in her ear, and kissing her neck, when she opened her eyes for a moment and saw it: the event Rumple spoke of. She gasped in surprise.

Rumple was startled, and stopped. Before he could ask what was the matter, she pushed on his shoulder and said, “Look up! Look everywhere!”

The sky and the entire meadow was filled with falling stars. Some stretched from the sky, others stretch horizontally, while yet even more fell like wisps, or snow.

Rumple rolled onto his back, and laid down next to her and watched. “This is it,” he said. “This is why I brought you here.” He marveled at the sky, just as she did. He stretched his arm out behind her head and she tucked in against him.

“It’s perfect, Rumple. Thank you.”

He took her hand and kissed it, and laid their clasped hands on his chest as they watched the spectacle all around them.

------

Holiday music pumped through Granny’s diner. It was full of people, drinking, eating, exchanging gifts. Rumple and Belle watched the scene from a window booth. Ruby was adjusting some of the festive decorations along the window near their seat. She stood on the cushions, trying to balance herself, and Granny was at the counter getting all the compliments in the world for her cuisine. All of the Charming clan was in attendance, so Belle and Rumple were able to see Henry, who slid into the booth next to Rumple holding a couple of gifts in his hands.

“I heard you guys were away for a while. Where did you go? Out to the cabin or something?” asked Henry, with a good-natured smile.

“Something like that,” Rumple said.

Belle nodded. “Forests and such were involved.”

Henry raised an eyebrow. “Why are you guys being so mysterious.”

“It’s our secret hideaway,” Belle said. “If we tell everyone…”

“Then we won’t ever have a moment’s peace,” grumbled Rumple, and took a sip of his drink.

Belle nudged his shoulder, and Henry laughed. “I get it,” Henry said. “I hear newlyweds like their privacy.”

Rumple nearly choked on his drink, and Belle slapped him on the back.

“I’m not a little kid anymore, Grandpa.”

Belle needed to change the subject quickly before Rumple hurt himself. “What do you have there, Henry?” she asked, indicating the gifts.

“Oh! These are for you!” Henry handed one long flat box to Rumple, and a small square box to Belle.

They both thanked him and started opening their gifts. “Grandpa first.” Belle paused and let Rumple finish opening his. Henry had given him a lovely new red tie, and tie clip. “Read the inscription,” Henry said, with a huge smile.

“Grandpa Gold,” Rumple read. “I never expected anything like this, Henry. Thank you.” He was visibly moved, and Belle squeezed his arm affectionately. “You know, your father would be very proud of the young man you’re becoming.” As Belle had suspected, Rumple was thinking of Bae as much as he was thinking of Henry.

“Thanks, Grandpa.” Henry looked down a bit bashfully before looking at Belle. “Your turn!” Henry said, practically bouncing in his chair.

So much for not being a little kid anymore, Belle thought with amusement. She unwrapped her gift carefully. “Oh Henry.” It was a charm, and written on it with the matching font to Rumple’s tie pin were the words: Grandma Gold. “Thank you!” she took Henry’s hand, and Rumple’s hand too as he leaned over to examine the charm.

“This was very thoughtful, Henry.” He shoulder bumped Belle. “Grandma, and I have something for you too,” Rumple said. Belle bumped her knee against his under the table. This Grandma situation was going to take some getting used to.

Rumple handed Henry a small box, and Henry looked at it curiously. He undid the ribbon and opened the box. “A key?”

“It’s for the lock to your new dirt bike,” Rumple said, his eyes twinkling.

“It’s parked in your mom’s garage,” Belle said. “We asked both of them if it was OK.”

“It took some convincing…”

Henry was speechless for a moment. “Grandpa… I… wow!”

“I know you aren’t old enough to drive yet, but this doesn’t require plates or a license. I’ve hired Billy the mechanic to give you lessons. I’m told he’s the expert around here. And you must promise to wear all of the protective gear required.”

“Yes! Yes, I promise!” Henry rushed out of the booth and stretched to hug both of them. “I have to go and tell my moms! Gramps is gonna go nuts too!” He rushed off towards Regina and Emma who were talking with Snow and Charming over dinner.

“Good choice, Rumple.” Belle said. She took the tie pin out of the box and placed it on his tie. Rumple indicated for her to turn around, and he attached her new charm and necklace around her neck.

“My grandson did well with these gifts as well.”

“Speaking of gifts...” Belle nodded towards the back of the diner.

Jefferson was there with Grace. They were dressed festively, and they both beamed with happiness. Jefferson was just placing the locket around Grace’s neck. She held it open in her hands, studying the paintings inside. She stood up on tiptoe and kissed her papa on the cheek.

“We all did well with gifts then,” Rumple mused.

“I haven’t given you yours yet, you know.”

He scrunched up his face as he looked at her. “I didn’t expect anything, sweetheart. We had a nice trip, and I have you…”

“You’re sweet, but I did go shopping, and I do have something for you. It’s at home,” she said with a wink. “Let’s go.” She kissed him softly on the lips, and took his hand, leading him out of the booth. She was certain he’d like his gift, and watching his expression change she was certain he’d gotten the hint.