Ooh I like it. THIS I can see. Well done.

Oh, I really wish you're right about this. It would be so true to Rumple's character if this was the way they're going with his arc this season. He's never particularly seen himself in a very positive light; it would be so typical to see himself as beyond redemption, yet doing everything to retain what's left of his soul and his true self. And making sure Belle has the choice to decide her own happy ending. I really liked this. Nicely done.

Interesting perspective on the tipping of the scales and Rumple's motivations for turning Emma dark. Curious as to what Belle wants as a happy ending (please say it's a healthy Rumple).

Of course he's 'just the dark one'. sigh No one ever sees him as anything differently, and that's why no one ever tries to reach out and help him. Now, if *they* need help, he's one of their first stops, but if he needs help... he's on his own. Not that we haven't had this rant before.
I love that he's not necessarily making Emma a villain here, but just making it so that she has to struggle like everyone else. Not that the show hasn't seen her struggling with that a million times, but hey, they seem to have forgotten that this season. If they're going by ends justify the means (the bit about her stealing because she was hungry) then Rumple should be in the clear as well. It does make a lot of sense for him to put her in the middle of the struggle for what we've been given this season.
And then there's that ending. happy sigh She gets to choose her own. I love that. I was really hoping for some Rumbelle interaction, but this... This is beautiful. And so very, very Rumple. :)

Now I like this.. Well done.. Pulling out my pitchfork and poking you with it.. Give me more.. This is a good story you starting out with..

Nice! Hope it's true.

Aw! I loved it. Makes me sad though. I missed last night episode so I watched it this morning. Where has Rumbelle gone? They only have three episodes left to fix this!

Oh, I always love your insights on him and it all makes perfect sense, besides, making Emma go dark, the only one supposedly completely light, could enlighten everyone else to realize just what Emma said to Regina about villians and heroes, there's no such thing, there's only people. Of course there are characters that simply enjoy being evil, walking in darkness, like Cruella or Pan, but most villians are just very hurt and fragile people.

I think the writers are finally taking us to a good place, finally showing Rumple's real feelings, but I certainly hope they can deliver something as perfect and deep as this, simply, what Belle and Rumplestiltskin deserve.

That's actually a really interesting take on why he wants Emma dark. I like that theory. I couldn't for the life of me think of any reason why he needed that, but I knew there had to be a reason for it. He always has reasons for everything even if it's not immediately understood. I like that all he wants is for the balance to be right, but that the person he now love's most in the world is guaranteed her happy ending. That sounds like our Rumple.

This was incredible! I loved it all! I love how he wants to make Emma dark to restore balance and I love what he's doing for Belle! This was just incredible!

I read this on tumblr and I don't think I was able to review but I really liked what you did here! Rumple did right by Belle!

I could completely see this actually happening in Once! Rumple gives Belle her complete free will to love anyone. But I think what would shock him, is she still would choose him in the end! At least my theory! Amazing job! I can see this happening in the show! Applause to you!

“You’re the Dark One. What’s there to know?”

I somehow feel that this reflects the feelings of every character on the show, half the writers, and at least a third of the fandom. And that makes me want to know more just on principle.