I used the curse to find you Bae. To tell you I’ve made a mistake, and to make sure you have a chance at happiness. And that happiness IS possible, just not with me… I accept that.
… I love you Bae…
Those words, said with such raw emotion. I love you Bae. He stood there, totally exposed in front of everyone he’s been hiding from his entire life. Hook, Granny, Snow, Charming, Regina, Emma, people who never heard him admit to any kind of emotion. People with whom he felt safest while looking at though a layered mask… people who never knew his true motivations for anything.
As pan stood laughing at him, he explained it all. His heart was bare, everyone to see it, enemies and friends alike. Yes, THIS is what I’ve been all about. This is why I did everything I did. This is the truth behind this mysterious and intimidating Dark One.
Even Belle didn’t know it until recently, when he finally had the courage to remove his mask, to tell her the truth, tell her what he was all about… he was all about making sure his son didn’t suffer the way he did: loveless, empty, lonely life, with nothing to offer anyone but darkness and isolation. No, his son will know that his father loved him so that he will be able to live a full, happy life, not afraid to love others and be loved by others. Now his son can have a chance at happiness.
…I love you Bae…
Those words did not need to be said at all. It was so obvious to everyone. No matter how this Baelfire didn’t trust him, no matter how much verbal and emotional abuse was thrown at Rumpelstiltskin in neverland, his response was always, “Fine, I’ll do what you ask… I would give you my dagger if I could… son… have faith in me…” … no one had faith in him, but he didn’t complain, didn’t expect to be treated with any respect, didn’t expect to be forgiven, let alone to be thanked… as long as he could save his boy’s child… as long as his boy will have a chance at happiness. And as he was about to die, about to actively cause his own demise by painfully driving a dagger into his own heart, dulled by first going through his father’s skin and bones, he didn’t have to say those words. He said them anyway…
…I love you Bae…
after he admitted his motivations behind every interaction he had with Regina, Snow, Charming, Emma… of course He loved Bae.
And Bae finally learned who his father really was. Bae went on to live a full and happy life, open to love, open to the idea that in-love is a safe place to be, knowing that he won’t be betrayed, because his father never betrayed him. He was never afraid to love anymore. His happy smile would light up the world forever, and through him and his happy life, Mr. Gold will never be forgotten.
The End.
Sigh.
I loved that story…
and this is why I officially un-watched 315. this is why I am not watching ouat anymore. the story ended. It was beautiful…
you will never be forgotten, Mr. Gold. You have been the bravest, truest hero. you gave your son what you never had.. a chance at happiness.