Part 1: Autumnal Voyage

"Well, he gave you what you asked for. You wanted him to leave you alone and he has." Emma said as she handed Neal the newest postcard from Belle. Neal held the card, which had a picture of the Acropolis in Parthenon. Belle and his father's latest travel destination was Greece.
"I know what I said...and I meant it. I guess I didn't think he'd be so ready to just leave..."
"Oh, God. You are ridiculous. Every time he saw you he had the saddest puppy dog look on his face, but he respected your wishes and left you alone. He stopped trying to make small talk or even asking me for intel on you. Now, that he's traveling the world with Belle you suddenly want your daddy back." Emma shook her head in annoyance and started making the coffee.

Neal stood up and slammed the card down on the table.
"What the hell is your problem? You're supposed to be on my side, Emma."
"Not when you're being an immature jerk. I mean, I am not your father's biggest fan, but I know how much you mean to him. He went to Neverland willing to die for our son. No matter what that stupid prophecy said, he was ready to die for Henry...and for you. There is only so much rejection a person can take before they get the message, Neal."
"What are you saying? He's the victim! I'm the one that grew up alone. I'm the one who felt unloved and unwanted for hundreds of years..."
Emma sighed and placed her hand on his face to calm him down.
"I know how you feel more than anyone, but there comes a point when you have to decide if you want this person in your life or not. He still loves you Neal, but he has Belle to consider as well. He never put her first before. You were his only concern for hundreds of years and then when he found you again it still didn't work out. Belle has unconditionally loved your father for thirty years and has been very understanding of this whole situation. He feels that she is the only one that truly wants him and needs him. He thinks you have disowned him completely. So, yeah, he's gonna start trying for a new life with his true love. I mean, he's been putting it off for centuries."
Neal ran a hand through his hair and turned toward the window.
"Neal, if you want him in your life then you have to let him know." Emma said as she patted him gently on the back before returning to the
coffee.

One week later

"I got the mail. Look, they're in Milan." Emma said as she handed the newest post card, featuring a picture of the famous La Scala Opera House, over to Neal.
The note read, "Adoring the food. The fashion shows were so beautiful! We saw Turandot performed at the opera house and it was amazing! We'll be visiting Venice in two days then we'll take a week in the Swiss Alps. Rumpel says hi. Love, Belle."

"He says hi. That's all he could muster?"
Emma groaned in annoyance. "Don't start. It's too early in the morning for daddy issues."
"I'm just saying he couldn't have written the note himself. He had to get his little girlfriend..."
"Stop right there, Neal. Belle is not the villain here, and she's more than just your dad's girlfriend. Is this part of your problem? You're jealous of Belle?"
"No, I just don't understand how he can give up so much for her and not do the same for me."
"Uh, sweetie, that sounds exactly like jealousy."
"Look, Belle is great. I think the old man is lucky to have her around. I just wish that he could be as brave with me as he is with her."
"Well, he did risk everything to reunite with you in New York knowing that you would very likely reject him, which you did, but he went anyway for the small chance that you would forgive him. I would say that's pretty brave."
Neal rolled his eyes and sat down on the sofa.
"Why are you so pro-Rumpelstiltskin all of a sudden?"
Emma chuckled at his boyish pout and sat down next to him.
"I'm not pro-Rumpelstiltskin. I just think that you miss your dad as much as he misses you. It's time for you to take a risk. Anyway, you need to hurry up about it. Connecting with your dad will get harder once he knocks Belle up."
Neal groaned in disgust.
"What? You think their just giving each other butterfly kisses at night. She's beautiful and she actually finds him sexy. There is no way that they're not banging in every room of their villa tonight."
Neal picked up a pillow and threw it at her.
"I don't need a reminder. I did walk in on them once."
Emma burst out laughing.
"That's right. You went into his house thinking you'd find your dad alone but instead you found him..."
"Doing something with Belle that I did not think my father even had knowledge of."
"Lucky girl."
"Emma, please stop."

Three Weeks Later

"Any mail from the great explorers? Neal asked as he started chopping up vegetables for dinner.
"No, three weeks is a pretty long time. They must be really enjoying themselves. I wonder where they are now?"

"Belle, you need to come to bed love. The train ride will be long and you need your rest."
Belle finished writing on the postcard and placed it on the vanity.
"Rumpel, I can't believe we'll be in Vienna soon. This train ride is so romantic." She said as she went to join him in the bed.
"Aye, this has been my favorite part of the trip. The train is so quiet and it's just you and me. All these socialites and expats that keep wanting us to go to their parties or dinners can get a bit..."
"Overwhelming. I know. It's nice to meet people, but my favorite part of the trip are these moments alone with you too." Belle said as she leaned closer to him and kissed him softly on the lips. Rumpel pulled her closer and deepened the kiss.
"Were you writing another postcard to Emma?" He asked once he broke from the kiss.
Belle nodded shyly and lay against her pillow.
"Sweetheart, I doubt he cares." Rumpel said as he lay next to her.
"He'll be curious because you're still his father. She'll give him each card, and he'll get more and more interested in what we're up to. It's only a matter of time before he realizes how much he misses his papa."
"Very manipulative scheme for such a sweet woman. I appreciate your efforts but he doesn't want a relationship. I've finally come to terms with that." He said with a hint of sadness that he tried to hide with a sudden kiss to Belle's shoulder. Belle ran a hand through his hair and kissed his cheek.
"It will work. You've never honored his wishes like this before. He won't know how to handle it."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because he takes after his father. Neither of you wants to admit how much pain you're in but it's the only true thing that you can agree on. You miss each other and no amount of pride or fear will change that, Rumpel. You'll find a way back to each other. I just know it."