A New Beginning

Chapter Twenty Five

As dawn broke, Rumple found himself sipping his morning coffee outside the hotel room. He stared out at the ocean, lost in thought, when he noticed a young woman taking a seat beside him on the railing. Rumple recognized her as Toni, his daughter.

"Good morning, Toni," Rumple greeted quietly, his voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of regret.

"Morning! I know i wasn't around since the wedding party, i just didn't feel like i fitted in. So, i went to do other things" Toni smiled softly, knowing it took a while for her to get used to being around Rumple's friends

"I understand, Toni" Rumple said, his smile warm and genuine. "It can take time to feel comfortable around new people, especially when they're a bit more of the... adventurous type," he added with a chuckle.

He glanced back out at the ocean, his expression thoughtful. "But I want you to know that you're always welcomed and welcome to be part of our group. I... I hope that we can build a relationship, Toni."

"We already have a great relationship, Dad" Toni responded, her voice filled with sincerity. "I must admit, I'm still getting accustomed to the idea of having a father, especially one who's a centuries-old sorcerer. But I want to give this a chance. It takes tiime"

Rumplestiltskin's eyes filled with gratitude and a hint of sorrow as he heard Toni's words. He reached out and gently placed his hand over hers, squeezing it gently. "Toni, I know it's not easy, but I promise to do everything I can to be the father you deserve."

Toni smiled softly, feeling a connection start to build. "Dad, i love you and this past year has been amazing, getting to know you. I feel bad for not joining you all yesterday but Bae kept me updated, especially about you, Belle and Regina"

"So you know?" Rumple sighed deeply

"What are you like? You got this perfect family and why ruin it? Are you and Belle still together?" Toni asked, holding his hand

"Belle and I are still together" Rumple replied, squeezing Toni's hand gently. "Our relationship has had its ups and downs, but we've grown stronger from facing those challenges together. She is my true love, always has been, and I would not jeopardize that for anything."

Toni met his gaze, her expression earnest. "But what about Regina? Are you still in love with her?" she asked quietly.

Rumple sighed, his expression filled with remorse. "I don't know, I used to love her and i'm just feeling messed up at the minute. She was a good friend and i lost her, for good reasons!"

Rumple paused for a moment, his gaze turned towards the ocean. "You know, Toni," he began, his voice thoughtful, "life is messy and complicated, and love is often the most complex aspect of all."

He turned to Toni, her hand still in his. "Belle and I have built something beautiful together, and I'm committed to making things right between us."

"But it's not easy, Toni. I still have feelings for Regina, feelings that I'm trying to navigate and understand."

"Oh Dad... It's not your fault who you have feelings for, you can't help that but Regina ended your friendship because of that?" Toni says softly, being understanding

Rumple smiled sadly, squeezing her hand gently. "Toni, it's a complicated situation. Regina and I have a long, messy history together. We've hurt each other, but there were also moments of genuine love and care. I don't know if our friendship can ever go back to what it once was, but it's over. Regina did me a favour, ending our friendship so we can move on being with the ones we love"