woodelf68:

---

For the Remembering Baelfire event, from Rumple’s point of view. Because nothing is forgotten.

---

I loved you before I knew you
Did what I had to
To be there for your growing up.
To hold you, to love you, to rock you through the night.
I regretted only that I couldn’t give you piggyback rides
Or kick a ball around with you
But I could tell you stories,
And sing you songs.
I could give you hugs, and kiss
Each bump and bruise better; 
I could wipe your tears away
And tell you it was okay to cry
When you were hurt, or scared,or sad.
I tried to shield you from your mother’s slights
From her indifference,
And if I could not wholly succeed
(You were always a smart boy –
My sweet, brave, beautiful boy)
Then I could make sure that you went to bed every night
Knowing that your papa loved you
More than anything in the world.
And I could be there for your triumphs,
First steps and first words and
Each new mark that I carved upon my staff
To mark your growing, into a boy
That any man would be proud to call son.
I would have died for you –
Instead I had to kill.

Keep reading

And now I’m crying