Board Thread:Character Discussion/@comment-11883788-20130925115757/@comment-23697155-20130926040406

I think because Regina was being spiteful and wanted to get back at Rumple. Amnesiac Belle was starting to trust Mr. Gold, etc, and Regina didn't want them to have that old connection and wanted Mr. Gold to suffer, since Lacey was nothing like Belle; Belle saw his inner good and brought it out, Lacey was just attracted to his power and darkness.

Tbh I was really hoping that True Love thing would work for Rumple and Belle, instead we got a Dues Ex Machina in the form of the Blue Fairy's potion. ;/

Speaking of, since Belle and Rumple kissed, does that mean Rumple's curse is broken/he's no longer the Dark One? That could explain his half-and-half appearnce in the Season 3 teaser.