Yay! Someone who shares my head canon!

I do think this is most likely how Regina found out about Belle. And this was done wonderfully.

And I'm especially amused at the image of Regina doing her hair and then scowling at Sydney's interruption. (Forgive me, I can't remember his non-Storybrooke name lol)

Interesting angle- I can see why Regina would want the Genie to spy on Rumple, and even why Belle's presence was such a temptation. But it never occurred to me that their meeting on the road was "accidently-on-purpose"! Quite nice!

"Unfortunately for her, most of what he found was of little to no use for her. She had learned not to show any interest in his news until she got the details."-Aw, so unappreciated, just like in Storybrooke. I already love the premise here, how on the show it's left up to our imagination and you make it scarily simple for Regina to find out so many things she shouldn't.

I really like how you never have Regina seriously consider using the dagger. Deep down, she wants to be happy and at least has enough sense to know that could never do it. Of course, she always messes up her chances at happiness, but it's realistic and in-character that there are just a couple of paths which she would never tread.

I love that Belle talks to the mirror. But in a way, spying on her doing just routine, mundane things is almost more violating than catching her doing something personal like bathing or dressing.

The way Regina and Sydney/Mirror talk is so strange and wonderful considering their past. It's telling and tragic and mean-spirited the way they talk like business partners, and Regina's thought process here is soooo good. She's no dummy.

Well done.

Cute!

I like this a lot. Yes, I can see Belle talking to the mirror like that, and I really like her description of Rumpel's appearance. Great little one-shot.

Great job! I think that this premise is very plausable and you did an awesome job with it! I liked Regina's perspective as well as Belle's convo with herself. It was all realisitic (well, as realistic as Once Upon a Time can get) and very well done! Kudos!

That's a great idea (and a little bit evil!) Very nicely written; thank you for sharing it!