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#my rumbelle fics
wastingstarsss · 2 years
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Hurricane: rumbelle
A/N: so it’s supposed to be smut but I think it reads more poetically. First time writing smut tho so that’s prolly why lmao 😭 anyway, take that with a pinch of salt
Warnings: as said above^^ also angst!
Word count: 709, it’s a ficlet folks!
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“This is a one time thing” is what he said two months ago, yet here they were again, two heaving bodies entangled in peach coloured sheets. The sun had set hours ago, but the blood in their veins had bubbled and boiled until they could hardly stand it, and suddenly a hurricane had gone through the rather elegant room. His shirt and tie had been tossed carelessly on the stairs, her blouse and skirt kicked somewhere under the bed. A one time thing- the memory of his voice saying that kept ringing through her mind. Husky and delicious, she had gotten drunk on it and suddenly once became twice until the hurricane had blurred their lives together. They had become this heaving mess, but a content mess they were. Too content, Gold thought.
He sighed, letting his eyes close and his head settle into the pillow. “We can’t keep doing this.” His chest was still heaving from the comedown and the memory of her against his mouth still felt so very alive. These moments were times when clocks would stop ticking and people outside didn’t matter, the energy in the room had been drawn to the bed magnetically. It was almost therapeutic to both of them. An outlet, a perfect little secret outlet, to themselves. But Mr Gold knew it couldn’t continue, she had burrowed her way into his mind and suddenly his thoughts were too fuzzy in the day. He couldn’t appreciate solitude anymore, not when his mind constructed what she might joke about, sat on the counter giggling softly to herself. Work had become a drain, it was so quiet and musty compared to the liveliness of Belle who Rumple felt he didn’t even deserve to talk to. Yet here he was, leaving his fingerprints against her thighs and hips. God it had to stop.
“What do you mean?” Belle moved to lay on her side, propping herself up on her elbow. Her hair had fallen over her chest in the process and the window was directly behind her, bathing her in the light of the moon. How did an angel spend so much time dedicating herself to a beast? She was smiling so softly at him, but there were an underlying layer of nerves behind that happy veil.
“You know what I mean.” His voice had become quiet as he averted his eyes from her gaze. Gold knew if he faced her, he’d never be able to pull himself away. He’d be sucked into the hurricane too.
Belle inhaled harshly, smacking her lips together. In a movement so quick the sheets fell from her, she sat up. How angry, how furious, how beautiful. “Oh I know exactly what you mean. You mean,” she turned to look at him “you mean that you’re too much of a coward to continue.”
“Belle I-“
“No. No I get it. Find a pretty girl, get her undressed. Who was the last girl, huh? Did you break up with her in her own bed too?”
“Belle-“
“Get out.” The eye of the hurricane.
And suddenly time had started again. The clock against the wall ticked by agonisingly slow as he picked his scattered clothes up, feeling the librarians glare towards him all the while. The stairs which had felt so electric now were painted in shades of blue and grey. His car felt miles away when in reality it was only a few steps, and god who saw? Who saw this walk of shame? Surely the marks against his neck were becoming visible now, a dead sign of passion beneath his loose tie. Belle French, an enigma wrapped in short skirts and high heels. How had she tangled the emotions of the infamously cruel Mr Gold up so quickly? He didn’t know, and he didn’t care. All he cared about, as he sat empty in the driving seat of his Cadillac, was the ice in her voice. Since the moment they met, he was sure she hadn’t a bad bone in her body. Belle was naturally a warm person, so full of fire and love. That sudden ice had sent shivers down his spine. Driving away, he heard his voice again in his head.
“A one time thing.”
A deceased thing.
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eternalfurtive · 1 day
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jefferson aka our fellow rumbelle shipper is working hard to get these two to make a move on each other.
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chippedcupwrites · 3 months
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Giftee: @notalwayslate Merry Christmas, dearie! I have had the most fun being your Santa. I've seen many years of RSS come and go, but this is my first year participating and I couldn't have asked for a better giftee and prompt. Writing this fic has brought a lot of joy to my holiday season and I can only hope that it brings a little bit to yours too ♥ | AO3 LINK |
Prompt: "her picture in a locket"
Summary: Rumplestiltskin's heart beats with a singular purpose – to reunite with his lost son. But his heart only has so many beats left before it fully gives into the Darkness. An enchanted locket known as "The Heart's Caretaker" may be his only chance to save what little light still burns within him. He just needs it to reveal the one person in the realm destined to banish his shadows and bring love back into his world.
| 'Skin Deep' prologue, very Rumple centric, character studies, canon divergence, verbal sparring, Marchlands world-building, Jefferson & Rumple friendship, background Papafire, hyper-fluffy epilogue |
"Portrait of the Heart" | (5/5) | (12.7k) | AO3 LINK | 🎄🎁🎄🎁🎄🎁🎄
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They Said It Was A Party
Prompt: Rivaling another magical power couple.
Hello @cartoonjessie ! It's me! I am Santa! Here is your gift, which is not late! To Ao3 you go!
Mr. Gold, an old acquaintance of the Mills family, and Belle French, a definite outsider, attend a holiday dinner for the rich and infamous.
"It's lovely."
The decor was a little different every time. But always tasteful. Now, there were twinkling lights and silvery ribbons as a nod to the holiday season. The odd spray of greenery or drape of a garland. But there was a chill in the air. One that had nothing to do with the temperature. Inside, or out, on the wind-whipped, snow-covered lawn.
It was chilly and impersonal in the house. Cora had that effect. If Gold hadn't visited the house before, he'd think she was renting the ground floor as a venue for her intimate dinner parties.
Like this one.
Though intimate dinner party really meant show of power.
Read More...
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cartoonjessie · 3 months
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Make Me Feel Alive Again - a Rumbelle Secret Santa 2023 gift for the delightful and talented @kelyon || Rumbelle AU where Rumplestiltskin never let Belle go, and thus canon runs a little... differently... || When Regina meets Belle in the Dark Castle, she harms Belle in a way only Rumplestiltskin can save her... || 14567 words || COMPLETE || Read the story here || Listen to the fanmix here
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ryik-the-writer · 6 days
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No one:
Me: You know who would have been better as Belle's infidelity partner than Will Scarlet? Jefferson.
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Before I begin, THIS IS NOT A BELLE HATE POST! Yes, I am going to address IT, but I am not putting her down for this...and I'll tell you why.
So after that god-freaking-awful twist in 4x11 when Belle sends Rumple over the town line, both he and Belle are left shattered at their dubious betrayals, the latter of which so much so she sought additional comfort (again, not hate, just hear me out).
That love interest ... for whatever reason ... was Will Scarlet, a cameo from Once Upon a Time's short-lived spin-off OUAT in Wonderland, which had ended a few months prior.
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I, along with a good chunk of the fanbase, thought it was a unique choice, and most likely a way to acknowledge the spin-off in canon.
Don't get me wrong, I like Will as a character in OUATIW, but he was just off to me in OUAT. Like he was just shoved in there without a real purpose. Even his scenes with Robin Hood felt forced to me.
And honestly, it seemed strange to me that Belle, the logical scholar and fruitful romantic, would break her wedding vows of all things even after what Rumple did.
BUT THEN AGAIN, I also don't think it's established how intensive wedding vows are in this universe. I mean, Snow technically cheated on David with Dr. Whale, and while it's addressed comedically, it's not really addressed as an issue in their marriage but they comfortably move on from none the less.
Of course, it's obviously just the show's weakest attempt at *drama* and a way to baffle the Rumbellers into stunned silence so they can focus on *other things* (I am NOT going THERE today.)
And I think I remember an article or something about Will's actor's Michael Socha, feeling underused and wanting out especially since he had a kid at home. While he has a few zingers between him and other characters like Rumple and Hook, he looks so awkward when he's on-screen with Belle, like even he doesn't know why he's there!
But for the sake of *drama* Belle needs some side yum. Cool. Girl's gotta work out her frustrations some way right? But WILL SCARLET?!
This Will Scarlet?
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"I love you Anastasia Tremaine" Will Scarlet?
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Who ripped his heart out because her betrayal was just too much?
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For freaking sake, they had a TLK!!!
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I will only, and I mean ONLY accept the following two theories as a reason why...this happened...
1. This takes place during Will and Anastasia's break.
It's established in the OUATIW that the events in the spinoff are happening sometime in either late-season 1 or early season 2's canon. I think. But maybe, just maybe, it was actually around season 4's timeline? The timeline is screwed to hell anyway so...
Ana's presence is established in OUAT after Will, who broke into the library and vandalized a copy of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, is arrested and held indefinitely. And while Will looks distraught at the mention of his former love, but he's not devastated enough
The scene subsequently serves as a pointless but sweet way to introduce Belle and Will. I myself wrote a fic few years back as a way to fill in how that played out afterwards. But the actual writers just kind of tossed it in there.
And dropped it.
Yeah, WIll just kind of disappeared after season 4. Thanks for stopping by, I guess.
And btw, you cannot convince me that a guy who reacts like this after watching the love of his life get killed in front of him:
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Like I kid you not, Will's screams and cries were stuck in my head after that episode. I gasped and covered my mouth. I remember feeling the same way when Graham died in OUAT because Emma's grief was just as raw as this. This is not the kind of grief you just up and move on with so casually. This sticks with you.
BACK TO JEFFERSON
Okay, I swear, I have a point.
Again, if Belle just *needed* a love interest during her break from Rumple, fine, but why not use the opportunity to do some freaking fan service after that Frozen mess?
Bring. Back. The. Hatter.
Why Jefferson?
He has an established relationship with Belle.
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Even if the ugly truth is Jefferson had to know Belle was being held captive in the hospital asylum, Belle would still, begrudgingly, be grateful he freed her and reunited her with Rumplestiltskin. Maybe he tried apologizing with coffee, and...things happen.
Plus he has an established relationship with Rumplestiltskin PRIOR to Belle.
No. You cannot tell me these two:
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...were just "business associates". No these two were hitting shroons in Wonderland every Tuesday at happy hour, do I make myself clear? It's obvious they weren't friends but they worked well together.
That scene in the shop would have been BANGER if Jefferson had been in Will's place. I mean the possibilities are endless with their establishment. They could have opened up an opportunity to explore more of Rumple's deals with Jefferson to find a way to the Land Without Magic, or even their shared connection with Regina, established, beloved connections in the series the audience would be comfortable with.
And honestly, I think Belle and Jefferson could have very nice chemistry too.
Their both worldly, and I can see these two sitting at a booth in Granny's forever as Jefferson told her her stories about his travels, maybe even a few tales about his deal and possible friendship with Rumplestiltskin. And maybe he helps her heal a bit.
That scene in 4x12 where Belle and Hook talk about Rumple really rubbed me the wrong way. What Rumple did to Belle and, yes, even Hook, was awful, but Hook never had to answer for his part in Rumple's decline. What did he think would happen if he threatened to blackmail him with Belle of all people?
Not to mention, Belle and Grace would have gotten along so well.
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At this point in the series, Grace is a young teenager, and could possibly use a female presence. She like Henry, would probably understand that her father needs more companionship and would support their relationship. And it would be great foreshadowing to Belle's own relationship with her child later on. And Belle LOVES kids and could have formed a very promising bond with Grace. Regardless on how her relationship with Jefferson could have ended, Belle would have this girl over for sleepovers every week.
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shipperqueen93 · 6 months
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Lol this person on tiktok just said they couldn't find any good rumbelle smut.
Honey...where are you looking? I can name 10 amazing smut fics off the top of my head.
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shadowedoracle · 2 months
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A Fear of Needles
Happy Fluffapalooza/ Skin Deep Day Everyone!
This is a short little ficlet that came to me at about 6:30AM when I was trying to grab a few hours sleep after getting my CCA ballot done. Since, apparently, when I desperately need sleep I actually wonder about whether/ how much the population of Storybrooke is vaccinated... Then this came to me.
Not sure It's exactly what I was creating as I was falling asleep but it's close enough. I've only done a very basic proofread so if there are any typos/ obvious errors let me know.
***
“I still don’t see why I need to do this.” Rumple muttered to his wife as they sat in the doctor’s waiting room. “I’m the Dark One, I don’t get sick.”
Belle shook her head, wishing she could roll her eyes as perfectly as her husband could as he returned to what he clearly thought was his winning argument.
“We’ve been over this already Rumple. You might not get sick like the rest of us. But we don’t know for sure that you can’t transmit a disease to someone else.”
“I’ve never done so in over two hundred years as the Dark One.” Her husband said huffily.
She looked at him levelly. “And for most of those years you lived alone. So that’s not as strong a point as it sounds on face value -- and you know it.”
“Humph, perhaps. But we lived in a world rife with disease and no prophylactic treatments such as vaccinations. You’d have thought if I was a carrier there’d have been some evidence of it.”
“Perhaps. But the data we have is just insufficient to be sure Rumple. And we need to be sure.” She laid her hand on his leg which was twitching slightly, a sure sign of his nerves. “I know you wouldn’t want to be the source of any harm to Gideon, if you could prevent it. Neither of us do. So by getting vaccinated we’re taking an important step towards ensuring we don’t harm our son, even indirectly.”
Rumple deflated.“I know.” He sighed. “I know.”
She knew he did know. They’d had this conversation before, multiple times now, and despite all of Rumple’s arguments she knew that ultimately she had the winning one: Rumple could never countenance being the source of any harm coming to their son, no matter how small the probability.
“Mr Gold?” Doc’s voice called through the waiting room.
They stood up and followed him into his office. After Doc had checked Rumple’s appointment details and medical record details-- well Mr. Gold’s medical records, so the age was made up since the computer system wouldn’t permit ages above 150, apparently -- he busied himself preparing the syringe.
Rumple looked at the needle with wide eyes, then his eyes darted to the door then to Belle. “Even if I agree this is necessary. Why are we doing this here? Why not go to Portland or Boston or New York? Somewhere with real doctors. Not a bunch of people who got there medical knowledge from a curse.”
“Hey!” Doc said. “We've spent over 28 years practising medicine in this land. We’re hardly new to things like injections.”
“I seriously doubt repeating the same day over and over gave you as much medical knowledge as you claim.” Rumple sneered.
“Enough Rumple,” said Belle. “We’ve discussed this before. It’s safer doing this here where you have magic, just in case either your body or your magic, reacts badly to the vaccinations.”
“Still doesn’t mean, I think allowing an inexperienced, non-formally trained doctor to stab me with a needle is a good idea.”
“I’m right here you know!” cried Doc.
“I’m sorry Doc.” Belle said knowing Rumple wouldn’t apologize for his remarks and wanting to reassure the dwarf. “I know you know what you’re doing. You’ve vaccinated most of the town by now, including Henry and Gideon.”
Rumple quietened at the reminder that both his son and grandson had been vaccinated by Doc. But as Doc swabbed his arm and picked up the syringe, he started fidgeting again.
Belle shook her head mentally. Who would ever believe the Dark One was afraid of needles? Time to break out the big guns. She put her hand on his thigh and leaned in so close that her lips brushed his ear. She made sure her voice was so low that Doc wouldn’t be able hear. “Rumplestiltskin, if you sit still and behave yourself from now on, I promise that tonight, once Gideon’s asleep, I’ll reward you in any way you desire.”
Rumple turned his head and softly brushed his lips against hers then whispered back, “deal Mrs Gold."
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personinthepalace · 7 months
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What’s a fic trope, plot bunny, or character variation that you want someone to write for Rumbelle, but no one ever has?
okay I've been sitting on this for a while bc as soon as I saw this question, I completely forgot what rumbelle fics I wanted to read haha but now I think I have my answers:
Adventurer Belle continues to travel with Mulan and Philip as they try to find Aurora. Belle and Rumple keep on almost crossing paths until they finally bump into each other in some way? Idk I just want more of Belle having adventures with Mulan and Philip, and Rumple eventually seeing her in that outfit haha
Gold and amnesiac!Belle from the beginning of the Lacey episode get to know each other and fall in love all over again. There is that line about them helping each other and that soft look between them that I would really love to see explored
On the flip side, Lacey and Gold terrorize the town after the Lacey episode. I know that there are lots of Golden Lace fics but I don't think there are any of Golden Lace getting up to shenanigans around town. I am specifically thinking about that scene of them threatening Whale. Just more of them getting drunk, having lots of sex in the pawnshop, and terrorizing the town. Added bonus if there is exploration of Lacey's line of "Could you keep me young?...Cause then we can be together forever." Like what if Gold actually did that?? And what would be the consequences??? Though I guess that could be its own fic haha
Detectives AU - I just really want to read a fic about Belle and Ariel having their own detective agency and then Rumple is either a client or a rival detective that they have to work together with on a case Thanks for the ask! It was really fun to revisit fic ideas that I've had in my mind for a while (but momentarily forgot about haha). If there are any fics like these or if anyone writes one, please let me know! I would love to read them :)
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threepwoodmarley · 3 months
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The Sweetest Dream
Merry Christmas, @peacehopeandrats! I’m your Secret Santa! I hope you like your fic and that you will forgive me for taking at least part of your prompt in a way that I’m sure you didn’t intend!
Prompt: Coco, fire, fresh snow, bakery
Summary: Ever since Belle French opened her bakery in Storybrooke, Frank Gold has looked forward to the days she brings free samples to the townsfolk. Her kind heart always includes him in her rounds and he cherishes the moments they spend together, bonding over cookies and cake.
Title from Muppet Christmas Carol
Read on AO3
“Good morning, Mr Gold!”
The tinkle of the bell above his shop door accompanied the lilting voice of the woman who had just stepped through. Frank Gold looked up from his ledger to greet his visitor, noting the covered tray in her hands and the wide smile on her face.
“Miss French, a pleasure as always.” He placed his pen down to give her his full attention. “What gastronomic delights bring you to my shop today?”
“It's Christmas!” She held up the tray as if that explained everything.
“It's November.”
“Exactly, I'm already behind!” She practically bounced over to set her tray down on the counter and lift the lid. “I'm about to start on our seasonal menu and wanted to get your opinion on which flavours you like best.”
This was not an unusual occurrence. Belle French owned and ran the local bakery, Storybrookies, which she'd opened earlier that year, and often went around town handing out samples to drum up business. His shop must have been on her route as she came in most days to give him a taste of her latest creations.
He moved his gaze down towards the counter top and eyed the various confections there. “So this is market research?”
“Exactly! Got to give the public what they want!” She pointed to each cookie in turn as she rattled their names off. “We have mint choc chip, chocolate orange shortbread, and cinnamon and basil.”
Try as he might, Gold couldn't stop his lips curling in distaste at that last one. “Whatever happened to good old-fashioned gingerbread?”
“We'll have that as well, of course, but this is my bakery's first Christmas and I wanted to offer something different, maybe be a bit adventurous. All I will say is don't knock it till you've tried it.”
“Hmm.” Tentatively Gold picked up each cookie, carefully tasting them one at a time as Belle looked on eagerly. He could see how important this was to her, so he closed his eyes and opened his mind to better savour the different flavours, wanting to give each a fair chance.
“Well?” Her patience had apparently run out as she prompted him for his opinion, her voice strangely breathless. He opened his eyes to find her own fixated on his face, her pupils blown wide with her eagerness for his answer.
He carefully placed down the remains of the final cookie that was still in his hand. “I'm afraid you haven't convinced me that cinnamon and basil is in any way a reasonable flavour combination. However I am fond of the first two, the shortbread in particular."
Belle beamed. “I hoped you'd like that one. I know that shortbread is Scottish and chocolate orange is more of a popular flavour over there so combining them seemed like a good idea...” she trailed off with a blush that Gold didn't understand.
“It was,” he agreed. “But as you say, it's a flavour that's more popular over there than here. How has it gone down with the other people you've asked?”
“Oh. Um, you're actually the first person I've shown these to.” Belle looked down and began fiddling with the tray, picking up the half-eaten cookie that he'd left. “I value your opinion, you see. And I know you'll give me honest feedback.”
Gold felt a strange warmth in his chest at her words. “Well, I'm glad you feel you can rely on me. However, as I'm sure you're aware, a sample size should be as large as possible to most accurately reflect public opinion.”
“Of course.” She put the cookie down again before replacing the lid on the tray and lifting it into her arms. “That's why I'm on my way now to canvass the town. Who knows, maybe cinnamon and basil will reign supreme.”
“Knowing some of the inhabitants of this town as I do, that wouldn't surprise me.”
Belle laughed as she carried the tray to the door, walking backwards until the last possible moment and throwing a parting glance over her shoulder as she left. “See you around, Mr Gold.”
~*~
“Good morning, Mr Gold!”
“Miss French,” Gold felt himself smiling as the bell chimed and the familiar voice met his ears. It had been a few days since she had graced his shop and he found himself missing her presence.
“I'm sorry I haven't been around for a while, but the bakery has been so busy. We started selling the chocolate orange shortbread last week and it's been a huge hit.”
“I'm glad to hear it.”
“And to thank you for your invaluable input I thought I'd bring over some of my festive hot cocoa.” She reached into her bag to produce a thermos. “It's spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and star anise.”
He watched as she brought out two mugs, pouring an equal share into each before handing him one.
“Thank you.” He gave the concoction a cautious sip, relishing in the initial taste before taking another longer one. The perfectly spiced chocolate slipped over his tongue like velvet and he had to use all his willpower to prevent a rather unseemly moan from escaping his lips. He took a few seconds to compose himself before speaking. “Another triumph, I would say. I imagine this must be one of your best sellers too.”
Belle took a sip from her own mug before shaking her head. “I don't sell this at the bakery. It's my own personal recipe.”
“Oh.” Gold looked into his mug and felt his heart flutter at the thought she would have made something personal especially for him. He ruthlessly tamped that idea down before he could get any fanciful notions in his head. She was thanking him for his help, that was all. She probably made the same thing for everyone else in town whose opinion she had sought out.
“Well I thank you for sharing it with me. Do you mind if I ask how you came up with the recipe?”
“It was my mother's.” Her voice took on a melancholy twinge and he instantly regretted the question. “We used to make it together every Christmas. It was our holiday tradition, no matter how hot the weather was. Dad thought we were mad having cocoa in summer but I loved it.”
Her eyes had taken on a faraway look as she cradled her mug carefully and he thought he knew the answer to his next question but felt compelled to ask anyway. “Is your mother...?” he trailed off, unsure how to finish.
“She died.” Belle brought her eyes back to him and smiled sadly. “A few years ago now. I still make the same recipe every Christmas though. It's a lot more seasonally appropriate now I've moved here, but I must admit that sometimes I miss the incongruity of sitting in the bright sunshine with my hot cocoa. That probably sounds silly, I know.”
“Not at all. I used to...” he trailed off, unsure whether he wanted to go where he'd been about to. His fingers twitched and he put his mug down before he dropped it.
“You used to?” She looked at him with such an open and honest expression he felt almost helpless in the face of it. Something about her compelled him to speak about things that he'd kept locked up inside of himself for years.
“I used to make paper snowflakes with my son. My ex-wife hated them, said that they looked cheap and tacky, but we had fun. It was the time spent together that was special.”
“You have a son!” Belle's face brightened, then quickly fell as something seemed to occur to her. “Is he...?”
“Oh, no, nothing like that,” he was quick to reassure her. “He's alive. He lives in New York with his wife and a son of his own now. But we did have a falling out a few years ago. It was a bad one and all my fault, of course. I didn't hear from him in so long I feared the worst so many times.”
“I'm sorry.” She placed her mug down and reached out to cover his hand with hers where it rested on the counter. His breath caught at her touch and he kept perfectly still for fear of losing it. “But it sounds like you've heard from him since?”
“Yes. He got in contact with me not long after Henry was born. Said he finally understood how terrifying it was to be a father. We had a long talk, I apologised and he forgave me. I didn't deserve it, but then he's always been a better person than me in every way.”
“I think the kind of person he is is a reflection of the man who raised him.” She squeezed his hand gently. “Is he coming for the holidays?”
“No.” He sighed. “He said they want a quiet Christmas at home this year. I don't think he's ready to completely trust me yet and I can understand that. I just wish we hadn't lost all those years we could have spent together due to my stupidity.”
“I think you need to stop beating yourself up about it. The past is the past and all you can do now is move forward. Your son is alive, he's forgiven you and you'll have many Christmasses in the future to spend together, I'm sure.” She leaned towards him, her eyes locked on his while he stared at her dumbly. Apparently he was silent too long because she blushed and pulled away from him, lifting her hand from his. “Sorry, I'm probably overstepping here. Please tell me to shut up and go away.”
“Never,” he breathed, before clearing his throat. “No, I mean, you're right. As usual.”
He reached for his cocoa once again and brought the mug to his lips, grateful for both the shield it provided and the warmth it brought back after the loss of her touch.
They finished their drinks in a companionable silence, as though any further words would break the spell that had fallen over them. Sooner than Gold would have liked, Belle began packing their empty mugs into her bag and made to leave.
Walking to the door, she turned and looked as though she wanted to say something else but thought better of it, deciding to go with her usual parting instead.
“See you around, Mr Gold.”
~*~
“Good morning, Mr Gold!” Belle's cheery voice betrayed none of the heaviness of their previous conversation and Gold was glad for it. He had been half afraid she would be put off visiting him again after the revelations of the other day.
“Good morning, Miss French.” Gold looked up and felt his eyes widen. “What on earth do you have on your head?”
“They're reindeer antlers!” She shook her head to make the attached bell jingle, and he was momentarily mesmerised by the way her curls bounced around her shoulders. “Do you like them? I could get you a pair if you like.”
He shuddered. “That's very thoughtful but I think I'll pass, thank you.”
“Are you sure? I think you'd look very dashing.”
“I highly doubt that. They look far better on you than they ever would on me.”
Belle's radiant smile nearly blinded him and it took him a second to realise she had moved forward and was now holding a paper bag out to him. “Here.”
“What's this?” He took it from her outstretched hand.
“It's a 'good old-fashioned gingerbread man.'”
He peeked into the paper bag and raised an eyebrow. “Since when do gingerbread men wear suits?”
“That's what makes him so old-fashioned.” Belle laughed, tilting her head and leaning forward on the counter almost conspiratorially. She looked out the window and sighed wistfully before turning back to him. “Do you think it's going to snow soon?”
“Probably,” he grumbled. “We've been lucky so far but I can feel a chill in the air. At least we're spared the worst of it being this close to the sea.”
She lightly slapped his arm and he looked at her hand in surprise as she admonished him. “Oh humbug Mr Gold, don't tell me you're a snow-hater.”
“Live in Maine long enough and you will be too,” he responded drily.
“Well, I love it. We never had snow when I was growing up in Melbourne. Then I moved here and I can still remember the first morning I woke up to a snowy day. It was like the world was covered in a pure white blanket, glittering in the sun. I thought it was the most beautiful sight I'd ever seen.”
“And did you still think that when you had to shovel three feet of the stuff off your driveway? Or when it felt like your fingers were going to fall off from frostbite? Or when you slipped on hidden ice and nearly broke your neck?”
She eyed him suspiciously. “How do you know about that?”
“Lucky guess,” he deadpanned.
“Well, it was just the one time and I learned my lesson.” She held up a finger accusingly. “High heeled ankle boots may look cute but are not practical for icy weather.”
With deliberate slowness Gold peered over the counter. He was not at all surprised to see a pair of red heels at the end of her shapely legs.
Before his brain could go in a dangerous direction he forced his eyes back up to hers and raised his brow in silence.
She blushed. “Hey, it's not icy yet. I have a pair of snow boots at the bakery just in case though.”
“As long as you're prepared.”
“I am.” She gave him a wide smile which dimmed slightly as she caught sight of the clock behind him. “Oh, shoot. I have to head off now. I told Ariel I'd be there by ten, so this has to be a flying visit.”
Gold felt heart sink in response, but kept his face neutral to hide his disappointment. “In that case don't let me keep you. And thank you once again for the gingerbread man.”
“You're very welcome and I hope you enjoy it.” She walked to the door and turned back to him with a twinkle in her eye. “Maybe I'll bring you a matching gingerbread lady tomorrow. See you around, Mr Gold!”
~*~
The implied promise in Miss French's words meant that Gold started the next day in an uncharacteristically good mood, hopeful that he wouldn't have to wait too long before another visit from his favourite baker.
That good mood soon faded upon his arrival into town and the sight that greeted him there. The entrance to one of the roads was blocked off and he was just about able to catch a glimpse of flashing lights through the crowd of people gathered by the roadside. Spying David Nolan among their number, he quickly parked his car and grabbed his cane, walking over to the group as quickly as he could.
“Mr Nolan.” He waited for the other man to turn and acknowledge his presence. “What's going on?”
David looked surprised. “You haven't heard? No, I suppose you wouldn't have since the bakery isn't one of your buildings.”
“The bakery?” Gold's stomach twisted as his eyes moved from scanning the scene to focus all his attention on the man next to him. “What about the bakery?”
“There was a fire. Last night. Looks like the whole place has been completely destroyed.”
Gold felt as though a cold vice had gripped his heart. He could barely breathe except to stutter out a single word. “Belle?”
“Oh, don't worry. Belle's fine.” David waved his hand, apparently unaware of the magnitude of his words. “I mean she's devastated, obviously, but no one was inside the building at the time.”
David's gaze moved from Gold's face to somewhere over his shoulder, leading Gold to turn his head to follow his line of sight. Belle stood near the edge of the crowd, her arms wrapped around herself as though for protection against the world.
Barely aware that David was still speaking to him, Gold turned the rest of his body and set out in her direction. One of her friends, the grumpy one, was standing nearby and appeared to be attempting to provide support but Gold paid him no mind as he approached Belle.
“Miss French.” The greeting felt woefully inadequate, but it was all he could think of in the moment.
“Oh, Mr Gold, hi.” Belle turned to him, lifting a hand to wipe away the tears that were still clearly visible on her face. “I'm sorry, I don't think I'm going to have any gingerbread for you today.”
He watched as the corners of her mouth turned up in a weak approximation of a smile before her entire face crumbled again.
“Don't worry about it.” Gold flinched, mentally kicking himself for such an inane response. He scrambled for something better to say before settling on what he should have started with in the first place. “Are you all right?”
“No,” she huffed quietly before visibly steeling herself and meeting his eyes, “but I will be. Nobody was hurt, which is the main thing. It's just... hard. To see everything I've worked for, everything I've put my heart and soul into, be destroyed so completely.”
“I'm sorry.” His fingers itched to comfort her but he wasn't sure he'd be welcome, so instead he just continued to stand ineffectually at her side, wishing he had something better to say. “You have insurance, I assume?”
“Of course.” She nodded. “But it's going to take weeks to sort it all out and then even longer to rebuild. There's no way I'm going to have a bakery in time for Christmas.”
“Perhaps you could use one of the empty properties in town as a temporary base. I happen to know there are a few available.”
“That's very kind of you, Mr Gold, but until the insurance pays out I'm not going to be able to afford to rent anywhere, let alone buy the equipment I'm going to need.”
“I could pay for anything you...”
“No.” Her face was resolute as she cut him off. “I mean, I appreciate the offer, I really do. It's just that I don't want...”
“It's all right, Miss French. I completely understand.” It was his turn to cut her off and he tried not to let the sting of rejection hurt too much. “Perhaps a fundraiser then.”
“What, like charity?”
“I prefer to think of it as community. The bakery is such a beloved part of this town, I'm sure the townsfolk would be more than happy to help you get back on your feet. It would be in everyone's best interest to have you back in business as soon as possible.”
“Really? My bakery is beloved?” Belle had the first real smile he'd seen on her face all day.
“Of course. You've said yourself how busy you've been.”
“True, I guess. But I'm not sure, I wouldn't feel right taking people's money when I'll be getting the insurance payout eventually.”
“As you said, that could take weeks. Would you really deprive Storybrooke of your baked delights for all that time?” He could see she was still unsure, so went for an angle that he knew would appeal to her. “And when you do receive the insurance money you could take whatever amount the town raised for you and donate it to another worthwhile cause. Pay it forward, as they say. I know the library is always struggling with their budget and would be very appreciative of funds to purchase new books.”
That caught her attention, just as he'd suspected it would, so he continued, “and if you're worried about the appearance of impropriety you can always ask the town council to organise it. Keep everything above board.”
“Thank you for the suggestion, Mr Gold,” she said, and he was pleased to see a thoughtful expression on her face. “I'll definitely think about it.”
Gold nodded his farewells and took his leave. He felt confident that Belle would be all right in the company of her friends. The grumpy one was still hovering protectively, and he'd seen the Lucas girl pushing her way through the crowd heading in their direction.
He made his way straight to his shop but didn't open for business right away, opting to retreat to the back room while he made some calls. He had arrangements to make.
~*~
A few days later Gold stood at the side of the road, watching as Belle and her friends set up her new premises.
He hadn't talked to her in a while, but she looked happy and he was glad for that. He was so focused on watching her that he didn't notice David Nolan approaching him until it was too late.
“Hey, Gold”
“Mr Nolan.” Gold inclined his head and made to move away, but David refused to let him go.
“You know, this was a good thing you did.”
Gold blinked. “I'm sure I have no idea what you're talking about.”
“Making this place available for Belle. Marco told me that it was an empty shell last week, yet somehow it's been brought up to code and ready to rent in just a few days. I can't imagine how much that would have cost you.”
“I don't know how it goes in your line of work, Mr Nolan, but in the landlord business it's always better to have an income than to not. Investing money into a property in order to rent it out is what I do.”
“Uh huh.” The man had a smug look on his face that Gold didn't like one bit. “And, where is this rental income coming from exactly? The money the town raised with the fundraiser?”
“How should I know?” Gold flicked his hand dismissively. “All that matters to me is being paid the money I'm owed. The source of the funds is not my concern.”
“Really? You don't care at all? Because, you know, there's a funny thing about that fundraiser.” David looked around and lowered his voice conspiratorially, “Mary Margaret told me that while a lot of people were willing to donate, they weren't able to give all that much. Certainly nowhere near the amount necessary. Apparently almost all of the money raised came from one, extremely generous, anonymous donor.”
“What exactly is your point?” Gold snarled, baring his teeth.
“Why don't you just tell her that you like her?”
“Excuse me?”
“Belle. Tell her that you like her.”
“You're being ridiculous.” Gold tried again to move away, but David refused to let up.
“Am I? Because I've known you for years and in all that time I've never seen you do anything without some ulterior motive.”
Gold's mouth twisted. He knew what people thought of him, of course, but to have it laid out so baldly, and from someone he almost considered a friend, still stung. “I see. And you think if I tell Miss French that I donated the money to help her bakery then she will feel so grateful she'll have sex with me.”
“What? No!” David seemed flustered. “Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I just meant that this is the first time I've seen you do something nice for someone just because you wanted to help them. She must be pretty special.”
“Yes, well. It doesn't matter.” Gold felt his fingers twitch remembering their previous conversation. “Miss French made it very clear that she wants nothing to do with me.”
“Are you sure about that?” David looked over his shoulder in confusion. “Because she talks about you a lot. And it sure doesn't seem like she wants nothing to do with you.”
“Perhaps you don't know her as well as you think you do. Good day, Mr Nolan.” Gold finally managed to make his escape, barely resisting the urge to look back and attempt to catch another glimpse of Belle as he did so.
~*~
One of the advantages of a reputation such as his was that people didn't generally seek him out if they didn't have to, which meant that his evenings at home usually went undisturbed.
That's why the knock on his door, coming not long after his return, was such a surprise to him.
The sight of the very woman who had occupied his thoughts most of the day stood on his front porch was yet another surprise.
“Good evening, Mr Gold,” she greeted him with a soft smile on her face.
“Miss French.” Gold stared at her dumbly. “What are you doing here?”
Her smile faltered at his rather unwelcoming response, but she pressed on. “I wanted to talk to you. Can I come in?”
“Oh, yes, of course.” He stood back to allow her entry before closing the door behind her. “May I take your coat?”
She seemed relieved at this indication that he wasn't going to kick her out immediately and smiled again, placing her bag down as she removed her overcoat, passing it into his outstretched hand for him to hang up.
When he turned back around he saw her reaching into her bag and pulling out a small box, which she handed to him.
“Here. I, um, I brought some cookies. The first batch made in my new bakery. I wanted to say thank you. For everything”
“It's no matter.” He shrugged, trying to downplay his involvement, as he led her into the kitchen, placing the cookies down on the counter. “The place was sitting empty. This way we both get something out of it.”
“Right.” She bit her lip before taking a deep breath. “See, the thing is... David told me. That you donated the money too.”
Gold made a mental note to have words with Mr Nolan about the consequences of gossip. “He shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry. I know you didn't want me involved and I hope you're not too upset...”
He was cut off by the sudden pressure of her small body crashing into his. Her arms wound around his back and he could feel her breath on his neck. Gold felt his heart stutter in his chest at the contact and he almost missed the words she whispered into his skin.
“I'm not upset.” The quaver in her voice gave him pause, and he pulled back slightly. Belle mirrored his actions, but instead of letting him go she tilted her head, bringing her lips close to his. Ice ran through his veins as he understood her intention and he pushed her away more roughly than he meant to, taking a step back and planting his cane in front of his feet like a shield.
“Miss French, please. I don't know what Nolan told you, but you don't owe me anything. And even if you did I am most certainly not the kind of monster who would expect...that.” The fact that she thought him capable of such things hurt more than he could express and he hoped she would leave soon so he could drown his sorrows in scotch.
“You're not a monster at all,” she cried, moving forward to close the distance between them again and placing her hands over his on his cane. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. I shouldn't have done that. And I shouldn't have refused your kind offer the way I did. I hope you know it was never because I was afraid you would hold it over me. I know you wouldn't. I just didn't want you to think I was only interested in you for your money.”
“You... what?” It was an inarticulate response, but his mind had gone blank and he couldn't quite comprehend the meaning of her words.
“Because it was never about that and I wouldn't want you to think it was. I should have known better, I see that now, but I was so afraid of ruining what we have. I'd just lost my bakery and I couldn't bear to lose you too.”
“You're... interested in me?” He felt like his world had been turned upside down in just a few seconds and he never wanted it to right itself. Could she really be saying what he thought she was?
“Of course,” she laughed. “Why do you think I was always at your shop bringing you baked goods?”
“I just thought you were giving out free samples to everyone.”
“Mr Gold, if I gave out as many samples to everyone else as I gave to you I'd have gone out of business months ago.”
“But... why?”
“Because I like you. I like spending time with you. I like talking to you. And I thought...” Here her expression flickered. “I thought maybe you felt the same.”
“I do,” he was quick to reassure her. The last thing he wanted was yet another misunderstanding between them. “Your visits are the highlight of my days. I just never imagined it was possible that you could reciprocate my feelings.”
“Well I do.” She smiled shyly. “You don’t know how many times I wanted to reach across that counter and kiss you. Speaking of which… may I now?”
“By all means,” he breathed.
This time when she moved closer to him he didn't resist, instead bringing his hand up to stroke the side of her face, sliding it around to cup the back of her head as their lips met.
Gold felt tempted to pinch himself, half-convinced that he was having the most wonderful dream. Belle's lips were soft and sweet, moving gently against his as he responded in kind. The kiss was undemanding and delicate, but he could feel the potential for more passionate ones in the future bubbling under the surface.
When they pulled apart he rested his forehead against hers, delighting in sharing her breath as they smiled at each other.
“Would you...” he broke the silence. “Would you like to stay for dinner, Miss French?”
“I would love to.” Her smile widened even further. “And I think it's about time you call me Belle.”
“Belle.” He spoke her name like a caress. “You can call me Frank.”
She pulled back a little and raised an eyebrow. “Your name is Frank Gold?”
“Yes,” he sighed. “And yes, I was called 'Incense and Myrrh' every Christmas throughout all my school years.”
She giggled slightly, “I'm sorry. But that's adorable.”
“I'm glad you think so.”
“If it makes you feel any better, the kids at my school called me Jingle Belle.”
“Actually, it does.” He blinked, wondering what to say next when movement in the darkness outside caught his eye. “Huh.”
“What?” She turned and he could see the moment she noticed what he had as she pulled away in excitement. “Oh wow, it's snowing!”
“Apparently so.” They moved closer to the window to better see the thick white flakes. “And it looks like there's going to be a lot of it.”
“It's so beautiful,” she sighed, leaning into his side. For once he didn't feel like disagreeing. “But I should probably mention that I didn't bring any snow boots with me.”
She looked up at him with a mischievous grin that he returned, before glancing down at her heels. “I suppose you'll just have to stay here then. Those shoes are definitely not appropriate for this weather.”
“I suppose so.” He could hear the smile in her voice. “I did bring the ingredients for my festive cocoa though. I thought we could make it together.”
His breath caught as he comprehended the magnitude of what she was offering. “I'd like that.”
~*~
Christmas Eve, Five Years Later
“Good morning, Mr Gold!” Belle's cheerful voice rang out through his shop as she stepped through the door. Gold smiled at the familiar sound as he raised his head from his ledger to greet her in return.
“Good morning, Mrs Gold.” He put his pen down as she skipped over to give him a quick kiss. “What brings you here?”
“I wanted to remind you that we both need to get home by four at the latest if we're going to have the festive cocoa ready by the time Bae and Emma arrive. You know as soon as they get here Henry's going to be having you make paper snowflakes with him all evening.”
“I remember.” Warmth spread through him as he thought about having all his family together for Christmas again this year. “You didn't have to leave the bakery to come and tell me that, I'm sure this must be a busy morning for you.”
“It is,” Belle admitted, “but Ariel and Astrid have it under control. And... I wanted to give you this.”
He took the paper bag she held out to him and reached inside, pulling out two gingerbread figures. One was clearly a man, decorated with a suit that matched the one he was currently wearing. The other was a woman wearing a dress the same colour as Belle's, but with a far more prominent waistline than his wife had.
He looked up at her, watching the way she bit her lip as the meaning of the gift dawned on him. “Are you...?”
“I am,” she confirmed, placing a gentle hand over her stomach. “It's still early days so I don't want to announce it yet, but I wanted you to know. Of course this does mean we'll have to come up with a reason why I'm not drinking any of the eggnog tonight.”
Gold laughed in delight, hurrying around the side of the counter as quickly as he could to throw his arms around his wife. Just when he'd thought his life was as happy as it could possibly be, she went and proved him wrong. She'd always been good at that.
Belle returned his hug, her own arms tight around his back, before pulling away and looking into his eyes, tears in her own. “Merry Christmas, Frank,” she whispered, her face moving towards his.
“Merry Christmas, Belle,” he replied, closing the distance between them and capturing her lips with his own.
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deliriumsdelight7 · 4 months
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Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat - Chapter 17
Gold invited Belle to stay the night.  How could he not?  Her bravery may have helped him to stop running from his feelings, but the air between them was far from clear.  There were lies and accusations on both sides that needed to be addressed.  
There was also the small matter of her husband.  He needed to know exactly where things stood between Belle and the head of Australia’s High Table.
They needed to talk.
Read on AO3
HAPPY EXTREMELY BELATED BIRTHDAY @reolf
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wastingstarsss · 2 years
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Just come back, please: a rumbelle fic
A/N: this was posted on my previous account but then the account was terminated… don’t bloody know why. So I’m re-writing it up here. There’s gonna be more rumbelle fics on this account in the future sooo maybe stick around if you like?
Warnings: none. It’s just angsty, set when Belle was in hospital in s2.
Word count: 803
Prompt: 98. “You don’t even remember me” from @emswritingprompts
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Disinfectant invaded Gold’s nose as he sat in the cold, abandoned hospital room. Belle had had barely any other visitors besides himself, Ruby stopping by occasionally- which he greatly appreciated. The woman he loved shouldn’t be alone at this time, a time where her memories had fallen out her head and she didn’t even recognise her reflection. The quiet beeping of the machine told him she was alive though, and that he was incredibly grateful for. He had to keep repeating it to himself, Belle is alive. She was living and breathing and even if she didn’t know who he was, that was something. It was better than nothing.
For now though, she was quietly sleeping besides his seat. How, Gold didn’t know. The beds in this place were incredibly uncomfortable compared to their extravagant one at home. She didn’t even have more than two pillows. But still she slept and Gold did not. He hadn’t since the accident two days ago. How could he when she was in here suffering? The pawnbroker couldn’t imagine how lost Belle must’ve been feeling in that moment. Mind you, he had felt lost too. He had felt lost when he returned home from the war and faced that disappointment in Milah’s eyes, the eyes that wished him dead. He had felt lost as he laid at Captain Jones’ feet, his walking stick having been knocked from his hands. He had felt lost when his son asked for him to give up the powers of the dark one, his one and only source of strength. He had felt lost when Baelfire had fallen through that dammed portal and he couldn’t find the courage to follow him. There were countless times when Rumplestiltskin had felt lost, but even with Time chasing him he had never lost himself- not entirely. His need to find Bae kept him safe from Time’s influence. His face may have changed, his voice may have changed, but his want to apologise and make things right stayed the same. In his heart, Rumplestiltskin was still the spinner who wanted to protect his family. Meanwhile Belle, oh sweet Belle, her reflection and personality had turned into a stranger. It was a feeling the pawnbroker was unable to recognise, and so sat besides her the weakness within him came crawling back. He was suddenly helpless again, and not even his magic could fix it this time.
He needed to talk to her, to hear her advice. In every situation as of yet, Belle was always right. Her unwavering hope kept him on his toes and kept the darkness at bay. But that hope had been forgotten and he quickly found the shadows caving in on his mind again. God, he needed to hear her voice. More importantly, he needed to hear recognition in her voice. Belle would know what to do at a time like this.
“Belle,” he spoke quietly, whispering into the room. She didn’t even stir, he doubted she’d ever stir at his voice again. The thought of her never remembering him pained Gold to the depth of his soul- or what was left of it. “Belle, I-“ what was he trying to say? The words died on his tongue, every thought left his mind empty. He just needed to talk to her as if she was still her. “We still haven’t had our picnic. The strawberries are out of date and the cupcakes have gone dry. I haven’t unpacked the basket with the blanket in though…” Gold wrung his hands together as he spoke, leaning atop his cane. He had screwed his eyes shut and there was a slight quiver to his chin. A deep sigh rattled his bones and the sudden weight of age hit him like a freight train.
“Belle.” He began again. “I miss you. I miss everything about you. Your eyes, and your laugh, your voice. I just miss it. And this feels as if you had died again, but you’re here. You’re alive, but you don’t even remember me. Or yourself, for that matter. And God Belle, you’re so- so-“ his voice cracked as the anxiety muddled grief numbed his mind. “You’re perfect and I feel like I’m losing you again. Just come back. Please.” Rumplestiltskin bent his face downwards, biting his knuckles to quieten his sobs. “Please.” His voice was strangled, hoarse, but desperation gripped him and the only thing he had left to do was beg.
“Please.” God he needed to hear her voice. He needed her to recognise him.
“Please.” He needed her to feel safe again, to know herself again.
“Please.” He needed her.
Disinfectant evaded the hospital room space still, but Gold was unfocused on it. His mind had turned to the sleeping angel next to him, and had not wandered from it since.
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eternalfurtive · 1 month
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bad idea, sheriff
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flyingpotstickers · 7 months
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$5-10/Pay What U Want fanfic commissions open for a ✨special occasion✨ aka Will Goes To Disney
here's the deal: my good friend is going to disney with his class if they can raise enough money to do so. i want to help donate to the cause. so i'm going to raise money in order to donate to that cause by making 500-1K word ficlet prompt fills!
your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to prompt me with as many things as your wallet can allow, and send it to the paypal linked here ( xoxo ) preferably with a note reminding me that it's for un'kah's [kryptonian for my son] class trip. The prompts will be filled at as fast a turnover rate as possible; you should definitely keep in mind I'm going to college full time but also know that I'm still in love with the gay idiots I write for!!!!! @wonder-never-wander is going to fill some of the prompts too, so feel free to cater to his tastes in terms of fanfic as well. :)
please reblog this post even if you can't donate, just to spread the word!!! this commission spree is open until next thursday, september 21st. that's when i can't donate to the cause anymore. ok? ok. let's get will to disney.
<3
argos &son. [will]
p.s. a reminder of what fandoms and ships i've written for can be found here on my ao3 or in this epic list right here.
p.p.s. does that sound like a law firm in the making or what? dude!!!
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ace-cf-cups · 2 months
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A year hasn't passed and I uploaded my Rumbelle ficlets to AO3 😅
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emospritelet · 1 year
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Closing the Circle - Chapter 14/15
Sorry I've been AWOL. Did not have a good December, but things are looking up.
Last time, Ruby asked the wolves to help track Belle and Emma, who have been imprisoned by Zelena. Gold is not pleased...
AO3 link
The sun had already ducked beneath the canopy of trees, long wisps of cloud streaked with gold and rust. The temperature had dropped further as the snow clouds had retreated, and Ruby’s breath formed billows of white in the air as she stood motionless, gazing out at the woods and waiting for the wolves to return. Gold paced impatiently, cane poking holes in the thin layer of snow, shoes scuffing up dead leaves as he tried to hide his rising fear.
“This is taking forever!” he snapped, and Ruby rolled her eyes.
“Give them a chance,” she said. “There’s a wide area to search, and it’s not like they can knock on people’s doors and show a Missing Persons poster, is it?”
“I understand that, but we’re heading towards dusk!”
Ruby held up her wrist, shaking the silver cuff.
“This seems to be working, if it makes you feel any better,” she said. “I’d have felt that old tickle before now, if I was gonna change.”
“Really?” asked Aurora, sounding interested. “So you can feel when the change is going to happen? Can you describe it?”
“Can we leave the research until the rescue mission is over?” Gold asked, his words clipped and terse. “I’d like our sole lead in this case to pay attention to what she’s doing.”
Ruby looked him up and down, an amused twist to her mouth.
“You’re really sweet on her, aren’t you?” 
He was spared having to think of a convincing denial by the rustle of bushes off to her left, which made her head snap around. A wolf emerged, and Ruby dropped down to sit on her heels as it loped over, tail wagging. There was a brief moment of silence, and then Ruby sighed and scratched the wolf behind the ears before it shook itself and sat beside her. She caught Gold’s eye, shaking her head, and he felt himself sag a little. It didn’t find her.
More wolves arrived, each apparently delivering the same news, and Gold’s anxiety grew. The wolves made a semicircle at Ruby’s back, eyeing Gold and the others with a detached sort of interest. He wondered how they would react if Ruby was not there with them. She was looking anxious, chewing her lip and bouncing on her toes as she scanned the woods, and another wolf bounded up to her, tail wagging briskly. Ruby was smiling even before she squatted down, and Gold felt a spark of hope.
“He found her,” she said, getting to her feet as she petted the wolf. “Caught the scent, and says he saw a dark-haired female, so Belle’s there for sure. He also saw another female human with pale hair. Could be Emma?”
“Where?” asked Gold quickly.
“A large stone house at the edge of the forest,” said Ruby. “West of here.”
“Sounds like the Mayor’s mansion,” said Cruella, and Gold felt a flare of rage burn through him.
“Zelena,” he said grimly. “I’ll fucking kill her.”
“You think Zelena took Belle?” asked Mulan. “Why? I mean, she’s unpleasant, but why would she want to kidnap Belle and Emma?”
“Because she clearly has a fucking death wish,” he growled. “Beyond that, I don’t know and I don’t fucking care. We need to get to the mansion.”
“That was the scent!” said Ruby suddenly. “I knew I’d smelt it before, but I couldn’t remember—”
The wolf nosed her hand with a whine before letting out a snort and shaking its head. Ruby closed her mouth suddenly, looking uncertain.
“What?” snapped Gold, and she wrinkled her nose.
“There’s something else,” she said. “He said they’re underground. Maybe a cellar?”
“So?”
Ruby hesitated. 
“He said - he said there was a werewolf there, too.”
“Why would Zelena have a werewolf in her cellar?” asked Aurora, and Ruby shook her head.
“I don’t know, but we’re losing daylight. Belle and Emma could be in real danger.”
“Then we’d better stop fucking talking and move!” snapped Gold, and nodded to the wolves. “Thank your friends for us, Miss Lucas. Quickly.”
He set off in the direction they had come, fear and rage burning through him. What the hell is Zelena up to?
-
By the time they reached the cars, dusk had fallen, and Gold wrenched open the door of the Cadillac, barely waiting for Cruella and Jefferson to take their seats before reversing out and heading back towards town with a squeal of tires. Jefferson had been talking to someone on his phone, and he slipped it into his pocket, almost ending up in Cruella’s lap as Gold took a corner at speed.
“One of my contacts confirmed that Zelena took Emma from the Rabbit Hole,” he said. “Emma was on her feet, but walking like she was possessed, and as soon as they were outside she got into the trunk of Zelena’s car nice as you please.” 
“And Belle?” asked Gold grimly.
“Just rumours, nothing solid. Seems to match up with what the wolves told Ruby though, right?”
Cruella sat forward, one hand on Gold’s shoulder.
“What’s the plan when we get there, short stuff?”
“The plan,” he said evenly, “is that we march through the front door, find Belle, and kill however many witches in that bloody family are behind this.”
“Should be fun!” she said cheerfully. “I really wish you’d told me before we came out. I’d have worn something red. Blood is such a bugger to get out.”
Gold grunted, pressing his foot down as the car neared the edge of town. The Mayor’s mansion was close. He only hoped they would get there in time.
-
Belle pushed up from her seat on the stone floor, working her teeth against the insides of her cheeks to get some saliva into her parched mouth. Emma was pacing restlessly, thick-soled boots going back and forth across the cell. The sun had crawled towards the horizon with alarming speed, and Belle had watched shadows lengthen across the cellar floor, stretching out beneath the bars and into the cell opposite as dusk fell. Philip had retreated into the corner, arms wrapped around his knees, the blankets draped over his head and shoulders so that his face was in shadow. He seemed paler, his skin having taken on a waxen look, and his hands were trembling.
“Are you okay?” asked Belle, and he shook his head.
“I can feel it, when the change is near,” he said. “Like a tickling under my skin. Like something’s living under there. It won’t be long, now.”
His voice was dull, hopeless, and Belle clutched at the bars.
“I told you, we’re gonna get out of here!”
“No one’s coming,” he said tonelessly. “When that wolf came, for a moment I thought he - he knew what I was. I thought he might help. Stupid thing to think.”
“It’s not stupid!” she insisted. “Our friends will find us, and until then, we just have to take care of each other.”
“Yeah, I’m not going out without a fight,” announced Emma. “Zelena has to let us out of this cage at some point, and the moment she does I’m gonna smack her in her stupid, smirking face!”
Philip smiled sadly. 
“I hope you do,” he said. “And if you get the chance, you should run. Both of you. Lock the cellar door behind you. The last thing I want to do is hurt you, but wolves run fast, and I won’t be able to help myself.”
“We’re all gonna get out of here!” said Belle firmly. “We won’t leave you behind, I promise!”
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep,” he said.
“Sensible advice, on the whole.”
Belle felt her fists clench at the sound of Zelena’s voice, and Emma grabbed at the bars, thrusting her chin forward as Zelena walked closer. The cellar key dangled from one finger, swaying in time with her hips.
“Open this door!” shouted Emma. “Our friends are on their way, and if you don’t let us go—”
“No one knows where you are,” said Zelena dismissively. “No one could.”
“Are you stupid?” demanded Belle, making Zelena’s nostrils flare. “Aurora is a witch. She can cast a locator spell in her sleep! Ruby’s a werewolf, and if you think she can’t track us—”
“Your friend’s locator spell won’t get past my shield,” interrupted Zelena. “And as for the wolf - the sun has almost set, and the moon will soon be rising. Even if she does manage to find her way to you, it might not be to free you.”
She was grinning, pale eyes glinting, but the sound of footsteps on the stairs outside made her turn towards the door. Regina marched in, a high-collared black coat flaring out as she walked. She wore a neat black trouser suit and leather boots, and there was an irritated twist to her mouth that became open-mouthed shock as she took in the scene.
“Zelena, what—?” She eyed the occupants of the cells, shock seeming to turn to outrage. “What the hell is going on here?”
“Ah, you’re here,” said Zelena carelessly. “I told you to bring Lily.”
“She’s coming, but—”
“Good.” Zelena turned to face her properly. “And Mother and Mal?”
“They’ve gone to prepare the ritual site, of course, like we should be doing.”
Zelena looked irritated.
“I wanted them here!”
“Never mind that!” Regina put her hands on her hips. “What the hell are Miss French and Miss Swan doing locked in the cellar? And who the hell is that guy?”
“She kidnapped us,” said Emma bluntly. “And she’s planning on feeding us to Philip. Who’s a werewolf, apparently.”
Regina closed her eyes, briefly squeezing them shut before shaking her head and opening them again.
“What?” Her voice was dangerously soft, and Zelena rolled her eyes.
“I’m doing this for Lily,” she said. “You and Mother and Mal have been coddling her for too long. If you want her to get control of her powers, she needs a decent incentive, wouldn’t you agree?”
Regina raised her arms and let them fall against her legs with a slap, her expression incredulous.
“So - what, you think feeding her girlfriend to a werewolf is the motivation she’s been lacking all these years?”
“Of course not!” said Zelena scornfully. “I thought, once she sees what the werewolf is capable of, she’ll do whatever it takes to keep her friend safe.”
“Capable - oh!” Regina glanced between Emma and Belle, shaking a finger. “You mean Miss French. You’re going to feed her to the werewolf.”
“Got it in one.” Zelena smirked, tossing her hair. “Perhaps Mother’s faith in you isn’t entirely misplaced.”
Regina shook her head, looking incredulous.
“What are you thinking?”” she demanded. “She wouldn’t stand a chance!”
“Then it’ll be an effective demonstration.”
“You want her to be killed?” Regina looked outraged. “You can’t possibly think that Lily getting control of her powers is worth someone’s life!”
Zelena shrugged.
“You know the saying about omelettes and eggs…”
“You must be out of your mind,” said Regina flatly. “I’m not getting mixed up in this! If Gold finds out you had his girlfriend killed, he’ll rip your throat out, and I wouldn’t blame him!”
“She’s not his girlfriend!” snapped Zelena. “And she won’t be too pretty when the werewolf is done with her, I doubt he’ll care.”
The flat, dismissive way she said it made Belle’s stomach lurch. Emma fumbled for her hand and squeezed it, and Belle squeezed back, grateful for the comfort.
“I don’t want to hurt anyone,” said Philip, looking desperate. “Please! I can feel the change coming! Let me go, I don’t want you to be in danger!”
“I’m letting them out,” said Regina firmly. “We’ll find another way to cure Lily.”
She took a step towards the cells, and Zelena lashed out, face twisting in an ugly grimace as she hurled green fire. Regina was slammed back against the cellar wall with a thump, wheezing as the breath was knocked from her.
“What are you doing?” she choked, nails scrabbling at the bricks as she tried to move, the green light binding her arms and torso to the wall.
“Taking back my birthright!” snapped Zelena. “Once Lily is free of the ridiculous barrier she’s put between herself and her power, we’ll be a proper, fully-functioning coven! No one will be able to stand in our way! The town will respect us for the powerful women that we are, and it’ll be my doing!”
“What’s going on?”
Lily had appeared at the door, dark eyes widening in shock as she clutched at the door frame.
“Emma?”
“Lily!” shouted Emma. “Lily, she’s crazy! She wants to kill us!”
“Ah, just in time!” said Zelena brightly. “Come in, Lily dear. Tonight’s the night you truly become one of us.”
“What?” Lily looked nervously from Zelena to Emma to Regina. “What is this? Why are they trapped?”
“It’s a test,” said Zelena. “A test that I have every confidence you’ll pass.”
“Zelena, let them go!” said Regina through her teeth.
“All in good time,” said Zelena, grinning. “Lily, as you’ve seen, your good friend Emma and the librarian are trapped in a cage. If you concentrate, you may be able to save them from a terrible fate.”
A groan from their right made Belle’s head whip around. Philip had bent forward, curled in a ball with his head on his knees. The blankets had slipped from around his shoulders, exposing pale skin stretched across taut muscles. He was shaking, his slender fingers tented on the stone floor, and a low growl came from him that made Belle shiver.
“What’s wrong with him?” Lily’s voice was trembling. “What are you doing to them?”
“Me?” Zelena pressed a hand to her heart, looking shocked. “Nothing at all. I’m simply letting nature take its course. Predators kill prey, so that others may thrive. It’s the circle of life. Rather beautiful, if you think about it.”
“You’re insane,” said Belle, her voice shaking.
Philip’s shoulders hunched, and Belle and Emma gasped as his spine seemed to push upwards, his back curving. He let out a scream of pain that turned to a bellow and then to a low howl that made Emma clutch at Belle’s arm so tightly it hurt. Dark hair sprouted, spooling out of his skin, a thick coat of fur spreading down his body as his muscles stretched and grew.
“Holy shit!” gasped Emma.
“It seems our special guest is about to arrive,” said Zelena, with relish. “Time for dinner to be served.”
She marched over to the cell, fingers flicking out ropes of green fire. Emma shouted obscenities as the magic pushed her back against the far wall, and Zelena unlocked the cell, a green, gleaming noose winding around Belle’s neck and pulling her out. Belle stumbled on the stone floor, clutching helplessly at her throat. Philip was rising up, shaking off the blankets that had covered him. Long, dark brown fur covered his body, his limbs heavily muscled, his toes and fingers tipped with sharp claws. Amber eyes gleamed above a pointed snout, his mouth open in a wide snarl. Belle tried to kick out as Zelena dragged her towards his cell, and almost stumbled forward before catching herself.
“This is madness!” Regina sounded terrified. “Stop this!”
“Lily can make it stop,” said Zelena coldly.
“I can’t!” Lily wept. “I don’t know how!”
“Of course you do!” snapped Zelena. “You’re a witch! You’re one of us! You were born with the power, you just need to embrace it!” 
“I don’t want power!” sobbed Lily. “Not if it’s like this! Not if it hurts people! I don’t want to be like you!”
Zelena curled her lip.
“Yet another member of this coven with a worrying lack of ambition!” she said, with derision. “Sometimes I wonder if I’m the only one actually born into this family. After this pathetic demonstration, Mother will see that I’m the only one worthy of leading the town when she decides to step aside.”
Regina shook her head, looking bewildered. 
“Are you kidding me?” she exclaimed. “You’re trying to prove to Mother that you’re better than me?”
“I am better than you!” spat Zelena, stepping forward with a stamp of her foot. “I’m older, I’m stronger, I got control of my magic more easily than you! And yet she continues to treat you like you’re the heir-apparent! If I didn’t live in this house I think she’d forget I exist!”
“So you think a double murder’s the way to go?”
“I’m not killing anyone, it’ll be the werewolf!”
“You mean the werewolf you trapped here and set loose on them?” Regina shook her head. “You think the Covenant will hold if you do this? Why the hell should anyone trust us again? It’ll be open season!”
“It’ll be a chance to remove the opposition and consolidate our power.”
“Gold won’t look past this!” 
Zelena chuckled. “You underestimate me. It’s the one thing you have in common with Mother.”
“Mother knows exactly who you are,” said Regina, a layer of disdain coating her voice. “And so does Gold. This isn’t something you can charm your way out of, Zelena.  He’ll kill you!”
“Oh, she’s right about that.”
Five words, spoken calmly, softly, but with an air of menace that made the light seem to dim. Belle felt her heart soar as she glanced towards the doorway. Gold stood there, dressed from head to toe in black and looking as though he was ready to tear his way through entire armies. His eyes met hers, and she wanted to laugh in Zelena’s face. We’re saved!
With a shriek of rage, Zelena lifted a hand, making a wave of green light fly at the doorway. Gold cursed loudly, pushed backwards by the magic as Mulan and Aurora ran into his back.
“Belle!” shouted Mulan. “Emma! Oh my God, just - hang on, we’ll get you out of there!”
Gold was pounding on the barrier, eyes boring into Zelena as though he was imagining her violent death. Belle tugged at the magical rope around her neck. It held tight, but Zelena was distracted by Gold and the others. Perhaps she would lose concentration enough to let Belle and Emma escape their bonds.
“Zelena, stop this!” shouted Regina.
“Why don’t you stop!” snapped Zelena, striding over to glare at Regina. “Stop trying to drag me down to your pathetic level! I’m ashamed Mother even thought of promoting you over me!”
“Well, maybe she just didn’t want a psychopath in charge of City Hall!”
Gold tuned them out, punching at the magical barrier in front of him and sending ripples of bright green energy out from his fist. No bloody good. It’ll take a witch to break this down.
“Stand aside!” snapped Mulan, and there was the sound of a sword being unsheathed.
“You can’t cut your way through!” he said impatiently.
She ignored him, whipping the sword above her head and bringing it down in a piercing, stabbing thrust. A blast of green energy sent her stumbling backwards into Jefferson and Cruella, the three of them collapsing to the floor.
“Told you,” he said, trying not to smirk. “We need magic here, not brute strength. Aurora?”
“I can try,” said Aurora, sounding uncertain. “I’m not sure I know a spell that can break through, I’ve never seen a barrier this strong before.”
“Oh, Miss Mills is certainly a capable witch,” he said, his voice pitched loud enough for Zelena to hear. “But she lacks finesse. Not to mention sanity.”
As expected, Zelena’s head whipped around, and she stopped arguing with Regina and stomped towards the door. Gold glanced at Belle. She was still tugging at the magical rope around her neck, her eyes on Zelena. Good girl. Wait for her to get distracted.
“Which is why Mother wanted me to succeed her,” said Regina, her voice taking on a taunting lilt that made Zelena’s nostrils flare. Gold tried hard not to grin.
“Perhaps she could see that you were the only one who understands the importance of power,” he said, as Zelena approached. “And how to wield it.” 
“Power is everything!” declared Zelena. “Mother taught me that! Seems I took her lessons to heart, wouldn’t you agree?”
Gold smiled.
“You mistake strength for power,” he said. “You always have. You have no concept of what it means to hold the power of life and death, and to control it.”
Zelena stepped up to the barrier, looking him up and down before shaking back her hair.
“Then give me your power,” she said, and raised her chin. “Make me an immortal.”
Gold snorted.
“You must be fucking joking.”
“Immortality,” said Zelena, her eyes fixed on his. “I know you can do it.”
“The fact that something is possible doesn’t mean it’s in any way palatable,” he said, lip curling in a sneer. “I have a hard time spending five minutes in your company. Why would I make you immortal?”
“Immortality,” she repeated, “in exchange for the life of the woman you - well, whatever it is you feel for her.”
Gold glanced at Belle. She was staring at him, wide-eyed. The werewolf in the cell near her was swiping at her through the bars, snarling, but she was staring at him. Brave and beautiful. And too good. Far too good for the likes of me.
He swallowed hard, tearing his eyes from Belle reluctantly and looking back at Zelena. 
“You’re asking me to kill you,” he said. “You do realise that?”
“In order to be reborn as an immortal,” she said. “The end of this fleeting human life is a small price to pay, wouldn’t you agree?”
Gold exhaled with a tiny, humourless smile, shaking his head.
“You don’t understand the price,” he whispered. “People like you never do.”
“Then think of the fun you’ll have teaching me,” she said, a grin twisting her features.
“Zelena, no!” shouted Regina, but Gold held up a hand, cutting her off.
“If I agree,” he said evenly. “You let both of them go. Miss French and Miss Swan.”
Zelena pulled a face, huffing air out through pursed lips.
“Oh, alright then,” she said. “Do we have a deal?”
“Let them out of this cellar,” he said, “and you can bid farewell to your – fleeting human life – as you call it.”
Zelena smirked, turning on her heel and marching across the cellar as Regina pleaded with her. Gold felt Ruby sidle closer.
“You can’t be serious,” she whispered. “Zelena as a vampire? That’s - terrifying.”
“It’s not over,” he said quietly. “I’ve dealt with far worse than her in my time.”
Zelena flourished the keys to the cell where Emma clutched at the bars, and tugged at Belle’s magic rope, pulling her to the side and perilously close to Philip’s cell. Belle had to move nimbly to stay away from his grasping claws, and Zelena was grinning as she unlocked the cell door. 
Quicker than Gold could have imagined, Emma punched her hard in the face. Zelena staggered back with a cry, and Philip hurled himself against the bars, snarling as he clawed at her. He managed to clutch at her hair, ripping out some of it and making her shriek, and Emma grabbed Belle’s hand, pulling her past Zelena. Green light seemed to pulse around her, exploding outwards and sending Emma and Belle tumbling to the floor, and Gold slammed his hands uselessly against the barrier.
“Belle!” he shouted.
“Emma!” cried Lily.
Zelena’s magic had blasted Philip back into his cell, but he seemed unhurt, claws scrabbling through the bars again as she pushed to her feet. Her hair was messy, her nose broken and bleeding and her eyes flashing with fury.
“You little bitch!” she shrieked, face twisted to ugliness and clenched fists crackling with green light. “I’ll make you wish you were in hell!”
“Noooo!”
Lily screamed, a hoarse, desperate shriek, and flung her hands out as twin bolts of violet light flew at Zelena, punching into her chest and sending her hard into the wall. Her eyes rolled up in her head as she slumped to the ground, and the barrier across the doorway winked out. Gold and Ruby stumbled forwards into the cellar, and Lily fell to her knees, retching.
“Lily!” 
Emma raced to her side, squatting down and pulling her into a hug, and Lily started to cry, clinging to her as though she was afraid Emma would slip away if she let go.
Regina pushed herself up on hands and knees, having tumbled to the floor when Zelena lost consciousness. She got to her feet, dusting herself off and looking shaken. 
“You’d better get out of here,” she said. “All of you. Quickly!”
“Not yet,” said Gold grimly.
He strode over to where Zelena was crumpled on the floor, and Regina hurriedly got between them, hands raised.
“Gold, no!”
“She has to die!” he spat.
“Not like this!” she begged. “Please! At least let me explain things to Mother!”
“You can take out an obituary in the Storybrooke Mirror for all I care!” he snapped. “She breached the Covenant.”
“Nobody died!”
“Much to her disappointment, I’m sure!” he snapped. “And despite her best efforts. Along with kidnapping two innocents, she trapped a supernatural creature in order that one of the Coven could kill it! You of all people should know what that means.”
“I do!” Regina seemed to sag, shoulders slumping. “I do, it’s just - please. Mother doesn’t know.”
Gold stepped closer, noting that Regina’s breathing quickened with fear.
“Which is why I’m only saying one of you witches has to die,” he said evenly, and she swallowed hard.
“Please,” she repeated. “Give me until tomorrow.”
Gold heaved a breath. His gaze flicked to Belle, and she was watching him, her breath heaving, an unreadable expression on her face. He rolled his eyes with a growl of annoyance before fixing Regina with a glare. I’ve gone soft. I’ve gone fucking soft, and it’ll be the death of me.
“The next time I see her, I kill her,” he said quietly. “Do we understand each other?”
“Perfectly,” she said softly.
“Fine,” he said, his voice cold. “In that case, we’ll leave you with the werewolf.”
“No!” Belle and Emma shouted as one.
“His name’s Philip,” added Belle urgently. “And it’s not his fault! He didn’t want to hurt us, he was a prisoner, just like we were! He’s been here for over a week, only a few blankets to keep him warm!”
“We promised him we’d take him out of here!” added Emma. “We can’t just leave him! Zelena’ll kill him!”
“We can’t take a bloody werewolf with us!” said Gold in exasperation, and Ruby cleared her throat. “No offence,” he added.
Ruby gave him a level look, and held up her wrist to show the cuff.
“You can take him with you if you put this on him,” she said. “Let me try. Once it’s on, I’ll make a run for the woods, get out of your way before I change.”
He sighed before nodding and waving her towards the cell. Philip was still snarling, clawed fingers swiping through the bars, but as Ruby squatted down in front of him he grew quiet, his growls fading away. He sat down, licked his snout, and eyed her calmly as they seemed to communicate without a sound. Ruby reached through the bars, and Gold heard a sharp intake of breath from everyone in the room, but Philip merely sniffed her hand, licked it, and let out a brief whine. Smiling, she tugged the cuff from her wrist and clamped it around his. It took a bit of work to get it on; a werewolf’s wrists were somewhat bigger than her human ones, but once it was on, Philip let out a heavy, growling sigh and slumped to the floor of the cell, eyes closed.
Ruby pushed to her feet, glancing down at her hands before looking at the others with a nervous expression on her face.
“I gotta go,” she said hurriedly. “I can feel it coming.”
She ran for the door, pausing briefly in the doorway to catch Gold’s eye.
“Tell Granny I said to give him a room,” she added. “Tell her he’s one of us. He’s welcome to stay at the inn as long as he wants.”
He nodded, and she was gone, sprinting away from them and out into the night.
Belle rushed over to Philip’s cell, and Gold watched as he began to change, his shaggy wolf pelt shrinking, drawing back within his skin as his sharp claws retreated. The heavy muscles of his limbs and shoulders shrank, a line of dark fur between his shoulder blades the last trace of the wolf to disappear, and he let out a groan, his eyelids fluttering.
“The key!” said Belle urgently.
Mulan stomped over to where Zelena lay motionless, but Lily rose to her feet, squeezing Emma’s hand before stepping forward. She flicked her fingers, sending out a thin stream of purple light, and the lock clicked, the cell door swinging open. Lily beamed excitedly.
“I wasn’t sure that would work!”
“Very good,” said Regina, casting a nervous glance at Gold.
Emma hurried to Belle’s side, both of them entering Philip’s cell and pulling blankets over him. He blinked drowsily at them, and looked at the silver cuff on his wrist with an expression of wonder.
“It really works,” he said, his voice a little hoarse.
“It really does,” said Belle, with a smile. “I have a feeling Ruby may want to keep that one, but I’m sure we could make one for you.”
“Get me something silver and we can make it tomorrow,” piped up Aurora.
His eyes were shining, his face crumpling a little, as though he was going to cry.
“I can have a normal life,” he whispered.
Belle hugged him, Emma piling in to join them, and Philip hugged them both fiercely.
“Thank you,” he breathed. “Thank you.”
“Well!” said Cruella brightly. “I enjoy a cold, dank cellar that smells of werewolf piss as much as the next woman, but what do you say we go to the Rabbit Hole and have a gin and tonic instead?”
“Took the words out of my mouth,” said Mulan.
“As I’m being denied a perfectly reasonable vengeance killing, perhaps a few terrible whiskies will take the edge off,” said Gold dryly. “Shall we?”
He headed for the stairs without looking back, even though every cell in his body wanted to go to Belle, take her in his arms and ensure that she was unhurt. His earlier fear was fading, leaving only a dull, throbbing weight in the middle of his chest. He concentrated on his path up the stairs, through the kitchens and along the tiled hallway to the front door. The night was frigid, tiny flakes of snow kissing his nose and cheeks as he waited. Jefferson and Cruella were next out, sauntering towards him arm-in-arm as though they’d just been attending a dinner party. Mulan, Aurora and Philip emerged just behind them, and Emma, Lily and Belle brought up the rear. Philip’s feet were bare, and he winced at the cold ground, a blanket tied around his waist and another wrapped around his shoulders
“Ruby said to get you a room at Granny’s,” Mulan was saying. “If you want, you can always bunk at our place tonight and head over there tomorrow.” 
“We can make you something like that cuff,” added Aurora.
“D’you think I could get something to wear before we do anything else?” asked Philip. “I don’t know what that Zelena woman did with my backpack. Or the clothes I was wearing, come to that.”
Jefferson stepped up and clapped a hand on his shoulder.
“Can’t have you flashing Granny by accident, right?” he said cheerfully. “Although she’d probably enjoy it, the old vixen. If Gold can make a stop at my place, I’ll lend you some things.” 
“Fine, get in,” said Gold impatiently. “Jefferson’s place, and then that dreadful bar.”
He gestured towards the Cadillac, and was about to step forward when Belle hit him like a whirlwind. She threw herself into his arms, hugging him tight, and Gold froze in panic. Her body was warm and soft, pressed against his, the scent of fresh air and a hint of her perfume in her hair. She was clinging to him as though she was afraid he would disappear. How long had it been since he had been hugged? Since someone had turned to him for comfort? Not since—
He swallowed hard, glancing around with what was no doubt a helpless expression on his face. Cruella had a satisfied smirk on her face, and Jefferson was grinning. Even Mulan seemed to be amused. Gold cleared his throat, patting Belle’s shoulder awkwardly.
“Are you hurt?” he asked, his voice rough.
She raised her head, eyes gazing up at him, and shook her head with a smile.
“No, I’m not hurt,” she said. “You came. You came to rescue me, and I’m fine.”
Her eyes were sparkling, her face alight with joy, and he wanted to kiss her. 
Tell her. Tell her, you idiot.
“I’m glad,” he said, his voice sounding oddly hollow in his ears. “I take breaches of the Covenant extremely seriously. After all, I’ve worked hard to keep this town peaceful. I won’t have an upstart witch endangering that.”
It was Belle’s turn to freeze. Her face fell, and it was as though clouds had covered the moon. 
“I - I see,” she said. “You were - you were concerned about the threat to your - authority.”
“Why else would I be here?” 
He heard the words leave his mouth as though someone else had spoken them, and immediately wanted to take them back. There was an expression on Belle’s face that he hadn’t seen before. An awful sort of sad resignation. To his left, he heard Jefferson groan softly. 
“Of course,” said Belle, almost to herself. “Why else?” 
She pulled back, and he automatically took a step towards her, missing her warmth. Belle moved further away, keeping distance between them.
“Thank you for what you did,” she said, her tone stiff and formal. “I won’t forget it.”
Her lips twitched in an odd, tremulous half-smile, but that terrible sadness was in her eyes again. She ducked her head, turning away from him, and fell into step between Mulan and Aurora, linking arms with them as they headed back towards Mulan’s car. Emma and Lily each hugged Philip before hurrying to catch them up. 
Gold watched Belle go, frost-rimed leaves crunching beneath her boots, and felt a strange weight sinking down through his chest. He felt someone approach from behind, and caught a whiff of perfume and cigarette smoke moments before Cruella rested her chin on his shoulder, mouth close to his ear.  
“You really are the biggest, blindest idiot I’ve ever had the misfortune to meet,” she said softly. 
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