Today was their last day in the Enchanted Forest, Belle knew. She was scared, but not because of going to the Land Without Magic. She was scared because she'd be without Rumpelstiltskin to protect her, to care for her, to love her. It had been three months since that first kiss, and while they'd only grown closer, there had not been a repeat performance. After Belle returned from him kicking her out, that is. Belle was unsure as to how to keep Rumpelstiltskin from spinning, and to keep him paying attention to her. So she decided to take the matter in her own hands.

Belle placed her hand on the spinning wheel, keeping Rumple from forgetting. "Rumple," she said softly.
"Yes, Belle? What is it?" Rumpelstiltskin responded, looking up at her with an irritated glance.
"I don't want to go." she whimpered.
"Oh, my Belle," Rumpelstiltskin breathed, and with that, he pulled her into his lap. "I love you, you know." Rumple said.
"But I won't know it, in this Land with No Magic." Belle said, biting her bottom lip worriedly, snuggling into his chest.
Rumpelstiltskin put his arms around her. "As soon as Emma, the Saviour, comes to me and I wake up, I shall find you, my Belle." he promised her.
"But what if you can't?" Belle asked.
"I - oh Gods, Belle, you've got me copying Charming -I will always find you." Rumpelstiltskin said determinedly. "Not even Regina could keep me from you," he promised, his voice a whisper in her ear.
"I'm just so- worried." Belle started to cry then, heaving sobs as Rumpelstiltskin rubbed her back soothingly.
"There, there, Belle." Rumpelstiltskin soothed, clucking his tongue at his true love. "We'll be together soon. I promise." he vowed.

_~_ 28 years later _~_

"Emma." Mr. Gold said. "What a lovely name,"
"Yeah, uh, thanks." Emma Swan replied, casting a weird glance his way.
Mr. Gold - Rumpelstiltskin - walked, or rather, he limped, out of the bed and breakfast. He went straight to the library, where he saw her. Belle. His precious Belle - Who was known as Isabelle French in this land.
He waited until everyone had stopped surrounding her, before he went up to her. "Belle," he whispered.
"Hello, Mr. Gold. Is it rent day already?" Isabelle asked.
Rumpelstiltskin shook his head. "Um, this is going to sound so weird-" he started awkwardly. But with an encouraging look from Isabelle - BELLE! - he went on, "My ex-wife is just out there, and I've told her I was fetching my g-girlfriend..."
"Oh," Isabelle squeaked. "What can I do for you, Mr. Gold?" She asked slyly. Isabelle French was a daring type.
"Kiss me?" he suggested shyly. Isabelle nodded, and kissed him soundly on the lips. When he put his arm around her waist, to deepen the kiss, she pulled back. It was clear she was sobbing now.
"What is it?" Rumpelstiltskin asked anxiously, hoping against hope that Belle had somehow returned, that true love's kiss had worked.
"You found me, Rumple." Belle whispered hoarsely, shaking as she put her arms around his neck.
"I told you, my Belle, I'd always find you." Rumpelstiltskin said fiercely, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her gently, full of love.

CROSS POSTED ON ARCHIVE OF OUR OWN

I AM AN ADMIN OF A RUMBELLE GROUP: Rumbelle For The Win

LOTS OF LOVE, KINDLE