Rescue
If anyone had asked Belle that morning how she thought the day would end, she would not have mentioned being chained to a bookshelf; but that was precisely what happened. She tugged again at the iron manacles, and huffed in frustration. The mob outside had gone, and so had Granny, who had the only key.
Belle looked around, spotting the table and chairs. Well, if she was going to be stuck here for an indefinite amount of time, she might as well be comfortable. She stretched out her foot and hooked a chair leg. With a little effort she pulled it toward her. One arm at an awkward angle, she settled down to await rescue.
She had just selected a book when she heard the back door slowly open. She held her breath, praying it was help and not Ruby in wolf form. A soft tap tap told her the visitor's identity a moment before she heard his voice. "Belle?"
"I'm here, Rumplestiltskin," she called.
When he came around the corner and caught sight of her, his eyes widened in shock. "Who did this to you?" he choked out, hurrying toward her.
"Ruby. She said something about keeping me safe from her." Belle shrugged. "I think she thought that if I couldn't go after her, then she couldn't hurt me. She meant well."
Rumplestiltskin snorted, but refrained from commenting. He studied her manacled wrist a moment, then said, "Hold still; I'll have you free shortly." Belle did as she was told, and he exerted his magic on the lock. There was an audible click, and Belle's hand was free. She rubbed her wrist where the manacle had irritated it, and Rumple held out a hand. "Here, let me see," he said softly. She gave him her wrist, and he ran a hand over it, leaving behind smooth skin and the tingle of magic.
"Thank you," she said.
"You're welcome. I'd better be going," he said. The look in his eyes suggested he wanted to say more, but he turned and headed for the door.
Belle hesitated, the called: "Rumplestiltskin?" He turned back to her. "How did you know to come looking for me?"
He looked a little sheepish. "The torch and pitchfork mob came past the shop. I watched them until I realized they'd stopped in front of the library. I knew I'd never sleep tonight if I didn't make certain you were safe."
Belle's expression was tender as she went to him and softly kissed his cheek. "Thank you," she murmured, and he blinked in surprise. In a more normal tone she asked: "Would you like to escort me home?"
Rumplestiltskin offered his arm, and a playful smile. "I would be honored to," he said, and they headed out the door together.