I saw the season finale- WOW! Amazing and I can't wait to see the second season! Don't read if you haven't seen the finale!
After seeing the finale, I had to write this drabble. I really did.
I don't own Once Upon a Time's interpretations of the fairy tale characters. Also, my other Rumbelle one-shot was proven incorrect by said finale. Oh well.
Belle clung to Rumplestiltskin as the purplish-pink cloud poured out of the well. Her feelings were all conflicted, especially as she was still sorting through her newly returned memories. Which was another thing- why had her memories been gone in the first place? And she still didn't know who Regina was, or why she needed to inform Mr. Gold (Rumplestiltskin) that she had been the one who locked her up.
More disconcerting was the fact that he was returning magic to this place, wherever it was. It would seem he hadn't changed that much. Though his physical appearance was quite different, though she could still tell it was him.
I love you.
She had felt the need to inform him that her feelings hadn't changed since that day she had left the Dark Castle. His response had been unexpected- welcome, but utterly unexpected. She hadn't expected any response, but least of all the one he had given in earnest.
And I love you.
In that regard he had changed quite a lot. Belle had to smile despite the confusing circumstances. He did love her and could admit it now. So there was hope for their happy ending. Judging from his reaction when he first saw her, he had believed her to be dead. Belle could forgive that, not finding or searching for her because he didn't know she could be searched for, let alone found.
So Belle clung to her True Love, and he held onto her hand. Nothing would be same anymore. But Belle was fine with that; what had existed before was not worth saving as far she could tell. She had found Rumplestiltskin and he had found her, and she doubted either of them would let the other go again.
Leaning forward she whispered into his ear, "You'd best explain what is going on, dearie."
She could feel him smile.
"Of course, Belle, of course."
And that would have to do for now as the pair were enveloped in the magical cloud billowing from the well. Later Belle would have to decide whether this was the zenith or nadir of her life as well as her bond to her True Love depending on what happened next. But that would be later- for now they would be content to be together again, surrounded by pure magic.