fic: The Library

Fandom: Once Upon A Time

Pairing: Belle/Abigail (sort of) - Frech Abby

Summary: Abigail is curious about the new library.

AN: I know this is somewhat awkward. I just found it and thought it was interesting. I don't even remember writing this!

Belle hadn't been out of the mental ward for very long, but she felt she was a lot more adjusted than she imagined she would be by this time. If it hadn't been for Ruby and the library, she wasn't sure what she would be. Maybe still with Mr. gold. She loved him, she really did, but she needed to be away from him. She knew nothing could happen- really, really happen or them if he was consumed with magic and whatever mission he had been on for all of these years. She knew he had to find his son, and until that happened, there really was no room for her in his life, if ever. So she soothed herself with the smell of books, most of which were at least 28 years old, which was when they magically came into being because of the curse. She looked at the small stack of newer books, and debated on whether she wanted to shelve them or read them. Such was her usual dilemma The door to the library opened, and Belle prepared the stack of laminated library cards for new patrons. "Hello?"

Belle stood up and walked towards the voice. "Hello, welcome to the library."

"This wasn't here before," the blonde woman before remarked with a small amused smirk. She looked around. "It was almost like we looked past it and never questioned why it was there and boarded up all these years."

"Such was the curse," Belle remarked with a nod. "Are you just looking around, or-?"

"I wanted to see if it was true."

"I haven't seen you around. not since the curse broke."

"Or I you… Ever. But then again, i don't think i've seen anyone since the curse broke." The blonde smirked again, but her eyes were sad. in many ways, they mirrored Belle's. "Abigail," she said after a pause, extending her hand.

"As in-?"

"Yes."

"I heard all the stories back where we're from, but I never saw a portrait," Belle said. She leaned against the shelf behind her, looking this woman over. "So, uh… Where have you been?"

"I don't know. I was in the hospital, and then… I was in bed- at home. I don't even remember getting out, but I suddenly remembered who I used to be, but…" the blonde stopped there. She didn't know if she should discuss the emptiness she felt since her accident, and not just because her supposed husband was leaving her for Mary Margaret. That was Katherine's problem, not Abigail It wasn't even the fact that she hadn't found her love yet either. It was deeper than that. Her chest just felt… hollow.

"Is there anyone looking for you?" Belle asked, concerned. "Red at the diner makes great food and has been the one organizing searches and missing people connection. We can go get her."

The blonde remembered that it was Ruby- er Red who found her, and she heard the rumor mill that she had been thought to be dead when no one had found her before that, that there had been evidence of her blood. The details were hazy and the telephone wire of gossip messed up anything that could be useful. "I'm okay. I just…"

Belle seemed to understand. "Well, it is quiet here. no one has yet to really have need for the library yet. you're safe here." the two women locked eyes, and Abigail felt that this new woman was right. there was something in her accented words, her encouraging smile that told her that she really would be safe there with her.