Rumplestiltskin's heart was still pounding from Mila's cruel words, but as his eyes fixed upon his son, his Baelfire, his nerves became calm. He sat there, aghast at the miracle of the tiny hand coming up to clutch at his face.
"It's alright, Bae. It's alright. Your Papa's here. And I promise...I will never...ever leave you."
It was a promise he swore to himself, a promise to never abandon his child the way he had been abandoned. He would be a good father, a good papa. He vowed that he would do whatever it took to ensure his boy was safe and loved. It was a vow he would do anything to keep.
He can't believe his eyes when he turns around to see her walk into his shop. He touches her arm- he has to be sure, has to know for certain. His beauty, his true love, once dead has returned.
His brain begins to process the words coming from her mouth...Regina...locked her up. But the evil queen was not his focus- not now. His Belle was back. Returned from the grave. Her blue eyes, though perplexed, locked with his for the first time in what seemed an eternity.
"I was told you'd...protect me," she said, confusion evident in her voice. The lilting, sweet accent he didn't dare hope he'd hear again- at least not in this life. His emotions at this point are tumultuous, bursting forth like a sudden summer storm. He gathers her in his arms, unable, unwilling to be apart from her for a second longer. He vows to her that, yes, yes he will protect her. With every ounce of energy he has, he will protect her.
Time seemed to stand still as Rumplestiltskin gazed at the new life he delicately cradled. The gilded rays of autumn sunlight peeking through the hospital room blinds couldn't hold a candle to the glow of her face. He hardly breathed while she slept peacefully in his arms while her breathing remained deep and even.
She was perfect. The most beautiful gift Belle could ever have given him. Rumplestiltskin turned from the window to face the bed where his sleeping beauty lay. He kissed her forehead then gazed at the pink bundle he held so tenderly.
And he vows to himself once more to protect this new little life with his own, however he could.
A/N: Hey guys! I hope you liked this one. I know it's a bit shorter, but this was something I'd started a while ago and never really ended up finishing. So here it is! Constructive criticism is always welcome! Thank you for reading! :)