A/N: I started writing this around Christmas time for a friend, guess it's now closer to a birthday present than a Christmas present XD - here you are maria, hope it's as awesome as you hoped for.

I should probably also point out that this is prewritten and based on prompts and ideas from Maria. I hope to update once a week (probably on Sunday or Monday morning but no promises on the exact day yet)

That's all I have to say for now so without further ado I present the story. Thank you for reading.

It wasn't a large change at all but Aurora knew something was different, though secretive at all times and never one for drawn out conversation she could tell that Mulan was keeping something from her - something much larger than the mumbled 'just a surprise party for Roland' the redhead had finally gotten out of her - and she was determined to figure out exactly what it was the woman was guarding so closely and furthermore why she felt like she had to hide whatever it was after nearly two years of happiness together. Puzzling though it was she had faith that it couldn't be anything too ghastly or they would have talked about whatever it was. The thoughts floating around in her brain were everything from the darker woman losing her job to things as terrible as wanting to break up.

Although she wanted nothing more than to go storm her way into the sheriff's office and demand to know exactly what was going on instead she made her way to the library where she knew her best friends would be. This world had been a big adjustment to her and it had mostly been thanks to to influences of Belle and Ruby that she had dared to admit to the secret she had kept hidden for so many years instead of continuing to live the lie that everything had become in the enchanted forest. If there was anyone who could explain the odd behaviour it would be Belle, she had a better insight into those around them than anyone else Aurora had ever met and as long as Mr. Gold wasn't skulking about she felt comfortable talking to her openly.

The door opened with a cheerful ding which normal made her smile but today she frowned in annoyance at the silly bell. How could the world still be so cheerful when her own was full of grey shadows smothering her with doubt against the one person who had always been there for her? Before she dared to step inside she forced a bright smile onto her face so that no one would know the worries filling her head. She had always been good at keeping her secrets hidden away so that no one else could see.

The woman she was searching for stood at the counter absently reading a book alone. Aurora made her way over but instead of interrupting quietly waited for her friend to notice her. It was better to wait politely than interrupting her for nothing more than her own crazy thoughts.

At last Belle looked up, looking shocked and confused at the woman standing before her. "Oh, hello Aurora. I'm sorry I was caught up reading again." She placed the book down on the counter with a sympathetic look on her face. "Were you looking to talk?"

"How... How did you know?" It was shocking that somehow the other knew she wanted to have a discussion.

"I know you," a small laugh. "What is it?"

"It's... It's Mulan, she's been keeping something from me - I don't know what it is but it worries me. We've always told each other everything." She chewed on her lip as she spoke. "Even when... Before... It was the only thing I ever kept from her."

"Aurora, it can't be anything terrible." Belle told her soothingly, continuing through with her gentle support.

"What if she's planning to leave me... If she's decided that I'm not who she thought I was? I just couldn't..." She was barely whispering now as she told her friend about her fears even though it felt like admitting them could make it come alive. "I left everything for her, I just wanted to be happy at last." This was supposed to be her happy ending with her true love by her side just like they were meant to be.

"It's not. You need to trust in her." The librarian replied with a hand holding onto one of hers, "remember that she came here for you. Trust is one of the most important parts of a good relationship."

The redhead nodded in agreement, feeling comforted at the knowledge that Belle seemed to think everything was going to be fine. They had made it this far hadn't they?