A/N: A new little pairing for me to play with. I am not as versed in Ruby/Belle like Regina/Emma, but I hope I did them justice. The inspiration for this piece came from the song "Wedding Bells" by The Jonas Brothers, or more specifically Nick Jonas. While I am not really a fan of the band, I really love this song and the deep meaning behind it. I hope you enjoy it!
Disclaimer: I do not own rights to OUaT, or any of its complex and amazing characters. I just enjoy digging a little deeper into their thoughts and showing my interpretations to the world.
The church bell chimes, announcing the wedding of Gold and…Belle. My heart breaks a little more with each ding of the bell, until nothing is left but an empty, cold husk. I close my eyes, warm tears splashing down my face as a testament to the love that has been forever lost to me. Can I never win, I think to myself. Does everyone I love have to either die or get taken away?
I had never expected to fall in love again, and certainly not with Storybrooke's own sweetheart, Belle. It was common knowledge that she loved Mr. Gold, though heaven only knows why. How could such a perfect girl like someone who heart is so…twisted? Back then, their mismatched love did not affect me. I did not understand the appeal, but if that was who she wanted, who was I to judge? But that was before we started getting closer…before I…felt things.
When Gold left to go search for Henry with Emma, Regina, The Charming's and Captain Hook, Belle was devastated. She had finally regained her memories and reverted back to her true form after the Lacey incident. She was awoken just to be told their was going to be an explosion that would end up killing her, only for it to be thwarted and her and every Storybrooke citizen's lives spared. But instead of savoring the triumph and the gift of life, she is thrown into a tailspin when her so called true love abandons her to go traipsing off of to find his grandson, leaving her behind to pick up the pieces? He did not even intend to come back. He just pulled the whole 'I will always find you' line that only Charming truly follows.
When they all left, I was the one there to pull Belle back up from her spiraling depression. It was my shoulder she cried on, in my bed, in my dingy little room. I would hold her for hours, just stroking her back softly, caressing her with soothing words and the warmth of my touch. It took weeks, but finally she started leaving her shell. I coaxed her into going to Granny's Diner; to go watch a movie at the closest theater, sharing popcorn and drinks and laughter. We started evolving over the months of his absence; an acquaintance changed to friendship, friendship turned to best friends, and BFFs switched gears into…love. I was scared at first. The last time I had loved someone without reservation and censure, I ended up turning into a giant deranged mutt and eating him. I was so terrified of Belle being ripped away like him…
Months flew by, and my love only intensified. I started really noticing her: her hair, how soft it was after a shower. Her eyes, how they would crinkle at the corners and glisten when she was delighted. Her smile, how it would light up a room with its intensity. She had caught me hook, line, and sinker. She was the dog catcher, I was the dog. There was absolutely nothing in this world that I would not do for her.
One night, on the first anniversary of the Henry Rescue Team's departure, we had decided to stay in and watch movies. She was better than before, but was unusually quiet and solemn on this particular night. I did not want her unhappy, and if I am being honest with myself, I did not like the thought of her pining over Gold. So, I brought the box of pizza over and deposited on the table, pulling out tall glasses filled to the brim with alcohol. Not the hard stuff; the fruity drinks Belle actually likes. We started drinking…and drinking. and, well, drinking. As the drinks flowed our tongues loosened, and we started talking about any and everything. Belle was absolutely blitzed, but I was made of sterner stuff. I was buzzed but still had my mental faculties about me. When I tired to reach across Belle and grab the remote, I lost my balance and slipped. My face landed on her chest, and I quickly righted myself. Face hot with embarrassment, I apologized for my mishap. But instead of getting an acceptance or a slap, I received a gift much more shocking: a pair of the softest, warmest lips known to mankind.
I was so shocked I could not move for awhile. When I finally got the courage to respond back, she had pulled away. She fell asleep on me before I could question her, and my alcohol-addled mind shut down soon afterwards and I fell asleep beside her. She did not remember the next day, and I never brought it up.
A few months later, and we were going strong. We rarely parted ways, and we never slept apart from each other. I could not even fall asleep without her in my arms, body pressed against mine and her breath syncing with my own. I had finally grown a spine, and had resolved myself into admitting my feelings for her. I invited her to Granny's Diner and set up everything all nice. I dressed up in the nicest clothes a woman on a salary like mine could afford, and awaited the moment that would change my future. Belle walked in and spotted me, a smile blazing a path from her face to mine. Our eyes locked, and I knew in my heart I could do this. I started to take a step forward…and then everything changed.
Turns out Gold decided to return, and he brought his fellow rescuers with him. Shockingly, Regina and Emma had gotten together on the trip; they were madly in love with one another. And Gold…was as in love with Belle as ever. He rushed to her side and dropped to his knees, practically begging for forgiveness and understanding. Nausea settled in the pit of my stomach. No…no, please…no… went through my head on repeat. Gold and I waited with bated breaths for her answer. Turns out evil does win sometimes. Belle ran sobbing straight into his arms, hugging and pressing into him like he was home. Home…where I was supposed to be.
Everything was forgiven. Storybrooke went from a town of hate, desperation and lies to one of forgiveness and love. The town thrived under Regina's hand, and she and Emma were the town's golden couple. Everyone got their happy ending…all except for me. Gold wasted no time in proposing , and Belle accepted his slimy hand. Hope she doesn't get cursed from all the residual evil on him.
Apparently she decided to remember our time together; she asked me to be her maid of honor. Maid…of honor? No, no no no. I would not, could not, be a part of the wedding of a couple I loathed being together. How could I plaster a smile on my face, when my heart is dying inside? I declined, and the hurt I saw in her eyes still haunts me. We haven't spoke much since then. I cannot bear talking to her and keeping my love bottled inside, knowing she will never feel the same; that she is promised to another.
Now as the bell chimes and plays its oh so merry tunes, I realize something, the moral of the story, if you will. Just because you are good does not mean squat. Lines become blurred, and justice does not always get served. Evil does not always lose, and good does not always win. This is a lesson learned the hard way, and one I won't be forgetting. After two loves lost in the tide, I wonder if it is ever meant to be. Maybe happy endings don't exist for everyone. I know from experience. The proof is in the splintering of my heart as the bells signal the union of Mr. and Mrs. Gold. May your marriage be blessed; your bed…free from sins.