It takes Rumpelstiltskin about five seconds after Belle is no longer there to distract him to realize that she is unable to teleport and thus cannot travel from his citadel in the mountains to the seaside kingdom he took her from without considerable difficulty.
It takes ten to appear beside her, take her by the arm, and deposit her in her room, with a few protection charms just in case. Just because she tried to take away his power doesn't mean he'll allow her to be harmed.
When he returns, he resolutely does not look at the open book on the couch, the set for two on the table, or the mirror that will show him how she is doing.
-#-
Belle is received among her Papa's tears of joy, anxious queries, and warm embraces (too tight, she thinks, but says nothing), and the news of her fiance's disappearance.
She resolutely does not grin at the last piece of news, but it reminds her that, after Sir Gaston's tragic sacrifice is mourned, a new suitor will be found for her. (personally, she doubts the appearance of any candidates, and the thought drags her out of the melancholy that's been surrounding her for days, if only for a moment.)
She notices the change in people around her before she has been in the castle for a week. Her father and friends treat her as if she is either explosive or breakable (there are moments when she thinks they have just cause). Their attempts to cheer her up drive her to a cliff-side walk or a book in the garden. Some stay away from her altogether. She can no longer quite remember how to address a Duke and which fork is used for an entree. She weeps silently for hours without cause, turns to make quips to someone who is miles away.
She never belonged in this world. Now, she is a stranger to it.
-#-
When his resolve breaks for the first time, he appears beside her as she watches the ocean from a high cliff. Her dress, though made for a princess, is almost exactly his shade of blue. It makes it easier to pretend.
Neither of them feel the need to face each other or acknowledge each other's presence. This is a dance too well-practiced to require formalities.
"That's a long way to fall, dearie,"
"You'd catch me if I fell."
"Why did you stay here?"he asks. "I thought you wanted to see the world."
"I do," she says, and as she turns towards him, the wind blows her curls into her face.
She turns back to the infinite expanse of blue. "My father needs me. Even more so with Gaston gone."
Saying it aloud makes something click, and her eyes widen.
He smirks. "And if I could guarantee Gaston's return?"
Belle nods. "Perhaps."
"I see," is his only reply.
The next day, her very bewildered and somewhat disheveled fiance appears in the middle of the dining hall table at supper.
Belle shakes her head and fetches a handkerchief to strange looks.
-#-
The next time he appears, she is setting flowers on a grave. She wears pale pink, the colour of dawn and roses and innocence.
She calmly arranges the last of the snow-white roses, then stands. Places her arms around him, her head on his chest. Breathes, and holds on tight.
"My mother," she whispers into his leather vest.
He strokes her back gently, a soothing motion, afraid to squeeze too hard.
An eternity later, she lets go, and picks up an old volume, the pages frayed from continuous use.
"She adored this story," Belle explains. "She read to me every night."
They end up sitting on the grass, her head on his lap, as for once, he is the one reading her a story. His hand gently, hesitantly, strokes her chestnut curls.
-#-
The third time, Rumpelstiltskin visits Avonlea in the middle of a ball.
It is a masquerade (part of the reason he chooses to attend. He would spoil no ball of hers), and his face is hidden by a crimson and black mask. Few notice him alone by the drinks (by now, he has had more than one).
His princess (no longer his, but he has given up trying to remember that) is the star of the night, and he realises her father wishes for her to choose a husband. She dances and smiles, though it never reaches her eyes, and excuses herself as soon as possible.
The gold of her gown reminds him almost unpleasantly of their first encounter.
When she sees him, her eyes behind the gold mask widen. He realizes he is not the only one capable of recognizing someone he has spent months with.
She approaches him in that way only she can. Makes small talk, asks after what details of his deals she knows. Then she grabs his hand, leads him onto the balcony nearby, there she takes off her mask and reaches for his.
"I'm not going to kiss you." she says, when he attempts to resist, and has her way.
They stand in the cool air for a few moments, facing the night, before she breaks the silence.
"Why do you keep coming back, Rumpelstiltskin?"
He should have realized. He released her from the deal, and that also means his company She may have loved him once, for the kiss to work, but no doubt she has changed her mind, here in the life of luxury she deserves. He is being unfair to her.
"I'm sorry."he assures her. "This will be my last visit."
Spells have ripped trough his flesh, leaving him helpless for days, and hurt less than this promise he so freely give her.
To his surprise, she bursts into tears.
"You made it quite clear that you do not love me back. You couldn't stand the sight of me after I kissed you! And yet every time I try to distract myself, you appear, and it hurts all over again!"
"I never meant to hurt you," is all he can think of to say. He has a feeling anything else might not be well-received at the moment. "And I came today, because, if your feelings haven't changed..I do. Love you. Belle, I love you so much."
Belle quirks an eyebrow (because, yes, she is escastic, but fair is fair and he made her wait three weeks).
"Why were you apologizing?"
He tries to hide his expression in his curls in that lovely, exasperating way of his. She place a finger against his cheek, effectively freezing him in place.
"I thought you were tired of my interfering in your life. "
"Oh, too late for that. " she says, airily. "I'm tired of you interfering in my life -and not staying in it, you silly man. Now, tonight, I am to choose a husband."
He grimaces slightly.
"And ?"
Belle grins at him, and, in that moment, isn't sure if she can ever stop.
"You get to ask my Papa to let you spirit me away again. And this time, you're not getting any help from me! "
XxXxXxX
What can I say, I'm a sucker for happy endings. And well, yes I'm a little angry for the way obvious things are ignored and Rumple's character is mauled every chance they get.
Might become a two-shot if a few people like it.