Prologue
Charming watched with pride as Snow held their newborn son, beholding his daughter and grandson meeting him. They were finally all together.
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Emma went with great satisfaction to lock Zelena up. Later she was in the hallway and able to hear the last thing Regina told her sister, "It's good to have family in town." Regina passed her as she left, and then Hook arrived taking the watch.
Emma gratefully dosed off in her office.
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Rumplestiltskin stared at himself in the mirror.
And then saw his Belle.
He went to her and they embraced.
"I knew you'd be back," Belle whispered.
"You unwavering faith constantly astounds me," he replied, his eyes closed as he savored her in his arms. But then he broke from her, gently, "and after everything I did."
"It wasn't you," Belle protested, "It was Zelena."
He couldn't allow her to be delusioned. "It wasn't always Zelena."
She slightly shook her head. He continued, "I will never comprehend why you continue to stand by my side."
"I love you," she emphasized, tears starting to form as she caressed his face, "I always have."
Rumplestiltskin nodded. She did. She always loved him. Then he watched a little puzzled as she turned to her purse and timidly pulled out the dagger.
He was entranced, "How did you get that?"
"Regina gave it to me. To," Belle rolled her eyes a little, "to make amends. And also because she knew I wouldn't abuse its power." She held her upturned hands holding the dagger out to him. "I want you to have it."
He stared down at it, "Why?"
She smiled, "Because I believe in you." She held it out again, "It's yours. You're a free man. Just promise me one thing."
At that Rumplestiltskin became alarmed. She was going to do it again. Make a condition on them staying together. Dear gods, let it be something that he could do!
Belle continued, "Promise me you won't go after Zelena. You're . . . you know you're better than that."
He looked again at the dagger. Was she truly asking that he not avenge his son? Himself?
"Oh Belle," he breathed and took it. And then a thought came to him: "Follow the lady." His father's trick. It was there before him, and Belle would never know.
Oh no, she smiled at him. Could he? "What you're giving me is more than I can ever give you," he said in awe. "But I will try." No, he would not do it. Yet he didn't promise her either. There were other ways he would make Zelena pay. And pay she would.
Just not this way.
Rumplestiltskin looked at Belle. He loved her and if there was one thing that being with Zelena taught him was that he would never put her love for him at risk.
He paused. Because he was annoyed. But then . . . what Belle wanted, Belle got.
The one constant in his morality, or as close to morality as he would ever get.
Though to have her wield it? Over him? Put her at such risk for those seeking the Dark One's power? Could he …. And then he saw it, the hazy future. He would have a way out of the dilemma.
He gestured to the dagger, "This is trust. It means you trust me with all your heart."
"I do," she nodded, getting more emotional.
"And I shall trust you with mine." He did. He did indeed. Belle was the one person in his life he could always trust.
"Take it," Rumplestiltskin held out his hands. She frowned, confused. "I am now and for all the future ... yours."
And he meant it with all his heart.
She stuttered," Wait, uhh...wait, what are you saying?"
"Will you marry me?"
Belle broke out into a huge smile. "Yes," she nodded tearily. "Yes!" She grabbed the dagger and cast it aside; placing her hands on both sided of his head and kissed him.
His Belle. Always his.
He loved her.
She kissed the side of his neck and they clung to each other.
Gods, he loved her!
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Regina fingered Zelena's pendant and then locked it away in her vault. A sly grin.
And then … and then off to meet Robin and Roland at the Merrie Men's Camp.