Chapter Seven: Belle, Bound To You

She looked at the clock over the door. Four o'clock. Four o'clock in the morning? She had been staring at the clock since two. There was piano music in her head keeping her awake, and the words came to her- of course- at five past four.

"Sweet love, sweet love... trapped in your love." She lamented, her voice a raspy alto. she pulled the comforter around her head to muffle her voice. "I've opened up, unsure I can trust... my heart and I were buried in dust. Free me, free... us." She heard Rumple walking by her door and silenced for a moment until the footsteps were silent.

"You're all I need... when I'm holding you tight." She put her arms on her shoulders and pretended to hug herself. "If you walk away, I will suffer tonight." She felt a tear hit her pillow as she continued to sing. "I've found a man I can trust, and boy I've believe in us... I am terrified to love for the first time."

She looked at the hospital bracelet around her wrist and rubbed it. "Can't you see that I'm bound in chains? I've finally found my way... I am bound to you, I am bound to you."

She heard Rumplestiltkin click back by, the toes of his shoes then the heels like a dancer of sorts. "Suddenly the moment's here, I embrace my fears! All that I've carried for all these years! Did I risk it all? Come this far just to fall? Fall?"

She heard him walk into the room. "Can't sleep, dearie?" He asked, sitting beside her on the bed. She peered over the blankets as he turned on the light. Only her eyes were visible, and she felt a flush come over her cheeks. "Is there something wrong with the room?"

"Of course not, Rumple." She told him reassuringly. "I suppose it's just been a very long day."

"Oh... okay." He replied as he stood and walked to the door. He finally asked the question he had been avoiding. "Were... were you singing, Belle?"

"Lullaby..." She answered softly, he looked at her with hidden concern. "I always sang myself a lullaby... when I was locked up."

"Well those days are over." Rumple finished, getting up and looking at her again. "Come on, it's four thirty. We have to be up in about three hours, store opens at eight and I'm sure there'll be many curious people coming to see us."

"I'm sure we will." She gave a fake yawn. "Look, I'm really sorry I kept you up so late..."

"It's nothing, dearie" He gave her a toothy grin. "go on and get to sleep. I'll be downstairs if you need me."

When he was well out of sight, she cut out the light and whisper-sang the rest of her song. "I've found a man I can trust, and boy I've believe in us... I am terrified to love for the first time... Can't you see that I'm bound in chains? I've finally found my way. I am bound to you, I am bound to you." She hoped to- for the first time in a while- get some decent sleep.

*Well that's it for this chapter. I hope you've enjoyed it, and I hope you enjoy more in the future. Next chapter will be up soon!*