Disclaimer: As you can probably tell from the fact I'm rewriting seasons in fanfiction, I don't own Once Upon a Time or any of its characters.
It was difficult to adjust to this world without acting as though she had never been here before. The lights were strange, as was the carriage Rumplestiltskin was all too eager to get her into once the initial welcome-back was finished. She kept smiling as she listened to him yip at her like an excited puppy, his grin wide and his eyes bright.
Cora had never seen the imp behave so...innocently. He had reverted clear to the point of besotted schoolboy, hardly the Dark One she had come to know. She smiled and nodded as he rattled off every trivial detail that had occurred during the separation, talking about Katja and the cat and Charming and even what he had been eating. The only time she truly listened was when he spoke of Regina.
Of course it stung that her daughter had been plotting to kill her, but it was also old news. Both attempts had failed and Regina would just have to deal with that.
They came up to a large pink house that was certainly not a castle and had hardly any land, but still towered over the surrounding residences. She watched idly as Rumple disappeared from the driver's seat only to reappear at her door to open it for her. He beamed at her as he helped her out of the vehicle and she could practically hear his thoughts. Look, Belle, I got the door for you. Aren't I a good boy? Please praise me and tell me how wonderful I am I love you so much.
She forced a smile and thanked him, wondering if he had actually gotten more pathetic than Henry had been.
She kept herself relaxed as he put his arm around her waist and guided her up the steps and into the house, "I'm sure you're dying to get cleaned up. I'll go upstairs and run you a bath, alright?"
"Sounds great," she said and he kissed her forehead, squeezing her before letting go. He glanced back at her when he got to the foot of the stairs, smiled yet again, and then moved quicker than she thought possible for a cripple up the stairs.
He always did have a fantastic backside.
There was a chirp and the click of claws against the hardwood floors. A cat was running full tilt at her but stopped abruptly a couple feet away. It stared at her uncomprehendingly before its fur stood up on end and it snarled at her. She rolled her eyes.
"Get away," she said, waving her hand. Its body slammed into the wall and fell limp to the floor.
Poor Belle, Mr. Gold thought as he started to run the water. She was exhausted, hardly saying a word since leaving the shop. Between the fight and residual anger towards Hook and Cora he doubted she had any energy left in her. That was fine, of course; he'd bathe her and tuck the both of them into bed for an early night.
He tested the water before going to pour in some lavender bath gel. He then found and lit some of the candles left over from their anniversary for added ambiance. Shrugging off his coat, he rolled up his sleeves and grabbed Belle's shampoo.
He glanced over and saw her standing in the doorway. He grinned, "Hey."
"Hey..." She stepped in, looking over the bath before smiling softly, "This is very nice, thank you."
"Of course." He found a stool tucked beside the toilet and pulled it next to the tub, taking a seat.
A silence fell between them as he watched her expectantly. Belle remained standing where she was, clothed.
"...I think I'd rather be alone, if you don't mind," she said apologetically.
His reaction was delayed, stunned by her request. Part of him wanted to object; he missed her, and she damn well knew that helping her bathe didn't automatically lead to sex. But he didn't want to argue, not when she was finally home, so he stood.
"Alright..." He paused before passing by her, leaning towards her for a kiss.
He felt reassured when her lips met his. She wasn't angry then; she just wanted time alone. Strange but not a sin. He changed while she bathed and slipped into bed, shaking his insecurities off while he waited. Belle eventually joined him, too tired to read, and turning her back to him. He scooted across the short distance, curling around her and draping his arm over her.
"I love you," he murmured.
A moment passed before she murmured back, "Love you too."
He slept soundly beside his wife, slipping out of bed before she woke up to fix her breakfast. Fluffy pancakes, chilled orange juice, an assortment of berries, a fresh rose in a vase, and a book. He went to go take it to her only to find that the bed was empty.
Emma knew it was the little things that made life special and sitting there, talking to Henry before he went off to school... It was a great little thing, even if he thought ogres and the dead rising were "awesome". She didn't want to end the moment, so she insisted on escorting him to the bus stop.
They made it a block before Henry perked up and darted across the street, "Belle!"
Emma looked over and spotted the brunette on the opposite sidewalk. She beamed and with a quick glance around (since she for one hadn't forgotten about cars), hurried to join them. Belle didn't seem to hear her name called, utterly engrossed with examining a parking meter. It was only when Henry had his arms around her that she took notice, startled and confused. He beamed up at her and she relaxed, smiling back down at him.
"Henry," she murmured, stroking his hair back.
"I knew you'd find your way home," he insisted, pulling away from her.
Emma folded her arms sheepishly, "Belle, you made it back."
The other woman met her eyes and Emma felt there was something cold about her grin, "I told you I'd find a way."
"Yeah but I thought it'd take some time..."
"There was a back-up plan," she said without elaborating, turning her attention to Henry.
He tilted his head, "When did you get back? You missed the "welcome home" party yesterday."
"Oh late last night, Rumple didn't feel like sharing. Are you off to school then?"
It didn't make any sense; if there was a physical manifestation of her superpower she'd flick it a couple of times. But for some reason Belle was setting off Emma's bullshit detector.
II
Despite the almost rabid multitudes crying for the Evil Queen's blood, the execution was limited to invitation-only. Many of the survivors of Regina's massacres had received one, along with notable figures across the land. The crowd was relatively solemn, what small amount of talking ceasing when Regina was led to the execution post.
Two hooded figures made their way into the crowd, one a rather understated brown cloak while the other was covered in fine detail with bright greens and blues. The latter did her best to see what was going on, rocking onto the balls of her feet and craning her neck to try and peer over shoulders and heads alike.
"Here." Her companion murmured, guiding her to a spot with a better vantage point. A few glanced at them but they didn't care about the woman, and didn't get a good glimpse at the man.
The Caretaker and her Dark One watched as Regina was given the chance to speak, which was honestly a poor decision given her track record. She glanced at her husband and watched his placid face. She knew better than to believe it though; the woman he had chosen and molded to cast his curse was intended to die in a few minutes. Decades of work would go down the drain if she was killed, and he'd have to start all over again and pray that the next one wouldn't meet a similar fate.
He framed it as a chance to go out and about together, spoke of having dinner once this business was taken care of. She knew it was really him ensuring his plan was not taken off-course...but it didn't mean that they couldn't have a romantic evening after Regina's fate was solidified.
She, of course, had blown the chance she had to repent for her crimes. Her moniker of "Evil Queen" wasn't for naught, after all. The archers took aim and Belle drew in a sharp breath. Rumplestiltskin's hand rested on her shoulder, reassuring her.
The archers fired. Belle was ready to stop the arrows if Rumple didn't beat her to it, and was just about to redirect them when Snow screamed for it to stop. The Blue Fairy then intervened, freezing them before a single one hit Regina.
Their puppet would live to see another day.
She fought the queasiness in her stomach as Regina was led away, looking maniacally smug about the intervention. Thoughts she couldn't help popped up; wondering how different things would have been had Rumple not played a hand in her life's course. Would Regina still become the Evil Queen based solely on her mother's influence? Would the death toll be so devastating if her tutor hadn't stoked the embers of bitterness that would never go out completely?
She tried to shut it off before the fear came, but it arrived anyway. What if the ends didn't justify the means, and this curse wouldn't bring them to Baelfire after all? She had to believe it was worth it... Because if she didn't then she couldn't be sure she could live with knowing she had supported her true love's games.
III
This must be what hell was like, Belle thought as she was trapped in her cage. Completely helpless to watch as her husband was preyed upon, knowing how much danger he was in and unable to communicate with him. The cage had to have some very strong magical barriers placed on it; Belle feared that it was the same as the dungeon's.
It was clear that whatever projection spell was on the mirror was linked to Rumple; first with the shop mirror, then the rearview mirror as he told "her" animatedly what had happened in her absence. She glimpsed him briefly as he crossed towards the staircase, giddy in his ascent. She teared up as he drew her a bath and found mild relief when Cora didn't undress in front of him. There hadn't been a good vantage point in the bedroom but she could see them shifting in the bed from the mirror on the dresser. Their legs were too close, and hearing Rumple tell her he loved her tore her own heart in half.
To his credit Hook did attempt to bring her breakfast that morning, even if it did end up being thrown at him.
The next steps down the stairs were lighter, with the added click of heels. Belle's hands clenched around the bars as she tensed, anger threatening to overwhelm her. She saw heeled boots, a dress from the back of her closet, her curls pulled back and an icy smile on her face. A reflection that wasn't her.
Cora noticed her glare and smoothed the front of her dress, "It took some getting used to, I'll admit. Shorter and lankier but...Rumple seems to enjoy it."
Belle lashed out, her nails clawing the air inches from Cora's face. Cora stared at her unblinkingly.
"This disguise thing isn't going to work!" Belle snapped, "He knows me far too well... You'll slip up eventually and he'll realize the truth!"
"Will he now?" Cora asked blandly, a swirl of purple smoke transforming her back to her true self, "He seemed oblivious enough last night. And besides, I don't need to fool him for long, just long enough." She took a couple steps to Belle's left, keeping well out of reaching distance even as Belle lowered her arm, "If I were you, I'd be less concerned with Rumple's feelings...and more concerned about your predicament."
If Cora had been trying to get her to quiet down, she had definitely found a way. Belle pushed down her rage and kept silent, waiting for the other woman to expound. She did so with the same sardonic smile that made Belle wish she was close enough to slap it off.
She pulled the fabric of her skirt tight enough so that Belle could make out the form of a very familiar dagger strapped to her thigh. She let it go slack after she saw the recognition on Belle's face, "As you've no doubt noticed I've taken the liberty of setting some ground rules... Though you were unconscious for them so I should probably repeat them for good measure. No contacting Rumplestiltskin in any form. No harming either myself, Regina, or the captain. No magic unless specified. We'll build on this initial list as the occasion calls for."
Each command weighed her stomach further down and her knees felt like they'd give out if she'd let them. She tried to speak but her mouth was too dry.
"Let's keep this between us, alright? You can imagine how insistent the dear captain would be if he found out I have the weapon he so desperately seeks."
"You can't keep us apart forever," she hissed, "I will never stop fighting for him."
"You might not, but the Belle I'm crafting would." Cora moved towards the other bins of cargo, lifting the lid of one, "You may have been the one to marry him, but I know the real him. And he's much more likely to believe that you're the same as everyone else he's ever cared for than to consider you might be the one exception."
She pulled out a bulky case, cradling it under one arm, "It'll just be a bit longer," she said, making her way back above deck.
Of course she had been vague about what would be a little longer... Not that spelling things out would've soothed Belle any. She felt like she was standing in place even as she paced the few steps that made up the area of her jail. There was nothing special about the bars... She could easily blast the lock open if not for those stupid orders. She needed to relax...to think.
She stared at the other cage and wondered worriedly why Anton hadn't woken up yet.
He had tried not to worry, he really had. But Belle hadn't left a note and her phone was turned off. She had taken her purse though, which was a slight comfort. Still, on his way to work he checked Granny's and the library to no avail. As tempting as it was to try and track her down, he had to respect that she was an adult and could spend a morning alone if she so desired.
...if she didn't turn up by lunchtime though he was going to transition to overbearing spouse.
He looked up from his sad attempt at inventory when the bell rang and relief rippled through him, "There you are."
"Here I am," Belle said loftily, angling herself through the doorway. She had a case under her arm she could barely hold.
He tilted his head, "Is that what you've been up to today?" He asked.
"Partially." She set it on the counter, "Cora had this for some reason... I think it's meant for you?"
"And did you happen to grab the antidote for it too?" He joked.
She smirked and shook her head, " I don't know what it is, but I'm pretty sure it's not poisonous. Some sort of globe, I think."
A globe... But Cora wouldn't have... Would she? It was difficult to say how she would have gotten ahold of the genuine article, if it was what he was pretty sure it was. He still hestitated to open it but he couldn't bear to put it off.
He lifted the lid and nestled inside was a blank globe, smooth and white as beach stones. He glanced up at Belle and grinned.
"Thank goodness you did get it from her; can't imagine what she'd want in return for it." He rested a hand on its axis, "If you prick your finger and let a drop of blood fall on it, it will show you the step above and below yours on your family tree branch."
A smile spread across her face, "...so it will show you where Baelfire is."
He laughed, "Well it's not going to show me where my parents are." He reached across the counter, taking her hand, "...we're going to find him, Belle. We're going to go find our son."
There was oddly little reaction from her; her smile wasn't quite right, her eyes uncharacteristically emotionless. Usually she would get just as excited, if not moreso, than him.
"You alright, love?" He asked.
"Yeah," she insisted, running her thumb over his knuckles, "It's just... We're actually at this point and it's...a little intimidating."
"I know, sweetheart, I'm scared too," he squeezed her hand, "But it'll be alright; at the very least it'll be closure. We'll rehearse the entire trip and even when we see him face-to-face you'll be with me. You bring out the very best parts of me, the man he knew before... You are my courage and my light."
Belle's gaze drifted down to the globe, "I suppose you'll want to leave as soon as possible then..."
He let go of her hand, shifting his weight and licking his lips, "Actually I ah, I was thinking that maybe... Maybe Bae could wait another day or two." He took a deep breath, "I was wondering if maybe you'd like to accompany me this evening... We never did get around to going to Tony's after all."
She smirked, "Rumplestiltskin, are you asking me out on a date?"
"I might be," he said aloofly, "Depends on if the answer is yes."
Belle giggled but then sighed, "I don't know, Rumple; I'm still a little tired, and if we're getting ready to leave in a couple of days..."
"Alright, we can stay in; I'll grab Granny's after work and you can be waiting for me on the couch with a blanket. Do you want to deal for the movie?"
She shook her head, "You can just pick it." She turned as if she was going to leave.
He was stunned for a few moments; when had Belle ever let him pick the movie without a fight? And was she really taking off again five minutes after she had arrived? She didn't seem to be mad at him, maybe preoccupied but even that didn't seem to cover her... He didn't want to say "avoidance", but he didn't know how else to describe her voluntary absence after they had just been reunited.
"Belle," he called out. She paused and he stuttered to his statement, "...I love you."
"Me too," she said, and she was out the door again.
II
Snow White couldn't sleep. She hated disagreeing with Charming, especially when he had a good point. Keeping Regina alive was foolish, she knew that deep down...but she also knew that the woman who saved her life was still somewhere within the Evil Queen.
She rested a hand on the execution stalk. She just needed a way to find the Regina she knew before Daniel's death... And find her before the entire kingdom collapsed.
"Rough night?"
Honestly Snow wasn't that surprised when she turned around to see Belle, seated on the throne that she had occupied earlier that day. In her hand was the blindfold that had been placed on Regina moments before the execution had been stopped.
"Belle," she murmured, before dryly adding, "Don't tell me you came all this way just to see the execution."
She shrugged, "The hubby has a strange sense of what a date is," she patted the throne next to her and Snow obliged.
She sighed as she sank down into the seat, "Charming thinks it was wrong of me to call it off... He thinks I'm putting the kingdom at risk."
Belle hung the blindfold from one of the chair's stiles, "It's a valid concern, all things considered."
"I won't apologize for sparing her life," Snow insisted, "Not when there's still a chance she could change."
"There is no going back from death," Belle conceded, "...but are you so sure she can change? So sure that you'd bet innocent lives on it? Your own life?"
"...no."
Her head tilted back, closed eyes facing the canopy of the small booth. It took several breaths before she had the courage to admit out loud the core of the issue, beyond questions of morality and public safety, of what a queen should or shouldn't do.
"...I love her." Her voice broke, "I've loved her for so long... Maybe it was just hero worship at first, looking up to this...woman who raced to save my life. She had this light that would shine through when she smiled... Even after the wedding I still sometimes saw it. One day it just...vanished, and by then I already loved her as a second mother. ...I wanted her to be happy. I wanted for her to forgive me and let go, to be the Regina I met..." She shook her head, "But no matter how I tried, how I longed for it... She never loved me back. She'll never, ever care for me as much as I care for her, and that's fine. I just... I just wish she could find her way back to who she was before she lost Daniel. And maybe that woman's gone forever... And maybe she's not. But if she dies she'll never have that chance, and I'll have to live with knowing that was how she ended... Not as a hero, but as a villain."
The courtyard was silent after her confession, Snow wiping away her tears. She waited but Belle didn't break the silence, and she opened her eyes to turn to her. Belle had her fist pressed to her mouth as if to keep her own watery eyes in check, and Snow wondered if it was the other woman's natural sympathetic tendencies or if she related somehow.
"...I think it's safe to give her one last chance," she finally murmured, "A final test to see if the light is still in Regina."
"...what did you have in mind?"
It hadn't been difficult for Rumplestiltskin to convince Charming that Regina needed one last chance; much as he campaigned for her death he still knew what the Evil Queen meant to his wife and didn't want to feel that on his conscious for the rest of his life. He went to meet with Belle back in the courtyard and found her seated on the queen's throne, staring blankly at the execution post. With shy steps he went to join her.
"...Belle?"
She didn't respond, just continued to stare at the symbol of trechery and death, "...do the ends justify the means?"
He sat down in the king's throne, watching the post alongside her, "It depends on who you ask."
She turned to him blankly, "The blood might be on Regina's hands but that doesn't mean you're blameless. It could even be said none of this would've happened if you hadn't helped Cora; she would have been executed and a thousand lives could've been saved. And yet..." She shrugged, "Maybe Cora would have found it within herself to summon the magic to save her own life. Maybe she would've still gone on to kill Daniel, and Regina still would have become the Evil Queen."
Rumplestiltskin grew solemn, "Yes...and worse things have yet to come to get our boy back." He glanced down at his lap, "...you've done nothing, Belle, you're innocent. When judgment comes it will all be on my shoulders."
"I'm not innocent," she murmured, "Failing to stop the crime is just as bad as doing it yourself. I've enabled you when I've had every chance to do the right thing."
He didn't want to look at her; he was afraid of what he might see in his beloved's eyes. But when he glanced up he saw nothing more severe than resignation.
She took his hand, squeezing it half-heartedly, "Don't give me that kicked dog face; I'm not changing my mind. I promised to go with you forever and I intend to stick to it. Snow... Just happened to hold up an uncomfortable mirror tonight."
He moved towards her and she automatically moved towards him, resting her head on his shoulder. His free arm wrapped around her and he held her, his cheek resting on top of her head. She breathed in the familiar scent that was uniquely Rumple and closed her eyes to the firing range.
III
Mary Margaret couldn't help but notice that this apartment was getting a little small. It had been huge when it was just her, and a perfect fit when Emma took the upstairs bedroom. But now they had Charming and Henry...
It wasn't like she scoffed at less-than-ideal living conditions; she'd resided in a lean-to shelter, a tree, and with seven men for starters. But Emma wasn't always going to be a single mother, and Mary Margaret wasn't sure she wanted just one child, a child she hadn't even gotten to watch grow up. But bringing it up without sounding like she didn't want to live with her family anymore...
...well, it could wait for a little bit. Even if there were mild skirmishes in the morning for the single bathroom.
She heard someone coming down the stairs as she was hanging up her coat and she glanced over. She was surprised to see black slacks and the hem of a peacoat and her surprise remained as Regina's full body came into sight.
She caught Mary Margaret's eye and clasped her hands self-consciously, "Hello Snow."
"Regina."
"I was just telling Henry goodnight. Emma invited me," she explained. Mary Margaret folded her arms as she finished her descent, heading towards the door.
Mary Margaret stepped in front of it. Regina sighed and let her hand drop to her side.
"Emma might be starting to trust you, but I'm going to need a lot more convincing." She warned, "You pushed Belle towards that portal to save yourself."
"I couldn't leave Henry."
"That doesn't excuse anything. I've spent the better part of my life watching you destroy everything you've touched, and I won't let you destroy my grandson." Regina looked wounded and part of Mary Margaret wondered if she had sunken too low... But she wasn't going to apologize for speaking the truth.
She stepped aside, her face softening slightly, "It's not going to be an easy road but if you're really serious about changing... There's no better reason for redemption than love."
Regina twisted the doorknob and yanked it open, shooting Mary Margaret a glare, "Thanks for the lecture. Always fascinating to hear the parenting opinions from the couple who put their daughter in a box and shipped her off to Maine."
By the time Mary Margaret had stopped stuttering and was prepared to point out that she was the reason they had to send Emma away, Regina had already slammed the door and was down the hall.
She didn't talk to Emma about it that night; she didn't have the strength to argue the intricacies of parental rights. She didn't even bring it up to David as he tried to coax out why she was fuming because she was well aware of his stance on her stepmother. The encounter was almost out of her mind by the next morning.
Henry was still sleeping and Charming had already gone off to work. She had been finishing her tea when she heard pounding coming from the bathroom, muffled cries breaking out. Mary Margaret grabbed a knife out of the block and ran, glad to find it unlocked.
The first thing she saw were Emma's eyes, wide in terror, as she gasped and clawed at her chest. Mary Margaret looked down to see the bra she had on sinking deeper and deeper into her flesh, constricting its wearer. There wasn't time to mull it over; she pried the knife under one bra strap and cut through it before going to the other and finally to the band. The cloth fell to the ground and shriveled while Emma fought to catch her breath.
"What..." Huff. "The..." Huff. "Hell."
What the hell indeed.
Shakily Emma dressed while Mary Margaret went to head off Henry, who was sleepily shuffling towards the incident.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
Mary Margaret took a deep breath, "...a clothing malfunction," she decided, "Now why don't we eat while your mother finishes getting ready, alright?"
Mr. Gold wasn't one for house calls, especially after a late night. He had waited up on the couch with a blanket until the wee hours of the morning, a selection of movies spread out on the coffee table. He had to cover the take-out and put back the pint of ice cream when she didn't show up any time after work. He thought she'd at least make it back before their usual bedtime but she didn't.
He heard the front door open at three in the morning and turned to see her quietly moving through the entryway.
"Hey," he called.
She paused, "Hey. What are you still doing up?"
"I was worried." He stood up and walked over to her, "You didn't have your phone on you, you didn't leave a note... Is something going on?"
She shook her head, going towards the stairs, "There were just some things I needed to take care of."
He followed after her, "What sort of things?"
"Nothing special, just some prep for the trip." She glanced over her shoulder, "Are you honestly interrogating me?"
He grimaced, wondering if he was, "It just seems odd that you wouldn't tell me that you were going to be out late, especially when you turned down date night because you were tired."
"I took a nap."
She grabbed a change of clothes and went into the bathroom. He stared at the door in confusion for a few moments, then shakily went to grab his own night clothes. He felt as if a game he knew by heart had recently had all of its rules rewritten; Belle felt the need to change behind a door, and not because he was acting randy. She didn't...she didn't seem angry, maybe perturbed, but she wasn't giving him the cold shoulder that he could easily recognize.
His stomach twisted. Was Belle shutting him out?
He changed and gathered himself as much as he could before approaching the door, taking a deep breath, "...you know you can talk to me about anything, right?"
"Yes." Was her clipped reply, leaving no room for him to work with. Did she want space? Was she scared about leaving? Did she need more time? Why wouldn't she simply tell him what was going on? What had he done wrong?
"...I love you," he murmured, hoping that he could convey everything with those three words.
"I know."
...he had messed up. He had messed up terribly and he had no idea how.
Belle was with him as he went to Mary Margaret's apartment. She had volunteered to come when he had told her about the text and he wasn't going to turn her away. Hell, she wasn't even acting like anything was wrong now, like it was normal for her to come in at three in the morning and act like he was being unreasonable when he asked her what she had been up to. He...hadn't been unreasonable, had he? It wasn't like he needed her to account for every moment in her life, but when she was contradicting herself and offering no information, it made him worry.
Mary Margaret answered the door and ushered him to the bathroom, where shriveled pieces of fabric and wire were on the floor.
"...is that-"
"Yes," Mary Margaret assured him.
He stepped further into the bathroom, carefully crouching down to examine the shreds, "And why did we feel the need to destroy this piece of undergarment?"
"It was trying to kill me," Emma said bluntly, stepping up alongside her mother, "I went to put it on this morning and once it was clasped it started tightening like a freaking boa constrictor."
"Someone cursed your bra?" He asked bluntly.
"It's not like the straps were overadjusted or something," Emma insisted.
Belle tilted her head to the side, "It's actually quite interesting," she remarked. When everyone stared at her she explained, "Well in the Grimms telling of Snow White the apple was the third attempt on Snow White's life by the Evil Queen; the first was a bodice that was laced too tightly."
Emma frowned, "While...interesting, I guess, it still doesn't explain how it happened. I mean there's only three people who have that sort of access to my stuff, and I don't think any of them would want to choke me to death."
Mary Margaret's head whipped towards her, eyes going wide, "No...but Regina was here last night."
When Hook had agreed to assist Cora he had imagined that once they made it to Storybrooke they would part ways and he would be free to seek his vengeance. However Cora wasn't done with the crocodile's mate, and thought that he should babysit her and the not-so giant. It was a dull, and somewhat terrifying, task.
Reluctantly he stepped away from the rail and went to go below deck. She had fallen quiet again and that made him concerned. But when he peered into the cage he saw her sitting in the corner, hugging her knees to her chest.
"Tire yourself out, love?" He queried. She shot him a glare, but said nothing.
He leaned against a wall, glancing at the mirror. Right now it was displaying a rather despondent crocodile, sitting out in a hallway and fidgeting restlessly.
"What's this?"
"The police station," she murmured, "They took Regina in for questioning."
"Ah yes, as per the plan. Why is Cora throwing her daughter under the cart again?"
"Besides the fact she's a psychotic hellbitch?" Belle rested her chin on her arms, "She's isolating her... Making sure she's the only person Regina can go to."
"Well isn't she mother of the year."
Belle stared unblinkingly at the bars of her cage, "...she's hiding things from you, you know," she remarked calmly.
"Is that so?" He said, sounding only mildly interested at this news.
She nodded once, "I'm not just speaking in self-interest when I say you shouldn't trust her."
Hook snorted, "Of course I don't. What do you take me for?"
Belle was tempted not to answer, but her tongue got the better of her, "A mother-stealing bully with overcompensating cockiness and lewd comments that hint at a lack of true wit."
He didn't seem too amused by her honesty.
Across town Cora watched her stunned daughter sit in the interrogation room alone, waiting for the Charmings to go elsewhere. Her acquired puppy dog was starting to give her a little more breathing space, thank the gods, but she didn't know if it was temporary or not. He had always been prone to clingyness but this... Belle had really done a number on him.
"She's not admitting to anything." The shepherd boy said.
"Because there's nothing to admit to." The savior muttered, "She didn't do it."
"Emma-"
"I watched her when we told her what happened, she didn't know."
"I know you want to believe that Regina could change for Henry-" The princess began but was cut off.
"I know what I saw. I mean look at her. The Regina I met when I first came into town would've vanished in a cloud of smoke regardless of whether she was guilty or not, but she's staying put. She's trying to do the right thing."
"You don't know her like we do."
"And maybe that's the problem, David; you're not giving her a chance to show you she's different." She paused, "...besides, it doesn't really seem like her MO. She tends to lean towards frame jobs and bad fruit."
Regina sighed in the next room, leaning back and recrossing her legs. She had always been impatient... And despite Cora trying to weed out that weakness it remained.
"Belle?"
She slowly turned to face them, leaning against the glass and making herself shrug, "She's slaughtered entire villages... Tried to kill both of you on many occasions. She tore everyone here from their homes to live in her cursed world which she intended to go on for as long as she lived, just so that she could be happy. Is this really someone we want to take chances with?"
She had both of the royals stone-faced, clearly listening to her logic... But not Emma. When she looked the girl in the eye she saw nothing but suspicion.
"Regina showed no interest in Henry's book until the curse started to weaken," she said slowly, "I've seen the sorts of books she has on her shelves... Nothing that could be classified under "fairy tales"."
"What are you saying?" Cora asked and, if it wasn't for the fact that it was against her, she would've been delighted that Emma had picked up on the breadcrumbs she had left.
Emma didn't waver, "I'm saying it seems very unlikely that Regina has suddenly become an expert in Snow White retellings. However you, as an avid reader and children story time volunteer..."
"Emma!" Snow scolded.
Cora laughed and shook her head, "After everything we just went through, you think I'd try to kill you? And why?"
"I don't know," Emma admitted, "But I didn't know why you and your husband did half the things you did until I played into your hands. This could just be another red herring."
"I saw Regina in the apartment last night," Snow reminded her.
"And Rumple and I were on the couch eating take-out and watching movies; I can give you the receipts if you don't trust his word."
"I think there's something we need to talk about," David interjected, "About Regina and the day you three arrived back from the Enchanted Forest."
While David revealed what Regina had really intended to do with the fairy magic, Cora slipped into the interrogation room. Regina glanced up as the door shut and then grimaced.
"Right on schedule," she muttered, "The Charmings' pair of scavengers here to sort through the mess."
Cora took the seat across from Regina, not saying a word as she folded her hands on her lap. Regina continued to look irritated for a few moments longer, before she grew solemn. She leaned forward, "I'm...sorry I pushed you into the portal; it wasn't a conscious decision."
"I understand," Cora murmured, letting herself believe those words were meant for the looking glass incident all those years ago, "It was self-preservation."
"No, it was for Henry," she corrected. She caught her tone and pursed her lips, "...what are they saying out there?"
"That Snow White saw you at the apartment last night, that you've used up all your second chances. They kept bringing up your past as justification of why you would do this."
"It's bullshit," she hissed, "I was home alone all evening. Even if I did try to kill Emma, why would I do it by putting a spell on her bra?!"
"It doesn't matter. They're not trusting you again."
"But I didn't do it!"
"I know, sweetheart."
Regina stared at her, the affectionate term sticking out like a nail in carpet. She slowly leaned back in her seat, confusion giving way to shock and yes, even fear.
"...it's you," she whispered.
"Yes my dear," she cooed, "You and the rest of them gave a valiant effort to keep me away, but I prevailed."
She withdrew, eyes wide and mouth slightly agape, "...mother." Her voice broke over the word, "...it was you. You did that to Emma."
"I needed to make a point," she admitted, "I needed to show you what they really thought of you."
"Well you did a good job of turning them against me." She sized Cora up, "So what happened to the real Belle? Did you kill her?"
"Not yet." She reached a hand across the table, "...I came here to make amends. I've come to realize that I've shown my love in all the wrong ways. That what I thought was giving you a better life...was actually making you miserable."
It was an apology Regina had been waiting years for... An apology she craved and never expected. And yet here it was; maybe it was Belle's face but she could see her mother's mannerisms in it. There was a quirk of sincerity, magnified by those large blue eyes.
...Regina wasn't sure if she was ready to have her heart broken again. And yet... What more could she possibly lose?
"I should go out there and tell them," she said, "I should drag you out in front of Emma and Rumplestiltskin and the two idiots and make you admit that you did all this."
Cora was silent, her lips a tense line. Regina stared at her, waiting for her to make her excuses... But she didn't say a word.
On one hand Emma couldn't blame Regina for stealing the fairy dust and trying to booby-trap the portal but on the other... On the other she was slightly miffed, and really concerned about Mr. Gold. If David was telling the truth and he had been ready to go along with Regina... Was Belle aware that her husband had been perfectly alright with the odds of zapping her? Had she somehow known and that was why she had stayed behind to fight Cora and Hook? Bringing this up, though damaging to Regina's plea of innocence, was only making her wonder more about Belle.
Speaking of. The door to the interrogation room was flung open and Belle stepped through, looking shocked.
"Regina's gone!" She exclaimed.
While both her parents got themselves worked up about Regina disappearing (which didn't help the innocent plea either), she wondered what Belle had been doing alone with her. It was very possible that Belle was just looking for an apology and Regina had thrown a tantrum... But Mrs. Gold had been setting off her superpower since yesterday, and it was hard to ignore a gut instinct.
II
"Belle, it's not a life or death decision. As long as you don't wear white I'm sure it'll be fine." She wasn't convinced.
She continued to stare at the two dresses laid out; both incredibly elaborate and fanciful. One was black and clung to her like dew on a petal; the other was gold and somewhat more modest.
Rumplestiltskin finished with her hair, "I know it's Snow White's wedding but in the grand scheme of things it doesn't really matter. Both look lovely on you."
But it did matter. What color she chose symbolized far more than he realized. There was gold, the bright shimmery trademark she had come to associate with herself. Some might have thought of purity but to her it was the memorable detail of her husband's magic. He had his other traits but none as unique and beautiful as spinning straw to gold. It complimented his odd complexion and often, when she caught him staring at her or heard his voice soften as he described her… She felt like his treasure.
But...there was black. The Evil Queen's color. Darkness. When she married Rumplestiltskin and agreed to help him find his son she knew she would have to accept some level of questionable morality. She tried to hold on to her principles as much as she could...but it wouldn't be far-reaching to say that black suited her choices. She had married the Dark One and helped him with his work; no matter how she justified it the facts remained.
He wrapped his arms around her and she leaned back, letting him rock her, "Are you sure you can't meet me there? Not even for a dance?"
"No, my sweet; I have to make sure things go well with Ella and Thomas."
"If they're meant to be you can leave them alone for five minutes." It was a weak argument, and one she was only attempting to win. She knew how important it was that everything went according to plan today.
She felt his cheek press against her hair, his grasp around her tightening.
"We're almost there," he murmured, though this wasn't reassuring in the least to her. Almost there meant losing him, even if she knew they'd find each other again. They wouldn't even be apart during the curse if all went well and Regina kept her word.
She could only imagine how a year felt to a man who had been waiting to find a way to another world for centuries.
"We're almost there," she agreed, squeezing his arms, "...I think I'm going to wear the gold dress."
"Excellent choice," he cooed, letting go of her, "It is the color of the dress you were wearing when we met, after all."
She smiled at him and he smiled back, the severity of their combined thoughts still visible in his eyes. He was just as aware as she of everything that was coming up, and he had probably asked every question she had and more. Unlike her days as a maid he wasn't alone in his musings; she shared his headspace. He looked at her with a gratitude of a man who had lived alone on a deserted island for decades, only to find companionship at long last.
III
He had lied, of course. He had lied without even thinking about it. Yes, Belle had been with him all last night, he could prove it if need be. Emma was too unskilled to recognize the difference between a false projected memory and a true one anyway.
He didn't want to connect the two points; he didn't want to think how convenient it had been for Belle to be gone and for Emma's clothing to be cursed. He didn't want to wonder what that meant, or why she would (IF she had). He didn't want to face that there was something going on with Belle and that he had been shut out since her return for reasons he didn't comprehend.
He wasn't sure if it was more terrifying that Belle was pulling away, or that he had absolutely no clue why she was.
He held the chipped cup in his hand...their chipped cup. He traced over the imperfect edges and stroked its smooth sides as if it were a genie's lamp, and he would be granted knowledge if he stared hard enough at the blue design on either side.
The thing to do was to corner her for a frank discussion, whenever she got back tonight. But he wasn't sure he had the courage to do so, especially if it meant risking pushing her farther away.
In a small cell, his real wife watched him with that silly cup she had chipped all those years ago. Most people would have gotten rid of it or ignored it, but not her sentimental fool. He clung to objects as tightly as he clung to the people and memories behind them; he had kept nearly everything that had belonged to Baelfire and she had long suspected he did the same with her. She wanted to reach out and reassure him that she hadn't abandoned him, that she would come back to him as soon as she could.
Something stirred to her left and Belle tensed, turning towards the rustling. In the glow of the mirror she could see two eyes heavily blinking away the sedation.
"...Belle?" He asked blearily.
"Anton!" She hurried over to the side of the cage, pressing herself against the bars.
He stared at her uncomprehendingly for a few moments, "Where are we?" He wondered. Before she could answer he grimaced, "Did you get really big...or did I get really small?"
IIIII
I just need you guys to know that this is hurting me just as much as it's hurting you. Kicking Woobie Rumple in the heart is not my favorite activity.
Sneak peek: Jail break! Town line break! And I don't care if "Swan Lake" is technically not a fairy tale, some of us grew up watching Swan Princess and need to shove Odette into Once Upon a Time.