A little something for the weekend...
Author's Note: There have been a couple questions about why Belle wouldn't want a baby. As stated earlier the history I'm basing this story on is a blend of the show and A Bed of Thorns (fanfiction by Nym on Archive of Our Own). In that story Belle has a painful and difficult pregnancy that she's not prepared to experience again. In Chapter 6/Into The Deep there is discussion of that and the fact that Rumple's angry outburst at her news and subsequent distance was a catalyst for Belle leaving the Dark Castle in the first place. Also Rumpelstiltskin had made it clear that no one with his curse has ever had a child - not something to build much excitement off of.
Finally, I'd love to include the Darlings; however, their story was given no justice so I'm excluding them completely.
Following her revelation in the cave Belle was officially sidelined from further action and left in Tink's care. She hated to be a burden but refused to argue. She could offer little assistance in the task to capture Pan's shadow and she understood that the Charmings needed time alone. Since leaving the cave Mary Margaret had turned a cold shoulder to both her and David. Belle didn't take it personally but she disliked being a painful reminder to her friend of what she wanted but could not have.
Although she disliked doing nothing, Belle was secretly relieved to be free of her travelling companions because it gave her the opportunity to contemplate her new reality. Or at least she had hoped it would.
"So tell me about yourself Belle." Tink said once they were alone.
Lost in her thoughts Belle was caught off guard by Tink's inquiry. Looking up at her Belle was puzzled by the fairy's demeanor. Tink spoke but casually there was an eagerness in her eyes.
"You're married." Tink urged nodding towards Belle's ring.
"Yes." Belle said looking down at her hand, easily distracted by a reminder of Rumpelstiltskin.
"Have you been married long?"
"It's hard to say…" Belle trailed uncertainly. Technically they had been married for decades but in reality they had spent just over a year together. "We've known each other a long time." Belle stated, committing to the simpler truth.
"Do you have kids?" Tink watched Belle carefully as she waited for answer. "Belle?"
"Um - well - I'm pregnant." Belle admitted, the words no easier to say than before.
"You are?!" Tink's eyes widened and mouth dropped at Belle's response. "How- how far along are you?"
"I'm not sure." Belle replied nervously toying with the hem of her coat. "Not long - not very anyway. A few weeks…" In her head Belle ran through the preceding weeks in search of an answer but it was all a blur. "I wasn't myself for a while so I'm not sure."
"Does your husband know?"
"Goodness no!" Belle exclaimed, horrified by the thought of Rumple knowing her secret.
"Why do you say that?" Tink asked stunned by Belle's reaction. "Wouldn't he be happy?"
Belle cheeks flushed at Tinkerbell's inquisition. It was her first moment to think about her situation and she wasn't prepared. She had so many thoughts to process Belle felt uncomfortable doing it in front of an audience.
"No. I mean yes," Belle stammered. Her heart raced so quickly she heart pounded in her ears. Standing up Belle did her best to regain composure and avoid Tink's invasive stare. "I'm sure he will - it's just very early and complicated."
Unprepared to discuss the intimate details of her personal life with a virtual stranger Belle sought to redirect the conversation.
"Enough about me. What about you? Where's your family?"
"Fairies don't have family."
Tink's response was automatic and defensive. The passionate fire that lit her eyes moments earlier instantaneously extinguished and she quickly moved away from Belle.
"I thought you weren't a fairy anymore?" Belle reminded carefully inspecting Tinkerbell. "Why aren't you a fairy?"
Belle's question was left unanswered, interrupted by rustling in the trees that signaled the return of the group.
"We've got it." Neal announced triumphantly.
"Wonderful!" Belle exclaimed glad to see that everyone had returned from their missions with success.
"Are you finally ready to do your part Tink?" Hook asked, eager to get off the island.
"Yes. Yes I am."