Ch. 21
"You shouldn't go back."
Red was standing outside of Belle's room, staring the librarian in the face.
"Go where?"
"You know where. Like I told you, word travels fast here. You shouldn't go back to see him."
"Why does it matter? In less than two weeks he'll be gone forever. I'm simply making his last days here more comfortable."
"Because Jacob was so comfortable when he was tied to a chair and threatened with death," Red deadpanned.
"I know!" Belle replied, "I know what Rumple did! I know it was wrong! I testified against him for god's sake! But he's still my husband and he's carrying our child, Red!"
Red shook her head, "I thought you would've started divorce proceedings by now."
"I don't want to stress him and risk stressing the baby," Belle answered. It was partially true. She had considered a divorce, but for some reason she couldn't bring herself to file the papers. Surely the process of divorce would make Rumple even sicker than he already was!
"So as soon as the baby's born, you'll do it, then?"
"Of course." Another half truth. She might do it, then. Probably would.
Still, Red didn't seem to believe her.
"Right, well, since you've been feeling up to visiting him, Granny says that she wants 200$ a week in rent."
"Fine. Tell her I'll have it by tomorrow."
"I will."
The two women glared at each other for a moment before Red finally cracked.
"Belle… Please, just… don't get hurt. Not again."
"I won't," Belle replied. "Trust me."
00
"So… Have you considered any names?"
Belle was once again sitting outside of Rumple's cell, Emma watching them both warily.
"Well," Belle replied, "I was thinking about Edward, maybe. Or Dorian. But… my favorite is Tristan."
"Tristan," Rumple repeated. "That's a fine name. Tristan French."
Belle raised an eyebrow.
"Tristan Gold, actually."
Rumple seemed shocked.
"You're going to let him keep my last name?"
"Maybe. It is tradition, after all."
"That it is." Rumple was pleased, but didn't want to let on about it too much.
"Either way - French or Gold, the name works," Belle added.
Suddenly Rumple frowned as a dark thought hit him.
"Belle… I think you ought to use your name. French."
"How come?"
"Because if he has a different name he'll be more apt to ask questions. He'll ask no matter what, but by then maybe you'll have met someone else. You can lie, tell him something better about me. Perhaps he could take his step-father's name."
"His stepfather… You've thought that far in advance?"
"Haven't you? You shouldn't stay here, Belle. You and I both know that."
Belle was beginning to get agitated. "I know, Rumple. I know what I should do. Can we just… Can we just have a nice visit? Not discuss this?"
"If you wish," Rumple conceded.
"Thank you. Now, I've brought you some more things."
"More gifts?"
"I'm not sure I'd call them that. Here," She handed a small bag through the bars.
Rumple looked inside and found a hair brush, bottle of shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant and a safety razor. He snorted.
"You're not one for subtlety, are you," Rumple said, smirking.
"You've got to admit that you've looked and smelled better."
"Do you want me to use these? To wash and comb my hair?"
Belle shrugged, "It's up to you, obviously. I just thought you might like to have it all."
Rumple leaned against the bars, "And what else would you like?"
Belle sighed.
"I just want you to be okay, Rum. I want you to be healthy and happy."
Rumple smiled again.
"I'll never understand it."
"Understand what?"
"Why it is that you love me. I've done so much evil, so many wrongs, and yet you still care."
"Beats me too," Belle admitted, "But I can't help it. I can't just turn my feelings off. I tried. I tried not to think about you, to push you out of my mind, but I knew that we were tied, at least until the baby came."
"If I could go back and change it, I would," Rumple said, under his breath. He didn't make eye contact with Belle.
"What happened with Jacob, you mean?"
Rumple nodded, "I wouldn't do it. Any of it. I should've let you have your space, trusted you. I pushed you to your limits. I know that now. I should've realized it then."
"I tried, Rum. I really did. I tried to make things nice for you. Make your life easier. When you would insult me, nag me, yell at me...It was hard to deal with. I kept pushing it down."
"I should've realized that, too. I was selfish."
Belle stared at Rumple, shocked. Rarely ever did he admit such flaws.
"Thank you for saying that," Belle finally replied.
"I still love you too, though. Always will."
Belle placed a hand on top of Rumple's.
"And I'll always love you too."