Belle went straight to the shop after leaving Dr. Hopper's office. She cleaned the entire shop, twice, trying to work off nervous energy as figuring out what to say to Will seemed to be a difficult task.
She jumped when she heard the little bell ring over the door. She thought for a moment how she used to like that sound of the bell. It used to bring her joy knowing that when she heard that bell, that only seconds later, she'd see the love of her life. Now, a fear almost came over her when she heard it. Not knowing who would be there, or if it would be the Dark One, was nerve-racking. Though, she was quickly comforted by the sound of Will's voice as she exited the back room.
"Belle, are you here?" He smiled when he saw her, and was even more thrilled that she smiled back.
"Well, this is a surprise, Will. We didn't have a date until tonight."
He placed the two to-go cups of coffee on the counter and gently took her hands in his. "I know, but I just had to see you. I wanted to make sure that after last night, you were alright. And I wanted to bring you an afternoon pick-me-up."
"Thank you for the coffee. But, why wouldn't I be alright? That was my decision just as much as it was yours."
He brought Belle's hands up to his lips and lightly kissed her knuckles. "I don't know. Part of me thinks we rushed into things and I know you're in a tough place right now, and I don't want to make things more complicated for you."
She pulled her hands out of his. "You feel it was a mistake?"
"I don't know if mistake is the word I want to use, love, but maybe it wasn't the right time. Last night was, well, pretty amazing if I do say so myself."
She blushed at his comment. "I can't disagree with you. It was pretty...amazing."
Will put his arms around her. "I sense hesitation in your voice. What is it?"
Quietly, she answered, "I'm sorry, Will. I think I rushed into something I'm not ready for. I'm still trying to figure out who I am. I thought that maybe trying to be different than who I normally am, I'd find myself. But I was wrong. I completely understand if you don't want to see me again." She bowed her head towards the floor.
Will gently placed his finger under her chin as he lifted her head up and looked into her eyes. "I feel the same way, Belle. I just didn't know how to tell you. Thank you for being honest with me. Last night, I think, we both just got carried away."
Surprised by his response, she questioned him, "You're not mad?"
"Of course not. What kind of man would I be if I didn't understand how you feel and respected what you want?" he sweetly explained.
A small smile escaped from her lips. "Thank you."
Will gently kissed her. "No reason to thank me, love. You just need to learn to trust again. I'm not Rumplestiltskin."
Belle smiled with relief. "I know."
Will brought his head back down to her's so their foreheads and noses were touching. "So, about dinner tonight, where would you like to go?"
Relieved by the change of subject, she thought for a moment. "How about I close up the shop early tonight and I make us a picnic? I'll bring the food, if you bring the wine."
He smirked. "That sounds wonderful, actually. Call me when you're ready to go. I'll come back and pick you up." He kissed her cheek, handed her a coffee, and he took the other one, then noticed a red rose in a vase on the counter.
"Pretty flower. Who did you get that from?"
Belle, assuming Will was being sarcastic, replied, "I'm not sure. I wonder who would give me such a beautiful rose?" She quickly kissed him and smiled.
He walked toward the door, smiling at Belle the entire time as he walked out off the shop.