Rumple cut smoothly into his burger, eating each piece smoothly and efficiently. They'd made plans to visit Bae's grave today. It was only right that he share his happiness with his son. Every time he remembered his son it was like mourning all over again. A fresh pang of grief and guilt washed over him, but he had long since learned how to hide his emotions beneath a layer of thick skin.
As if reading his mind, Belle said: "Nervous about seeing Neal today?" She grasped his hand.
Belle knew what he was feeling even when he wouldn't show it. But he knew that he could trust her with anything – well almost anything, but he was determined to keep the secret about the knife and his visit with Zelena to himself.
"Yes. I don't know how to face Bae anymore."
That much was true. Baelfire was not the boy that he used to be – he was Neal now. And Neal had taken his own life to save his. Belle tried to comfort him, but they both knew it was a wound that would never heal. Just when he had finally realized he could sacrifice himself to save those he loved, his son had brought him back at the cost of his own life.
With all the things happening in StoryBrooke, it was hard to keep his emotions in check. There was a new Neal in town now. It was strange and touching that the Charmings had named their child after his son, but he couldn't help but feel awkward. These people that he used to manipulate had named their baby after his deceased son.
They talked for a bit, but they both knew it was time to see the grave. Belle kissed him on the cheek, and got up. He paid, and they left Granny's. They walked along the trail to the forest, near where Neal had been buried.
Before long, Belle stopped. He had been so distracted with thoughts of his son, he hadn't noticed the trail. The dirt path was lined with ice, melting in the heat. It was beautiful work, really. There were swirling patterns in the ice, and it was intricately carved. He knew that he wouldn't be visiting Neal today.
He could recognize those patterns anywhere.