Red ran. She ran faster than she ever had in human form. Her mind raced as she tried to remember every possible place he could have taken her. She could be in the woods. She could be locked in his shop. She could be anywhere. She turned a corner quickly, almost losing her balance as she did. Her eyes caught him as he was exiting his shop and she sped up.
He didn't see her coming. Before he could stop it from happening, he was spun around and slammed against the door, a forearm placed firmly against his throat. He chuckled as a grin spread across his face. "Someone's awake," he noted, his voice cracking at the lack of air.
She pushed harder against his throat. "Where is she?!" she growled, staring hard into his eyes.
He wrapped his hand around her forearm. "Release me, dearie," he ordered, still gasping. "And I'll tell you."
Red remained strong in her position. Her jaw twitched as she continued to stare into his eyes. There was no magic here. He had no power. He did have her though. She grunted angrily as she released him. She took a step back, running her hand through her hair to calm herself.
He placed his hand on his throat, fixing his tie. "Thank you." He smiled again. He gripped his cane with both hands. "Now, you're wondering where your love is?"
Red glared at him. "I don't have time for games. Tell me where she is!"
"I didn't make it very difficult for her to escape. I knew this was going to happen. I knew the curse would be broken." He took a step forward. "I suspect she will be exactly where you are expecting her to be." He looked into her eyes. "Now, if you'll excuse me. There's something I must do." He pushed past her and walked away.
Red's eyes narrowed as she watched his walk away. Confusion covered her features. "What the f – " Her voice trailed into silence as the realization hit her. Her eyes opened wider. "The middle…" She turned on her heels and started running.
"Belle!" she called out as she reached the center of the park. She bent over, placing her hands on her knees as she tried to catch her breath. She looked around the park, but there was no sign of her. She lowered her head and breathed in heavily.
"Red…?" a small, breathless voice from behind called to her.
She straightened, turning quickly. Her heart swelled as she looked into the tear-filled blue eyes of her love. Without a word, she rushed to her, her hands cupping her face as she kissed her. Belle pulled her close, kissing her back.
Red pulled away slowly, resting her forehead against Belle's. "I kind of like the name Ruby…" she said softly as the tears flowed down her face.
Belle released a small laugh as she reached up and caressed her face. "Okay..." She moved back and looked into her eyes. "But please don't call me Lacey…"
Red laughed, lightly. "Not a fan of it?"
Belle shook her head. "No…" She made a disgusted face. "It reminds me of him."
"Okay, Belle it is." Red gently caressed her face. "I knew we would find one another." She smiled widely at her. "Curse or no curse."
Belle smiled. "You were right. Love always finds a way." She kissed her lightly before pulling back and examining her. She ran her hands through Red's hair, the red streaks flowing through her fingers. "You really need to lose the red streaks though."
Red crinkled her nose. "I kind of like them."
Belle shook her head. "No…" she teased with a smile as she wrapped her arms around her neck and kissed her once again.
A rumble was heard coming from the woods. They pulled back from one another quickly. Their eyes widened as a cloud of purple smoke came toward them. Belle clutched her love's shoulder nervously as Red's arms tightened around her.
"What the hell is that?" she questioned as Belle looked up her worried. She pulled her closer, feeling Belle's face press into her shoulder as the cloud passed over and covered them.
When the fog cleared, Belle moved back. Her hands instantly touching Red's face. "Are you okay?"
Red nodded. "Yeah, I – " She paused as she felt her stomach tighten. She placed her hand over her stomach, her brow furrowing. She knew this feeling. This was how she felt before wolfs' time approached. "Uh-oh…."
Belle looked at her concerned. She rested her hand on shoulder. "What is it?"
Red looked worried as she looked into Belle's eyes. "Magic is here…" A sharp pain shot through her stomach, causing her to double over.
Belle held her close. "It's okay," she comforted, rubbing her back. "It's going to be okay."
"It's been twenty-eight years, Belle." The fear coursed through her body. "I'm scared."
Belle held her face in her hands. "You don't have to be scared," she assured her. She smiled warmly at her. "I'm here. We are together again. Everything will be fine."
The pain subsided and she slowly straightened. She took Belle's hands in hers. "I haven't turned in twenty-eight years," she repeated. "I don't want to hurt you if it happens here."
"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it, but I know you won't hurt me." She brought her hands to her lips and kissed them. "Just remember, no matter what happens…"
"We'll meet in the middle…" Red added with a smile as she gently brushed Belle's hair away from her face and softly kissed her lips.
THE END