So so sorry it took me a while to update; been so preoccupied with school and life where even reading everyone else's stories was almost difficult to do at times. Then suffered from writer's block a few times which is something hoping to avoid in the future so if anyone has any tips for it please let me know. Looking forward to today's episode since it has my favourite character and couple being centric maybe a reunion in both the Storybrooke and Enchanted Forest portion will happen so crossing fingers. :)

Do not own anything of Once Upon A Time….

Chapter Five

Three days had gone by and still they had decided to stay in port, normally stopping would be about two or three days at most rather than a week. Belle did consider it suspicious at first but she wasn't too worried since it allowed her to roam around without the watchful eye of her brother or anyone on the crew which was not necessary since she was taught consistently how to defend herself as part of being a pirate. What made the past three days also strange was how little she had seen her brother where the first assumption had been he was either in the taverns or the brothels other than a few instances of having drinks together, while this was a common trait Belle had lived with regarding the pirates around her it had worried her when if Killian was not on his guard where something could happen to him leaving her alone.

Realizing they may leave either tomorrow or the next day; the only instant of happiness Belle began writing on her journal for the weekly activities was enjoying the anonymity she was given as being just another person rather than Lady Belle or Lacey the Pirate as she explored around area enjoying the scenic route with a book but also the occasional times she would see Baelfire. The boy was usually playing with about three or four other children occasionally carrying some sticks with them which left Belle some time to enjoy these children interacting with each other where occasionally they would wave towards her. One girl with light brown hair perhaps the same age as Bae stopped and gave her a daisy bowing to her as a princess; to repay her, Belle read to the little girl for a while from her book noticing she was fascinated in the tale Belle keep changing her voice to match the tone of the character. Carrying herself away with the story, Belle forgot the time as her new companion was told by the other boys it was time to go home. As they were about to leave, Belle started to head off but was stopped by Baelfire who looked nervous as he approach her.

"Miss Lacey, we were wondering if we are able to see you tomorrow" The other children looked just as hopeful as Baelfire followed. How could she disappoint them? She picked up Baelfire and started hugging him smiling at how happy they were.

"Of course you will all see me tomorrow; I will even bring some treats for everyone. Now run along, your parents are probably sending out search parties." The kids left but before Baelfire gave her another hug waving her goodbye. The next day Belle met up with the same group bringing a basket of cakes for them along with a few items she picked up from the ship knowing no one was going to miss them. She deepened her voice a little to sound less proper in order to get the game started.

"There is a mermaid who has lost her voice where its in this seashell" she handed out a seashell towards another boy with sandy brown hair who she discovered his name to be Micha "you are brave knight trusted to keep the voice away from her for she is an evil sea witch and her voice is her source of power".

She then handed an eye patch to Bealfire and a string of pearls to the girl of the group whose name was Moraine assigning their roles. "Bae, you are the dashing but untrustworthy pirate who sides with the knight but wants the shell all to yourself and Moraine you are a fierce mermaid who is helping the heroes but to be on land your fins are replaced with legs. I will be the mermaid sea witch who has unleashed a storm as your three are trying to hide the shell from me".

Belle started making loud thundering noises in order to mimic a storm as the children started running around each passing the sea shell towards the other whenever Belle got too close to them. Belle almost had a chance to get the shell from Moraine but was foiled as she deliberately tripped on the pebbles in order to give more time for the kids to switch. The shell eventually got to Baelfire where she started corner him just close to the edge of the forest; which left Baelfire a second to pick up a stick and point almost close to touching

"Prepare to die you evil witch" Baelfire started moving the stick back and forth as a sword while Belle started dodging as best as she could until she failed to notice her arms here not restrained as Moraine and Micah bound her up with hair ties that Belle had brought them. Baelfire then took the stick and started to jam it onto the stick leaving Belle still in character screaming in defeat as she started to sink down pretending to have turned into sea foam.

"Hooray the day is saved, we killed the witch!" The children started to cheer as they bowed down to Baelfire praising him as the hero of the game.

The rest of the afternoon followed with them eating the cakes as Belle began to read a few of the stories she brought as they started to explore around the woods for a little while. As they explore it was evident in the trio Micah was leader of the group while Baelfire came off as valiant knight from her stories and Moraine reminded her a bit of herself with always having a curious mind with her surroundings. The children started to state the woods were filled with sprites leaving Belle interested to see the truth on this as she knocked on the wood of one the trees expecting a sprite to open a little door telling her she was disturbing their time.

"Guess the sprites don't like unwanted visitors." Moraine gave Belle a leaf explaining the sprites will not chase them if she puts a leaf on the bark. Trying her best to make sure the leaf is placed safely on the tree bark opening; she noticed there was a little hole that had a small chair and table as though it came from a dollhouse. Perfect spot to place the leave in as they children heading out to the clearing not paying attention to Belle's slight snickers as she discovered sprites were mostly hoarders.

"Miss Lacey, thank you for playing with us. We are going to miss you" Stated Moraine so abruptly that it started to sadden Belle knowing she was going to leave rather soon.

She then hugged the children letting them each decide who would keep the items she brought as she started to walk each of them home knowing it was bound to darken very soon. Belle hugged and waved goodbye to both Micah and Moraine leaving her with Baelfire next to take home where just before Baelfire was about to open the door he turned around and gave Belle a hug almost knocking her down

"Love you too Bae, now promise me you will not get into any trouble my brave knight" patting him on his head as he nodded doing whatever she asked

"Papa wanted to see you soon. Can you come over tomorrow?"

"Of course sweetie, til tomorrow then" they each bowed to each other still giggling as they realized how silly they were being. Belle started to feel a strange sensation on her stomach over the idea of visiting them tomorrow.

Oh I hope I am not getting sick, will definitely be sleeping inside tonight. Do wonder why Rumpelstiltskin would want to see me, I hope my hair doesn't look too messy. At least Killian cannot say books are my only friends.

As Belle finished up her entry to the evening recounting the day's events with Baelfire and his friends, she then heard a noise coming from the deck. At first she assumed someone decided to stay on board until there was a pair of footsteps coming to her directions opening the door then closing it. The footsteps were in Killian's room giving Belle a sense of safety knowing she is not the only one on board tonight.

Another noise followed a few minutes later as it became evident Killian was not the only one who was in the room with them

The pair did not waste time giggling and trashing several items as Belle could hear trinkets being scattered into the floor.

"Oh my god! Harder Killian please!"

"You are so insatiable"

Are you serious? That jerk he knows I sleep here

It didn't take a second for Belle to put two and two together what was going on; regardless of being still a child, she was aware what men and women would do behind closed doors. All she hoped was Killian was aware they were not alone but it would not be the first time Killian brought a woman into his room and Belle would hear what was going on.

Thinking this recent incident was not going end as quickly, Belle grabbed her dagger and headed up on deck but first closing the door so loud the entire ship would have heard regardless of any noises happening. Going to the edge of the ship hoping to have some form of quiet, Belle started to lie down and all her thoughts went to seeing the sweet spinner and his son.

"Belle love, what are you doing up here?"

Her eyes became somewhat groggy daylight started to stream on her face with the first seeing Killian pressing his hand towards her face as old attempt to wake her up

"Did the wench leave? I really wanted to go back to my room" tossing her body on the opposite side giving Killian a chance to laugh figuring out what exactly she meant

"Love it's morning and we are leaving this afternoon so if you need to pick anything else up, I would suggest you do it now" now resorting to kicking her shoulders lightly using his boots knowing that would cause her annoyance as she would get up and punch him back.

"That's right I forgot, I have go I will be late" she was running back into her room with Killian chasing after her still laughing at how nervous Belle was being. Normally the most serious of the pair was becoming a nervous wreck, could not help but enjoy the idea of Belle being frantic over details.

"So whose the boy? Some little bookworm who seduce you by reading poetry"

Belle frantically began brushing her hair trying to get all the knots out as fast as possible hoping her hair would at least be as it will before. Trying her best to ignore Killian's comments she was began looking for other items she might have needed

"No, I don't even know what you are talking about. I did meet some friends here and they wanted to see me again. All of which is none of your business." Deciding to tie her hair up, it might have looked at most salvageable, until Killian decided to put the daisy she her journal into her hair.

"Do you want to have a female companion?"

Stopping her tracks, Belle looked directly at Killian as he started to become nervous

"I met this woman; she is the most amazing creature I have ever met. Breathe taking beautiful, funny, full of spirit, wants nothing more than to have an adventure."

Just the way Killian's face lit up as he was describing he woman left Belle smiling happy her brother was in love. She could not help but giggle noticing how strange it was Killian Jones one of the fiercest pirates she has ever known was reduced into a lovesick school boy.

"At first I thought it would be nothing more than a tryst but last night she told me she was in love with me then was crying, begging me to take her away from here. Belle, she is so miserable; you can't fathom how horrible her life is. If I don't do something, she might die."

Never has she seen Killian appear so vulnerable before, she started comparing him as one of the knights in her stories.

"Do you love her?"

"Yes incredibly, I want her to meet you; which is why I am terribly ashamed that you heard us last night but you would love her as well."

"If this woman makes you happy go after her, seeing you smile so much already means how much I am going to love her."

They both embraced each other with Belle feeling overjoyed hearing the news of Killian mostly because it meant having a female companion on board with them but also a chance to have a normal family.

"I look forward to seeing her later, bye now" so Belle left him hurrying as fast as she could out of the ship, recognizing she would have the rest of the day to herself before the Jolly Roger would head off to sea.

There was never a planned time for Baelfire stating when Belle should arrive but it did not stop her from trying to get to their cottage as with enough time before Killian decided to leave. In Belle's mind, they would be gone by the mid afternoon when the wind was at its strongest but the news over having another woman on board was enough to calm her nerves as she made it to the hut trying not to appear as out of breath as she sounded.

Get it together Belle, you agree to join Killian on his suicidal treasures hunts daily, visiting a spinner and his son should be cake.

Rumpelstiltskin opened the door seeing Belle in a different light almost not recognizing her. Rather than a bandana covering half of her head, her chestnut hair tied up in a simple blue ribbon coiffed neatly. She appeared not as the free-spirited little girl he has seen for the past week but a different person appeared on his doorstep, he almost compelled himself to bow to her as she was practically a noblewoman to him.

Belle walked on already familiar with the cottage walked into the table to sit down as she noticed the spinning wheel was already full of wool to become yarn with some spools of yarn already in a basket nearby all recently done. The room itself was warmer as there was a fire lit up in which there a kettle on the fireplace was boiling water ready to be served for tea.

A tug in Belle's leg was unexpected as she looked down on the table to notice Baelfire trying to scare her pretending to be lion. She immediately picked up him and started to hug him so tightly they both fell onto the floor laughing at how silly they were being. Rumpelstiltskin could not help but smile as he saw his son and this girl spending time together in a way that seemed almost normal. He started to wonder what it was about Lacey making him comfortable she around his son, he knew there was something not right about her not as bad to being a person who would cause harm to him. He continued spinning as Belle and Bae started running around the cottage trying not to bump into anything which was easier for Bae than it was for Belle as she almost stepped onto the spinning wheel causing her to trip close to the hearth.

"Perhaps it would be easier for you two to play outside?" both the children got the message as they were about to head out not until Bae went to his father giving him a big eye stare

"Papa please come join us" seeing how determined the boy was in wanting his father to join, Belle immediately joined her companion on their knees as they plead Rumpelstiltskin to go with him. Belle got his staff from the hearth, holding Rumpelstiltskin's hand as they went outside for a walk this time trying to stay close to the spinner. For a while, neither said anything but enjoying the sight of each other company although there were moments where it seemed the other wanted to start the conversation but had been scared to do thinking the other was going to first.

"Bae is very fond of you; he is normally shy when it comes to talking to anyone other than his friends, me or his mother." Rumpelstiltskin stopped their walk as he started to stare directly into Belle trying to understand her expression as he was telling her this, her eyes gave the hint she was happy to hear the boy's admiration towards her but her face gave confusion as to what he was trying to say. "I wanted to thank you so much for being a wonderful influence on him Lacey, I am sure you must have had other activities to preoccupy your time but I am eternally grateful to you."

I…am…a…..what?...

This piece of news left Belle happier than she had hoped to have been today. Although it left her suspicious he must have known she was a pirate where in the past it left her unable to play with the other children whenever they would be in a port as the parents look at her the same way she suspected the villagers treated Rumpelstiltskin.

"What if I am a nasty evil pirate here to steal children so they become part of my crew?" She hoped her high pitched tone in the comment was enough to let Rumpelstiltskin know she was joking which he started to laugh revealing a smile she was sure was not one he gave very often; if true then it was a shame.

"Charming little girls make the worse nasty pirates Milady"

Rumpelstiltskin was not able to believe it if someone had told him that he was flirting with another woman who was not his wife but Lacey was not a woman he had to remember this hoping she was not catching on.

Belle smiled at his comment then left him for a little bit to catch up with Bae as they started to head nearby the lake both singing without a care in the world

They each found a pebble on the side of the tide resembling a shell which Belle told of a sailor legend where they both decided to exchange to the other shell in hopes of making a wish then tossed it to the water with the other hand on their faces turning away not to see how far shell went into the lake. A few minutes later, they spotted the ripple on the direction where Bae's went further than Belle's, where she revealed his wish had a better chance of coming true.

"Papa can we adopt Lacey so she can never leave?" that send a shock towards the adults as they tried hard not to look at one another without blushing but trying to give the best answer they could to the child.

Not wanting to break Bae's heart, Belle gave him a huge hug as she began to tear up, "Sweetie that would be great but I live with my older brother and I can't leave him all alone. Also I don't think your parents can handle the two of us causing trouble every day."

"Lacey is right, you are already of a handful and she would be even more exhausting. Come one let's go back so I get some work done." The three went back to the cottage in silence not trying to think about Bae's comments for adoption. To Rumpelstiltskin, the idea would not have seemed bad as a little girl has been something he hoped after he got back from the Ogre Wars but the thought of Lacey as his daughter appeared almost unnatural as her brother would probably marry her off within a few years and Bae wanted her to stay forever not a short while.

As soon as they reached the back into the cottage, time became apparent to Belle as she knew their visit would end very soon. Something she did not want to happen hoping to change it if possible.

"My ship leaves this afternoon, if I don't make it soon Killian will probably delay us to stay irritating everyone and we have already been here longer than normal. I really don't want to leave but I must" She hugged Baeflire kissing him in the cheek promising him she will one day return to him for an adventure in her ship as reference to back to Rumpelstiltskin. She then turned her attention on the spinner who went towards his spinning wheel retrieving a paper wrapped parcel to her.

"This was part of the reason I asked you to come today, if you'll have it." His stammer was charming as she could not help but smile over receiving a gift from someone who she barely knew but opening it was more tempting as she paper wrap revealed to be a pair of wool light brown gloves with a rose embroidered on the side of the right palm.

Had saying goodbye was not causing her to cry, seeing putting the gloves on her hands was going to be the pinnacle for her. "I shall treasure it always, thank you so much" without giving a second thought, Belle jumped onto Rumpelstiltskin giving him a hug and kissing him on the check leaving the spinner stunned but alert after what seemed like an eternity later

"You don't want to be late"

"No I don't, alright good bye then and thank you so much" Belle tried not to look sad as she walked toward the door having to be at sea in a little while.

"Why did I kiss him?"

"He must have thought me strange and incredibly stupid; although it was just on the cheek….but it wasn't like kissing Killian. My stomach is knots right now, but everything is so wonderful. What is wrong with me? Why do I feel so nervous around him but at the same time as though the world is starting to make sense at last. He is sweet and sincere also has a good heart, the way his dimples appeared when he smiled felt contagious and when he looked so sad I just wanted nothing more than to tell him everything will be all right"

Could I care for him as Killian does for that woman he is over the moon for?

No no no, that is impossible not to mention inappropriate since he is married; Bae wanted me as his sister so it's already wrong. Maybe this is further proof being unable to make friends has underestimated my judgement.

Sorting out her feelings while heading back to the Jolly Roger, it began to sink into Belle; she would probably never see Baelfire or his father again. She started to care for them completely to the point of becoming guilty never telling them her real name. Perhaps they would eventually forget her but that idea left Belle almost sick to her stomach.

In some way it would have better if they simply forgotten her but her hands wore the reminder she would always remember them. On closer inspection, the rose on the gloves were in exquisite detail to which she was able to count the stems on the leaves. They even fit her perfectly where in some way Belle wanted the gloves to be more than just a token of appreciation for befriending a child.

The day was practically half gone by the time Belle got back to the Jolly Roger; all Belle wanted to do now was lie on her hammock and try to avoid anyone for the rest of the day if possible. There seemed to have been an air of secrecy going on among some of the crew because when Belle greeted them, they soon ignored her. Thinking it was perhaps annoyed she took so long to arrive, Belle headed down below to her quarters untying her ribbon to let her hair out hoping to rest for a bit. She started walking towards her hammock where a loud force sounding like a thud pounded onto the back of her head leaving Belle's entire surroundings to become quickly black.