Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Ever since spring had rolled around, Belle had been outside most of the day tending to the rose bushes in the garden. Thanks to her care, they all quickly bloomed larger than ever before. This, in turn, caused her to bring the scent of roses with her wherever she went. She'd even clipped a few to put in vases around their home, and a single rose sat in the middle of the table in the main hall.
Rumpelstiltskin quickly noticed that the smell of roses was heaviest in the library. He found himself going in there more and more, usually to sit with Belle and relax. She never refused his company and happily let him in. Now, he sat with her in his lap as she read quietly. Neither minded the silence. Her head was tucked snugly under her chin as one had stroked her hair while the other rested comfortably on her hip.
No words were needed. Rumpelstiltskin was content to just hold her as he drowned in the scent of roses.
TBC
The weekend it here at last! One more day!