Chapter 41. Reunions

Rumplestiltskin stood at the workbench with a single candle lit in the midst of scattered papers, vials, and books. Rumple had buried himself in work over the past week, focusing solely on the curse and trying to figure out all the intricate details that he needed to piece together to make the curse bend to his will, even as another person cast it.

It was only when Belle had mentioned taking a break earlier that morning that Rumple remembered why he'd been so absorbed in the task at hand. It was Baelfire's birthday. Rumple stared at the candle, watching as the flame danced and flickered every time his breath breezed over it. In Rumple's hands was Bae's shawl, and he wound his fingers around the cloth absently. The material was the only thing that made him feel close to his son.

It had been two years since everything had begun. It had been two years ago that Rumplestiltskin had gone after the Dark One with the intent to save his son. With a scoff, Rumple glanced at his surroundings, wishing he could have prevented all this from happening. Even if he'd been able to anticipate everything, it wouldn't have done any good. His ability to peer into the future was practically worthless. It told so little and made everything more confusing than it was not knowing at all.

With a sigh, Rumple brought the shawl up and kissed it. "Happy birthday, son."

His boy was sixteen today. It was hard to believe so much time had passed. Rumple wondered vaguely what his son would have done for his birthday had he not been swallowed up by a portal. Would he have wanted to spend the day with his parents? Or would he desire time with his friends? Would he have approached Morainne, and told her he loved her? Rumple thought back to the brave little girl who reminded him so much of Belle. Morainne would have made a perfect daughter-in-law if Rumple were any judge, and it pained him to know that both his son and the lovely girl from the village would never have a chance together.

Shaking his head, Rumple pushed that thought away. It was no use dwelling on what could have been. He needed to look to the future. He needed to look to a future in which this was the last birthday he missed. He looked to a future in which his son would never be lost or fatherless again. But there was still so much to do until that time. He had secured Regina's assistance in the matter, but the rest of the pieces would fall into place in time. Rumple just had to exercise patience.

His thoughts were interrupted by the door opening behind him. Belle entered carrying a tea tray with a pile of sweet cakes. Rumple smiled softly at the sight and reached out to take the tray from her. Placing it on the table, he picked up a cake while Belle poured them tea. They wordlessly touched their glasses together and drank deeply a silent toast to their son. Rumple took a bite of his treat, and memories of a simple life in which these were truly the highlight of the year flooding his mind. He remembered how much Bae loved his mother's cooking and how much Belle loved pretending to be upset that her son couldn't show restraint and wait until after supper.

He missed that dynamic so dearly.

Now life was anything but simple and peaceful, but Rumple took solace in the fact that despite it all, he still had Belle by his side. After all their hardships, after everything he'd done, she was still here. And Rumple knew he could not do this without her. Had it not been for Belle and her love for him, he'd have succumbed to his grief long ago.

Belle seemed to sense where his mind had wandered to. Stepping closer to him, she wrapped her arms around his waist and let her head rest against his shoulder. "I miss him, too," she whispered.

Rumple slid his arm around her and accepted the comfort she offered. "We'll get him back."

Belle snuggled into her husband's arms and let out a heavy sigh. "I want to visit the girls," she said at last, "I think today would be appropriate."

Rumple nodded. "I'll send you there, if you'd like."

Pulling away slightly, Belle frowned, "You're not coming?"

"It would be best if I stayed away," he said, "The people were more accommodating of you than they ever were of me."

"I don't want to leave you alone."

Shaking his head, Rumple took Belle's hands in his. "Go see them," he said, "Bae would want you to. I have some things to do."

Belle frowned. "More deals?"

"It's a step closer to Bae," Rumple explained, "There are some key people who have to meet."

"I thought that queen was going to cast the curse?"

Rumple nodded, "Aye, but she won't be the one to break it."

Belle eyes widened in understanding. "All this curse business is terribly confusing."

Rumple pressed a kiss to his wife's temple. "Go get ready, sweetheart," Rumple said, "Let me worry about the curse."

Belle nodded weakly and stepped away to prepare getting ready for her trip to their old village. When she was gone, Rumple turned back to the candle, still flickering joyfully. He smiled sadly, whispered his son's name and blew out the flame.

~000~

Belle thought she'd never see this place again. She stood near the edge of the forest, watching silently as people went about their normal business. Rumple had left her to go about his plans. He seemed so preoccupied, and Belle wondered if he was trying to forget about today despite his desire the previous week to honor their son. Was he so consumed with guilt that he could not allow himself one day? Shaking her head sorrowfully, Belle pulled the hood of her cloak over hear head, leaving her features covered in shadow. She stepped forward, ever mindful of the mud on the ground. Her boots were quickly caked, and she walked slowly, trying to keep her dress lifted high enough so that it would not stain. She'd never felt so foolish or vain before, so she reconciled the fact that she simply didn't want to have to clean it later on. It was a weak excuse, but good enough, so she lifted the skirts of her heavy, blue dress, which looked more fitting for a princess than a peasant.

But she was no longer a peasant, she thought idly as she walked, clutching the midnight blue cloak around her to ward off the chill. She may not have been royal by birth or by marriage, but she still lived as grand as a queen. She had more food than she'd ever need, more dresses than she had occasion to wear. It was a life of luxury, and it was something she still hadn't quite adapted to, despite her gratitude for it all.

She walked the familiar path, watching the people go about their business. She watched familiar faces, people she had once loved, glance up at her with little recognition. Had she been forgotten in such a short time? Or had her marriage to Rumplestiltskin made her just as monstrous as him in their eyes? Belle had so little interaction with people over the past year that she was no longer certain she could even relate to these people if she wanted to.

The first stop would be to see Agda. She had been swept away so quickly after their last talk, and while Belle knew that she had technically heeded Agda's advice, she doubted Agda would be pleased that she had left without so much as a goodbye. She arrived at the woman's hut and knocked on the door. It opened, and Agda appeared. Despite only being gone a year, Belle was surprised to see how the woman had aged. Her face still had a tinge of youth to it, but the crows' feet that had settled at her eyes and the lines around her lips and forehead suggested that her beauty was beginning to give way to time.

Agda regarded Belle for a moment before recognition lit up her eyes. "Oh my sweet girl!" She cried, grabbing Belle's wrists and tugging her inside the hut. Agda slammed the door shut, then turned and swept Belle into a tight, motherly hug. "I thought I'd lost you!"

Belle was overcome with emotion. She hadn't realized just how much she missed this place, but now that she was here, all the memories of a life happily lived came flooding back and spilled from her eyes. She gripped Agda closely, sobbing in relief and her dear friend held her.

Finally, the older woman pulled away and ran her hand over Belle's hood, knocking it back so she could observe her better.

"Oh, love," Agda said softly, "You look so pale. And tired. Are you well? What's happened?"

Belle motioned to the table and Agda led her to it. Belle sat and Agda began preparing some tea. When at last the other woman was seated and they both had steaming cups in their hand, Belle spoke.

"I'm as well as can be," she began. "Rumple and I left, as you well know."

"Disappeared like a scoundrel in the night," Agda said, brushing away her tears. "I thought the worst."

"We left right after our last conversation," Belle said, "I didn't get a chance to say goodbye. We just...left."

"He stole you, is what it sounds like."

Belle shook her head solemnly. "Rumple has never made me do anything I did not want to do," she sighed, "He told me the night we left that if I wished to go back, he would let me. As angry as I was, I did not want to leave him."

"You must truly love the bastard," Agda said with an impressed huff. "You're either brave or foolish."

"A little of both, I think," Belle said with a smile, "It's taken a long time, and I'm still grieving, but we...we're all right. We'll never be the same, we can't be the same. But he loves me, and I love him. Possibly more than I ever dared imagine."

Agda watched her for a long moment, studying her. She licked her lips nervously, then asked, "And your boy?"

Belle shook her head, and heaved a heavy sigh. "We're looking for him," she stated, "Together."

"You're not into that magic of his are you?" Agda eyed her worriedly, and Belle reached out to take the woman's hand.

"I don't practice it if that's what you mean."

"That's what I mean."

Belle nodded and squeezed Agda's hand. "I read. About magic. So I can understand it as best I'm able. But I don't use it."

That answer seemed to appease Agda, and she nodded firmly. "Good."

They both took a sip of their tea, then Agda asked, "So where is the bastard?"

Belle gave the woman a dry look. "He thought it best if he made himself scarce," Belle replied, "After everything, he feels best if he stays away."

"I'd agree," Agda agreed. "Gods know what I'd do if I saw him right now."

"Please don't hate him," Belle begged, looking at Agda with wide, pleading eyes. "He's not a monster. He's not a bad man, truly. He's done so many stupid things, but it was all borne out of love. Surely you cannot hate him for such a thing?"

"I don't hate him, love," Agda replied, "Though I worry about what he's doing to you. You don't look well."

Waving her hand dismissively, Belle finished her tea. "I let myself go. I've only been around Rumple for a couple months. Other than that, he left me to my own devices; he gave me the space I demanded. I didn't go outside. I stayed in my room and mourned." She sighed wearily, "I've only just broken through the surface. Rumple grieves too, but in his own way. We're only just now finding a way to put the pieces back together."

"It sounds like you've gone through hell," Agda mused while watching Belle carefully. Belle nodded, thinking back to all that had transpired since Bae's fourteenth birthday.

"I have," Belle whispered, "But I'm not the only one. We both have done so many awful things over the past two years. But we're working through that." Belle dropped her head as a blush crept up, "We have True Love, Agda."

"That's just a children's tale," Agda scoffed.

Belle shook her head. "But it isn't. It's magic. I've experienced it, Agda."

"I thought you didn't dabble in his magic?"

"I don't," Belle replied, "This is another kind of magic entirely. It's pure, and good. It-" she hesitated, then continued softly, as if afraid she may be heard by prying ears. "It can break his curse, Agda. It almost did."

"Well," Agda said, sitting back in her chair, looking intrigued and amused, "If your love for him is as strong as all that, then I would be a fool to doubt you. Your heart knows what it wants."

"It does," Belle agreed. "It wants my son. But it also wants Rumplestiltskin. All of him."

"Then hold on to him, love," Agda said, reaching out to take Belle's hand once more. "Hold on tight and never let go."

"I made that mistake once," Belle said, resting her other hand on their joined ones. "And I'll never make it again."

~000~

It was hard to leave Agda's side. Agda had been such a source of comfort and strength for Belle over the years, now she had her back, she didn't want to leave. But Agda held her, and encouraged her, saying they would see each other again. Belle took no comfort in her certainty but said nothing about the curse and what it would do. That would only cause an argument, and though it upset Belle greatly to not tell her friend of the horror this curse would bestow, she felt it best to not leave with such bad tidings.

With one last embrace, Belle left the hut. Pulling her hood back over her head, Belle wandered down the path, stopping suddenly when she saw her old home. It sat abandoned, run down, and even shabbier than Belle remembered it. She felt drawn to it and approached the door. With a firm push, it gave way, and Belle stumbled inside.

It was empty, she noticed instantly. All the items that had once filled their home were gone. The precious treasures she knew were safely stored away at the castle. As for the other items, the bed, table, and chairs, they were missing. No doubt taken by others when it became apparent that the previous tenants would not be returning. Belle walked along the room, the only light from the window and the holes that were now in the walls. She felt a wave of nostalgia, and thought back to nights by the fire, reading and playing with her son. She thought of time spent teaching Rumplestiltskin how to read, and she thought of their wedding night. Her cheeks flushed at the thought. It had been so long since she'd been with her husband. She was again reminded that he did not yet have a way to prevent his curse from breaking. She understood where his priorities lay, but she missed him.

But there would be time for that, she reasoned. There would be time for everything.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the door opening once more. She whirled around half-afraid, only to blink in surprise when she saw the familiar faces of Anna and Morraine.

They glanced between themselves, then back at Belle.

"You're back!" They both cried, and rushed to her. Belle was knocked backwards from the force of their embrace. She collapsed to her knees, bringing the girls with her and wrapped them in her arms.

"Oh, girls," Belle sighed, holding them tightly. It was almost like holding Bae; they'd been inseparable, the three of them and it was almost as if he were there.

The girls pulled away, all three of them in tears. "Where have you been?" Anna asked as she wiped at her eyes.

"We left," Belle explained, "Of course that much is clear, I'm sure."

Morainne looked at Belle with eyes full of hope, "Is Bae-" she sniffed, not daring to finish her question. It was with great sorrow that Belle shook her head.

"No, sweetheart. He's still gone."

Hope dimmed in Morainne's eyes. Belle pulled her closer and pressed a kiss to her brow. "We're looking," she breathed against her, "And we won't stop until we find him."

"Rumplestiltskin has magic," Anna said, "I watched him. Can't he use his magic?"

Belle shook her head and busied herself playing with the girl's hair. "Magic is...complex," she said carefully, "More than I could ever attempt to explain. He's looking for a way, but it's…..not easy."

If she couldn't tell Agda about the curse, she certainly couldn't tell these two girls. At any rate, she was still determined to find an alternate path to her son, and there was no use in worrying them when she was convinced the curse would not actually be cast.

Belle stood and pulled the girls up, marveling at how they'd grown. Anna was taller than her, probably closer to Rumplestiltskin's height, and seemed to show no sign of stopping. Morainne was still short, though she had filled out considerably in her waist and chest.

"Look at you both," Belle said, feeling motherly affection toward them both. "You're so lovely, and I'm sure as strong and sharp as ever."

The girls traded grins, and Morainne nodded. "We're helping some of the younger children learn to read," she said, "We wanted to carry on the tradition."

"And we say a prayer every night to the gods that Bae will come home," Anna added, "We keep a candle lit for him."

Overcome with love, Belle pulled the girls to her and hugged them tight. "Thank you," she said.

After a moment, she added, curious, "How did you know I was here?"

Morainne smiled, "I saw you enter town. When you went to Agda's I grabbed Anna, and we waited to see what you were doing."

"It's Bae's birthday," Belle acknowledged, though she was certain the girl's knew that. "I wanted to celebrate him."

"Where are you now?" Anna asked curiously.

Belle led them outside the door. She pointed to the mountains, far off in the distance. "There," she said slyly, "In a castle far away from anyone else. Rumple has all kinds of magic there; magic he's going to use to one day reach Bae."

"It sounds wonderful," Morainne sighed, "I'd love to live in a magic castle."

Anna shook her head. "Not me," she said, "I like it here."

Belle smiled at the taller girl. "So do I."

When she was ready to go, it was almost sunset. She'd spent a few hours with the girls catching up on lost time and was near tears as she bid Anna and Morainne good-bye. The thought of the curse her husband was preparing ripping away their memories weighed heavy, and Belle put on a brave face. She bid the girls goodbye, and promised to visit again soon. It was a promise she vowed to keep, no matter what. She reached the clearing where Rumple had left her and spoke his name aloud. A moment later he appeared, looking fearsome in his dark dragon hide and leather. But the softness of his gaze was a reassurance that all was well, and Belle welcomed his arms around her.

"Shall we, my lady?"

"I want to make one last stop," Belle said, and Rumple nodded, letting her pull him with her. Rumple realized where they were going not too long after, and squeezed Belle's hand reassuringly as they approached her father's grave. Belle knelt down before the headstone and smiled tearfully.

"Hello, Papa."

~000~

At length, Belle stood and wiped the tears from her eyes. Rumple, who had knelt down beside her, stood as well, and she nodded wordlessly that she was ready to leave. Rumple pulled her into his arms, and with a thought they were gone.

They reappeared in the library, and Rumple held Belle up until she no longer felt dizzy. She was not used to such travel, and the scant times she'd traveled that way it left her feeling sick. She recovered though, and moved to sit on the sofa. Rumple stood anxiously for a moment, then joined her.

"How was your day?" He asked, looking relieved at Belle's wistful smile.

"It was wonderful to see them again," she said, "I hadn't realized just how much I missed everyone."

"The time between visits will be shorter," he said, reaching across to take her hand. "I promise."

Belle hummed silently, then looked at Rumple questioningly. "The curse will take them too, won't it?"

"It will take everyone," Rumple said plainly. Belle bit her lip and let her mind wander to the thought of so many people losing themselves just for the sake of finding Baelfire. He wouldn't want it. He would be so upset if he knew what his father was planning - what his mother was allowing to happen.

"So what else have you discovered?" She asked at length, "About the curse?"

Rumplestiltskin waved a hand in dismissal. "That will come in time, my dear," he said as he motioned for her to follow him. She obeyed, and they walked in silence to Rumple's workroom. They entered and Rumple immediately went to a small cauldron that was bubbling over a fire. He stirred it, then reached out behind him and motioned for Belle to come forward. She did, and he stopped stirring long enough to turn to her. He smiled softly at her, reaching out to gently run his scaled hands over her cheeks before slipping into her hair. She closed her eyes at the gentle caress and let out a soft sigh. A moment later he pulled at her hair, and Belle cried out as he held a strand of her hair between his thumb and forefinger. He laughed in that impish way that was entirely the Dark One, stepped back, and dropped it into the cauldron.

"What was that for?" Belle asked, lifting her hand to rub at the spot where he'd plucked the hair. He said nothing, instead picking up a thick cord of braided gold and swirling his magic about it, turning it into a ring. He dropped the ring into the cauldron next, then reached out to gently push Belle away from the table. Smoke rose and puffed out from the cauldron, then finally after a moment it settled and Rumple grabbed a pair of tongs and pulled the ring out of the liquid.

"Hold out your hand, sweetheart," he said absently. When Belle hesitated, he glanced at her in slight amusement. "It's not hot, I promise."

With his assurance, she held out her hand, and he let the ring drop. She stared at the gold band in her hand, similar to the one he'd given her. She glanced up at him and he smiled and offered her his hand. "Would you do the honors?"

She nodded, and her lips curled to form a grin before slipping the ring onto his finger. It brought to mind the night he's slipped her band onto her finger. She glanced at the simple gold band, still resting where he'd placed it – it had never occurred to her to remove it, even when she hadn't been able to stand the sight of her husband. She turned her attention back to Rumple's ring, watching as he made a face as it slid into place.

Belle frowned. "So what did I just do?"

In lieu of a reply, Rumple grasped her head again and pulled her close for a kiss. Belle immediately tried to pull back, but Rumple kept a firm grip on her. After a moment, she stopped resisting and only then did he let her go. When he stepped back, Belle looked at him curiously but he paid her no mind, instead looking at his hand while smiling brilliantly in triumph. "It worked," he whispered in amazement, then glanced up at Belle, who was watching him expectantly.

"You're not changing," She observed. Rumple smiled and stepped forward, taking her hands in his.

"A protection spell," he said simply, "One that will keep so long as I wear this ring."

"What are you protecting yourself from exactly?" She asked curiously.

He chuckled, and leaned down to press a warm kiss against her hands. "I am protecting myself from you," he said as he rose up.

She grinned widely. "I can't break your curse now."

He nodded, clearly proud of her. "Exactly."

She laughed and threw her arms around him, pressing her lips to his in a hard kiss. He swept her up, holding her head in his hand as his lips meshed with hers, pressing and nipping eagerly as he walked her backwards toward the bookshelf. He pinned her to it, his body pressed against her as he devoured her lips with his own, kissing with a previously unrealized pent up desire. He'd needed her so desperately for so long, but the inability to have her because of his curse had been enough to quench any temptation that wasn't a simple and chaste kiss. Now he could have her – truly have his wife once more- and it seemed that realization was not lost on Belle either.

She broke away after a moment, and asked, "Wait, why did you need my hair?"

Rolling his eyes, Rumple kissed her again, murmuring against her mouth, "Doesn't matter. Just let me kiss you."

Belle made a noise that he took as an agreement, and without another word, transported them to Belle's bedchamber.

Author's Notes:

The ring protection spell is based off the episode where Rumple gives Snow a protection spell that ensures Regina cannot harm her.

We're moving along! There will be 50 total chapters, with chapter 50 being the epilogue.

Thank you so much for your support. It means the world to me! And thank you to my beats, as usual!

Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon A Time. All rights belong to ABC, Adam Horowitz, and Eddy Kitsis.