Takes place during Episode 4x12, "Heroes and Villains"

As she walked away from the town line, Belle realized she did not know where to go. Her suitcase was still packed and waiting in the shop, but the rest of her belongings were at Rumplestiltskin's estate. Should she continue living there, after him driving out? Everything that was his became hers when they married, but now—they were as good as divorced, she supposed, yet she had not let him take anything with him. In any case, she did not think she could continue living with so many reminders of him. There was still the apartment connected to the library—but the library was underneath the clock tower, the spot where she had stolen his power and turned it against him. Everything in Storybrooke could remind her of him. But if she didn't want to keep anything of his, staying at Granny's was probably the best option. She did not even consider going to her father—she could not face him and admit that he had been right about the beast.

Belle wondered if she should send someone to check on Rumplestiltskin. Grumpy might do that, or Archie. But what would be the point? If he wasn't all right, whoever checked on him wouldn't be able to help without crossing the line themselves. And who would want to help him? Only his pathetic wife.

What was worse: lying to herself about his nature, or throwing him out? They seemed like two opposite yet equally horrible extremes.

But there was no way she could justify continuing to let him live in Storybrooke. She couldn't trust him, and neither could anyone else. He had wanted to hurt Emma and Hook after everyone thought their rivalries were over.

Why, why had Rumplestiltskin not just accepted the dagger when she tried to give it to him? Why did he make a show of trusting her and surrendering his power, only to keep it to himself? She would have loved him if he had been honest about keeping it.

And then to try to accumulate more power … why could he not be content with what he had? Why did he always need more? More power, more freedom, more ability … but even if she could accept his desires, the way he tried to achieve them was unacceptable.

Belle was gathering her belongings in the back room of the shop when she heard the bell signaling that someone had entered.

"Belle?" The accented voice was tentative.

No. Not him. He was the last person she needed to see now.

She was quiet until he reached the back room. "Are you all right, love?"

She sniffed, refusing to look at him. "What do you think?"

"I think it must have taken a lot to turn against your true love, to save a man who once tried to kill you."

How was she supposed to respond to that? There was no polite way. "You should go."

"I will," Hook said softly. "But … I wanted to—"

"Don't you dare thank me, Killian Jones. I just banished my husband to the land without magic—"

"I know," Hook said with sincerity. "I'm sorry you had to do that. And I promise, I will make sure that sacrifice was worthwhile."

Belle was confused enough to finally look at him. "How?"

"Well, like you, I may end up joining this extended family … at any rate, I won't stop trying to protect Emma and Henry."

Belle had been willing to believe that Hook had changed because she had seen Rumplestiltskin change, and to her, that proved anyone could do it. But now that she knew she had been wrong, she could only wonder whether Hook's resolve to be good would hold.

He was still looking at her sympathetically. "You look like you could use a drink."

For a moment Belle remembered her few days when she had thought her name was Lacey. She had consumed more alcohol in those few days than in all the other years of her life. And she knew, from her experience then, that Granny's served good wine.

"You know, for once, I think you're right."