Appendix 7: Fine

A.N. Fine, as in 'finished.' This was written a little hastily as I wanted it done before the season finale 'changes everything.' I have an idea to write a sequel with Belle's new life. We'll see what the muse does after tonight.

Belle sat next to Mr. Gold that evening, watching him smoke.

He broke the silence, "Dearie, despite the image I have been known to project, I do actually have feelings."

Belle frowned, "Of what are you speaking?"

"You keep slandering the curse," he answered. "Remember that's the curse I created."

Belle tilted her head to the side, thinking about it. "You're right. I have been rather insulting, but only because of how SHE decided to enact it. If it were you, I'm sure it would have been far cleverer, and not so full of…what's the word?"

"Here, we would call them 'loopholes.'"

"Loopholes?" Belle tried it out, "I like that."

They were silent longer. "What now?" she asked.

"I do believe, my dear that we have done what we need."

"Truly?" Belle asked.

"You were the one who said how easy the curse would be broken!"

"So then we just sit around and …"

"Enjoy the scenery." He grinned.

Belle sighed, "Very well."

Silence. "If you want an occupation, how about I teach you how to spin?"

Belle laughed, "Will it turn to gold?"

"Now that requires magic. However, my wool was quite acclaimed in my more natural days, and knitting is all the rage in this world now."

"So let's begin!" She kissed him, "Tomorrow."

8&8&8&

It was a rather leisurely Saturday. Belle searched Mr. Gold's library. They sampled his wine cellar and cooked elaborate meals.

Finally, Mr. Gold cocked his head to the side. "Oh dear. I believe our little holiday is coming to an end."

Belle frowned, "What?"

As though in answer there was loud banging on the door. Belle put down her book, as Gold walked to the door and opened it.

There were Ashley and Sean, in their wedding garb.

"We remember, "Sean said.

Mr. Gold smiled gesturing in welcome, "Please, come inside."

8&8&8&

That Monday Regina burst into Gold's shop, telling him about the rotting apples, and that the curse was weakening.

Mr. Gold did not match her panic and nonchalantly told her that he was preparing for a journey.

In response, Regina begged for a reinvention of the curse.

It was Mr. Gold's pleasure to inform her that she didn't have anything he wanted.

Within minutes, he was in the back room with Belle.

"That's it!" He said triumphantly.

"It?" Belle asked.

"The curse is breaking. We just sit back and watch. It's time for Miss Swan to act."

"I told you it would not be too difficult." She continued polishing the silver. "How long does a dispensation take?"

"Never tried one."

"I'm just concerned we won't be married before the curse is broken. And then . . ."

"Magic will be in Storybrooke." He patted her hand, "Give it a week, love. Emma won't change her mind overnight."

Then the phone rang." Mr. Gold picked it up, listened, nodded and named a time.

"What was that?" Belle asked.

"The priest. I suppose it wasn't only Sean and Abigail who woke up at the wedding."

"He remembers?"

"All," Mr. Gold confirmed. "And since home is our true diocese, we can go by those ordinances."

Belle was very silent, taking it in., turning a little pale.

"Two o'clock, dearie." He looked at her, "you can always change your mind."

She shook her head. "No, I'm ready. The magnitude of it all just struck me."

Mr. Gold laughed, "Why yes, you are about to become a very wealthy woman!"

Belle playfully punched his arm. "You know it is more than that."

"But a perk?"

Belle put down the piece of silver she was polishing.

"Let's get ready."

8&8&8&

That night, both of them smoking cigarettes, Mr. Gold explained to his wife. "When the curse breaks, everyone will have their memories. We can go back and forth from here to the Enchanted Forest."

"How?" Belle frowned.

"There are many gateways. I have one personally installed in the basement here that nobody knows about. It can't open until the curse is broken. Then you will have free travel back and forth."

"So Storybrooke will stay as it is?"

Mr. Gold smirked, "Not exactly. It will get a new name, and all from Storybrooke will be there. Except one."

"The Queen," Belle stated.

"She'll stay in cursed Storybrooke. After all that was what she always wanted."

Despite the justice of it, Belle shivered.

Mr. Gold reminded her, "The curse is giving her what she wants."

"And then?"

"Then I go through the doorway, which leads to my castle. Get you settled."

"And then leave. " Belle finished for him.

He took her head in both his hands, " But I swear to you, I will return with Bae and then I'll give up my power." Belle nodded. She knew what the price of loving him was. "And you must swear that you will take my spun gold and do anything your heart desires."

Belle nodded, "I will."

They embraced again.

And within days, they were home.