A/N: Hello wonderful readers!This story takes place right where the finale left off, so if you haven't seen a land without magic, I wouldn't read this. This is my first ever attempt at writing fanfiction so reviews would be marvelous! Hope you like it.
Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own anything from the show Once Upon a Time.
As the smoke billowed over their feet, slowly making its way up and over their heads, Mr. Gold felt Belle grab his hand. He squeezed it, silently telling her that he was still there. As she squeezed his hand back, it dawned on him for the millionth time. Belle, the woman he had thought to be dead for years, was standing right beside him. Her just existing in this world amazed him, let alone the fact that she forgave him for the awful things he had said to her.
"My power means more to me than you"
The words echoed through his memory. How could he have been so cruel to her, when all she had been was loving? Suddenly, Belle's voice broke his train of thought.
"So I guess this means that nothing has changed" she said, an air of disappointment lingering in her voice.
"What are you talking about dearie?" replied Gold
"I had thought you had changed your mind about magic. I thought that power no longer meant the world to you, that maybe I was enough. But, I suppose I was mistaken." She turned around. She didn't want him to see the sadness in her eyes as they filled with tears. It wasn't his fault he choose power over love, Belle told herself. That's just the way he is.
As Belle began to walk away she was abruptly held back by Mr. Gold, grabbing her hand.
"Belle" He said, as he brought her around to face him. "What are you talking about?" His face was full of concern as he cradled her face in his hands and brushed away the tears that had cascaded down her cheeks with his thumbs.
"It's like you said before. Your power means more to you than me. It's alright Rumplestiltskin, I forgive you" she said, her voice soft.
"No" Gold whispered, pulling Belle closer to him. He couldn't let her think that. He had waited for so long, and now that he finally had her back, she was slipping through his fingers.
"You made your point Rumplestiltskin. Now if you would just let me go, I'll get out of your way" Belle said, as she turned around and began walk back into Storybrooke.
"My power means nothing to me compared to you!" Gold yelled out to her, his voice filled with hope. Hope that she would stop, turn around, and see the truth. That he loved her, truly loved her. And that nothing could ever change the way he felt towards her.
"I meant what I said before. I love you Belle. I have always loved you." Mr. Gold was pleading at this point. How could he make her see that his word were true? He had to make her see.
Just as Gold was about to make his way towards her, Belle froze in her tracks.
"Prove it." Belle said as she spun around to face him.
"What do you mean dearie?"
"I want you to prove to me Rumplestiltskin, that your words are true. That you really truly love me with all your heart."
"But my dear, I do love you. I don't know how I can make myself any clearer" replied Gold as he walked towards Belle.
"Kiss me Rumplestiltskin."
So, without hesitation, Gold took two steps towards Belle, and kissed her.
As their lips met, it was as if the whole world disappeared. For those few seconds, nothing else mattered. I was just him and her. Beauty and the Beast. Together again.
The moment they parted from their kiss, Belle flung her arms around Mr. Gold's neck, wrapping him in a tight hug.
"You really do love me" Belle said softly into the crook of his neck, the pair still holding each other in a tight embrace. "I'm sorry I ever doubted you."
"It's not your fault dear. After the things I said to you..." Gold's voice trailed off. His thoughts replaying the moment he had sent her away. The pain he felt to see the expression on her face as he told her to leave. He never wanted to hurt her like that again.
"Oh Rumple. That doesn't matter to me anymore. I've forgive you, and I wish you would forgive yourself. What matters now is that we are together." Belle told Gold as she laid a light kiss on his cheek.
"I love you Belle." Gold said as he kissed her once more.
"And I love you Rumplestiltskin" Belle replied, with a smile so radiant it made Gold's heart feel as though it was going to burst from pure joy.
"Now, how about we go home and get you all cleaned up. I'm sure you might have a few questions. We can talk all about everything over a nice cup of tea. How does that sound love?"
"That sounds wonderful." Belle said as she grabbed his hand, and the two began their walk back into Storybrooke. Both happier than they had felt in years.