"Belle! Belle! Are you working in the library today? Because if you need any help, I'm always free," Hook grinned down at the Librarian, "You know me, dashingly hansom and ready to lend a hand. But only one."

He held up his Hook and Belle gave him a little smile, "Thanks for the offer, Hook, but I'm working in the pawn shop today."

"Well, if you need any help, I'm your man!" the pirate said as Belle took her coffee from Granny and backed out the diner door.

"Thank you! I'll remember!" she called before letting the door shut.

"Hey is that guy bothering you? Because I can totally take him, and I have before, in a fight. He's a real arse," an accented voice said behind her.

Belle turned to see- "Passed out guy? You broke into my library!"

"Oh... that was your library? So sorry, nothing personal. I just had a book I needed. And it couldn't wait?" he stuck out a hand, "Name's Will Scarlett, by the way."

"Belle, uh," the word stuck in her throat, "Belle Gold."

"But like I said, if that guy bothers you again let me know."

Belle sighed, "He's not trying to be a bother. That's what's so annoying, he's trying to help, you know? Be a hero! Reform! And who am I to stand in the way of reformation."

"But you don't like him?" Will asked.

"He's tried to kill me numerous times. I just don't fell comfortable with him."

"Well then let me help," he offered.

"I won't condone violence,"

"Nah, not violence. Let me help, then when he wants to help you, you can say 'No ugly pirate, Will Scarlett is helping me and we don't need you. Shove off'"

Belle laughed, "When you put it that way, you're hired."

"Lead the way, M'lady!"

"So, what book where you looking for that couldn't possibly wait until morning?" she asked later that day as they sorted through magical items.

"Oh, um, err, it was Alice in Wonderland," Will mumbled.

"Alice in Wonderland?" she questioned, then hastily added, "That's a wonderful story."

"No, no, it wasn't that. I was," he took a breath, "I was looking for a picture of my wife. She's still in Wonderland."

"Oh Will, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry," Belle put a hand on his arm.

"It's fine. I figured you'd get it, you know? Everybody in town is talking about you and 'im, and I thought..." he trailed off.

"Yeah," Belle whispered, "I understand."

"We're two of a kind, aren't we?" Will chuckled, although his laugh lacked happiness.

Belle smiled sadly, "That we are."

"Friends?"

"Friends."