(Untitled)

[loves_abeast]

I love you, Belle. You made me stronger.

Having those as his last words should have made it hurt less. Knowing that he had done the right thing--the brave thing--in great part because of her love should have made it easier to accept his sacrifice

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[loves_abeast]

Belle tried very hard to smile; hearing someone else, even someone who may not have known him, say Rumple was good made her heart ache in a bittersweet sort of way. He'd only just begun to see it himself when he made his sacrifice.

"Thank you," she said weakly. "I...haven't completely lost hope he may somehow be...back in our land, considering there was magic involved and there was no....body." But seeing him vanish so suddenly had still been crushing, and he had clearly expected to die. But he'd expected that in Neverland as well. She couldn't stop believing there was a way to get him back.

"We were all supposed to return, to avoid a curse that was coming. I...perhaps, if I do, I can find a way to save him...again." She bit her lip, not sure how to take Paris' admission. "I'm glad I could do that for you as well. I've been beginning to feel that...all my attempts to be heroic are simply going to end in ruin. I'm still not sure what to make of...how things have turned out with him." Because her belief in him, making him stronger, had given him the courage to die, and that was the last thing she'd ever wanted.

[parisprincetroy]

"You have a way to inspire us to become better. Your kindness somehow absolves us of our sins. I am very grateful for you friendship and Rumple was very fortunate to have your heart." Paris placed his hands around his own warm mug. "I wish I knew how to explain it, Belle. You are a remarkable being. If the Fates are kind, I believe and I will pray to the gods, that you and Rumple are reunited." Perhaps he could speak to Aphrodite, she was the goddess of love after all.

[loves_abeast]

Belle had to lift her cup to her lips again to hide a bit of her flush. "I...thank you. He...said something similar, before he left."

She had to see it that way, that he'd simply left her, that she just had to find him. "I'm not sure how much stock I put in Fate, but I do believe in our love. It's survived so much, I...can't accept that it won't survive this, somehow." But she couldn't live in grief until then, especially not here where she could do nothing for his loss.

"I...thank you, I'd appreciate that. And...I appreciate you company. I'm not sure if there's anyone from my homeland here, so...having someone who at least knows me is a comfort, truly."

[parisprincetroy]

"The Fates are fickle, but I do wish they thread your paths together once more." Paris just wanted to see Belle happy again. It broke his heart to see her so distraught.

"I am a strong believer in true love conquers all." Paris managed a small smile. "You have my full support, Belle."

"As for any other people from Storybrook, there may be. I haven't checked the directory on my mobile, but it lists who is here in Haurvatat. I know Snow was here as well as Charming at some point...and so was Regina, but I know that Regina left, she is no longer on the roster."

[loves_abeast]

"Thank you. Truly. I...we...rarely heard that sort of thing in either of our homes." As much as Belle tried not to hold grudges, she still nursed a resentment towards her father for trying to take her memories, as well as the other townsfolks' less injurous whispers. "Honestly I'm not sure how he'd take people wanting us to be together, but I appreciate it."

She nodded, taking a sip of her tea. "I'll have to look. Would they...necessarily have arrived from before what..just happened to me?" she had to steel herself, after all, if there was the possibility she'd have to reveal it.

[parisprincetroy]

"What I have learned since being here is that people arrive from all stages in life. I was dying of poison when I came. The other you I knew came from before you lost Rumple. That Belle did tell me that Rumple was here in the village at one time."

"So it is possible that they can come to Haurvatat at any point." Paris replied sincerely. "Perhaps your Rumple may visit here again." The Trojan prince hoped that would give Belle something to look forward to. "Not all is lost here."

[loves_abeast]

Rumple was here. Belle felt her heart beat heavily in her chest, almost as if it were trying to drive her out of her seat to see if his name was on the list of this place's residents once more. But...no, he'd come to her if he were here, she knew that.

"It never is, is it? There's always some glimmer of hope." She wasn't sure if that was a good thing, as it sounded as if he could come to her and leave again just as quickly, but she knew she would take any time they might have together. "I'm beginning to see how we could have become friends. You've...eased my heart considerably, Paris. Thank you."

[parisprincetroy]

The Trojan prince smiled at the princess, "Anytime, that's what friends are for. Just remember if you require anything, anything at all, just phone me or visit." He rattled off that he worked at the museum part time and that she could come visit if she wished.

"It is so good to see you again, even if you don't remember me." His smile was honest.

[loves_abeast]

"I'll be sure to do that," Belle said softly. She was certain she wouldn't call on him tonight, sure she'd need time alone with her thoughts and whatever the village had brought from home. But knowing someone would be there to listen if the reality of suddenly being alone became too much was certainly welcome.

"I'm...sorry I don't remember you, but I am very glad to get to know you again, Paris. Especially now," with just the slightest hesitation, she squeezed his hands warmly. "I'll be sure to return this favor once I've settled in."

[parisprincetroy]

"You owe me nothing," Paris replied tenderly. "You were always there for me, its the least I can do." He was glad that Belle and he were able to renew their friendship.

Paris raised his tea cup, "Here's to new beginnings, friendships welcomed."

OCC and fade? Belle can respond if she wants. Glad to see they can be friends again :)

[loves_abeast]

[fade's good! Yes, me too!]