The Rose and the Dagger

Chapter 15: Memories

-Belle, your back! He said breathlessly.

She smiled at his words. They both stared into each others eyes without saying a word. As Gold contemplated her face, the one he never ceased to forget every night he could not sleep. This face with perfect curves and fair skin, and those beautiful blue eyes that were always shinning. Belle was staring into his mysterious brown yes, that at first may seem cold, but when his brown eyes met hers they were warm and made her melt, giving her butterflies in her stomach every time he put his eyes on her. She was so happy to see him again. She didn't know where to start; she wondered whether it was wise to tell him everything. But it was him who finally broke the silence:

-"Where were you, Belle?"

The young woman was suddenly filled with anxiety, wondering what to say next

-"I will tell you, but lets go someplace quieter.

She gestured towards the park across the street. The first light of day began to show and the air was mild. Gold and Belle walked towards the bench, the bench where they had sat before, and the last time she had seen him and spoke their last words to each other. Belle began:

-I head that you were arrested because of me.

Gold looked down.

-"I had thought Regina had taken you. But obviously I was wrong He said.

Belle Smiled.

-"I know, you must take me for some psychopath". He replied.

-No, not at all! But can I ask, what made you think that.

-"Well..... Since we have met, I keep having these dreams, dreams where Regina has hurt you... has hurt us. So when I learned that the article was a fake, and that the editor was none other then the Regina's lover, I didn't hesitate to go see her and demand answers. He admitted.

She took his hand in hers looking at him tenderly. Gold was still surprised when she touched him, still in wonder of this beautiful woman, but he would never be tired of feeling her soft skin on his.

-"Have you ever considered that these dreams were perhaps not dreams....but memories." Said Belle hesitantly.

-"What do you mean?"

-"Legend has it, that there was an enchanted forest filled with all the classic characters we know. Or think we know. One day they found themselves trapped in a place where all their happy endings were taken from them. Our World.... But their memories were erased.

-"Where did you read this?" he asked.

-"Someone told me about it."

-"Well dearie, if my dreams are memories, then we knew each other before. He said mockingly.

-"It's very like indeed.

Gold did not believe in this legend Belle was talking about, but seeing how she increasingly insisted and looked so serious, he turned his gaze to a serious one as he looked her in the eyes. She was still holding his hand, and was not ready to let go. He could have stayed there for hours talking to her. It felt good, like this is where he should always be, next to Belle.

The sun was beginning to rise. Their eyes were fixed on each other, and Gold noticed how her eyes had a flash of something new. Something that pulled him towards her, he put his hand on her check as he slowly moved closer to her face. Belle without realizing it moved into his touch. As he felt her gentle lips again his he closed his eyes, savoring the intoxicating kiss. Suddenly then a new sensation settled upon them. It was an exhilarating ray of light that sprinkled over their bodies that formed into one. It then crossed over the whole city, affecting each person. It felt like a renewal. When their lips parted slowly, Belle and Gold both opened their eyes slowly