there’s a smile on her features as she looks down, teeth worrying her bottom lip as belle tries to condense all of her thoughts into words, which shouldn’t be so difficult. ” i love him, “ and that’s not what she meant to say, but her mind is whirling and that is so important that she has to declare it right away. ” he’s difficult, and brilliant, and kind, and… he’s fascinating, and he makes me laugh, and he-he’s so much more than he- and the town- sees, and… i think that’s easier, to see a monster and leave it at that. he prefers it, but nothing is that simple, and denying the truth only makes it worse. that isn’t right, or fair, and — with all we’ve been through, shouldn’t it be time to give each other the benefit of the doubt? he-he won’t, though. rumpel… is his own worst enemy, honestly— don’t tell that to hook, or regina, or… " she trails off, the rest of her little speech forgotten as she falls back into her thoughts. eyes shine too brightly as the brunette fights back sudden tears. ” i love him, " she repeats, and it sounds like a promise — a vow she won’t break.