Rumple arched his brow as he continued reading the small purple novel Belle had recommended, leaning back against his personal study’s comfortable reading chair. His fingers tapped the plush red armchairs in silent tempo to his thoughts. Recently, Belle had been on a, well, kick regarding this world’s version of their story, using her computer back at the library to discover every single retelling that she could possibly find. And of course, the minute she discovers a new one, Belle passes it on down to him to read so that she can discuss whatever themes or scenes most excited her. Thankfully, she never minded when he took a little while to finish. However...he wondered why exactly this world had such an obsession concerning their story. Retellings and expansions appeared from so many different places that it almost irked him.
Keeping their private life private was already a challenge when dealing with the intruding citizens of Storybrooke. Must he now deal with the rest of this world as well?
Sighing, Rumple flipped the page, crossing his legs before the sound of clacking heels began. The spinner paused, a smile staring to curl on his lips. Ah. Belle had finally come home. And, better yet, she discovered his present.
A gleam entered his eye at the thought of her excited smile before the beauty tenderly bit at her lip, the whole light of the realms radiating from her joy. Every time he gifted her with books, whether it be one measly collection of poems or an entire library, Belle looked as if she could render humanity blind. How could Rumple ever hope to stop craving such happiness?
