She showed up when he was focused on the doll. Obviously he’s got a whole mess of emotions connected to that thing, and he had to let it out somehow, but had no one to talk to. So up popped Belle. I think she’s gonna be an influential and powerful force as the story progresses, because Rumple really is completely alone in NL, and he’s gonna be going to some bad places emotionally and Belle’s appearances will provide an outlet for his fears. The Dark One is like the devil on one shoulder, and Belle is like the angel on the other.
Agreed. I expect her to just pop up beside him now when he’s conflicted and gently scold and help him. I LOVED her flirty quick witted banter with him.
And I was super proud of Rumple for trying (more than once) to get rid of the doll after talking to her.
YES. Even when she wasn’t around he still had the memory of their conversation.