Discussion prompt for Rumbelle fandom: if Rumple & Belle were the same age, would they even be Rumbelle? Asking a different way, if you read a non-magic AU fic in which they were the same age, would that work for you? How much of what makes them Rumbelle, is due to the age difference?

I guess it’s a matter of personal opinion, like asking people why they ship a certain thing. There are several distinct qualities that make up the Rumbelle relationship. I guess it’s about what personally you were drawn to and so therefore what’s important to you.

For me the age difference is irrelevant. I usually minimise it in fics (making it more like 10 years) because what makes Rumbelle to me has nothing to do with the age difference.

What makes the Rumbelle relationship is Belle and Rumple’s distinct characters and then how they work together. For instance Rumple’s self-loathing, the fact that he’s a father and how much he has absorbed that love for his child into his identity, or indeed love for his family – that is imo what motivates him always. Then there’s Belle, headstrong, tendency to jump in without thinking, always sees the best in people, she has a deep desire to prove herself and to do something that matters – to be a hero.

Then together they have a love of learning. They can spark off one another intellectually. Belle’s positivity vs. Rumple’s pessimism, he’ll provide caution when she needs it and she’ll give him the push he needs to actually take risks. They both have huge hearts but Rumple is more guarded because he’s been hurt before. He’ll never be as outgoing as Belle can be sometimes, but he’s happy to be a homebody and the stay-at-home dad, while Belle saves the world. Then they have nice quiet time together at home, the comfortable silence where they are enjoying being together and also reading.

None of that, none of what makes Rumbelle the relationship I love so much, draws much on the age difference. Sure it’s something to explore, it gives Rumple an added reason for why Belle deserves ‘better’. I guess there’s also the potential of a power imbalance because of the age difference. I always argue that it’s not there because Belle is an equal partner. That could provide conflict though as it’s worked out. That’s not a vital part of Rumbelle to me though. That’s not what the core of the relationship is, it’s just an added something.

Does that make sense? and wow I do not know how to be succinct I’m sorry.