Hi it's Santa! I am so deeply sorry to be late. I was really sick this week (with the flew) and couldn't send for work to my beta on time. I'm ashamed to be late, but I'll be able to start posting tonight. Once again I'm sorry! I hope you'll still like it and you're not too disappointed :(
[ Oh man, I hope you feel better! The flu is terrible. I felt like I was dying when I had it, once. And this time of year would be like the worst time to have it. I’m sorry you’re going through that :-/
Santa I will love it. I don’t mind that it’s late, don’t stress yourself! You’ve been a great santa and so much fun to talk to and share thoughts with. I just hope you get well soon :-) ]
Happy holidays to you @puppetmaker40, I am your Santa for this year! I hope you enjoy your gift as much as I enjoyed writing it. It was fantastic stretching my skills to this level.
When Belle had promised her father she would be safe and sound on her two-week vacation to Boston and New York, she had no idea that she needed to be saying the same to him. After all, they lived in Storybrooke Maine. It was a small town where everyone knew everyone, the people kept the same routine, and nothing ever changed. She would be back in two weeks time to the same town she always knew, with everything exactly the same.
Apparently she overlooked one large detail, but no one expected such things, did they? Not in a town such as this…
Her father was a large and impressive figure, it wasn’t just a childhood impression, at five-foot two-inches he still stood heads above her, his broad shoulders designed for bear-crushing warm hugs.
Except for this day.
---
Moe shifted where he sat across from her at his kitchen table, large hands wrapped around his cup of coffee as the yellowed lights reflected in the black surface.
Belle giggled, chestnut curls getting flipped over one shoulder as she walked across the space in her trademark heels (when you were this short you learned to live with them), a cup of tea cradled in her hands.
“It’s like the traffic has a language of its own, especially in New York, just the cabs alone would make a person tone-deaf in thirty minutes if they were the alone on the road,” she explained, sitting down to join her father. He said on the phone that he wanted to hear every detail about the trip.
“Nothing like home,” Belle added, a smile across her pink lips, “here you’d be in shock to see five cars driving down Main street at the same time.”
Moe’s eyes glanced up with a noncommittal grunt of agreement followed by a head nod. “As glad as I am that you got a chance to go, it's nice to have you home, my girl. Maybe later you’ll have the means to travel more… maybe even with a family in tow.”
She sighed heavily, shaking her head with her cup poised just inches from her lips, how many times did they have this conversation? “Dad, you know that --”
Moe held up a hand to cut her off before she was able to finish, “I know. But it would make me happy to see it, to see you married and settled before anything happens.”
Belle’s eyes rolled in time with the dull clink of her cup against the table, “Dad, nothing is going to happen. We live in Storybrooke, nothing really ever happens.”
There was a pause from the figure of her father as his lips drew into a thin line.
“More happens here than you think, my girl.”
“And what would that be? Mayor Mills running for office with no one opposing her? Doc’s Miata being in danger again?” Belle tempted him, crossing her legs at the knee with a knowing smile.
Same old town.
“... Belle, I have cancer.”
————————————————————————————————————
Mr. Gold of Mr. Gold’s Pawnbroker & Antiquities Dealer had a rather large range of experience when it came to making deals. Today, however, he was dealing with a new -- and yet on going -- situation entirely.
Zelena West, older half-sister of Mayor Regina Mills, was currently standing in his shop attempting to pass off her ‘sparkling personality’ as actually charming, again.
---
Gold hadn’t chosen this association, rather it had been forced upon him during Regina’s Christmas party. It was made quite clear that not making an appearance and skipping the party had been out of the question entirely.
While he was making his appearance at the event (or, as Regina liked to refer to it, as having done his duty as a ‘good citizen of the town’), he had been pinned down by the redhead. Pinned down to the point where he hadn’t noticed his location within the space and had been successfully maneuvered under the mistletoe decoration in the doorway.
An oversight that Zelena took full advantage of when she threw her arms around his body and pressed herself against him, sliding her knee up against his thigh while her midori sour-scented breath assaulted his nose before her lips covered his in a desperate kiss.
Since that night, he had been incapable of shaking her continued advances and unwanted encounters.
---
“What do you think about this set, darling?” Zelena grinned, holding up a pair of large diamond drop earrings to one earlobe, her other hand holding her hair over one shoulder. “Wouldn’t they just look divine with my black gown?”
Mr. Gold’s lips twisted in a sneer as she tried to draw him into her personal shopping again, this being the third time in a month where she had dropped by to just ‘browse’, typically spending the majority of her time over his selection of jewelry.
“You’re right, as always.” She decided without a verbal response from him, “Diamonds aren't nearly… exotic enough. It’s a real shame that you don’t have any emeralds in stock, they do wonders with my eyes.”
Zelena placed the set back into the velvet tray on the counter, deciding to move on. “Though with your impeccable taste I’m sure that you could discover something special for little old me, couldn't you my little spider monkey?” She requested, standing in front of him, only the glass display case separating them.
Her fingertips ran over top of his hand as he moved to secure the tray into the case, her painted lips spreading into a smirk as she walked her fingers up to his wrist. “I would love to have something special to wear for Valentine's, after all.”
“Indeed.” He answered back, twisting his wrist away from her touch to complete his task. “I’m confident that if you are looking to purchase a set of emerald earrings I can find a few options. However, it will take me some time to do so.”
“Oh of course!” She grinned, “I wouldn’t want just anything ordinary now, I have something special in mind; something only you could take care of.” Zelena winked at him, a soft laugh cutting through the air as she snatched her clutch off the counter. “I have every confidence. Now, I do have to dash as I’m due for lunch but I’ll make sure to check in later.” She threw him a kiss over her shoulder, turning to dash off out of the shop.
————————————————————————————————————
Getting back into the swing of things at the library wasn’t hard but Belle was thankful for the mundane tasks that kept her mind occupied. She needed her hands kept busy as well, shelving books, stamping time cards, anything that would keep her away from researching her father’s condition — after all the information would only do so much; and it certainly wouldn’t comfort her.
Moe had stress with his business, drank too much, ate heavy-greasy foods, and didn’t look after himself well, it almost felt like all the years were simply ‘catching up to him’; or at least that was the way he tried to play it off.
Belle hadn’t cried the night he told her, but she was determined to spend more time with him. Even at her age she was still willing to get wrapped up in his bear hug.
A polite cough interrupted her trail of thoughts as she turned around with a short gasp, Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child, still in hand.
“Miss French, I do apologize. I didn’t mean to startle you,” Mr. Gold greeted, with a soft nod.
Belle shook her head, pressing a hand to her chest to calm her racing heart beat, “No, no, please don’t mind me. I’m afraid that my mind was miles away from me.” She explained, offering him a smile: “How can I help you?”
His lips twitched as she smiled. Out of everyone in town, Belle French seemed to tolerate him the best, she always had a smile or a kind word to offer. It was a long stretch to call it any kind of friendship but he wouldn’t complain about seeing her more often. His son Neal had a few opinions on it, mostly on the thought that he should ‘Just ask Belle out already’, but Mr. Gold wasn’t a rash man he preferred to have time to consider all the details.
“Actually, I’m here to return this.” He held up a well-loved copy of A Curse Dark As Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce. “It was kind of you to lend it to Neal from your personal collection.”
“Of course, it was no trouble at all. Neal is a good kid after all, I’m happy to help.” She reached out to accept the book from him, their fingers brushing against each other’s for only a moment.
Everyone around town claimed that he was a cold, heartless man, but she couldn't see that in him. Yes, he was a businessman who crossed all his t’s and dotted all the i’s, but if they looked past that persona, perhaps they would see more.
“I can’t imagine where he gets it from.”
Belle chuckled, shifting both books into the crook of her elbow. “From you of course, who else would he take after?”
He wouldn’t admit to it but he could feel a light burn in his cheeks at her words, Belle really did compliment him far too easily. Before he was able to respond, an inward mental groan rolled through him as a loud voice cut through the calmness of the library.
“Oh darling! How funny you’re here of all places.” Zelena announced, tossing her hair over her shoulder with a laugh, shattering the peace. Gold swore that he could have seen a grimace cross over Belle’s features but it hadn’t lasted long.
One very deliberate step away from Zelena opened the space just enough to breath more, though he planted his cane between them to root himself to the spot.
“Miss West.” He greeted, swallowing harshly.
Zelena grinned as she joined the two, in her black heels she towered over the petite librarian, “I thought I’d pop in and see if they had the cookbook I wanted. The thought crossed my mind, wouldn’t an authentic French dinner be just divine?”
Belle had mixed feelings about Regina Mills, but when it came to Zelena, those were crystal clear. Though with the responsibility of being a public servant to the town, her opinions were limited to her inner monologue. “Was there a certain book that you had in mind?”
“Yes! It was that one horrible voiced crone’s book. I wanted her Coq Au Vin recipe.” She piped up, throwing an over the top French accent onto her words. Her green eyes dropped down to Belle’s arm with a triumph squeak.
“Oh yes that’s the one!” She reached out to snag the cookbook from Belle, enthusiastically flipping the pages open, paying no heed to the fact that the second book landed spread eagle open on the floor.
Belle whimpered softly at the sight of her book, this week wasn’t going well at all, maybe she should have taken a longer vacation.
Mr. Gold braced himself on his cane as he carefully retrieved the novel, making sure that the pages lay straight before he offered it back to Belle, an apology that he didn’t need to offer written across his face.
“Doesn’t this look scrumptious?” Zelena questioned, thrusting the opened book into his line of sight, “If you would like to join me, we could make this a dinner for two.” She offered, her eyelashes batting.
“Well —”
Belle cleared her throat heavily as she moved to Gold’s side, slipping her hands around his arm. “I’m afraid that we’ve already made plans tonight. Isn’t that right, Mr. Gold?”
Gold raised a single eyebrow in question as he looked to her, though the look in her eyes was all it took for him to agree. “Yes, I’m afraid we do indeed.”
She nodded in confirmation, “It’s a special night you see, with it being our anniversary and all.” Belle added.
“Anniversary?!” Zelena shrieked, again cutting through the soft volume of noise in the space. “Are you saying that you two are together?”
Gold pulled his arm out of Belle’s so he could slip it around her waist to draw her closer to him, trying to make it as convincing as possible. He nodded to confirm his alleged-girlfriend’s statement, “Yes, we are.”
Zelena retched at the statement, her nose wrinkling in disgust. “And you’ve strung me along this whole time? How dare you! You’re wasting your time on this pip-squeak” She whined, “Call me once you get the right idea.”
She quickly turned her back on them, storming out of the space as quickly as she barged in, tossing the book onto a table with a thud on her way out.
Gold let out a relieved sigh, leaning his head against his companion’s for a moment before he remembered himself and pulled away.
“Thank you, Miss French. It appears that I am in your debt for that.”
Belle shook her head, “Think nothing of it, if that is the way she treats you, I’m glad I could help out. After all, that’s what friends are for, are they not?”
“Indeed, but I always pay my debt. There must be something I can do in return, dinner at least.”
“Well I suppose… It is our anniversary after all,” she giggled, “How about Granny’s? She makes a great hamburger.”
He couldn’t help the smile that spread across his lips. In one visit to the library he got a book returned, Zelena off his back, a confirmation of friendship, and a date with Belle.
He wasn’t sure that this day could get better. “How about tonight at seven then?”
“That sounds perfect, I’ll see you then Mr. Gold.”
————————————————————————————————————
Mr. Gold had arrived at Granny’s early… too early… far too early. How could he not? He was having dinner with Belle French, it was a once in a lifetime chance, and Neal had been saying he should ask her out for quite some time now. It was a coward's way out really, he hadn’t asked her on a proper date, this was simply dinner to thank her for getting Miss West off his back; that’s all it was.
He fiddled with his cane where he sat in a booth, at the back of the restaurant, with a view of the front door as he idle spun the column of his cane between his hands.
The town’s landlord wasn’t an unusual customer to have at the diner, but Ruby couldn’t help but notice how anxious he seemed to be. Usually he would come in to have a meal with his son, or if alone, for the occasional cup of black coffee, but he was never this on edge.
Ruby swung her hips as she walked over to his table, hand perched on her hip at her exposed midriff from her unorthodox waitress uniform. “What can I get ya, Mr. Gold?” She questioned, her voice echoing a brassy tone.
“Nothing, thank you, Miss Lucas.” Gold answered, planting his cane with both hands folding over the handle.
“Okay… Can I get you coffee then? The diner has more to offer than a view of Main Street, ya know.”
Gold grumbled under his breath, “Yes. I am aware of that, however; I happen to be waiting for someone at the moment. Perhaps another table is in need of your assistance, Dearie.”
Ruby jerked back, her hands up, still holding her note pad in defeat. “Sir, yes, Sir!” She offered him a salute before turning away to find another occupation.
At that same moment the front door jingled happily as another customer stepped into the establishment, no other than Belle French.
“Bebe!” Ruby called out with a giggle, heading over to embrace her friend. “Glad to see you, Mr. Gold is here and being a creep for no reason. Apparently he is going to meet someone? How odd is that?”
“Uh… well, not that odd I suppose.”
She shrugged, taking a step back, eyes rolling up and down her friend as she nodded in approval of the blue flared dress she was dressed in, a hint of burgundy detail with the thin belt and killer matching heels.
“What about you, what brings you in here all dolled up?”
Belle shifted her weight on her hip, her lips drawing into a thin line as she folded her arms across her self. “Well, actually, I’m here to meet someone as well.”
“Really?” She squealed, grabbing hold of her arm, “Who could that be?” She glanced behind her to look around the diner.
Most of the town usuals were there, all at their typical tables. Mary-Margaret and her husband David Nolan were eating with their daughter Emma, Leroy was having breakfast as dinner at the counter, Anton also had a seat there with hot cocoa and a newspaper, all while Mother Superior and two of the other nuns were holding grace.
Before she turned back to Belle, her eyes grazed over Mr. Gold for a moment, her brows stitched together in confusion. “I don’t see anyone special, what time are you two meeting up?”
Belle sucked in her lower lip as she bit at the flesh, her blue eyes pleading up to her friend not to freak out. “He’s already here, Rubes.”
“Who? The only person here waiting for anyone is —” Ruby gasped, pulling Belle to the side by her elbow. “You don’t mean Mr. Gold?”
She nodded in confirmation with a smile playing at her lips. “I do, wish me luck.” Before Ruby got the chance to yank her ear and drag her off she managed to slip out of her grasp.
“Hey.” Belle greeted, feeling a wave of anticipation in her belly as she walked up to her date.
Gold quickly pushed himself up to his feet, flicking his hair out of his eyes with a smile. “Miss French, you look quite lovely this evening.” He gestured to the other seat of the booth, only sitting down once she had.
“Thank you, though I do think by now you could call me by my name. I mean, it is our anniversary dinner after all.” She teased with a grin.
“Yes, I suppose it is… Belle.” He answered back, a similar grin breaking across his own face.
---
Ruby leaned forward on the counter, her chin resting in her hand. It wasn’t that she was spying on her friend while she ate, no, she was keeping an eye on the restaurant… in that general direction.
“I just don’t get it,” She commented, looking to Leroy as she stood across from him. “They don’t have anything in common, do they? Belle didn’t even mention him to me, can you believe that?”
“I dunno what to tell ya, sister. It is their anniversary after all.” He shrugged, shoving a fork full of eggs into his mouth.
“Anniversary dinner? Are you telling me Belle has been seeing him long enough to have an anniversary and didn’t tell me? When in the world did this happen?”
Leroy shrugged again, taking a swig of coffee to wash down his food. “Can’t really say. I heard it from the guys who heard about it from Ariel, who said she overheard Jefferson talking about it today.”
---
Belle enjoyed herself immensely during dinner, Mr. Gold was a great conversation partner, she already knew that to be true but this was the first real opportunity she had to speak with him for a length of time.
It also didn’t help that with sitting across from him at a table she could pick up the scent of his aftershave, sandalwood and honey tickled her nose every time he flipped his hair out of his face. Did anyone actually talk to him long enough to understand just how expressive his eyes were? She was sure the longer she looked the more nuances she could find.
She felt a little disappointed when their meal came to an end, even with her trip to New York and Boston she hadn’t found someone that was so compatible to her quirky tastes. The bill had arrived and even though she offered to cover it, he had insisted that he make good on his promise from that afternoon, ever the proper gentleman.
“Well, please feel welcome to come by when you have time. I would be happy to show you those first editions.” Gold extended the invitation as they both were gathering their things.
Belle’s lips cracked into a smile, “That would be wonderful, I might have some time tomorrow to stop by.” She answered, her fingers digging through her clutch to find her keys. It would only be a short walk to the library and she might as well get them out now so she didn’t have to struggle at the front door.
Before she could prevent it, the small set jumped ship, falling onto the diner floor at her feet. “Or perhaps I shouldn’t,” Belle rolled her eyes at herself, “I can’t even hold keys, I could be like a bull in a china shop in your —”
Gold hadn’t even thought about what he was doing before he kneeled down to pick up the set, flicking his hair out of his eyes to look up. “My what?” He questioned, not catching what she had said, holding his hand out with the keys in them.
Belle couldn’t hold back the laughter that bubbled out of her, extending her hand to accept her keys. Really, the man went out of his way for some of the simplest things.
An excited squeal piped up from behind the counter as Ruby threw her hands over her mouth at the sight of Gold down on one knee as Belle stood in front of him. Ruby’s sound off caught the diner’s patrons attention as the focus in the restaurant turned to one single point.
“Oh how romantic, he asked on their anniversary!” Mary-Margaret spoke up, her eyes getting misty at the scene. What was more so than getting engaged at the central hub of the town?
David grinned as Emma crawled over her father’s lap to get a better view, “What’s going on?”
“Mr. Gold just proposed to Belle and she accepted.” He explained, patting her back.
“Does that mean they are going to get married?” She questioned, tilting her head.
He nodded in confirmation; “Yes it does!” Mary-Margaret added.
Leroy knocked his stein of beer against the bar’s countertop along with Anton. “And it’s about damn time!” He declared with a clinking of glasses between them.
Belle felt her face flush in embarrassment as she helped bring Mr. Gold to his feet, gripping her keys in her hand, for once finding him looking perplexed.
Shit.
————————————————————————————————————
Mr. Gold had left dinner last night with more than he thought he would. At best he was going to have a meal with Belle French and at worst it was going to be an awkward social encounter between them.
He hadn’t thought of the possibility of leaving with a faux fiancé.
Once Belle had been able to show her face again, everyone in the diner felt the need to come up and congratulate them personally on their engagement. Gold knew for a fact that he hadn’t asked her about marriage, or for her hand, or to tie the knot (or indeed any other kind). However, despite that oversight, neither one of them had been able to refute the general consensus on their relationship.
The one thing they had been able to deny was the fact that Belle, however young and healthy, was indeed not pregnant in any sense of the word. Though the Nuns were less convinced and simply stated that they were glad that: ‘The child wouldn’t be born out of wedlock’.
Gold looked up from the ledger that was in front of him as his little bell rang from the front door of the shop, he had only been open an hour that morning and hadn’t had anyone come in yet.
---
Belle cleared her throat as she glanced around the shop, the door closing behind her. She could count the number of times she had been in the pawn shop on her fingers, only coming in on the odd occasion.
Had the shop always been this quiet?
“Mr. Gold?” She called out, biting her lip afterwards as she looked around, objects seeming to be everywhere; Storybrooke’s own cave of wonders.
In a way she felt like she was invading his personal space after what happened last night. She had started to try to explain to everyone that they had misunderstood but it didn’t seem to be of any use, they were already convinced that their assumption was correct and there was no going back.
What she hadn’t expected was just how well Gold had handled it, even looking confused as he was, seemed to see as well that it was a lost cause. His composure even lasted for the round of celebration champagne that Ruby demanded was necessary, informing that it was on Gold’s tab.
“Hey,” he greeted in response as he rounded the curtain that separated the front and back of the shop.
Belle rocked onto her toes for a moment, her fingers twisting together, “Hey.”
For a moment the two of them stood in silence with one another, both seeming not to be sure what to say to the other.
“I’m really sorry about what happened —”
“Miss French, I understand if you —”
Gold cleared his throat as they both stopped talking over one another, “My apologies, please.” He offered for her to speak, gesturing to the countertop as he walked over to it. He needed equal footing if they were going to speak about yesterday.
She stepped up to the counter, resting her hands on the glass, trying to keep them still. “I’m really sorry about what happened last night Mr. Gold, I was going to tell everyone they assumed wrong but it got out of hand.”
“Yes, it did. I don’t believe either of us were capable of stopping that once the ball got rolling. However, if you wish I’m sure we can speak to everyone, perhaps on an one-on-one manner, and explain.”
Belle sucked in her lower lip as her cerulean blue eyes flicked up while her brows were drawn in worry. “I’m not sure that is an option anymore.”
“Why would that be?”
“The whole town knows.”
“There were quite a few individuals there last night, but I’m sure if we divide a list we could reach everyone.”
She shook her head, her messy bun of curls shaking, a loose curl falling out. “That’s not what I mean. I mean the whole town knows about it, after what happened, word got out that there was an ‘impromptu celebration’... and now my father knows.”
Gold sighed heavily, resting his forearms on the counter to lean against it. “Alright... and have you explained to him the situation?”
Belle hissed with an intake of breath, as her peeling nail polish suddenly became fascinating to her, using one thumb nail to chip at the paint on the other. “I-... I can’t.” Was her muttered response before she fell silent.
“And why would that be?” He inquired.
She pulled back away from the counter, folding her arms across herself. “It’s okay, it’s not your problem. I’ll handle it.”
“Belle.” He spoke, trying to get her attention, “If I’m going to be your fiancé, I think I should at least know why.” He picked up his cane as came around the counter to stand in front of her, tentatively reaching out to put his hand on her arm.
There was a pause as she swallowed harshly before she looked to him, looking as if she was trying to contain her reasoning within her, as if she did so, it wouldn’t have to be true.
“My father has cancer… and his single greatest wish is to see me married.” Her answer cracked with her voice as tears threatened to fall, “How can I take that away from him?”
His arm came around her instinctively to pull her against his chest, her own arms slipping underneath of his jacket to welcome the embrace.
“Let it out Sweetheart, let it out.” He whispered, tucking his nose into the crown of her curls.
————————————————————————————————————
When Belle had entered the pawn shop that morning she didn’t quite know what to expect. Mr. Gold was a private person and their dinner date at Granny’s had been a disaster in the greatest proportion and now it was the hottest gossip in town.
She had thought about bringing coffee and donuts as a sort or peace offering but Belle knew the situation was far beyond that. The best thing she could think to do was to simply show her face and try to sort everything out.
Instead of Mr. Gold being furious as she thought he could be, it was the opposite, instead he listened carefully to what she had to say and in the end held her together while she cried. She was sure his tie would be ruined — it must have cost more than her wardrobe — but he didn’t seem to mind. He allowed her to hold onto him and cry for as long as she needed, once her tears had subsided he ushered her to the back to rest before locking up the shop so they could talk over a pot of tea.
The warm brew helped to calm her nerves while they discussed the issue at hand. The town thought him to be a ruthless beast without a care, but all she saw was more of the gentle man behind the mask that she already knew.
He purposed that they took advantage of the town’s gossip, if it was her Father’s wish to see her married, she might as well marry her alleged fiancé (she wouldn’t be able to date and marry someone else after what occurred at Granny’s). For the time being she would come to live with him and his son for appearance sake while they planned the wedding and once Moe was… no longer with them, they could dissolve the marriage quietly.
She couldn’t stand the idea of losing her Father but she couldn’t see a good way out of the town’s assumption about them without breaking his heart in the process. He had been so delighted and proud that she was going to start the next chapter of her life and that she would have someone, that she ‘wouldn’t be alone once he was gone’.
It wasn’t in her to shatter that bubble of happiness.
When she thought back over their discussion that morning she realized that the idea to go through with the charade had actually come from Mr. Gold himself. On top of that, he hadn’t asked for any kind of payment from her for his participation in this, he simply reassured her that ‘everything would be taken care of’ and bid her good day so she could get some much needed rest.
Belle had never expected to leave the pawn shop with a faux fiancé.
————————————————————————————————————
If Belle had thought that Mr. Gold’s pawn shop was the Cave of Wonders, she had been proven wrong the moment that she stepped into his house. The Victorian seemed to stand still in time, a testament to its caretaker’s work, every detail was in immaculate condition right down to the original stain glass in the front door.
One would think it was a museum quality example of the architecture, you would forget that anyone actually lived there, let alone a teenager.
… and she was sure that she was going to ruin something.
Belle had collected a suitcase and a small box items to bring with her while she stayed at his house, she just had to think of it as if she was moving into a new apartment… a new apartment that was a thousand times better, and worth more than her college degree and career combined.
Or a vacation, maybe that was the better mindset to take, as if she was on vacation and this was simply just a hotel… a very expensive hotel.
“Miss French?” Came Gold’s clear voice from behind her.
Right… she was still standing in the foyer.
She adjusted the box in her arms, turning around to address him, “Yes?”
“I was asking if you would like me to show you to your room.” He restated, “If you like, you can leave that box here for now.”
Belle nodded, setting it down on a side table in the hall that he had gestured to before following him up the stairs. Despite his limp he seemed to handle them well enough, she never really thought about why he might have needed his cane, it had always been an extension of him.
He paused outside one of the doors in the hall towards the back of the house, pushing it open for her to enter. “I thought you might like this room. If it's not to your taste though there are two others, I would just need a moment to air them out a bit.”
The room was filled with warm oak wood furniture, a deep royal blue duvet set spread across the bed, and golden cream curtains framing the windows that overlooked the back garden. It was just the right mixture of the traditional style and modern touches to make someone feel welcome in a guest room.
She walked back over to the bed after she looked around, lifting her suitcase up onto the bed to lay it out, turning to smile at him. “That won't be necessary, this is more than enough. It’s wonderful.”
He nodded silently, glancing around the room. The guest rooms were used infrequently unless Neal had a friend spend the night and the space seemed to fill up nicely with Belle’s presence. The space was less… empty with her standing there, the atmosphere was altered for the better with her.
“The guest bath is just across the hall,” he directed, “and if you need anything, my room is just the last door on the left. Neal has one of the front bedrooms but he shouldn’t disturb you too much.”
“No, Neal is fine, he’s a great kid. I’m the one encroaching on your space, remember?” She giggled as she crossed the room, biting her lip.
Gold’s lips split into a smile, her laugh always did that to him, “Yes, but I asked for you to. You are more than welcome here, if you need anything all you must do is ask.”
She nodded, a moment of hesitation hanging between them as she bit her bottom lip, trying to hold back the onslaught of doubts she was having.
“Could you do one thing for me? Promise me you’ll let me know if this gets to be too much. You are not obligated to do anything, I don’t want to get in the way of you, or your family, or anything else. Please?” She requested, her blue eyes flicking up to his eyes.
His smile only spread that little bit more once her rush seemed to subside, he wasn’t able to deny her anything, even if they were only just friends.
“I promise,” how could he not? “Though having you in my home is hardly going to be a burden.” He chuckled.
She seemed to relax at that, leaning up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “Thank you Mr. Gold.” Before she could stop it Belle snickered, her hand flying up to cover her laugh, eyes falling on a very confused Mr. Gold.
“I’m sorry,” Belle giggled, “I just… I just realized that I don’t even know my fiancé’s first name.”
“Oh— um, y-yes.” Gold muttered, feeling his cheeks flush. He had thought of everything, why hadn’t he thought of that detail? “Well, I suppose you should call me Hadrian then.”
“Hadrian.” She sighed.
He nodded. “Belle.”
————————————————————————————————————
The past couple of weeks had been some of the best that Gold had known. The addition to Belle in his home made it feel… complete.
They would eat breakfast together, drag Neal out of bed for school, before they would go their separate ways for work. Once the library closed Belle would walk over to the pawnshop so they could go home together, Belle seemingly always having a tale or two to offer, in the afternoons she would help Neal with homework and he would cook dinner.
Evenings were spent watching films with Neal, talking with a glass of wine, or reading to each other. The entire atmosphere had shifted and he knew he would regret when it came time for it to end.
He also felt that he had a better footing on where their relationship stood, he could confidently say that she was a friend; rather than her being an acquaintance or the local librarian. Perhaps once she moved out she would welcome the idea of meeting up once in a while to spend time together, maybe getting coffee and to catch up.
Neal continued to insisted that he ask Belle out on a proper date, not just a “thank you dinner and fake proposal”. While the thought of it was more than enjoyable, he knew that she was simply going along with this plan for the benefit of her father, surely she had another idea of who she wanted as a romantic partner.
It was a nice idea but there was no way to tell what would happen.
————————————————————————————————————
Belle felt like the world was on her shoulders, between running the library, Moe’s doctor appointments, and keep up with the charade of being an expectant bride, she wasn’t sure she could take on anything else.
Things were not looking up when it came to her father, even if he did put the brave face on, he was clearly in pain but choose to be stubborn as ever. He put in the same hours he always did at Game of Thrones, ate what he shouldn’t (despite his weight loss), and did it all in the declaration of ‘enjoying himself while he was here’.
She shook her head in amusement at the memory of her lunch yesterday with him as she leaned over the island in Hadrian’s kitchen that morning. Moe hadn’t been able to talk about anything else but her up-coming wedding, he had an opinion on every detail. One would think that it was him getting married instead of her.
“Belle?”
She turned to look over her shoulder, her curls still messy from sleep, still only dressed in a tank top and pajama pants.
“Hey Neal, what are you doing up so early? Its Saturday.”
He shrugged, walking over to collect a glass of orange juice before planting himself on a stool at the island. “Woke up and couldn’t get back to sleep I guess.”
“Been there before,” she commented before taking a drink of her tea, “Are you hungry? I could make breakfast.”
“Always, I’m a growing boy, remember?”
Belle laughed with a grin, “Yes, of course! That must mean you need a stack of pancakes and bacon then, right?”
Neal returned the smile, running a hand through his messy hair. “Now you're talkin my language.”
For a few minutes a comfortable silence settled over the kitchen while Belle cooked, Neal seemingly content to sit and wait while what sleep was left drained from his brain.
“I wish it was like this all the time.”
“How’s that?” Belle asked, flipping a pancake over, “Breakfast on demand?”
He shook his head even though her back was turned, “No, you and Dad... It would be good if it was true.”
A clatter came from the oven as Belle managed dropped her spatula, feeling her heart jump into her throat, trying to swallow it down. “W-why do you say that?”
When Gold had purposed the idea of continuing the faux engagement, one of the things he had done was to sit Neal down and explain the situation to him. If anyone should know the truth of what was happening he deserved to know.
“Because it works. You two bring out the best in each other… and having you here makes Dad really happy.” He shrugged, as if it didn’t seem to make a difference. “Also Dad hasn’t complained about the Mayor’s sister since you moved in.”
Belle hummed, picking up the stack of pancakes to set in front of Neal along with the bottle of syrup before reclaiming her tea cup. “Well… he is doing me a very big favor. I’m very thankful for that, I’m not sure I can really ever repay him for it.”
Neal cut into his food as he listened to Belle, “The best way you could do that is by not trying to. He’s always liked you, you know that right? It’s probably love.”
“Now you shouldn't make assumptions. Even if that’s true… he’s never mentioned it before.” She murmured, thinking back over the time they spent together since their plan started.
“I don’t need to assume, I know he does.” He gathered up his dishes to place in the sink, stretching his arms behind his head with a yawn. “Besides, if you feel anything for him, I wouldn’t complain if it became true.”
Before Belle had the chance to speak Neal offered a quick wave before he left, presumably to go back to bed, leaving her red cheeked holding a cold cup of tea.
————————————————————————————————————
The pawnshop was usually quite peaceful, most who came in had an action plan in mind in order to spend as little time there as possible. Typically it was a person pawning an item, paying their rent in person, or trying to request a rent extension.
What wasn’t typical were individuals who came in to simply browse the display cases and window shop. However, that seemed to be just what Moe French was doing that morning.
Despite their alleged engagement, Gold hadn’t seen his to be father-in-law, they both lived in the same town, he was Moe’s landlord, and they both had a relationship with Belle. Those three things where the only commonalities between the two men, otherwise they left one another — respectfully — alone.
Moe was intent in pouring over the jewelry case and the various velvet display boxes making non-committal noises after he studied a piece, considered it, and decided to move on. So far after twenty minutes of this, none seemed to meet what requirements that he must have in mind.
“None of these will work Mr. Gold.”
It was the first words that he had spoken since he entered the shop.
Gold wasn’t sure what to think of the comment, “If you like Mr. French, I do have a small stock of jewelry that is not on display. It will take me a moment to retrieve it. If you would wait a moment —”
Moe stood up to his full height with a grunt of pain, though he didn’t allow it to cross his face. He had more important things to do than to give into his illness, his daughter was getting married.
He walked over to the counter where the owner stood, rummaging in his pocket in order to pull out a small box, white, that had yellowed with aged. “Belle doesn’t have a ring on her finger yet,” he explained, setting the box down and opening the lid, “and in reverse, I have what you need.”
Gold’s eyebrows pinched with suspicion as the boxed was open, Moe taking out a ring pinched between his two fingers to present to him. It was moderately sized, the ring shaped as branches coming up to the setting, wrapping around a single sparkling diamond, the style of the piece was sublet and whimsical all at the same. Quite a great deal like Belle.
With Moe’s expectant look he took the ring from him, watching the diamond glitter in the lights of the shop.
“It was her Mother’s.” Moe explained with a nostalgic smile, “When I first heard that Belle was engaged I was ecstatic, I’ve always wanted to see her find someone to settle down with. I thought if I could see her obtain the same happiness that I had with Collette that I had done my job a father.” He sighed softly.
“What I didn’t expect was you though. I really thought that you would be opposites of each other but she’s proven me wrong.”
Moe laughed, shaking his head, an indulgent smile on his face. “She always does that. But I can see it, any time she is talking about you or your son, I can see that she’s happy. Most of all though I can see that she loves you.”
Gold swallowed harshly, trying to absorb everything that he was being told. He couldn’t possibly believe that what was being said was true. Belle couldn’t be in love with him, they were just friends, he had never even had the courage to proper ask her out. Surely what Moe thought was love was just relief from the situation being handled.
“She’ll need that. After I’m gone.” Moe nodded decidedly, placing the lid of the box back on and pushing it across the counter towards Mr. Gold. “If anything I’m glad it will be you, you might be a ass, but you're an ass who keeps his word. Take care of her Gold.”
He rapped his knuckles against the counter, his lips pulled into a thin line, clearing his throat with a final nod of decision.
“Take care of my little Belle.”
With his last word in, Moe turned and left the shop.
————————————————————————————————————
The last couple of weeks at Gold’s house had been… awkward, tense even since Belle had talked with Neal over breakfast. Unlike before she was over analyzing every conversation that she and Hadrian had and every small affection of their friendship.
Neal was only thirteen for crying out loud, how could he claim that he knew what his father felt for her?
It didn’t help that the night before she had fallen asleep on the sofa while they watched a film. She had been exhausted from wedding plans and Moe’s insurance paperwork that day and far too comfortable to will her body to move to her bedroom.
Rather, when she woke, she found herself nestled against Hadrian with a throw wrapped around her. The clock in the room read that it was seven in the morning and she flushed in embarrassment that she had spent the whole night there, surely he hadn’t been comfortable sleeping in that position. Though, when he woke he simply brushed it off as himself being the culprit.
It really was a shame that it had to end at all, she had been perfectly cozy, it was almost flawless how their bodies fit together. She couldn’t recall the last time that she had slept so well, she could still smell Hadrian’s aftershave clinging to her cardigan today.
The sharp ringing of her phone jumped her out of her reverie, “Thank you for calling Storybrooke Public Library, this is Belle, how can I help you?”
“Miss. French? This is Storybrooke General Hospital.”
————————————————————————————————————
Belle had walked from one side of the emergency room waiting area, to the other side, more times than she could count. Each time her tall heels clicking rhythmically, her arms were folded under her chest to try and hold herself together has much as possible.
The nurses had been little to no help, the only information they really had was that Moe was ‘currently with the doctor’, beyond that she didn’t know what was happening. With the way his health was a number of things could have happened to him but it was still too soon, he had to have more time with her, he hadn’t been diagnosed more than eight weeks ago.
What if he would never get his wish at all?
She bit her lip to hold back a sob, tears teetering at the edge of her lashes. There had to be more time, she couldn’t do this all alone; before she even registered what was happening she was calling Hadrian’s phone.
---
“Belle!” Gold called, his jacket thrown over one arm, running as quickly as his knee would allow him to. His arms came up to encircle her as she slammed into his chest, arms locking behind his neck.
“It’s okay, I’m here.” He murmured as he nuzzled her curls, keeping her close. Gold could feel her small frame trembling against him, he pulled away just enough to wrap his jacket around her shoulders, his hand coming up to rest against her tear stained cheeks.
“Tell me what’s going on, what have they told you?”
“Dad’s with the doctor right now, that’s all the really have for me.” She answered, trying to keep herself calm. “He was with a customer at work when he started getting pain in his chest and they called the ambulance to bring him here.”
Belle pulled away from Hadrian to walk towards the doors again, glancing through the small window in the door. “Why haven’t they said anything? He could be… he could be… and I’m not with him right now!” She cried, “I’m the one who is meant to be taking care of him, he’s all the family I have left.”
She spun around on the ball of her foot as she once again paced across the space, this time stopping in front of Hadrian. Belle felt a lump form in her throat as her gaze caught his, “He deserves better than this, he deserves better than me. Rather than being an adult I wasted time on his farce to grant his last wish, using you in the process to fill a town rumor.”
“Belle, you’re doing what you thought was best. No one can blame you for that.” Gold spoke, reaching out to take her arm to guide her over to a chair to sit down. “You’re here with him and that’s what's important.”
She looked down to her knees, her gaze glued to a string on her skirt shaking her head, her curls falling into a curtain. “I can’t deceive him like this anymore, it’s not fair for me to lie to his face.”
The moment seemed to stretch between them. Nurses chatted giving directions, receiving phone calls, and down the hall the vending machine hummed.
“... What if it wasn’t a farce?” Gold questioned, trying to gather his courage. “What if we really were engaged, would you be feeling the same then?”
“You know as well as I that we’re not. After this I can’t hold you to that promise Hadrian —” Belle spoke, lifting her head to finally look at him, a gasp escaping her at the sight of him holding a ring between his fingers.
Her mother’s ring.
“W-where did you get… get that?”
He rotated the ring in the light, smiling at the inner glimmer of the diamond, it reminded him of Belle. “You’re father actually, he came by the shop to browse and told me that this was the correct ring for you. He also told me that what he wanted was to see was you happy and taken care of.”
Belle felt every beat of her heart against her chest as she watched him carefully take her hand, slipping the ring onto her finger, finding the metal warmed by his hands.
“I love you Belle, and I promise I’ll be by your side, no matter what farce we get ourselves into. Would you marry me and do the same?”
A hiccuped laugh jump from her throat as she smiled, “Even if Granny thinks I’m pregnant already?”
Hadrian’s lips cracked into a smile. “Yes, even then.”
Belle reached out, both of her hands cradling his jaw, pulling them together as she planted a kiss kiss against his lips, her hand sliding to the back of his neck to bring them closer. She broke the kiss, resting her forehead against his, new tears welling up in her eyes.
“Yes of course I’ll do the same, I love you too Hadrian.” She breathed, the two of them getting lost in the warm bubble they had created for themselves.
A heavy clearing of throat broke the moment, each pulling away to look towards the source, spotting Dr. Whale standing behind Moe French sitting in a wheelchair.
“Dad!” Belle exclaimed, jumping up to run to him, throwing her arms around him. Hadrian stood up as well to join them, offering the doctor a nod of thanks.
“What in the world happened to you?” She questioned, pulling away from him. Hadrian slipped up to her side, entwining their fingers together to offer his support for whatever the answer was going to be. “The hospital called saying an ambulance brought you in!”
“Your father was at the receiving end of Granny’s five alarm chili this afternoon.” Dr. Whale explained, “A simple case of indigestion.”
Moe had the decency to look embarrassed at the explanation. “I’ll be fine, I’ve had spicier. Granny hasn’t bested me yet.” His eyes catching notice of a new addition to his daughter’s hand.
He grunted as he pushed himself out of the chair, “The Doctor is finished poking me for the day. Besides, I think we have something to celebrate today.”
Belle raised her eyebrow in suspicion, looking to Hadrian who looked just as perplexed as he did. “What would that be Dad?”
“Your two month engagement anniversary of course.” He grinned, “I think Granny’s has just thing.”
Summary: It’s the holidays and Rumple has a very special gift for his new wife: travel, adventure, and romance in Wonderland.
A/N: Reyberrie, I hope you enjoy your gift. It was a pleasure being your Santa! You wanted a real adventure for Rumple and Belle, and I went for a fluffy, romantic adventure in Wonderland, with some family moments too. Special thanks to @pamchenko-twist for reading through the story for me!
Mr. Gold’s shop was quiet and empty except for the pawnbroker himself, going through his inventory cards. He wanted things up to date and sorted. His new wife was helping him with this task, but at the moment Belle was out shopping for holiday gifts. He wasn’t permitted to know just where she was shopping, or for whom. She didn’t want him spoiling any surprise she might have in store for him. Her absence offered him the perfect opportunity to have a meeting with someone who might help him with his gift to Belle.
The bell above the door rang, and cold air swept through the shop. He looked up to see a man silhouetted by the afternoon sunlight, brushing off the snow from his shoulders, and stomping his feet on the doormat as he closed the door. Rumplestiltskin grinned at his old ‘partner in crime’ Jefferson, the Mad Hatter of Wonderland. He had perfect timing. Rumplestiltskin always appreciated punctuality.
Jefferson stepped up to the counter, glowering at Rumplestiltskin. “I’m here. What do you want?”
“Good afternoon to you too, Jefferson.”
“You have fifteen minutes before I need to get out of here and pick up my daughter.”
“Lucky for you, that’s all I need.” Rumplestiltskin reached under the counter and lifted up a large black hat box.
Jefferson backed up warily. “What’s that?” He all but growled the words.
“I think you know.”
“It’s broken. It doesn’t work.”
“Oh I can remedy that. I have a need for it. I wish to go to a little land that you’re quite familiar with.”
Jefferson shook his head. “I won’t go back there.”
“I wouldn’t dream of asking you to. I have both a favor to ask of you and something to offer you. Some time ago you saved Belle from her fate in the hospital. If it hadn’t been for you, she might still be trapped there. You helped reunite us, and for that I am grateful. I’m sorry for never having told you before.”
“Think nothing of it. I did it for my own reasons.”
“Yes, indeed. Well, be that as it may, I am still quite grateful to you. So I am going to fix this hat, and I will visit Wonderland. I simply need some of your input, and you are free to go and pick up your daughter from school with time to spare.”
“You said you had something to offer me.”
“You see, I have a soft spot for keepsakes… I thought that perhaps you might want something like that for your daughter… for the holidays, you see. Perhaps something from the shop… or perhaps something from Wonderland?”
Jefferson took in a breath. “How did you know?”
“Whatever do you mean?” Rumplestiltskin grinned. He knew nothing specific, but he wasn’t about to tell Jefferson that. He once had a son, and if he was in Jefferson’s place, he would want to find the perfect gift for his child. If he had a chance to give his child something with meaning, well that would be even better. Jefferson spent years in Wonderland, he had indeed met his child’s mother there. Perhaps there was something there he’d want for his daughter.
Jefferson rubbed his chin. “I know just the thing, but I’ll need to give you directions.”
------
Later that same afternoon, Belle returned. Rumplestiltskin was in the back room, tinkering with an old pocket watch, when he heard her call from the front room. “Don’t get up! It’s just me!” He heard her stomping her feet. “It’s gotten colder out there!” She walked in and dropped a handful of bags to the side of the room.
“You’re cheeks are red from the cold,” Rumple said with a smile.
Belle put her hands on her cheeks. “Are they? I walked most of the way here. Probably not the best idea.” She had taken off her coat, hat, and gloves. “At least it’s quite warm in here!”
“If you want a warming spell, I could…” Belle waved away his suggestion. “You know that would be unecesarry, Rumple. I’m sure I’ll warm up soon enough. Do I have some time to continue the inventory check?”
“I thought we’d close up shop in an hour. It sounds like the weather outside is frightful,” he said with a wink.
“It’s getting to that point, yes. I’m looking forward to getting home and cozying up under the blankets.”
“Me too,” he said under his breath, and with a tiny smile he couldn’t quite help.
“I heard that.” Belle laughed quietly. Rumple noticed her cheeks grew a bit redder. She turned away from him, and started climbing up the ladder to continue her work from earlier. She was humming Christmas songs to herself. Probably, a result of being out shopping all afternoon and his little joke.
“Was your shopping trip successful?” he asked.
“Mmmhmm… Hey, what’s this big box up here. It isn’t as dusty as the others. Is it new? I can’t recall.” She was reaching up towards an item on the top shelf. It was an item that Rumple had very recently taken down. Her fingertips could reach the bottom of the hat box, and she started to shimmy it off the shelf.
“Belle, be careful. Let me help-” He got up just as the box slid off the shelf. Belle reached over to grab it as it fell, one hand on the ladder. She started to lose her footing just as Rumple reached the ladder. He grabbed onto her waist, and held her as the box tumbled to the floor. She leaned toward the fallen box, losing her footing once again.
“Leave it. Are you alright? You didn’t twist your ankle, did you?”
Her feet, in her fashionable winter boots, were at an odd angle on the steps of the ladder. She shook her head. “I’m fine.”
“Here, come down off of there.” He helped her off the ladder, watching as she placed her feet carefully on the floor. “You’re sure you’re alright…”
“I think I’m alright now.” Her hands were on his shoulders, and she reached up to brush some of his hair out of his eyes. “I find it romantic when my magical husband forgets he can use magic to save me.”
He pulled her even closer against him, attempting to distract her. He murmured, “Speaking of romance… I think it might be time to close up early.”
“I like that idea,” she kissed his cheek softly, and turned to pick up the fallen box. “Let me just clean up this mess…”
“I’ll take care of it-” Rumple tried to stop her, but was too late. She had the open box on the workbench in no time, and was inspecting the flattened and tattered hat.
“Oh… is this Jefferson’s hat? The Mad Hatter’s hat?” She was trying to put it back into shape, and turning it over in her hands.
“Yes.”
“Has it been here all along?”
“For a while. I found it at the front door, already broken.”
“Were you looking over it recently? The box doesn’t look like it’s been sitting around as long as that.”
Rumple stepped up behind her as she inspected the hat. She looked up at him as he sighed and put his hands on her arms. “I had hoped to make it a surprise.”
Belle looked at him quizzically. “You were going to surprise me with a broken hat? Wait… you don’t mean...”
“I can fix it.”
“And we can use it? Will Jefferson help us use it?”
“I spoke with Jefferson. We don’t need him to use the hat. Not once I fix it. We’re going to go on an adventure, Belle. I wanted to show you the world, but I think an adventure in Wonderland will do nicely.”
Belle turned around, radiating excitement. “Was this supposed to be a holiday present and I ruined the surprise?” For someone realizing she had ruined a surprise she looked quite joyous.
Rumple laughed and nodded. She still held the hat in her hands. Rumple tapped the rim of the hat. “I promised Jefferson that we would retrieve something from Wonderland for him. What do you say Mrs. Gold? Would you like to come with me on mission to Wonderland? I warn you. Wonderland may be wondrous, but it might also be fraught with danger.” He waggled his eyebrows at his last words.
“Well Mr. Gold, as long as we’re together we can handle a little danger. I accept.” She laughed and wrapped her arms around him, all the while still holding the tattered hat.
------
Belle and Rumple stepped through the glass doorway that served as a portal and walked out onto the bright yellow road covered with colored pattern of circles. Belle looked all around, and spun on her heels without realizing it. She took it all in. The vibrant colors of this land, the unusual foliage, the giant mushrooms! She’d never seen anything like it. She’d read about it, of course, but to actually see it?
“Rumple, this is amazing! Thank you!” She looked up at him. He was grinning at her. She always loved his smile, but in this place, it was even more dazzling to her. She reached out for him to take her hand, which he did. She pulled him closer, and stood next to him as they both took in the sight of Wonderland.
She turned and observed two giant mushrooms around her. She stepped away from Rumple. “I just had a thought. We could use a bit of these.” She took of a couple of small pieces of each mushroom and placed them in her purse. “When in Wonderland, take advantage of the mushrooms.”
Rumple laughed. “Time for business. Let’s take a look at Jefferson’s directions.” He pulled out a piece of paper from the inside pocket of his suit jacket. As he studied it Belle decided to explore a bit. There were some pretty flowers along the road, and she wondered if they had any magical properties like the mushrooms did.
“Don’t go too far, Belle. I don’t want to get separated.”
She looked over her shoulder. “I’m right here, Rumple. What could possibly happen?” She turned back and squatted down to inspect the flowers. She touched one of them, examining the unusual stem and leaves. They were scratchy to the touch. She wanted to take the chance to sniff them, but thought it might not be the wisest course of action in this place. The patch of flowers rustled in front of her at that moment. Before she could pull back something seemed to take her hand. She gasped loudly, and pulled her hand away. She saw two ears emerge from the patch of flowers, and then more rustling. “What in the world?” Rumple rushed up next to her as she stood up.
“Are you alright?” Rumple asked as he held her by the elbow and helped her up.
She looked down at her hand and touched it with the other, to see if she was hurt. “Yes, I think so. Something grabbed my hand… Oh no!” Something was missing. Something important. She rubbed her finger where it used to be. “It’s gone. My wedding ring.”
“Perhaps it just fell off amongst these flowers. Here, let’s take a look.” Rumple bent down and pushed the flowers apart.
“No, I don’t think so. Whatever that was… Whatever touched my hand. I think… it stole my ring.”
Rumple stood up and frowned. “No sign of it on the ground. Did you get a look at the creature?”
“All I saw was its ears. They looked like, rabbit ears, to be honest.” She looked sheepishly at Rumple. “But I suppose that isn’t very unusual in this place, is it?”
“Not very unusual at all.’
“What do you propose we do about it?” She looked at him imploringly. She really didn’t want to let it go. It was her wedding ring. Even if they could get a new one, it had sentimental value. She wanted it back. If they could manage it. “ Should we just let it go, or try to get it back?”
“We get it back,” he said definitively. “I wanted to give you an adventure. It seems like Wonderland doesn’t want to disappoint.”
------
Belle’s heels clicked against the cobblestone road. She followed closely behind Rumple, as he moved towards a crossroads. He looked up and down, seeming like he wanted to get his bearings.
“Are we lost?” she asked.
“Oh no… I’m just thinking. We could walk or we could use magic to get there faster. Which would you prefer?”
“You’re sure we’re not lost.”
He grinned at her. “Yes, sweetheart. I’m sure.”
She raised an eyebrow.
He laughed. “Normally I’d say let’s walk if it isn’t too far, but since this is a matter of some urgency…”
“Is it far?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Then let’s walk. No need to use magic unnecessarily.”
“Might I suggest something to use magic for then?”
Belle tilted her head curiously. “Go on.”
“We need to change our attire. I don’t think we’ll be on paved roads the entire time, and well… where we’re going… I think designer clothing might not be preferable. I think we need to look a bit more… formidable.”
“Just where are we going, Rumple?”
“Jefferson told me of various locations in Wonderland, and what to look out for. I’ve not spent much time here myself, so I asked for some guidance. This place is called the Underland, and we’ll be encountering people of the more nefarious sort. They might know more about this rabbit that has run off with your ring.”
Belle nodded. She was a bit frustrated that her innocent moment of wanting to look at some pretty flowers had caused them some trouble. She didn’t feel frightened. She could take care of herself much of the time, and she had Rumple with her, and he could most certainly watch out for them both. She hoped he wouldn’t have to resort to any darker means to get this ring back. She would need to prepare to reason with him if that was the case. The ring wasn’t worth darkening his heart anymore.
Rumple walked around her, looked her up and down. “I think I’ve got it.”
He snapped his fingers and red smoke swirled around her. When it dissipated she looked at her new attire. It was similar to the clothing she wore while hunting the yaoguai back in the Enchanted Forest. Except this was an even darker shade. She also had a machete like weapon hanging at her side. She felt her chest. There was a dagger there too. Rumple wasn’t one to skimp on the details. She smiled at him. “Well done.”
“Thank you. As always you look lovely in anything.” He complimented her, reaching out to squeeze her hand.
Belle felt her cheeks flush. “What about you?”
Rumple considered for a moment. Then a puff of red smoke encircled him. Once it had dissipated Belle saw that he was now dressed in the leathers he wore in Neverland. She nodded in approval. “Very good choice.”
Rumple bowed. “Why thank you.” He reached out to her. “Shall we?”
They walked down the road hand in hand, dressed for the occasion, but looking more like lovers on a weekend stroll than a pair out to do battle with thieves.
------
They stood in front of a doorway that was carved into a giant mushroom. This was the entrance to the Underland. A dangerous place, according to Jefferson.
“Why do I feel like we are entering a wolf’s den?” asked Belle.
“It’ll be alright. Stay close.”
He opened the door and stepped inside. Loud music reached up to the landing on which they stood. Long, winding stairs led to a huge space. It was much larger than Belle had anticipated. She followed close behind Rumple as he slowly descended the stairs. The place was smoky, and dark, lit only by lamps along the bar and tables. It smelled of alcohol as well. This was the Rabbit Hole times ten or more.
They reached the bottom of the stairs and Rumple looked around. “Let’s find a table and order some drinks while we take the place in,” he suggested.
Belle saw a table being vacated nearby and made her way towards it. She could feel Rumple at her heels. The table was dirty but it would do. She sat down, and glanced around for a server to flag down. Before Rumple could join her, however, a large leather clad man, with bare muscled arms, stood in Rumple’s way. “Sorry pal. I’ll be joining the lady.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, but we’re together!” Belle said loudly, and got up to stand next to Rumple.
“Honey you could do better than this guy,” the man said, looking down at Rumple. He was quite a bit taller, and larger.
Rumple looked up at the man, and Belle moved to take her machete in hand. Rumple reached out to stay any other aggressive movement from her. She didn’t draw her weapon, but her hand remained on the hilt. She wanted to be ready just the same.
“You should move along,” Rumple stated simply.
“Now why should I do that? You’re the new guy. You should move along, while I move in on your girl.” He laughed, and those at nearby tables laughed along with him. It seemed that they had attracted an audience.
Rumple took a step closer to the man, and though he was smaller, and held no weapons, he radiated power. His teeth flashed as he spoke. “You should move along, because you’re out of my league, and certainly out of my wife’s. I can take out everyone in this place in the blink of an eye. Are you willing to take that chance?”
The man seemed unwilling to take the hint. “Prove it.”
“Rumple, don’t…” Belle took his arm, but she was too late to stop him from using his magic. She looked around as suddenly everyone seemed to check themselves, including the man that stood before them. He tapped his chest and side.
“Hey, where’s my blades?” Similar shouts went on around them.
“Gone,” answered Rumple. “I’ll return them, once you step aside, and let us order our drinks. Once we do that, you’ll be answering some questions for us instead. Deal?”
The man nodded, and in a moment everyone had their weapons returned. Hushed conversations and stares were aimed in their direction. “Magic,” the man muttered.
“Oh yes,” Rumple stated, he expression still threatening. “Now go and fetch us a waiter.”
The man nodded quickly and rushed off, while Rumple pulled out a chair for her to sit. He sat down opposite her and said, “That went well.”
Belle let out a sigh. “I thought he might wet himself by the end of that,” she said with a laugh. Rumple chuckled along with her as the waiter arrived to take their order. The burly man was with him. He was nervous as could be. The waiter took their ordered and made a hasty exit. Only the burly man remained.
“Have a seat, friend,” Rumple said, as a chair slid towards the burly man from behind. It knocked into the back of his knees and he fell into it with grunt. Unsurprisingly, this did not appear to make him more comfortable.
“We’re looking for someone,” Belle began.
“A thief,” Rumple supplemented.
“Yes, He.. or she... had long ears, like a rabbit. Grey, with white spots. They took off with my ring. Took it straight off my hand.”
“Do you know anyone with that description that specializes in thieving?” Rumple asked.
The waiter arrived with their drinks, and placed them on the table. Once he stepped away, the man leaned forward. “I do know someone. Stops by this place too. Every Friday for happy hour. Comes for the free drinks. Looks like you’re in luck.”
“It’s Friday,” Belle stated.
“Yup. He should be stopping by any time now.”
“Is the door on top of the stairs the only way in?” asked Belle.
“Yes, ma'am.”
“Perfect,” Rumple said. “You’ve been helpful. You can move along now.”
The man nodded gratefully, and left speedily, knocking over his chair in the process.
Rumple stood and righted the chair, before taking his place across from Belle.
“We have a perfect view of the staircase,” Belle said. “Now we just have to hope the creature visits today.” She took a sip of her drink. “Mm… this is good. Did you try yours Rumple?”
Rumple shook his head and lifted his glass. “Cheers,” he said, and Belle clinked her glass with his. Rumple took a sip and nodded his approval.
Belle kept an eye on the door, while Rumple eyed the inhabitants of the room. Many glanced over at their table, and whispered to each other.
“I think you’ve scared everyone off,” Belle said, amused.
“I have a way with people.”
“You certainly do.” She was looking at him affectionately, momentarily forgetting she was suppose to be looking out for their thief. Rumple glanced at her with a sideways smile, but turned his attention back to the staircase. He was still on guard.
Once happy hour arrived, it wasn’t long before their thief made an appearance. Their burly ‘friend’ was true to his word. Rumple got up as the happy hour comedy show began on stage. Apparently there was more than one reason it was called happy hour in this land. Amidst the laughter, and applause, Rumple approached the small creature. Belle was right next to him. She had been correct. It was a grey and white rabbit, wearing sunglasses.
“Might I have a word?” Rumple asked as he sidled up next to the rabbit as he stood on a stool ordering a drink at the bar.
“Depends on if you’re buying me drinks at the end of happy hour,” the rabbit replied, cooly.
“I will be doing nothing except taking back what’s been stolen.”
Belle stepped closer to the rabbit and added, “You took my ring. On the side of the main road, by a yellow and white flower patch. “I’d like it back.”
“Look, just because someone might have told you that I occasionally make away with things, doesn’t mean it was me. I mean, I wasn’t even by that road today. Couldn’t possibly have been me.” The rabbit took a long swig of his drink, and before he could set it down it disappeared from his hand.
“The ring, please,” Rumple said. “I won’t ask nicely again.”
“I’d hand it over if I were you.” Their burly friend was seated at the bar nearby. “This one ain’t the type to mess around.”
“Give us the ring back and we’ll be on our way,” Belle said, and held out her hand.
The rabbit looked from her to Rumple and to the burly man. He seemed to be struggling with the decision. Belle gave him the type of look one would give a child who had been caught in a fib. The rabbit sighed, and reached into the small pouch at his side. He pulled out the ring and placed it in Belle’s palm. “This it?”
“Yes, and as promised, we’ll be on our way.” Belle slipped the ring back onto her finger as she turned to leave. “Rumple?” She beckoned him to follow.
“A bit of advice,” Rumple said as he followed behind Belle. “You’d all do best if you steered clear of us.”
“We’d like to enjoy the rest of our trip,” Belle replied sweetly, with a tinge of sarcasm.
She took Rumple’s arm as they made their way out of the Underland.
------
They trudged through the Tulgey woods, nearing the Hatter’s house. Belle was having fun using her machete to occasionally cut away some brush along the overgrown road. Rumple was happy to see her having a ball doing this kind of adventuring, keenly aware that he was grinning like a fool as he followed behind her. He hadn’t planned on their Underland adventure, but all in all it worked out. At least it hadn’t gone badly in any way. If he was going to be wandering the woods with anyone at all, he’d choose Belle. It reminded him a bit of their time in the Enchanted Forest.
Belle grunted as she hacked at a particularly dense portion of forest. Once she had cleared enough of it she turned towards Rumple, and sheathed the machete. “Tired?” he asked.
“A bit, actually. It’s a good workout. Maybe I should take up fencing,” she said with a laugh. “I used to practice a bit back in my father’s castle, much to his dismay. I didn’t realize I missed it. What are you smiling at?”
“Just taking a moment to admire my wife. No harm in that, is there?”
“Mmhhmm. Why do I feel like you’re up to something?”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” He stepped forward and took her hand. “Come along. It isn’t far now, and I want us to be somewhere else before dark.”
“You are up to something!”
He laughed and pulled her along. In a few hundred feet they could see the Hatter’s house. “That must be it.”
They picked up their pace. As they stood by the door Rumple held up a hand. “We should make sure that no one has made a home in this place. It’s been quite some time since Jefferson has lived here.”
“I agree.” Belle brandished her machete. “I’m ready.”
Rumple outstretched his hand toward the door and it unlocked with a click. He nodded towards Belle and they both stepped in together. They placed their backs against each other and surveyed the large room before them. It was covered nearly wall to to wall and floor to ceiling with hats. They took a few steps into the room. Rumple relaxed, and as he did so, he felt Belle relax behind him. “We’re alone.”
Belle looked around and said, “Poor Jefferson. Imagine being stuck here with your only task to make a portal producing hat. Something you have no idea how to do, and yet it’s your only way back home.”
“I know a little bit about that. Lack of portals. Separated from a child.” He felt Belle’s fingers latch onto his. He turned and smiled at her in thanks.
“So what exactly are we looking for?”
“A necklace. A locket, actually.”
“Let’s split up and look,” Belle suggested. “I’ll go to the back of the house.”
They looked for nearly an hour without any luck, and then finally Belle called out for Rumple. He looked up and saw her sitting on the bed with a bunch of hat boxes around her. There was also a small wooden box with a hinged top that she had open in her hand.
“Did you find it?”
She put the box down and held up a necklace. Attached to the necklace was something oval. “Come take a look.”
He sat beside her on the bed, and looked at the golden locket in her hand. He could tell it was a locket because of the tiny hinges on the side. It had an ornate, engraved pattern on the front of it. Belle opened the locket and leaned closer to him so he could look at the same time. On one side was an image of Jefferson as he was years ago in the Enchanted Forest. His hair was a bit longer and curlier. He was well dressed. On the other side was an image of a lovely young woman, wearing a lilac colored dress. Her hair was blonde, and she very much resembled Jefferson’s young daughter Grace.
“He wanted this for his daughter. He must have left it behind, and then he got swept up in the curse. It didn’t make the trip along with him,” Rumple told her.
“She’ll love this, I’m sure. I would have loved something like this of my mother. It’s amazing isn’t it, Rumple? These aren’t photographs. They’re shrunken paintings.”
“Courtesy of Wonderland no doubt.”
Belle took the locket and placed it back in the small box. She tucked it into the pouch attached to her belt. “Now what? We have less than an hour or so before sundown, I think. Do we have time to get to where you wanted to go, or should we spend the night here?”
“If you wouldn’t mind some magical transportation…”
“I admit you have me curious, Rumple.”
“If we’re going with magic, then a change into some softer, evening attire is in order.” He waved a hand and their clothes changed from adventure outfits, to a pale blue dress for Belle that gave her a wispy appearance. She wore flat slippers on her feet, and her hair was now loose. She felt very comfortable. Rumple had changed to black slacks, and a navy button down shirt. He did not wear a tie, and so the top of the shirt was undone. It wasn’t the usual look one would see him sporting outside of his home. Belle was the only person who routinely saw him in such a relaxed state.
“Now I’m even more curious,” Belle said, indicating their change in clothes.
Rumple motioned her to come closer, and he placed an arm around her. In a puff of red smoke they were gone.
------
They appeared in a large meadow surrounded by forest. The setting sun could not be seen behind the trees, but above them was an unobstructed view of the darkening sky, the first few stars just becoming visible. Belle looked around. An outdoor venue wasn’t what she was expecting. “It’s lovely out here Rumple, but I’m confused.”
“Were you expecting an intimate dinner for two in someplace cozy and indoors?”
“Something like that,” she admitted.
“I can give you a bit of that, and an evening under the stars with a little something extra. Jefferson assured me that this is one of the most romantic places in Wonderland. It’s famous for it, in fact.”
“Really?” Belle could see the appeal of the star gazing aspect, and the remote nature of the space. With a nice fire crackling, it could be romantic. To be famous for it, though? She wasn’t sure about that.
“Before the main event…” Rumple snapped his fingers, and a large, purple and white striped tent appeared. “Our accommodations for the evening. This tent is invisible to anyone but us, and it is protected by a shielding spell. No one but us can enter. After you.” He swept out an arm towards the entrance.
When Belle entered, the first thing she noticed was that inside the ‘walls’ of the tent were see through. It was as if she just stepped through the door and back into the meadow, except the grass was covered with pillows and blankets that had a print very similar to Van Gogh's painting A Starry Night, which she had been admiring just the other day. Rumple had done his homework. She heard him enter behind her.
“What do you think?” he asked, as he stepped towards a small table spread with wine, cheese, and fruit. He poured the wine into two glasses and handed her one. “To the newlyweds.”
Belle nodded and said, “To us.” They clinked their glasses and sipped at their wine while gazing up at the stars.
“So no one can see us right now?” Belle asked.
“Not a soul.”
“It’s amazing. I can feel the breeze. What if it started to rain?”
“The shield spell would take care of any harsh weather.”
“You’ve thought of everything.” Belle was impressed.
They ate quietly for a short while, enjoying each other’s company, until Belle noticed that Rumple was getting restless.
“What is it?” Belle asked, setting her glass down. The breeze was picking up a bit, and his hair was getting in his eyes again. “Is it a storm?”
“No, no… nothing like that. As I said earlier, we’re here for a special event.”
“I thought all of this,” Belle indicated their surroundings and looked pointedly at the pillows, “was a special event.”
Rumple chuckled, and Belle noticed a pink tinge to his cheeks. She took his glass and put it on the table, and tugged on his hand. “Come on, let’s try these out.”
He didn’t immediately follow. He took another long look at the sky. Belle flopped onto the pillows and watched him. He struck a very handsome figure with the star filled sky in the background.
“It’s very comfortable down here, Rumple,” she coaxed.
He turned to her, and looked flustered for a moment. “Very inviting, you mean.”
He joined her on the fluffy and abundant pillows and blankets. She felt as if she could swim in them there were so many. She cuddled up next to him and looked up at the beautiful sky. There was no moon. Just loads and loads of stars. She felt Rumple kiss her temple. “Tell me you’re enjoying yourself, Belle.”
She nodded. She understood that he needed some reassurance even if he knew she was having a good time. “I can think of one way it would be better though,” she teased, and tugged a bit on his shirt collar. This time he didn’t need much encouragement to follow. She pulled him into her kiss. She would be lying if she said that she hadn’t been thinking about this from the moment she walked into this tent and saw this elaborate set up. He shifted and pulled away from the kiss, leaning his forehead on hers.
“Is this alright? Out here, like this?”
She was already untucking his shirt, “You said, it was safe. Private. Rabbit free.”
“It is,” he said, softly, and with a hint of amusement
“Then yes.” She kissed him again, pulling him over her.
He was murmuring words of affection in her ear, and kissing her neck, when she opened her eyes for a moment and saw it: the event Rumple spoke of. She gasped in surprise.
Rumple was startled, and stopped. Before he could ask what was the matter, she pushed on his shoulder and said, “Look up! Look everywhere!”
The sky and the entire meadow was filled with falling stars. Some stretched from the sky, others stretch horizontally, while yet even more fell like wisps, or snow.
Rumple rolled onto his back, and laid down next to her and watched. “This is it,” he said. “This is why I brought you here.” He marveled at the sky, just as she did. He stretched his arm out behind her head and she tucked in against him.
“It’s perfect, Rumple. Thank you.”
He took her hand and kissed it, and laid their clasped hands on his chest as they watched the spectacle all around them.
------
Holiday music pumped through Granny’s diner. It was full of people, drinking, eating, exchanging gifts. Rumple and Belle watched the scene from a window booth. Ruby was adjusting some of the festive decorations along the window near their seat. She stood on the cushions, trying to balance herself, and Granny was at the counter getting all the compliments in the world for her cuisine. All of the Charming clan was in attendance, so Belle and Rumple were able to see Henry, who slid into the booth next to Rumple holding a couple of gifts in his hands.
“I heard you guys were away for a while. Where did you go? Out to the cabin or something?” asked Henry, with a good-natured smile.
“Something like that,” Rumple said.
Belle nodded. “Forests and such were involved.”
Henry raised an eyebrow. “Why are you guys being so mysterious.”
“It’s our secret hideaway,” Belle said. “If we tell everyone…”
“Then we won’t ever have a moment’s peace,” grumbled Rumple, and took a sip of his drink.
Belle nudged his shoulder, and Henry laughed. “I get it,” Henry said. “I hear newlyweds like their privacy.”
Rumple nearly choked on his drink, and Belle slapped him on the back.
“I’m not a little kid anymore, Grandpa.”
Belle needed to change the subject quickly before Rumple hurt himself. “What do you have there, Henry?” she asked, indicating the gifts.
“Oh! These are for you!” Henry handed one long flat box to Rumple, and a small square box to Belle.
They both thanked him and started opening their gifts. “Grandpa first.” Belle paused and let Rumple finish opening his. Henry had given him a lovely new red tie, and tie clip. “Read the inscription,” Henry said, with a huge smile.
“Grandpa Gold,” Rumple read. “I never expected anything like this, Henry. Thank you.” He was visibly moved, and Belle squeezed his arm affectionately. “You know, your father would be very proud of the young man you’re becoming.” As Belle had suspected, Rumple was thinking of Bae as much as he was thinking of Henry.
“Thanks, Grandpa.” Henry looked down a bit bashfully before looking at Belle. “Your turn!” Henry said, practically bouncing in his chair.
So much for not being a little kid anymore, Belle thought with amusement. She unwrapped her gift carefully. “Oh Henry.” It was a charm, and written on it with the matching font to Rumple’s tie pin were the words: Grandma Gold. “Thank you!” she took Henry’s hand, and Rumple’s hand too as he leaned over to examine the charm.
“This was very thoughtful, Henry.” He shoulder bumped Belle. “Grandma, and I have something for you too,” Rumple said. Belle bumped her knee against his under the table. This Grandma situation was going to take some getting used to.
Rumple handed Henry a small box, and Henry looked at it curiously. He undid the ribbon and opened the box. “A key?”
“It’s for the lock to your new dirt bike,” Rumple said, his eyes twinkling.
“It’s parked in your mom’s garage,” Belle said. “We asked both of them if it was OK.”
“It took some convincing…”
Henry was speechless for a moment. “Grandpa… I… wow!”
“I know you aren’t old enough to drive yet, but this doesn’t require plates or a license. I’ve hired Billy the mechanic to give you lessons. I’m told he’s the expert around here. And you must promise to wear all of the protective gear required.”
“Yes! Yes, I promise!” Henry rushed out of the booth and stretched to hug both of them. “I have to go and tell my moms! Gramps is gonna go nuts too!” He rushed off towards Regina and Emma who were talking with Snow and Charming over dinner.
“Good choice, Rumple.” Belle said. She took the tie pin out of the box and placed it on his tie. Rumple indicated for her to turn around, and he attached her new charm and necklace around her neck.
“My grandson did well with these gifts as well.”
“Speaking of gifts...” Belle nodded towards the back of the diner.
Jefferson was there with Grace. They were dressed festively, and they both beamed with happiness. Jefferson was just placing the locket around Grace’s neck. She held it open in her hands, studying the paintings inside. She stood up on tiptoe and kissed her papa on the cheek.
“We all did well with gifts then,” Rumple mused.
“I haven’t given you yours yet, you know.”
He scrunched up his face as he looked at her. “I didn’t expect anything, sweetheart. We had a nice trip, and I have you…”
“You’re sweet, but I did go shopping, and I do have something for you. It’s at home,” she said with a wink. “Let’s go.” She kissed him softly on the lips, and took his hand, leading him out of the booth. She was certain he’d like his gift, and watching his expression change she was certain he’d gotten the hint.
They slipped out of the diner quietly, onto the snow dusted streets, and off to spend the rest of their holiday enjoying each other’s company at home.
Title: Game Night
Author: (S)Ydnam
Word Count: 1894
Prompt: “Rumple sucks at Scrabble”
AN: Short and silly and set in a vague time period. Written for @smartgirlsaremean for the 2016 Rumbelle Secret Santa. Hope you enjoy it!
“There’s a party at Granny’s this Saturday. For Christmas,” Belle said as she walked into the shop bearing a bag from the aforementioned diner.
“So I’d heard,” Rumplestiltskin said, not looking up from the ledger on the counter in front of him. “Christmas isn’t for another week.”
“We could go,” Belle suggested. She set the bag of food down on the counter in front her. “Get out for a bit. See our friends.”
“Your friends,” Rumple corrected her gently, still intent on his ledger.
“Your family,” Belle countered.
“Henry is,” he allowed, finally looking up and closing the ledger. “The rest are, shall we say, family-adjacent.” Which was far kinder, he was sure, than what they considered him. Henry, of course, was the exception to the rule. “Of course, being married to me you’re just as adjacent to the lot of them as I am.”
Up until that moment Belle had refrained from rolling her eyes but there were limits even to her self-control. “I’m sure Henry will be at Granny’s. We can sit with him while we’re there.”
“If his mothers allow it.” And if he agreed to go. Which he certainly wasn’t going to do without a fight. Or at least a very compelling argument from his wife.
“Rumple. They aren’t going to object to the boy sitting with you in the middle of a crowded diner. Honestly, what do you think they think you would do to him with half the town watching you?”
“I’m sure you don’t want to know.”. He paused. “Although I believe I’m curious. Shall we ask them?” The horrors they might imagine would be entertaining even if nothing else about that party would be.
“You can ask them whatever you like,” Belle answered. “As long as you ask at the party.”
“Or we could skip the party and spent a lovely quiet evening in our home. Doing whatever you like.”
“Whatever I like?” Belle repeated. “Deal. Now let’s eat before the burgers I brought get cold.”
“Why do I suddenly feel as if I’ve made a mistake?” Rumple shook his head and reached for the bag of food and began unpacking their lunch.
Belle smiled, came around the counter to kiss his cheek, and took a bite of her burger.
***
“That must be Henry,” Belle called up the stairs as she went to answer the door. “Come down here and be grandfatherly.”
“I’m his grandfather,” Rumple pointed out as he made his way down the staircase. “I’m always grandfatherly by default.”
Belle shook her head at her husband and quickly ushered Henry into the living room. “Thank you for coming, Henry. I didn’t want to spend another evening alone here.”
“And here I thought you’d no reason to complain about evenings spent alone with me.”
“Um, eww.” Henry made a face. “More than I needed to know.”
“That was not being grandfatherly,” Belle said under her breath.
“Right, anyway.” Henry was eager to change to subject back to something less appalling. “Thanks for inviting me. I never really get to see you two.”
“You are always welcome here, Henry,” Belle assured him.
“As long as you warn us you’re coming,” Rumple clarified. “And your mothers aren’t under the mistaken belief I’ve kidnapped you. They do know you’re here?”
Henry nodded. “I didn’t really want to go to the thing at Granny’s but you know how the moms have been about leaving me home alone lately. So when Belle asked if I wanted to come over it seemed like a great idea, plus game night’s kind of a tradition. When I was little,” Henry explained. “And it was just me and my mom, we’d watch movies and play games on Christmas Eve.”
“It’s not even Christmas Eve,” Rumple pointed out. “And might I ask why you aren’t inflicting your wholesome family fun on any of your other relatives?”
“Grandpa, other Grandpa I mean, and Grandma and the baby went with the moms to the thing at Granny’s.”
“The party you didn’t want to go to,” Belle pointed out. “You wouldn’t be playing board games tonight if you’d just been sociable, Rumple. But instead you said we could do whatever I wanted and I wanted to invite Henry here. Family should see each other around the holidays. And besides, you like games.”
He did enjoy games. He enjoyed winning them more than playing them which was what led to the appearance of cheating in some instances. In other instances, if he were being entirely honest, it was more than just the appearance.
“He cheats,” Belle warned Henry as they sat down at the table. “So keep an eye on him.”
“Cheat?” Rumplestiltskin sighed, holding a hand to his heart. “You wound me.”
“What do you call your performance the other night, then, if not cheating?” Belle looked at him expectantly.
“Creative gameplay. Nowhere did the rules prohibit any of my actions.” Nowhere did the rules explicitly allow for any of his actions either but it was hardly his fault if the manufacturers failed to account for the use of magic.
“As I said, he cheats.” Belle was smiling fondly as she repeated her earlier statement to Henry. “We were playing Scrabble. He’s terrible at Scrabble. Even when he cheats.”
“How do you cheat at Scrabble?” Henry asked. “I mean, Grandma Belle would know if you made up words. She’s a librarian!”
“Just Belle, Henry, please.” Belle was certain if she repeated that request often enough the boy would stop calling her Grandma. “And yes, I would. He was rather more creative than just making up new words.”
“Maybe we should play Scrabble,” Henry suggested. He wanted to see this for himself. Belle nodded her agreement while trying not to laugh at the eager expression on the boy’s face. “Grandpa? Scrabble ok with you?”
“I don’t believe I have a choice in the matter,” Rumplestiltskin grumbled half-heartedly. “A deal is, after all, a deal. I would like to formally register my objection, however, on the grounds that Scrabble is a terrible game.”
“You only think it’s terrible because you never win, Rumple,” Belle said as she produced the Scrabble box with such speed that Rumple suspected this had all been part of some elaborate scheme between his wife and grandson though he was unsure what their ultimate goal was. He resigned himself to finding out the endgame soon enough.
“What movie should we watch?” Henry asked as he scooped the loose tiles from the box into their bag. “I brought a couple DVDs or we could try Netflix. Wait, do you even have Netflix?”
“Netflix, WiFi, no you may not have the password, running water, all the modern amenities,” Rumple assured him dryly. “What do you take me for?”
Henry grinned at his grandfather rather than taking the bait. “Where’s the remote?”
Ten minutes later after a spirited debate over the virtues over a variety of Christmas movies including Die Hard, Gremlins, and A Muppet Christmas Carol, they settled on the original Grinch and sat back down to begin the game.
The first few turns were uneventful. Then Belle bingoed on a double word score. Henry offered a high five while Rumplestiltskin sighed dramatically about how he had the lowest score and yet was the only one accused of cheating. The tiles, thus far still randomly drawn, were not serving him well. No one needed that many vowels at once. Even wasting a turn on swapping out his letters hadn’t helped him get anything usable for more than the most basic of words. Until now when suddenly he had an excellent opportunity to make up ground.
“That’s not a word, Grandpa,” Henry said, pointing at newest arrangement of letters on the board. “Nice try.”
“It certainly is.” Perhaps the word was not found in American English but it was hardly fair to restrict him to one language from one world when he had several lifetimes of language learning to draw from.
“Is it in the Scrabble dictionary?” Henry, of course, had brought one of those with him.
Rumple narrowed his eyes at his traitorous grandson. “You just happened to bring that with you?”
“I take game night very seriously,” Henry said gravely. “Plus I was a boy scout so I know to be prepared.”
“It is a word,” Belle agreed. “But it won’t be in that dictionary and your grandfather knows it. If it suddenly appears on the page that would be evidence of the creative gameplay he was telling us about. You lose a turn, Rumple.”
The next few turns passed without fuss until Rumple found himself needing a Z. There was nothing explicitly spelled out in the rules about changing one tile into another temporarily. And if the real Z were still in the bag of tiles no one would notice he’d changed the face of this one until that one was drawn. He considered making the I into a blank tile instead but that was a waste of 10 potential points and he needed all the help he could get.
“I have a Z already,” Belle said. “Are you sure you want to spell that word I think you’re trying to spell?”
It was a simple matter of swiping his thumb across the tile to replace the newly minted Z with a blank face. He played it, the triple word score no longer so appealing as it once was, and practically dared his opponents to challenge the word. The rest of the game passed without incident until there were no tiles left and it was discovered there were three blank tiles instead of the usual two.
“There is nothing in the rules,” Rumple protested, “saying that the tiles have to remain in their original state.”
“The rules also don’t spell out that you shouldn’t set the board on fire, Rumple, and yet everyone knows that’s so.” Belle shook her head. “Of course, there’s also nothing written about punishment for blatant magical cheating but perhaps house rules should apply. What would be a suitable punishment for that sort of thing?”
“You know,” Henry said, sliding his chair back from the card table hurriedly, “the movie’s over and I probably should make an appearance at the thing at Granny’s and if I head out now my moms won’t have to come pick me up here. Thanks for having me over.”
“It’s cold outside Henry, don’t be silly. We’ll drive you.”
“We will?” Rumple asked. Seeing the look Belle was giving him he nodded, only slightly reluctantly. “We will. I’ll get my coat and the keys. I suppose we’ll need to go inside?”
“Seems a fitting reward for your creative gameplay,” Belle answered before giggling at the long-suffering sigh her husband gave her in response.
It was a short drive to the diner. Everywhere in Storybrooke was a short drive. Just long enough for Rumplestiltskin to prepare himself for forced small talk and holiday merriment. As they walked to the entrance of the diner, Belle hooked her arm through his and he found himself smiling in spite of himself.
“I’ve a reputation to repair,” he said, pausing before opening the door to Granny’s.
Your prompt was a funny one and I hope you will like it. I tried my hardest. I’m sorry if you get this on the 21st, I’m not sure of the time zones and so on. I’m sorry I was not the most present of Santa either.
Anyway, without further ado, I present you your fic !
Prompt : The moonlight is perfect
Summary : Gold is bored during Neal's wedding until he meets Belle.
AO3 link.
UNDER THE MOON
Today had everything to be a good day. This lovely day of August was also the day his son married the woman he loved, his childhood sweetheart. Mr. Gold was a lucky man, indeed. His son had left the small town of Storybrooke to seek a job in Boston and had found his childhood sweetheart there. They had reconnected and Emma had gotten pregnant. And after three months of asking, she had accepted his proposal. Of course, Gold had offered them to pay for the wedding but his son had always refused his help. In the end, the wedding was a small affair. Friends and family only.
Neal's family consisted mostly of him, since his mother had not even bothered responding to the invitation. He had invited his friends from work - his son worked in TV production as a cameraman for a local Boston channel - to the ceremony and only Ursula Waters, the field news reporter he was usually partnered with, to the meal afterward.
Emma Nolan's immediate family was bigger, and her circle of friends was also larger. Their flat in Boston was too small to hold the gathering so Mr. Gold had offered the use of his wood cabin for it. It was the only help his son and future daughter-in-law had accepted.
The cabin was comfy, cosy, with a separate bedroom and a very large living room area with a huge fireplace. Gold hoped it would be big enough. He had seen the list of people Emma had wanted to invite to the dinner and where his son had been reasonable, she had not been. Her parents were invited, her friends from work, her friends from high school, college… At least 20 persons.
And then, the pestering for a date had started. Neal had suggested a colleague of his, Mallory Ficent, as his plus-one, but Gold had refused, saying he could find his own date, thank you very much. So Neal had smiled smugly and told him to find one. In the end, Gold had asked a business partner of his. Carella Devils, a notorious half-drunk, half art-dealer. The woman could swim in shark-infested parties, she could handle a wedding party on his arm. The promise of free drinks interested her, but Gold knew she was curious about how he would handle the people there. Gold didn't like people and people didn't like Gold.
The meal and party had started and indeed, the rule applied. Gold was sitting between his son and Carella. The music was loud and some persons were dancing in front of the fireplace on his lovely persian rug. He sighed deeply, wishing the hours could fly fasted. He hated it. He hated it all. He stood the hellish situation only for his son. To be honest, Gold regretted not having insisted to pay for the meal. Neal had used some shitty catering services and so they were eating lasagnas instead of the fancy meals he could have paid for.
"Gold," Carella hissed. "The alcohol is horrendous…"
He couldn't even protest, she was right. He made a sad hum and observed the party. Ursula Waters was chatting with Mrs Lucas - the grand mother one. Had Emma invited all of Storybrooke ? He just hoped Granny was not responsible for the mess in his plate or he would raise the inn's rent. He had not let his son leave Storybrooke to eat Granny's cooking at his wedding. The elder woman turned to him and glared. He scowled at her and looked away, angry at himself for letting her see him stare.
The younger Lucas was dancing in front of the fire with a woman he didn't know, her new girlfriend probably. She had striking blue eyes, a lovely brown braid descending down her back and a dress that was probably too short. She had legs a mile long and Gold realized he would not mind licking them up. He blushed suddenly and looked down at his plate. What was he doing ? He had no business leeching at pretty lesbians.
"Yeah she is cute as fuck, I agree," his 'date' commented.
Gold pinched the bridge of his nose, remembering Carella did like women too. "She is spoken for," he replied. "Miss Lucas."
"Ah fuck. Well, one never knows… Things do happen during weddings."
"If anything happens, make sure it does not in the bedroom. Neal and Emma spend the night here."
Carella chuckled and fell silent. She was staring at Ursula Waters. Gold rolled his eyes at the twinkle in hers. She muttered to herself "Oooh and who have we got here…"
Before he could do anything, she got up and went to greet Neal's coworker. Somehow, he had the feeling he had just lost his date for the evening. She was right, though. Things did happen on weddings, even to bicoloured tall and rude drunks, Gold thought as he saw the matching twinkle in Waters' eyes.
Gold leaned into his seat and helped himself to a glass of bad whisky, hoping alcohol would help make the evening go faster.
A makeshift bar had been improvised on the kitchen counter. After the meal, before the dessert, people started to dance. Tables were pushed against the sides and Gold found shelter in the kitchen by the mock-up bar. It was good. It was closer to the bottles.
"Congratulations," a lovely voice said after he had developped a nice drunken buzz.
He turned his head toward the voice and saw the lovely woman he had seen earlier, Lucas Junior's girlfriend.
"You must be mistaking. I'm not the Gold who's getting married."
She chuckled and his heart lurched. She had such a beautiful smile.
"I know," she replied. "You're his father… The father of the groom. I thought congratulations were in order."
"Well thank you…"
He knocked back a drink, another whisky and he immediately poured another. It prompted a frown on her face that made her utterly adorable to him. Since when did he find anger attractive ? In his exes, Milah and Cora, he had always found this feature distasteful.
"You should stop drinking," she commented. "Or at least, not so fast."
"Why shouldn't I? After all, it's cheap, bound to give me acid at some point, and it's the only thing that helps me stand this party." He pointed at the crowd dancing. "Look at them… Ridiculous and…"
The cute girl's frown deepened. "They are having fun, sharing the moment. They are feeling good and you are here, all alone and sad. Who's ridiculous?"
He stared at her. She had ice in the gaze now and he couldn't stand it. Gold sighed.
"Do forgive me, Miss…?"
"French, Belle French."
"Do forgive me, Miss French. It seems that I am too drunk to be good company."
"Even drunks need company, Mr. Gold. However, you should put the drinking on hold."
As an answer, he finished his glass. She took it from his hands and put it away from him in retaliation.
"Look," she said. "Your son is happy."
He looked and saw she was right. Neal was dancing with Emma, pressed against her, their fingers entertwined. They were in their own little world, oblivious to the world as lovers should be.
Gold softened and smiled tenderly. "Yes…"
Miss French smiled at him.
"This other one, though," he commented, nodding toward a bearded short man who was looking ridiculous in a suit, and was attempting some kind of a twist dance.
"Oh, Leroy is a gem." She held her hand out. "Will you dance with me, Mr. Gold ?"
It was tempting. He wanted to hold her. There was something there, between them.
"Won't… Won't Miss Lucas mind ?" he asked.
Miss French's brow furrowed in confusion. "Why would Ruby mind if I was dancing with you ?"
"She… She is your… your girlfriend."
She stared at him… and burst out laughing.
"Oh no, no ! She's just my friend ! Why do you think so ?"
"You were dancing with her…"
"Oh my god, Mr. Gold, you're too much !"
She took his hand, a shiver ran down his back. She led him to the edge of the mock-up dancefloor and rested her hands on his shoulders.
"Hold me," she breathed out.
He obeyed and rested his hands on her hips awkwardly. They started to sway awkwardly around the area. There was something about her. He had no clue about who she was, yet he allowed her to manhandle him. He needed to get a grip. Knowledge was power, so he needed to know her to demysticize her.
"You work with Emma ?" he asked.
"I work with her occasionally… I've heard you had an antique and pawnshop ?"
"I do."
He needed to find the silver tongue he seemed to have lost.
"What do you do for a living ?" He managed to ask, wanting to take control of the conversation.
"I work in a school library."
Gold wondered how a school librarian could help a bounty hunter like his daughter-in-law.
"I have books in my shop, first editions," he informed her, figuring out talking about books with a librarian was a safe bet. He hadn't counted on her love of book. She looked thirsty, all of a sudden, and he had the strange feeling of being a mouse on an eagle's menu. Was this what his tenants were feeling when he talked to them ?
"What are they ?" She asked.
"Mostly Victorian eras books. I have a 'Sense and sensibility', 'Jane Eyre', 'Frankenstein'… 'Le fantôme de l'opéra' if you are into books written in a foreign language…"
"Have you read them, Mr. Gold ?"
"Of course," he replied. "I would be an incompetent antique dealer if I didn't know my way around books, paintings and furniture."
However he was more knowledgeable in furniture and clocks, and books were not his forte. Miss French brought him onto the field of literature debate, discussing the reliability of the narrator in 'the remains of the day'. It left him vaguely aroused and utterly impressed.
Sadly, their chat was brought to an end when Neal called everyone out for dessert. Belle went back to her table side. Gold noticed she was sitting next to the ridiculously dancing bearded man - Leroy, as she had called him. They started chatting and Gold frowned.
"Something's wrong, Pops ?" Neal asked. "Where's your date ?"
"She found someone to finish the night with," he replied, nodding toward Carella and Ursula.
"Ah crap, I'm sorry for you. You'll be alright ?"
"Of course, Carella is just a friend."
Neal gave his father a sorry smile and turned back to his own plate.
Thankfully, after the dessert, people started to leave. After all, it was a wedding night, and the bride and groom wanted to be left alone at some point.
David and Mary-Margaret Nolan hugged Neal, wishing them the best as if he hadn't knocked their daughter up yet. After a while, only a few people remained, Belle French and himself amongst them. When he got up to take his leave too, his legs felt weird under him, as if they were made out of cotton. He was still drunk. Fuck, it would not be easy to drive.
"Neal !" Belle called out his son and came to wrap an arm around Gold's waist. "Your father is drunk."
"Pops, come on, not on my wedding day !" Neal protested, whining just a little.
"Sorry, son. I will drive myself home, you stay here and have fun."
"No way, I'll drive you and come back here."
From his face, Gold could tell it wasn't making him happy. Of course not, it was his wedding day.
"Maybe I could drive him ?" Belle suggested, Saint Belle, his saviour.
Gold beamed at her and Neal looked weirdly at him. Obviously, his son didn't trust in his capacity to make friends during festive events.
"Yes !" Gold Senior replied. "She could drive me !"
"What about your car ?" Neal asked Belle.
"I arrived with Leroy, he can drive it back himself."
And so the matter was resolved and the way Belle smiled at Gold made his drinking too much worth it.
After asking Belle a thousand times if she was alright in the head, Leroy left and so had the others. The librarian and Gold were the last ones to leave.
His cabin was deep into the woods and there was quite a long drive to town. For once, it was pleasant, and it was all due to Belle. She was chatting him up, telling him how she had met Emma at her arrival in Boston, how they had become friends, how she had visited Storybrooke each year - hence her knowing townpeople… She had managed to miss him and his shop - a great loss, according to her. She bet his first editions were worth the trip.
The car gave a sudden hiccup and the engine died. The vehicule came to a slow stop, 50 yards after it.
"What have I done ?" Belle asked in a shaky voice.
Her blue eyes were wide and her eyebrows were high. Gold glanced at the lights on the dashboard. One was lit up. The ‘check engine’ one. Well, that's what he was going to do, then.
"It's alright," he said, trying to reassure her. "It happens, it must be an engine stall. You reacted greatly, you haven't crashed us, and we are alright."
She looked a little better and gave him a tiny smile.
"I'm going to go check the engine, to see if a filter is clogged or if a sensor is unplugged," he told her.
She nodded. He bent toward her. As he came closer, the something between them rose again. She was smart, pretty, impressive and could hold her own against him. How could he not feel something for her ? He had to stop it. He looked at the wheel, reached underneath and found the button to unlock the hood. He left the car, not looking behind him.
The night was cold and the moonlight - three quarters of it - was lighting the car. The headlights were lighting the road in front of it. He lifted the hood, blocked it up so that it didn't fall on him and tried to look inside the engine. It was dark. He took his cellphone out, flipped it open and tried to see again. Barely better.
The work, the chill sobered him up. He spent a very long time inspecting the engine block. He had no knowledge of mechanic whatsoever but he understood gears. If anything was unplugged, he could fix it. However, it seemed it was out of his little abilities.
He straightened and closed the hood. Belle was observing him behind the wheel and he shook his head somberly.
Her mouth twisted and she joined him outside.
"So ?" she asked.
"I can't find what's wrong"
"I can't believe you're trying the old trick about the car breaking down to spend time with me alone, Mr. Gold…"
He turned to her. She was coyly looking at him, not looking sorry at all.
"You're the one driving, Miss French."
"Belle," she corrected.
He narrowed his eyes at her for a second. "You're the one driving, Belle…"
"Oops, then," she said with a grin.
Was she… Was she flirting ?
He knew she was not responsible for the breakdown, why was she joking about it ?
"I'm going to call a mechanic," he informed her.
"At this time ?"
"Well…" His mouth twisted. "I'll leave a message on their answering machine, at least."
"And what are we going to do until they get it?"
Gold swallowed, looking around. "Maybe… We can sit in the car and wait ?" he suggested.
"Maybe we can head back to the cabin."
He straightened into pure indignation. "My son is currently on honeymoon in this cabin with your friend. Are you sure you want to be anywhere near it ?"
"Point made,"" she replied. "We can stay here."
He nodded at her and made the call, making sure to describe the place where they were stranded and the number of the road. He paced around, absentmindedly. Nothing would be worse than waiting for the tow truck while it wandered through the forest looking for them and finding them randomly after hours and hours of searching. When he hung up, she had a strange look on her face. Her expression was… intense for lack of a better word, and maybe a little angry too. Well, whatever it was, he was interpreting it as anger.
"So… I've left the message and… Hopefully they will get it first hour and they will come for us."
She stayed silent.
"Maybe we could sit inside, and turn the headlights off to save battery. If we keep the heater on, the battery will die but since the car stalled…"
He couldn't finish his rambling. She walked up to him and kissed him.
It was a delight. He would never thank the car enough for breaking down. Waiting and kissing a lovely woman was a good way of finishing his night, especially if the woman was Belle. Then he realized he would have done it only with her. His heart started beating stronger. There was something there, he knew. What if he wasn't the only one seeing it ?
She tasted of their meal, of the cheap alcohol, of the dessert… It was absolutely heady and intoxicating, and his head swarmed again.
"I've been wanting to do it for hours," she said. "Since the moment you told me one could not trust Mr. Stevens because he was not educated enough to realize that his employer was being manipulated by the politicians."
"I am glad you did," he breathed out.
Belle stroked his back and snaked her hands down to his butt. He gave a tiny squeaky sound when she squeezed it and he thrusted his hips into her.
It was the best feeling in the world. He wanted her. He was already half hard. She couldn't have missed it, not with the smirk she was sporting now. Gold could be quite oblivious but even he could see he would be lucky tonight. He wanted her, she wanted him, they had free hours, and no witness apart from a broken cadillac and the occasional wildlife.
"Protection ?" he asked.
"I am on the pill and I haven't had intercourse in a while."
"Same… but I'm not on the pill."
Gold smiled at Belle and slowly brought his lips to hers. Her mouth was so soft, so pliant under his and he couldn't help a little moan. He didn't know her all that well but the draw between them was there, always tangible, always there. Since they had been introduced, their course had brought them here. He was older, not good enough for her but like the old dragon he was, he would hoard her and keep her with him until the end of time.
She grabbed the lapels of his jacket and pushed them off his shoulders. He mumbled a positive sound in her mouth and wrapped his arms around her. He leaned her against the car and pressed himself against her and her against the side of the car. They had danced around each other all evening, and he had been patient enough. If the little prey had not wanted to be eaten, she wouldn't have danced near the predator all night long. Truth be told, he wasn't even sire which one of them was the predator. Maybe they both were and so it was a mating of the equals… In any case, slow and tender would come later. Now was the time for passion and roughness.
Belle unbuttoned his waistcoat and opened it. She growled when she saw the dark blue shirt underneath, closed up to the throat with a tie. She stroked his chest with rigid fingers.
Gold kissed her again. Her taste was quickly becoming an addiction and his tongue stroked the roof of her mouth. In answer to this, she groaned and tore his shirt open. His tie was in the way so Belle could not remove it from his body.
He let go of her to loosen up his tie and remove it from his neck. It fell onto the road.
Belle suddenly flipped them off, pressing him against the door, and kissed his chest before biting his left nipple. The sudden pain made him shout. Echoes of his voice fled through the trees around them and he couldn't help smiling. She busied herself licking the bite mark she had made and turning it into a gigantic hickey, nearly black in the moonlight. Gold wasn't bothered by this. After all, it all seemed like a dream so a proof it wasn't some hallucination brought up by an abuse of cheap booze was welcome. The little laps, the tiny nicks tugged at his balls, making him harder.
"Oh fuck,"" he growled out. ""Oh for fuck sake…."
"Yes…"
He grabbed her by the jawline and gently pulled her up back to his face for another kiss… Her teeth clashed messily with his but it was perfect, really. His heart was beating strongly in his chest. The alcohol on her lips was slowly disappearing. He licked her tongue, felt it stroking his, and it was the best physical feeling of his latest decade. His hands ran up her back and came to entangle with her long hair. Belle released a little moan and broke the kiss off to lap his mouth as a reward.
He smiled at her, and she grinned. Her eyes were sparkling, she was shining, and the moonlight falling on her face as she looked up at him… Oh god, she was gorgeous and his heart squeezed tightly in his chest.
She caressed the front of his trousers and he moaned in pleasure. He was fully hard and the pressure was ecstatic. He buried his face in her throat and felt her pulse going crazy under his kisses. He hugged her tighter molding her to him, her arm between them.
"You're wearing too many clothes," he purred into her ear.
"It's night time," she reminded him.
He could see her point, really. After all, it was cold and they were exposed. She was in a lovely tiny dress that could be bunched around her waist for the moment. His erection ached and he wanted to sink into Belle and never ever go out again.
"Let's go inside the car," he offered.
His cadillac was huge, they would be safe and warmer.
She took his hand and led him inside the vehicle.
"I wouldn't have minded doing it on the hood," she commented.
"I have a garage," he blurted out, closing the door.
They stared at each other, suddenly very aware of the possible outcomes of the evening. They could say goodbyes or… see each other again. Up until now, despite hoping for it, Gold had never thought she could want more than a standard post-wedding one night stand. He would have been happy of it, but if he was honest with himself, he would be even happier to see her again.
Belle gave her a look, clearly wondering if she wanted to buy. Her lips were pursed - oh so sexy- before they stretched into a smile. "
"I'd like to visit your garage," she ended up saying.
He grinned like an idiot, happily. "How about a breakfast first ?"
"Food first sounds even better."
She wrapped her arms around Gold's shoulders and kissed him gently, with none of the aggressiveness they had shown outside as if being somewhat sheltered from the cold had dulled the sharpness of their passion. He was feeling warm, content, and he kissed her back with enthusiasm. He rested his brow on hers. Belle French was a storm that had taken his life upside down.
She pushed him onto his back on the backseat and straddled his lap. She stroked his groin again, mapping the outlines of his erected cock. She opened his slacks and lowered his boxers under his balls. He was too delicious and she was too hasty.
Gold shuddered under her and he thrust his hips up. He smiled at her - his face started to hurt from all the smiling he did. Such a breach of character. However, staying with her made bugs throw a party in his belly and shoot fireworks in his brain.
Belle took his cock in hand and gave him several tugs.
"Perfect," she whispered before straddling his hips.
She reached under her to push the gusset of her panties aside and sat onto his dick, taking him inside her. The sudden warm wetness in which he was engulfed pierced him from the inside out. It was so… perfect. Absolutely, absolutely perfect.
"Belle…" he muttered.
He caressed her belly and her breasts. She was still clothed, having just gathered her dress around her waist. She rolled her hips over his, getting up and down on his cock, her whole body bobbing. She may have had small breasts but their bouncing at the same time as her hips was a definite turn-on. He was so keyed up, so hard, so fast, he nearly forgot he wasn't alone. He started stroking her between the legs, circling her clit with his thumb.
When Belle felt the new stimulation, she squealed happily and tilted her hips down to receive more. Her thrusts became more shallow as pleasure rose into her, and Gold could feel her thigh muscles shaking against his own. She released a loud shout when she came. Fire burned through his veins, and his world came in sudden bright colours as she milked his orgasm out of him.
He emptied himself into her, moaning loudly, shouting his pleasure into her. God, this was exquisite.
She rested on his chest, both panting loudly. The windows were steamy on the inside and he stroked her hair gently. She smiled against his pec and gave a kiss to the hickey she had given him. He felt sleep taking hold of him, and he regretted not having a blanket to cover them up. He didn't want her to go cold.
A sharp knock woke them up. A young black man with a cap from "Gus’ mechanic services" stood by the car, an amused smirk on his lips, and Gold’s shirt in his hand.
"I'm here to tow you into town," he informed them. "I'll wait while you… dress."
They stayed into the car as it got towed back to the garage.
When they entered Granny's inn, holding hands, ready for a breakfast, Gold thought that he had never ever been so happy Emma had invited so many people. The next chapter of his life was starting now.
Hello Darling, @skipbeatgirly39! It was so much fun being your Santa and working on your prompt! I hope I did it justice and look forward to getting to know you off anon!
Description: Rumple has a chance encounter with a woman he has never seen before. It leads him on a chase that he never could have seen coming.
Words: 2,115
A03
Searching
With his cane planted firmly between his feet, Rumple glared out at the travesty unfolding in front of him. He lived for centuries facing darkness, pirates, evil queens, and two ogre wars, but this was different. As he closed his eyes the sounds enveloped him, shouting screaming, and an occasional cry. A hand on his shoulder shook him and he opened his eyes again.
“Thank you again, Gold. Henry couldn’t be happier.” Emma’s hand fell from his shoulder as she stepped outside to join the party. When Rumple agreed to let Emma host his grandsons birthday party at his house he couldn’t have prepared himself for what would unfold. The number of people, the volume of music, the mess, it was all too much. Hesitantly, he crossed the threshold and stepped out onto the patio. Children ran in circles shouting and laughing. The adults stood, gathered in small groups, making idle chit-chat. Rumple had been to the underworld, but in his opinion this was a much more accurate description of Hell. Pacing the perimeter of the party his steps were measured and flattened the grass under him. His eyes grazed over the faces in the crowd. Under most circumstances Rumple wouldn’t so much as hold a conversation with this lot, much less invite them into his home. In an attempt to ward off any potential small talk he avoided eye contact and kept his pace steady. At the edge of his property line the forest opened up like curtains before a play, drawing him in. At first it was one small step at a time and before he realized the noise dropped away and the silence surrounded him. The unfortunate result of silence was that it left plenty of space for thought to rush in. Silence had a way of making Rumple feel tall, like he could stand on the power of his mind. Somehow silence had a way of making everything seem bigger. The blue jay whistling its tune sounded like a symphony; the leaves crunching under his cane echoed like rocks giving way in a canyon. He couldn’t remember the last time he stepped away from the world, even just for a moment. The leaves brushing against his coat left trails of dew, painting constellations down his pant legs. He lost track of how far he walked, the trees blended together and time seemed to slow down.
A faint grunt pulled him from his trance. The noise was soft and at first he wasn’t sure he heard it at all. Then another, a tiny puff of breath, followed by another. Rumple wandered aimlessly at first, the noises too soft to pinpoint, sounds bouncing off the trees. The more he turned and scrambled about the more he felt like he was losing his mind. Suddenly an exasperated groan came from just over his shoulder. Spinning on his heels he pushed aside a few branches and came to a dead stop. A woman stood in front of him. Flecks of light filtered through the trees and caught her skin, causing it to shiny like porcelain. Dark tresses of hair were pinned back away from her face, which was as white as snow. Her eyes were the lightest shade of blue, hardly a shade darker than ice. His gaze followed her form down until he noticed the cause of her distress. It looked as if the ground had opened up and attempted to pull her in. She was shin deep in the darkest mud he had ever seen. Every muscle in her body was tense and she was just staring at him with her saucer eyes. After a moment his thoughts snapped back into place and he reached the handle of his cane out to her. She didn’t move, didn’t even make an attempt. The air between them seemed to freeze and he shook the cane in her direction.
“Go ahead, grab it. I can help you.” He was confused but he tried to keep his voice level. Hesitantly she reached out, grabbing the handle of his cane with both hands. A couple of quick tugs and her feet started to pull loose, she stumbled forward, unsteady on her feet. The mud gave and she fell forward into his arms. The cane fell to the ground between them and he grabbed her shoulders to stop them both from joining it. Still holding her at arm’s length he looked her up and down once more. Cold had permeated her skin and his fingers left pinpricks of warmth down her arms. She was wearing a light pink dress, bare at the shoulders, which fell just below her knee. The hem was dirty and frayed with leaves caked on the front.
“You can see me?”
His eyes shot up from her dress to her face. The sudden movement seemed to startle her and she jumped backwards out of his arms.
“W-what?” he stuttered. The tone of his voice was barely audible but it was enough to cause her to jump again. Suddenly she was at a full sprint, winding through the trees. Instinctively Rumple took several steps after her but his leg groaned in protest. Instead, he watched as the blur of pink faded into the woods.
The rest of the party went on in a haze of color and noise. Once the candles were blown out and the crowd made their way home Rumple sat at the foot of his bed, staring out the window. The trees swayed with the evening breeze and his mind reeled from the events of the day.
Who was that woman?
Where did she go?
Where did she come from?
The remainder of the week moved on in relative normality. During his usual rent collection route though, he decided to take a detour. The library had been boarded up for years, funding never seemed to be aimed in its direction. However, Rumple thumbed the key out of his pocket and shook the aged lock loose. None of the lights worked and the windows were boarded up, making maneuvering through the room difficult. It took longer than expected, but he found the box labeled Zoning Documents in a back corner. The box was covered in a layer of dust an inch thick and was damp to the touch. He didn’t even know what he was looking for, answers, some form of explanation. The pages were discolored and furrowed at the edge but most of them were still legible. Scouring from one side of the town line to the other he was hoping o find a home or a building that he wasn’t previously aware of. Unfortunately, everything was as he thought. The woods around his house extended, uninterrupted, for miles until they met the town line. There were no buildings, not even a noticeable cave system to take shelter in. Rumple swallowed and thumbed through the pages again, hoping to catch something he may have missed. If he was right, that woman was wondering around the woods alone with nowhere to go. A decision was made and before he knew it he was back in the woods, wandering aimlessly. With no idea what he was looking for, or even where he was going, he stumbled through the unsteady terrain on shaking legs.
What if she is lost?
What if she is hurt?
Questions bounced around his head as he pushed branches aside. Once he got to the edge of town, he stood staring out at the landscape before him. The town line fell along the edge of very a steep cliff, easily three stories down, a line no one dare cross. Mindlessly he kicked rocks over the edge, listening as they bounced down the rock face. It would take days for him to cover the expanse of the forest, he may never her.
What does it matter?
It’s not like he had ever been the heroic type. The wellness of others usually fell fairly low on his list of concerns. Something about this girl struck him though. Maybe it was the look on her face or the chill on her skin. While he was deep in thought, the image of her eyes clouding his vision, the ground below him started to give. Slowly at first, one pebble at a time, then all at once the cliff gave out from under him. All the air left his lungs at once as he tumbled towards the ground. There wasn’t any time to think or react and he closed his eyes and accepted the inevitable. After a long moment though, the inevitable didn’t come. His eyes opened a millimeter until he could see the ground below him once more. Laying horizontally, the ground was a few feet below him and he couldn’t move his arms or legs. The relief of not being dead was quickly replaced by the panic of not being able to move. Struggling against whatever force was holding him up his panic grew. Next thing he knew he was being pulled up toward where he had fallen. At this point his legs were shaking, is eyes had closed, and sweat formed on his bow.
“You shouldn’t have come here” a familiar voice whispered. When he opened his eyes he was still a few feet above the ground, suspended upright by what seemed to be branches and vines. In front of him stood the woman in the pink dress. The wind was blowing her hair around and her arms were stretched out at her sides. “Why did you come here?” Her mouth never moved but Rumple heard the words as clear as if he had spoken them himself.
“W-What?” his voice shook. None of this made sense. The vines suddenly pulled taught and Rumple went soaring through the air, stopping just inches from her face.
“Why. Are. You. Here?’ Again her lips never moved. It was as if she was forcing the words directly into his head. Her brows were furrowed and her mouth was drawn into a thin line.
“I-I was worried about you.” He wasn’t sure what else to say, it was the truth. Her expression softened and the wind around them calmed. Slowly the vines lowered Rumple to the ground. He was unsteady on his feet, unbelieving of what was happening. “What are you?” he whispered, it was barely audible. Stepping back she looked him up and down.
“You do not look like a hero.” His cheeks reddened and he folded his hands in front of him.
“Well, that’s because I’m not.” It was true. Rumple believed himself to be a lot of things but a hero was not one of them.
“Then why did you save me?” her tone was flat and her mouth remained still.
“You needed help.” He was staring at the ground, wringing his hands. “What is your name?” She didn’t move and several moments passed in silence.
“Belle.” The wind picked up again, blowing Rumple’s hair around at his collar. He lifted his eyes to her face. Eyes that once resembled the sky in spring were now much closer to thunderstorms. Her bare feet were now hovering a few inches above the ground, like a celestial being. Rumple took a step forward, the electricity in the air making the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. After a few slow steps he was less than a foot from her and he reached forward for her hand. He grasped both of her hands firmly in both of his.
“What are you?” he asked again. His voice was calm and steady even though inside his nerves were on fire. Immediately the air stilled and her feet sank back to the ground. The expression on her face softened and her eyes calmed. She was staring down at her hands in his.
“Lost.” She raised her face to meet his. “I am lost.” The confusion must have been written on his face because she slowed her tone. “My people have existed for centuries. Most of us are scattered across many worlds, spread very thin. We spend our lives searching for the world that holds our true love. Regular humans cannot see us; our light comes across as faint mist to most. The only being that will be able to see us as we really exist are those destined to be our true love.” The realization spread across his face. The reason why she asked him repeatedly if he could see her. The electricity was back again and Rumple could feel it passing from her hands to his. He closed his eyes and leaned in until their lips met. If this was destined, who was he to fight fate.
Belle is a new Keyblade wielder and goes to Rumpelstiltskin for his knowledge on the weapon. Kingdom Hearts AU for @princeslytherin1!
“Rumplestiltskin.”
Belle tried to say the difficult name loudly and clearly, hoping that her voice didn’t waver too much. For eight days she had been on the road, traveling on horses and friendly strangers’ carts, but mostly on foot. No one dared to enter the vicinity of the Dark Castle. Even the forests surrounding the magnificent building seemed empty and devoid of animals.
“Rumplestiltskin”, she said again, her voice cracking this time.
After traveling for over a week, her supplies were running out. Her leather knapsack was nearly empty, holding only a water pouch and a single book. But she’d made it, and the smooth, cool weight attached to her side in its sheath reminded her why she was here.
She was standing right outside the heavy bronze doors of his castle, it certainly wouldn’t be too much for the most powerful wizard in the realm to magic himself outside to his own doorstep, would it?
“Rumplestiltskin!”
A whooshing sound tricked the hairs on the back of her neck, and she turned away from the doors to see a cloud of maroon smoke appearing behind her. Belle found herself face to face with the legend that she’d only heard about from whispered voices behind closed doors, and among the pages of the heaviest, oldest tomes.
The imp had appeared behind her on purpose, startling her and causing her to stumble and lean against the heavy front doors of the castle. As she caught her breath, she stared at the being in front of her. He was dressed in fine clothes: a royal blue silk shirt, dragon hide vest, and fine, black leather pants. Although he wore the clothes of a wealthy, eccentric duke, his shimmering skin made it clear that he was no ordinary mortal. Belle’s eyes traveled up his body to meet his luminescent, lizard-like eyes. Rumplestiltskin blinked once at her before raising his hands and motioning at her,
“You screeched, dearie?” he said. There was a hint of annoyance to his high-pitched voice, as if dealing with these types of calls were an all-too-common interruptance in his day.
“Oh. Yes I did,” she stammered, “M-my name is Belle.”
“Yes, and I’m Rumplestiltskin,” he said, giving her a small bow, “But you already know that, and I didn’t ask for your name. What are you doing outside my castle?”
Belle stared, still distracted by his intimidating appearance. Do the brave thing and bravery will follow. She swallowed before finally answering,
“I need your help.”
“Do you now?” he asked slowly, a grin forming as he moved his fingers back and forth, staring at her as if considering her worth.
“I-” she hesitated. Suddenly she was unsure if coming here was the right decision. But there were no magicians in her own kingdom, and she needed a true expert for this case.
“I’m… in possession of a magical object. I thought you may be able to help me, I want to know what it can do.”
Belle grasped the handle of the object at her side and carefully unsheathed it, revealing a long object that looked like a sword. Two horizontal metal pieces at the end of it gave it away as an object much more powerful than a standard knight’s sword. The handle at the top was an intricate design of golden and silver curls, and the shaft was made of shining, glistening steel that led down to the end piece, which looked like it was made to fit an intricate lock. It was a blade in the shape of a large key.
His yellow-green eyes widened as he took in the object in her small hands.
“Where did you get it?” he said softly, the rough edges to his voice softening in awe.
“It was hidden away in the library of my father’s castle. A relic from my people’s kingdom that hasn’t been used for a very long time.”
The evening was still etched in Belle’s memory. Vividly she recalled wandering through her castle’s large library, heading farther and farther into the back corners in search of books she hadn’t read. In the recesses of the library, she’d found a bookshelf against a wall that appeared slightly ajar. Belle frowned. This bookshelf was doubling as a door.
Cautiously she peered behind it and held her candle in front of her to shine light into the stone room. It was bare except for a long object lying horizontally on top of a gold leaf pedestal. As Belle approached it, she saw that it appeared to be a giant key of some sort. A giant key with a handle? She reached out and ran just her thumb along the handle of the blade, and suddenly the whole object gained a golden halo. She watched it glow and pulse with energy as she touched it with the tips of her fingers.
“It chose you.” Rumplestiltskin said matter-of-factly, interrupting her story.
“I asked Papa but he told me to leave it where it was, it wasn’t an object to be used. But I researched it. It’s a Keyblade. Most kingdoms have them, and there was a time when they were used for great purpose. They can perform great magical tasks, people wielded them for good, and-”
“People also wielded them for darkness,” Rumplestiltskin interrupted again, playing a literal Devil’s advocate.
“If it can be used for the good of our kingdom, to save our people from the ogres, why shouldn’t I learn to use it?” Belle argued, her eyebrows furrowed.
“How do you know that you won’t be tempted to use it for something more sinister? A personal agenda or vendetta perhaps? Darkness has a way of creeping in when you’re not paying attention.”
“I’m a hero. I won’t let that happen.”
“They all say that, dearie.” he said darkly.
“Fine, I won’t deny there won’t be temptations, but I’m strong enough to fight it!” Belle exclaimed, “I want to train, I need to do something.”
“I’m not sure you have what it takes.”
“It chose me, you said so yourself. I want to be a Keyblade Master.”
“You’ll need to become an apprentice, and to do that you’ll need to find an actual Keyblade Master. Of which I am not,” he said with a wag of his finger.
“I know that. But I also know that you’re a collector of extremely valuable magical objects AND you have more magical knowledge than anyone in all the realms.”
“And?” he questioned.
Belle growled in frustration.
“Surely you must know something about it? How it works?”
“So what if I do?” he asked, eyebrow quirked.
“Teach me.”
He hummed, looking at her carefully through narrowed eyes. He took several large steps around her, circling her dramatically.
“If you claim to know so much about me, then you’ll also know that Rumplestiltskin never does anything for free.”
“You want to make a deal.” Belle stated warily. Rumplestiltskin grinned, and let out a high-pitched giggle,
“Well if you insist!” he answered happily, clapping his hands. A contract appeared in his hands, along with a large feathered quill filled with maroon ink. Instead of reaching for the quill, Belle took the contract from his hands.
“What are you doing?” he asked, watching her study the contract and peer closely at the elegant, scrawling script.
“Reading the contract, obviously.” she stated, still looking at it closely. “Why are you asking? Do people really not do this?”
He was caught off guard for a moment, she could tell by the way he didn’t instantly answer her with a quip. Before he could respond, she looked up from the contract with furrowed brows.
“You want me to use it to make a portal?” she questioned.
“If that’s what it says, then that’s what I want dearie.” he said, the edge creeping back to his voice.
“Why would you need me to make you a portal? You have magic, can’t you do it yourself?”
“Answering questions about things beyond the Keyblade and it’s powers is not part of the deal. You have my word that this portal won’t bring harm to you or your kingdom, which is what you care about isn’t it?”
“Yes, but-”
“Then my reasons are my own. I teach you about the blade, you make me a portal when we’re finished.”
They stared at each other for a minute, Belle’s bright blue eyes searching his face for an answer he wasn’t giving away easily.
“Fine,” she said. She reached out took the quill from his other hand and quickly signed her name along the bottom of the contract.
“It’s settled then!” Rumplestiltskin said with grin, revealing his dark teeth.
Before Belle could say anything else, the world around her disappeared and her vision was clouded by maroon smoke. She closed her eyes and coughed, and when she opened them she was inside a large dining hall. There was a long oak table in the middle, and one side was taken up by large window frames with their glass panes covered by heavy tapestries. There was a large fireplace against another wall that provided most of the light to the room, along with several candelabras in each corner. Rumplestiltskin stood in front of her, his arms folded behind his back.
“Now as you said so yourself, I am not a Keyblade Master. I don’t have the practical knowledge for this object, but I can teach you through the theoretical knowledge I’ve come across.”
Belle blinked, still trying to orient herself to the new and sudden surroundings.
“We’re going to begin right now?” she questioned, feeling the length of her journey in her bones.
“There’s no time like the present, dearie!” he said, his voice carrying and echoing off the walls of the stone room.
“Of course,” she said, mustering up all the strength in her reserves. She came all this way to learn, she wasn’t going to disappoint during her first lesson.
An hour later and Belle had almost reached her limits. Her arms were aching from holding the blade and practicing positions, and Rumplestiltskin was being less than gracious when her poor balance and lack of grace took over.
“You’re doing it wrong.” he said again.
“I’m trying,” Belle said trying to keep her annoyance at bay.
“Lift with your bicep not your shoulder, unless of course you’re trying to injure yourself.” He circled around behind her and pressed a clawed hand to her shoulder, trying to relax her posture. When the tension eased, he stepped back and gestured for her to continue. She took two steps forward swinging the Keyblade in a wide arc before a muscle spasmed in her arm and she dropped the blade. As it clattered to the floor, Rumplestiltskin tsked at her.
“Wrong again. If you don’t master the form, you can’t channel the power properly.”
Belle wiped several strands of hair off her sweaty brow and growled in frustration.
“Show me then.”
“No, no, I can’t hold it,” he said and Belle held in a snarl at the condensation in his voice.
“The Keyblade has a special power that only lets a chosen wielder hold it. You-” he gestured towards her, “chosen wielder. Me: not so chosen.”
“Well I’m trying my best.” she said, attempting the motion again.
Rumplestiltskin watched her ungraceful movements and shook his head, clucking his tongue in disappointment.
He strode over to the large stone fireplace built into the wall, and removed the fire iron from the hearth. As he approached Belle once more, he held up the iron in front of him.
“Like this.” he said, and began to swing the poker like a blade. She watched his gestures, how each movement seemed to flow into the next, and tried to memorize the graceful way he swung and stabbed the air with the iron.
“Now you,” he said, turning to her.
Belle tried to copy the sequence of movements but she got tripped up while attempting one of the overhead swings he’d performed.
“It’s too compli-”
“Stop.” He held up a hand before she could continue. “Do it with me this time, and let the blade in your hand guide the rest of your movements.”
She wiped her brow once more and nodded, lifting her Keyblade up to signify she was ready. Slowly he opened his stance and began to swing the fire iron in rhythmic movements, as Belle followed along. When he began to turn, she tried to copy his steps exactly before he yelled “Focus on the blade, not the feet”. They turned in a circle in tandem, the blades leading the way and Belle didn’t trip once.
A few sequences later, and she was feeling more at ease with the Keyblade in her hand. It helped having him move along with her. Belle couldn’t help but giggle at the image of Rumplestiltskin practicing sword play with an everyday, household fire poker.
Suddenly, a sound like Belle had never heard before distracted her from her practice, drawing her attention to the doorway of the great hall they were in. She had to blink a few times to process that there was something there at all, but soon she realized that a shadow-like creature was standing at the entrance. It’s entire body was ink-black, except for a pair of glowing yellow eyes, and it had what looked like long antennas on its head. It was slightly shorter than she was, but its lack of features and soulless eyes made it intimidating. A shiver ran down her spine as she stared at it.
“What is that?” she asked softly, not taking her eyes from the creature. Rumplestiltskin was motionless, standing a few feet away from her.
“The being is called a Heartless.” he said slowly.
“A Heartless?” she questioned, not liking the sound of the name.
“They’re born from the darkness in people’s hearts.”
“And where did this one come from?” she asked, fear creeping in as the Heartless hovered at the door.
“It may have been hiding in here for an exceedingly long time, they’re attracted to places shrouded in darkness. The number of hearts that have been darkened here over the years…” he trailed off and Belle noticed he had the decency to look slightly ashamed.
“Dwelling in the recesses of my castle, it would’ve saw no need to come out,” he continued, “until now that is.”
Belle followed his gaze and looked at the Keyblade in her hand. He shook his head slightly,
“There hasn’t been a source of light here in a very long time. And there’s never been a Keyblade here before.”
“And that means?” Belle asked, her eyes widening as two more of the creatures appeared in the doorway. The three began to approach them, moving quickly and without fear of either the blade or Rumplestiltskin himself.
“It means,” he said, lifting the fire poker up once more and positioning himself into a fighting stance, “after all this time, they’re ready to consume.”
He swung the poker and made contact with one of the creatures, sending it flying across the large room. The other two leapt forward at the same time, aiming right for Belle. She let out a yell and ducked and rolled out of the way, maintaining her grip on the blade as she did so. Quickly she sat up on the hard floor and saw Rumple’s makeshift weapon connect with another of the creatures, but this time only succeeding in pushing it slightly back, it’s dark claws scrabbling into the ground to keep itself steady.
“I can hold them back but I can’t destroy them with this, dearie!” he snapped, waving the fire poker in his hands, before swinging it again to hold a creature back. “You need to do it with that.”
Belle glanced at the Keyblade as she stood up, noting how it felt warmer in her hand. After sending another Heartless flying back towards the double windows, Rumplestiltskin moved backwards towards Belle, keeping his eye on the three creatures who were quickly approaching them once more.
The Heartless began to spread apart as they approached, making a circle around the duo. Rumple quickly turned to keep an eye on one that was beginning to circle in from behind, leaving him and Belle back to back.
“So they won’t stop until they have this?” Belle asked while gripping the blade, trying not to let the fear come through in her voice. They slowly moved in a circle, making sure that all three Heartless were in sight at all times as they moved even closer.
“In a word, yes. Keyblades are a homing beacon, and wielders are at constant risk of these kinds of attacks. But they’re also always on the hunt for pure hearts, to consume and spawn more Heartless.” Rumplestiltskin said over his shoulder.
“Great. So the target on my back is the size of a wagon wheel then?”
“Precisely.”
Just then one of the Heartless charged forward, right at Belle.
“I’ll watch your back, hit it once and you’ll destroy it. Just don’t miss your mark!” Rumple shouted.
Belle opened her stance, one foot forward, and lifted the blade above her head. When the Heartless was a mere foot away, she plunged the Keyblade down, striking it directly through the chest. As soon as the blade went through, the creature disappeared in a plume of black smoke. She blinked in shock, surprised that the dark creature had been vanquished so quickly.
“It’s gone!” she yelled back at him. Her heart was racing, her skin tingling in a way she had never experienced before.
“Right, how about helping out with these two then.” he said, and she could tell by his voice that there was a smile on his face, even though he was turned the other way. Belle quickly moved to his side, blood coursing through her veins so fast that she almost felt unstoppable. Adrenaline, she thought, knowing the word from a medical book she had read once.
The second Heartless moved forward, raising it’s clawed arms as it jumped. This time Belle stepped in front of Rumpelstiltskin, swinging the Keyblade in a circular motion to connect with the creature before it got within an arm's length of them. Like the first, it also disappeared in a dark cloud of smoke.
They whipped around to face the last one but it was no longer visible. Belle gave Rumple a confused glance before he answered,
“It’s in the shadows.” Belle raised a brow, and he continued. “I mean the literal shadows.”
He gestured to the shadows cast by the glow of the fire. As he did so, Belle gasped as the last Heartless popped up from the shadow of a chair to her left. She turned quickly, swinging in the blade twice in a circle above her head before turning in a twist and swinging. The Heartless avoided the blow, throwing her off balance when she didn’t connect this time.
“Don’t get fancy!” Rumpelstiltskin yelled. Belle lunged to the left and swung once more, connecting this time, and hitting the Heartless across the head, which would have decapitated it if it hadn’t disappeared into a cloud of smoke. She swung so powerfully that she continued turning in a circle, her feet twisting underneath her and before she knew it she was falling backwards. Luckily there was a stunned sorcerer standing behind her who had enough mind to hold out his arms to steady her. But the force of her swing sent them both tumbling to the ground. He hit the ground first, with Belle still in his arms landing on top of him, the force of which knocked all the air from his lungs in a painful “oompf”. They remained on the floor, neither moving except for their mutual heavy breathing.
Belle, slightly dazed and still out of breath from the battle, looked down at him and said,
“I guess I’m a natural.”
Still wheezing a bit from the fall, he managed a chuckle “I’ll admit that it was a shocking display for a beginner. Color me impressed, dearie.”
She grinned as he continued,
“The main requirement for wielding a blade like that is for one to have an exceptionally strong heart. It seems you have something truly special there, Belle French.” he said, removing an arm from around her and placing one hand gently on her rapidly beating heart.
Suddenly, because of either the fast pulse, cloudy head, and tingling sensation in her veins left from the battle or because of the strange feeling of his course skin on her upper chest, Belle had an urgent desire, no need, to kiss him. And before any of the feelings could dissipate, she did.
As soon as her lips crashed onto his, the buzzing feeling she’d been feeling all over intensified. He was stiff for a few moments, but she continued to chase the pleasurable feeling, and soon enough she felt his lips respond. All too quickly though, she felt him nudging her shoulders with his hands, pushing her back gently. Her eyes fluttered open and she looked down to meet his confused and slightly shocked gaze. If the shock wasn’t starting to affect her as well, she may have laughed at how out of place the confusion looked on his intelligent face, but reality quickly set in and she realized what she’d done. She moved to a sitting position, realized that was still too close for comfort, and quickly moved to stand.
“Oh my- I’m so sorry,” Belle said, color rapidly rising on her cheeks as she crossed her arms across her chest, “I don’t know why I did that… It was adrenaline, I think? I’ve read about it in my books...” she trailed off, daring to look down at him to see his reaction.
Rumplestiltskin slowly sat up and met her gaze, before suddenly bursting into laughter. Not his regular giggles that Belle had taken note of during their day together, but deep, resonating laughter that held a hint of a voice from a different time. Belle let out a sigh of relief that he wasn’t angry at her, but the relief quickly turned to annoyance when he continued laughing even as he stood up fully.
“I said I was sorry, it wasn’t that funny,” she said, but her annoyance only seemed to incite his laughter further.
“I don’t see why you’re laughing, Rumplestiltskin, it wasn’t exactly one-sided. Or do you expect me to believe that your lips are magic too, and are able to move on their own?” she asked, one eyebrow arched in question. That shut him up.
She smiled, as his face suddenly became discolored. Was he blushing?
“I really am sorry if I startled you, I think I startled myself,” Belle said, “I’ve never experienced anything like that before.”
“And I’ve never heard anyone so brazen mention books as an excuse before.” he smirked.
She stuttered for a moment, opening and closing her mouth a few times while worrying she would say something else that he might view as silly or childish.
“Nothing to worry about, like you said, adrenaline.” he held her gaze for a moment before looking away and gesturing in the air. He cleared his throat,
“Now I believe we’ve reached the point where you hold up your end of the deal.”
Belle’s eyes widened. She’d almost forgotten that her job in the end was to help him leave this land.
“The portal. Are you sure I’m ready for this?”
“I think you’ve proven yourself quite capable with that tool.” he replied, gesturing toward the blade that lay on the floor nearby them. Belle reached down and picked it up, looking towards him as she did so.
“Tell me what I have to do.”
“You’re going to open a portal to a Lane Between Worlds. I will go through, and you will take that Keyblade back with you to save your kingdom.” he said, but there was a deeper tone to his voice now, less shrill and more, dare she say it, sad.
“I’ve read about them.” Belle said, her voice wavering, “You shouldn’t use a Lane Between very often. Multiple uses will create darkness in you, erode away at your body, your soul-”
“I think I’m just about full with all the darkness I can fit, don’t you think?”
“I’m not so sure.” she said softly, reaching for his hand. He blinked his large eyes a few times, before slowly letting go, allowing his fingers to linger on hers as he stepped away. He walked quickly to a spot a few feet away, retrieving the fire iron from the floor.
“Are you ready?” he asked, picking it up and returning to her side.
“Ready.”
“Alright, raise your Keyblade up to the sky, hold it straight and steady,” he instructed, going through the motions with her. “Then summon all the power you can from the core of the blade, focus on it, feel the ripples in the magic of the realm around you.”
As Belle focused on his words, a powerful stream of light burst from the end of her Keyblade, creating a large opening in the air above them. The portal grew, revealing a vast interior of swirling dark greens, blues, and purples.
They stared up into the portal, memorized by its vastness as they stood side by side. Belle turned to look at him, taking in the pure joy on his face.
“I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
He focused his attention on her, looking at her quizzically as she continued to speak.
“You don’t seem like you’re running away from something, more like running to something. Or someone.”
He paused for a moment before whispering something so softly, she thought she may have heard incorrectly. It sounded like “My son.” Belle smiled.
“Well whatever it is, good luck.” she said sincerely.
“Thank you, Belle. I’ve been working for this for a very long time.” he said, laying the old fire iron down and brushing some invisible speck of dirt from his shirt as he stood, only meeting her gaze as he finished speaking.
“A very long time? I guess it’s lucky I came along then.” she grinned.
“Yes well, crossing realms isn’t easy. There are very few objects that allow you to do so. Keyblades are one of those objects, they open the barrier between worlds in a way that very few other objects can. There are other ways, but it takes a great deal of effort to find them.”
They smiled shyly at each other as the portal swirled and raged above them. Belle became serious once more as she cleared her throat, trying to swallow a lump that had suddenly appeared.
“So I assume you won’t be coming back to this realm then.”
“That remains to be seen,” he said, studying her closely. He must have seen something in her face because he broke into a cheeky grin while saying, “It depends on if I have something to come back for.”
Belle smiled and bowed her head. As the portal whirled in all shades of greens and blues above them, Rumplestiltskin reached for her hand and lifted it to his lips, giving her a gentle kiss. They parted and he readied himself to jump through the portal. What a story, Belle thought. Stopping the ogres from destroying her kingdom suddenly seemed like task she could handle. Strong of heart and a capable Keyblade wielder. These were things she had always been, it had just taken the Dark One to prove it to her.
Rumplestiltskin moved directly under the center of the portal above them and raised a hand in one last farewell. She returned his wave and felt tears prick at her eyes. Although their story was fun, and it had been important, she couldn’t help feeling there was more to it. Before he jumped, he looked back at her one more time,
“I’ve always been one to play the long game, Belle. I have a feeling we’ll see each other again.”
I hope you enjoy the gift! I’ve never played Kingdom Hearts, but I really enjoyed researching it, and writing this prompt ended up being a fun challenge. Happy RSS!
