On Sundays I will pick one or two bits of work that I decide to draw attention to. This could be a fic or a piece of art or some other thing, but it will always be about someone else.
Event - Monthly Rumbelling
Mod: @worryinglyinnocent
This Sunday’s spotlight hits an event that I never imagined I would participate in, but found that I couldn’t get away from. All because of the work of Worry, who is a wonderful mod and works super hard so that Rumbellers have prompts to mold into beautiful storytelling each month.
If you don’t participate in this fun little adventure, head over to the link and take a look at what is to come. Yes, I know a lot of people are doing NaNo, but the good news is that the quarter’s posts include January. So even if you’re too busy in November and want to focus on Rumbelle Christmas gifts in December, you can still take a peek at January and get some ideas for the future.
Another bonus of this event? It is unending. Want more? Worry painstakingly searches through the month’s fics to try and reblog anything that was tagged for that month, so if you want to catch up on your reading, it is all right there in the masterlist. This thing has been going since 2016 and I hope it continues for years to come. It has been an awesome thing to participate in. Hopefully I’ll see some more of you there.
Summary: Fine suits and many layer are Aurum Gold’s preferred form of dress, but on occasion a different outfit is required to fit in at a party. He just needs a little coaxing from the beautiful Belle French to change.
Recipient: @worryinglyinnocent
AN: Hello! It’s your very secret July Santa! It was really nice talking to you over the weeks and I’m glad we got to know each other! I had planned for there to be smut, but it didn’t seem to fit in, I still hope you like the fluff I’ve written you!
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Aurum Gold sorted through his mail with quick and precise flicks of his wrist he arranged two piles of envelopes; one that contained important things he needed to take a closer look at and the other simply junk mail. The last envelope was ostentatious enough that even if it hadn’t been the only one left on the stack his eyes would have been drawn to it. Rum sighed as he opened the letter and pulled out the heavy black cardstock. Elegant calligraphy written in white ink greeted him as he flipped it over to see what this was all about. It was an invitation to one of Cruella’s flamboyant parties; she had one every few months, so it wasn’t too surprising to find one in his mail box.
His mouth twisted itself into the hint of a sneer as his eyes scanned the words. As usual it had the time, place and a request to RSVP; the only thing missing was how Cruella expected her guests to dress. That was a little unusual for her. She loved coordination and themes, more than once he had been forced to hunt down something completely ridiculous to comply with her vision. The only reason he still attended these silly parties was the business contacts that needed to be maintained and to keep himself on Cruella’s good side. She was a much better ally than enemy; her alcohol was always of the highest quality as well. Without clear instructions on what he expected to wear he decided he would wear one of his nicer black suits with a hint of colour. It was impossible to go wrong with a simple classic.
Pulling out his phone he texted his reply saying he would be attending the festivities. The automated reply came a few seconds later and Rum added the event to his calendar before sending off another text. The reply came almost immediately and he felt himself smile until he read what had been sent. He sighed and messaged back he understood before flipping his phone closed. There were a few things that needed to be attended to, but he was able to leave those in the capable hands of his assistant, Mr. Dove. It wasn’t until his phone chimed a cheerful reminder the morning of that he thought about Cruella’s party again.
That evening Rum dressed in the suit Dove had sent out to be laundered, attached his simple but elegant gold cufflinks and then slipped the red silk tie around his neck and quickly tied a knot that felt like second nature to him. Despite the elegance and expense of the fabric he had wrapped himself in he still grimaced as he looked at the figure in the mirror. The man standing there was too short, too gaunt, and too gray. He could spend all the money he had and it wouldn’t be enough to hide the plain truth that anyone could easily see. Still, money did go a long way towards commanding respect and that was what his outfit demanded from those that saw him.
Rum fiddled with the ring on his hand and twisted his cane. Perhaps his outfit could fool everyone around him that he was confident, self-assured, and didn’t care what anyone thought of him, but it wasn’t enough to fool himself. At this age he had started to think he was used to the way he looked, there was no reason to fuss over the things he couldn’t change, and yet… He turned away from his reflection with a snarl. There was no reason to be staring at himself and allowing all his insecurities come to the surface. The hour was growing late, and despite Cruella’s insistence that showing up late to a party was the only way to make an entrance, she never seemed to think that was true when it came to her own gatherings.
As he had suspected he was one of the last people to arrive; many expensive cars crowded the driveway of the large manor Cruella was calling home those days. She was between husbands at the moment, though he doubted that would last long. The party that night was almost assuredly paid for by her previous husband with the express goal of finding one to replace him. Thinking such things about someone that was supposed to be your friend was probably the height of uncharitable; but he and Cruella had known each other long that he could probably say what he thought to her face and she’d simply laugh and take another sip of her drink.
Walking up the drive Rum could feel something was different about the party that evening before the door had even been answered. The servant that let him in was in shocking little clothing, a speedo and bowtie his only apparel. It wasn’t the first time a mostly naked man that looked like he stepped off the page of a men’s swimwear magazine answered the door during one of Cruella’s parties, and it was most assuredly not the last. Even so as Rum handed the man his jacket he held back a tired sigh; the night to follow would not be one of business deals and fine wine.
“Darling,” A voice called, followed by the distinct sound of heels on marble floors. “You are simply far too over dressed for my party!”
The sigh Rum had been holding in escaped as he turned to find the woman of the hour walking towards him. He wasn’t surprised to see Cruella in a bathing suit covered only by a sheer wrap, but he sincerely wished he was.
“Mia culpa,” He replied, and then added. “But my invitation lacked directions on what to wear.”
“What? Really?” She asked, with feigned shock. “I don’t know how that’s possible.”
They both knew exactly how it was possible. He wouldn’t have come if he’d known her plans for the event, and she simply couldn’t have that.
“Well, I only planned to stop by for a short moment, and since I’m not dressed for the evening festivities I shouldn’t stay.” Rum began.
“Nonsense, Gold, when have you ever known me to be unprepared for this kind of thing?” She asked.
“Really, dearie, I don’t want to trouble you.” He said.
“It isn’t any trouble at all, darling.” She gave a short sharp clap of her hands and another man wearing far too little appeared seemingly from nowhere. “Be a dear and escort Mr. Gold to the Ivory guest room.” Cruella turned back to Rum. “You’ll be able to find several things suitable to wear by the pool.”
“Of course, how generous of you.” He replied with a smile that was more a grimace.
Upstairs alone in the Ivory room Rum looked down at the colourful swim trunks and flashy speedos with dismay. He didn’t have to stay, he could simply leave, no one would stop him, but that would be admitting defeat. This would give Cruella and her other guests ammunition to wheedle him with, but stripping himself down and exposing his body to so many eyes was not something he ever wanted to experience. It was different when he was covered. Removing his clothes would be like removing the only thing that protected him from the sly looks and sharp whispers that followed him wherever he went. As a business man he had earned the reputation he had, and he never let it bother him, but that was when he was in control.
This had happened to him once before, but that time he had been rescued from making a fool of himself. He couldn’t help but wish that was possible again, but he already knew his rescuer wasn’t able to make it this time.
Rum glared down at the innocent fabric with such intense loathing it was a miracle it didn’t burst into flames. The only thing that broke him out of his thoughts was the sound of a door opening. He eyes moved to the door leading to the hallway, but it was still closed, instead the door he thought led to a closet was what had opened.
“Mr. Gold,” She said as if they hardly knew each other.
“B-Miss French,” Rum said in surprise. His eyes lowering to her revealing form before snapping back up to her bright eyes that seemed to be dancing a bit. He looked at her rather blankly for a long moment, noticing over her shoulder that what he thought led to a closet actually opened up into another bedroom. “What are you doing here?” He finally asked, squashing the ever so slight smile trying to curve his lips.
“I was invited,” Belle replied, wrapping her arms around herself. “Though I think I’m lost.” She admitted.
Her movement drew his eyes back down to her body; the simple two-piece covering her was the same fetching blue as her eyes, her skin was soft looking and pale, no doubt from spending most her days inside tending to books. She cleared her throat softly and he felt his cheeks heat as he realized he’d been ogling her.
“I can help you find your way.” He offered and she smiled while biting her lower lip.
“But you’re not dressed for the pool yet.” Belle said, her eyes dancing again.
“I haven’t decided what to wear.” Rum replied, gesturing to the suits on the bed.
Belle walked to his side, her hips swaying slightly and he did his very best not to look. “Then I’ll help you choose.” She said with a mischievous smile.
Rum’s thumb and forefinger rubbed together unconsciously as she stopped by his side, even through his many layers he could feel her body heat she was so close to him. His hand itched to reach out and touch her but he gritted his teeth he grasped his cane so hard his knuckles turned white. She leaned forward over the bed to reach for one of the offending garments and he very dutifully didn’t allow his eyes to stray lower than her shoulders. That should have been a safer place to look, but he found every inch of Belle stunning.
“How about this?” She asked, snapping him out of his thoughts. The scrap of fabric she held up was a garish gold and would do hardly anything to cover him.
“I think not.” He replied dryly and she laughed softly, her eyes dancing again.
“No, I suppose not, but I had to try.” She looked at him thoughtfully before adding. “I think the only way we’ll find the best thing for you to wear is if we remove all of these layers.”
Before he could think of a way to reply she was even closer than before, her hands swiftly undoing his tie faster than he had put it on. He stood frozen, allowing her to do as she wanted with him, a protest finally able to leave his lips when she began to undo his shirt buttons after removing his jacket and vest.
“Mr. Gold,” Belle began firmly. “You can’t swim in your suit.”
“I could.” He replied in a very serious tone.
Belle looked at him and he saw the moment she wasn’t able to hold back her laughter at the ridiculous image he’d conjured up in her mind. She laughed and leaned her forehead against his chest and he let himself chuckle.
“Rum, that’s not fair.” Belle giggled.
“What’s not fair is the game you’re playing.” He said, the hand not holding his cane stroking her back.
She tucked herself under his chin and began fiddling with the button of his shirt. “It’s our anniversary next week.”
“I know.” He’d been counting down the days, hidden in the back of one of his drawers was a ring he very much hoped would be on her finger at the end of the evening he had planned for them.
“When I got Cruella’s invitation I thought this might be nice, a throwback to the first time.” She said; Rum could feel her smile against his neck as the first button came loose and she moved onto the second.
Her words conjured up fond memories of the first time they had run into one another at a surprise pool party Cruella had hosted. They’d known each other before, but neither of them had ever really spoken until that night. He’d been in much the same predicament as he was now that evening and she had been far more lost than simply going through the wrong door and they had ended up talking. Belle had offered to help him choose something to wear but they hadn’t ended up leaving the room until far after everyone else had gone home.
“So the meeting you had?” He asked as another button came loose.
“Was real, I thought it was going to go longer so I was expecting to be late, seems I was wrong.” Another button came undone and Belle let her hand move to touch his bared skin.
Rum turned his head and captured her lips with his as he took over undoing his buttons. He felt her sigh against his lips and he smiled. They were both expected downstairs, but Belle had been right, he needed to remove his clothes to find the best bathing suit for the evening. And if they got a little distracted along the way, well, it wouldn’t be the first time he and Belle were fashionably late because they had gotten distracted.
For the ship & number thing you just reblogged, could you please do 1, 6 & 10 for KatexClaire? Thank you. :-)
Which one is the better cook
i hc kate as a terrible cook so its gotta be claire
How they decorated their bedroom
well, im one for describing this sorta thing so it’s a tad difficult... white walls, baby blue quilt cover with little flowers on, they have a... mirror and.. closet
i tend to imagine what happens in bedrooms. tho every bedroom i imagine does have a specific look for those characters, there isn’t much going on
What TV shows they watch together, and which ones they hide from the other
the second half of this question makes literally no sense to me
as for what they watch together... gosh, i hadn’t thought about them watching TV. im sure claire watches neighbours and maybe kate will join her every now and again, even if she doesn’t get it. also australia has 40 bagillion cooking shows, renovation shows and reality shows in general. i favour the cooking shows for claire, because they can be quite addictive, even if people are crying all the time, over like, cake. (tho mood, honestly) and i’ve mentioned that i have trouble picturing kate being into TV? like, i dunno what she’d like
worryinglyinnocent replied to your post “What’s the story behind this Emilie look?”
This is Tess's doppelganger, Ava. All the aliens had doppelgangers who'd ended up in NYC instead of Roswell. She was only in 2 episodes before never being spoken of again, but she was really sweet.
Thanks.
...NYC doppelgangers sounds like a perfect spin-off. I guess they all died?
Belle French's tacky and over-the-top lawn ornaments try Mr. Gold's patience and he is determined to give her a piece of his mind until he finds out the motivation behind said eyesores and tries a different approach.
Shockingly T rated. (I don’t know how that happened)
Prompt: Rumpel knits Belle mystery gifts
Giftee: @worryinglyinnocent
Hello, Worry!!! Happy RSS, Merry Rumbelle Christmas and OMG I’ve had such fun being your Santa! I hope your flexibility with your prompt has rendered something you enjoy because when I saw the real life inspiration for this fic, I couldn’t leave it alone. :) See pic below for an *example* of what graces my neighborhood. I had a great time with this fic and have very much enjoyed clogging your chimney. Have to confess to a few Fandom Famous Giftee jitters... but here’s hoping my humble offering is good enough for the royalty you are. LOL *hugs* I think you’re wonderful and have been your loyal fangirl for years. Without further ado:
Daffodils in Winter
The sun had set between the time he’d stepped into the embrace of hot steam in his shower and the time he’d toweled off and swathed himself in his pajamas and robe. It set early this time of year this far north so even though he’d arrived home in the afternoon, darkness was already approaching when he pulled into the driveway after a long visit to New York.
Gold’s son Brian and his wife Emma had just welcomed their first child into the world. Nothing, he thought, could intrude on the quiet warm satisfaction of having finally revived a dead relationship with his son. Little Henry was a perfect baby: crying, wet, poopy, barfy and never asleep, so Gold’s assistance had actually been valuable to the new parents since he knew a few things about soothing a newborn. Gold wanted to think Brian wanted him around for more than just his babysitting skills, and somewhere deep he knew that was true, but after a decade of icy relations which he justly deserved, doubt remained.
Brian had accepted his apologies, had been the bigger man saying that he couldn’t be the kind of father Henry deserved if he couldn’t even have a relationship with his own father. More generous than Gold deserved, but Brian was the better man. Even at the tender age of eighteen.
And so, warm and comforted by the hot water and the restoration of his family, Gold stepped out into what should have been his darkened bedroom.
But lights played on his curtains, flashing and moving in all differs colors turning his sanctuary into a mesmerizing disco. He hadn’t touched mushrooms since college, so that was out, but could those cause flashbacks later in life? He couldn’t remember.
Gold shook himself. A more mundane explanation for the relentless kaleidoscope only required him to flick aside the filmy curtains and look across the street.
His new tenant and been busy. Very busy.
Keep Reading
As promised:
Ok. So Mr. Gold isn’t this nasty, but this was TOO FUNNY to keep to myself. Found this gem after I had written the above. LOL
It had started off with a legitimate search for the Atlantic puffin. There were only a few breeding sites in Maine, a handful of islands off the coast. She could get a tour boat from the docks later in the season but she hadn’t been able to cope with the thought of being cooped up with all the day-trippers with their screaming kids, the ignorant tourists out as much for the boat ride as the chance to see these striking birds. Plus, she would have to deal with Captain Killian and his smarminess, all handsy as he “helped” you on board. Rumour was that he also got too close to the island, disturbing the colony all to get the “money shot”. Okay, taking the boat would put a tick next to puffin in her Guide to the Birds of Maine, but she felt like it would be cheating and she so loved to take her time to watch the birds quietly, undisturbed.
So, armed with a map and her trusty binoculars, she had scoured the coast for a good vantage point as close to the islands as possible, with the hope that a few birds had chosen the cliffs on the mainland. Her birding friends, Merlin and Lance, had told her she had no chance, puffin numbers were falling drastically, probably due to global warming. If she did find a site, she must keep it quiet so as not to deluge the place with twitchers and tourists so as not to disturb nesting season. However, they would, of course, be keen to come down from Boston and get a look. That was not going to happen. She should have kept her mouth shut about her plans. Merlin and she had become quite competitive of late. First to 150 species was getting a three course meal with drinks at the restaurant they had frequented while at college.
It was just her luck, of course, that the most promising spots were all on private property, and not just anyone’s but the large estate of Mr Gold. The guy was universally hated. He seemed to be everyone’s landlord and notoriously as hard as nails. No rent extensions, no excuses, full rent on time or you were out. Plus, this was a town where everyone knew everyone and all their stories, while Gold was very closed off, snarky and secretive. No one even knew his first name, many had guessed and failed to get an answer which led to many unflattering nicknames. They had settled on Rumpelstiltskin, the most un-guessable name of all.
Not that she had any problems with him. They had even had some decent conversations about literature. He was a very keen reader and frequent visitor to her library. That made him one of the good guys in her eyes. They even had a running joke about his guilty pleasure for reading westerns. He was embarrassed to be seen with something he deemed to be “popular”. So she either sandwiched his choice between a couple of classics or packaged it up in brown paper. The town, who never missed a thing, were convinced she was dealing in erotic literature. The nuns had stopped attending. Leroy had marched to the issue desk and demanded he see the “under the counter stuff”. The mayor had even requested a full list of all the books issued in the last six months.
Mr Gold may be friendly with her in her library, but Belle knew that he would not take kindly to her trespassing on his land. She did not want to get on the wrong side of him and witness one of his legendary destructive rages. However, the lure of the puffin proved too much. She had been watching endless footage of the comical birds waddling about, brightly coloured beaks brimming with fish. She was determined to see them in the flesh. What she hadn’t expected was to find Gold and his flesh!
Chapter 3
Belle’s bird watching expeditions had quickly started to centre around viewing the Golden Beauty (as she coded him in her notebook). The first time had been a shock. He had appeared in all his glorious nakedness and she had scrambled out of her hide and made a mad dash for it. When she had returned to her flat above the library, panting, hot and bothered, she had been relieved not to have been caught but had quickly realised she needed to return to retrieve her belongings. She wasn’t to know that it was part of Gold’s morning routine, to skinny dip at dawn and watch the sun rise. But it had been. Now watching him and enjoying the full spectacle of sea, sand, sun, surf and ass was her favourite way to start the day. She felt guilty, of course, and called herself all the names under the sun. She woke up in sweats after dreaming of her arrest, her sacking and her imprisonment as a pervy voyeur. Was she in fact a sex offender? Would she go straight to hell? However, it all seemed irrelevant in the early morning sun. It was a purely magical experience, his glittering body just part of the spellbinding beauty of nature.
It was also perfectly innocent. She had comforted herself with the fact that she had never seen his private parts. He had always resolutely been standing looking out to sea and had disappeared round the other side of the rock when he departed. So, he might as well have just been in trunks. Apart from what she had seen of his as, she had dreamt and longed for more. Who was she kidding? She was going to burn!
Now she was even lying to her best friend. She would just have to give up her perverted addiction, go cold turkey, and never see her Golden Beauty again.
Perhaps she could ask him out? No, he would never be interested in a poor librarian with nothing, him all in his fine designer suits lording it in his glorious villa and magnificent estate.
It was time to go. She had the day off work, but she had to leave now, turn over a new leaf, pack away the binoculars, concede to Merlin, take up crochet, re-read the entire library, even go out with that vile Gaston hulk who kept bothering her. She would have one last look and then pack away. It was typical, as soon as she went for her last look, he had gone, she scanned around the rock, no sign, not on the little ledge either. She was despairing when she noticed movement on the shore line.
There he was. Gold, stark naked, full frontal and staring right at her position. He was magnificent and the first sight of his penis made her gasp. It was large, magnificent, stunning, surely sculpted by the gods, sparkling and bouncing side to side, round and round mesmerizing her. She was entranced, enchanted, and then it dawned on her. It’s vigorous movement was being caused by Gold running vigorously towards her.
