For the dearie that requested it and my fellow Rumbellers that are worrying as much as I am about next week. The Canadian promo has me so worried. I am confident Belle will be fine though!

Anyway, enjoy.

I own nothing but my fangirling heart.

The royal family left his shop, failing to note that they had forgotten entirely about the tired dalmatian sitting at Gold's feet.

He scowled lightly, shaking his head. He was not angry at all that they had accused him of murdering Archie Hopper. He was angry that they dared to treat Belle with such contempt. She of all people would know what Regina was capable of. Yet Emma Swan looked upon her as if she knew nothing. It boiled his blood.

He looked to Belle, noticing her silence. She was standing, her hand lightly touching his counter as she frowned at the ground. It was then that he noted that Pongo had trotted over to her, staring up at his beloved lionheart with sad eyes, whining softly. Belle noticed the dog, suddenly smiling with a soft laugh. "Poor thing." she murmured, crouching to stroke the dog's head. "They forgot about you too, huh?" she murmured, rubbing his back. "Oh, the things you have seen…"

She looked up to Rumple, a frown forming on her beautiful face. "Who will watch him?" she questioned.

He approached the two, slowly kneeling besides Belle, mindful of his knee as he adjusted it to join her in petting the traumatized dog. "I doubt the royal family will have much time to find this poor chap a home." he hastily remarked, tutting softly. "Such a good chap too, aren't you?" he almost cooed at the dog.

Belle watched him with such fondness as he focused on spoiling the dog, a smile playing at her lips. She'd been a bit tiffed at the way the Charmings had treated her. They stared at her as if she had grown horns on her head overnight, as if she had no clue about anything going on in this town. Belle knew very well that Regina was quite capable of murder. There was no question to that. But now, seeing Rumplestiltskin interact with poor Archie Hopper's dog made her feel a blustering joy inside of her chest.

"You know, in all of the stories I've ever read, animals seem to have a sense for evil. Pongo seems quite taken with you. Even he seems to agree you're not a monster." she quipped, a grin on her face as she stood.

"Indeed." Gold agreed. "Or perhaps I've just placed him under a light sedation spell to deal with his recent loss." he shot back, smirking at her.

Belle wondered how they could joke so easily after a death, but she was now happy. "I think we should keep him, Rumple." she said, gently leaning down to link her arm through his as he stood to help him remain steady. "He loves you. Don't you, Pongo?"

Pongo, hearing his name, bashfully wagged his tail, panting lightly.

Gold internally groaned as he turned to see Belle pouting. Her bottom lip was sticking out lightly and he almost had to urge to kiss the daylights out of her right there in front of the poor dog. She had defended him against the accusations of the royal family without a second thought, after all. "I am a dog person." he agreed, gripping his cane as he stared down at the dog. "If you interrupt as everyone in this town has, I will have to kick you out." he told the dog seriously.

Pongo whined lightly, his tail thumping the ground.

"I think he promised to behave." Belle speculated.

"Fine. It's settled. We'll keep the dog." Gold told her, smirking pleasantly at her.

Belle's eyes widened, almost like a child's as she suddenly gave a squeal of delight. She caught him off guard as she threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "Thank you!" she murmured, breath tickling his ear.

"You're very welcome, dearie." he replied softly, smiling as she pulled back. He wanted to kiss her so badly. So very badly. His entire body ached to do so. It was too soon though, much too soon. They were taking things slow, were they not?

"Well then." he stated, forcing his mind away from such thoughts. "Shall we resume our picnic?"

Belle nodded, but her smile faded as she looked off. "I…"

"What is it?" he asked earnestly.

"After seeing Dr. Hopper…" she stopped short, her voice cracking lightly.

"Of course, Belle, of course." he murmured, moving to hold her shoulders in his hands. "I understand." he softly spoke, wishing only to comfort her. "We can save it for another day." he assured, a smile on his face.

She gave an embarrassed smile, nodding. "Thank you, Rumplestiltskin. For everything."

"No, Belle, thank you." he told her, eyes darkening with a passion of sorts.

Pongo barked, pulling them from their rather intense gaze at one another. Belle laughed, smiling fondly upon their new pet. "I think we should both thank Pongo. He's the hero of the day."

Pongo barked once more at his new found owners, almost as if he were agreeing.

Perhaps tomorrow they would be faced with something new, something trying, but for now, Rumplestiltskin and Belle were together.

No matter what happened, they would always remain this way. Together.

Ugh...I'm left with so many feels! I had to get some good ones out! I'm not quite sure yet how I'd go about it, but would you guys like me to resume this? Please let me know!

Thanks for reading, dearie!

Review if you so desire to do so!