Rated M for a later smut.

Snowwe1011 was a beta. Thank you :*

[Dec 04/2015] Important NOTE: I'm working on the enhanced version of this story. Many changes, tweaks, added details, extended scenes, etc. I just have yet to decide if I will just update the existing chapters, or delete the story and post it anew.

He was known as the Storybrooke monster. There were other names too, like crocodile and beast. There were probably many more, ones he didn't even know. But each fully deserved. He worked on his reputation, being ruthless and never showing mercy. Almost the entire town was in his possession, and he quite enjoyed scaring people and pissing them off by raising their rent and never granting delays in payments. Everyone hated him, everyone.

Except for one person apparently.

For over a week, a beautiful, young brunette with incredibly blue eyes, always bright and smiling, was coming to his shop during lunch, every time with two cups of coffee and something sweet to eat. He knew who she was. She was Belle French, the only librarian in town. He owned the library of course. She was probably the only person who had never tried to negotiate the rent agreement, and never complained about it. Not once had she asked for a delay, always having the money right on time. It was quite unique in a town full of morons...

But he couldn't understand why she kept coming to his shop.

So like always, he thought it was a rent scheme. However, she never mentioned anything concerning rent, always talking about her day at the library, new books she had ordered, and asking him about the antiques in his shop. So, after few days, he came to the conclusion that this wasn't some kind of trick to lower her rent or something.

So, then he started to think that she was pitying him. Everyone knew about her big, good heart, maybe she thought about him as a lonely, pitiful old man? But then, she never gave any sign that she thought that. She smiled at him, a genuine kind of smile, the kind no one would have directed at him. She never commented on his lame leg and him using a cane. In fact, she seemed to be enjoying his company, although for the first few days he was barely speaking to her, mostly just glaring and snarling. Except when she asked about antiques, (to his surprise with genuine interest) he could have spent a whole day talking about antiques... So after another few days he came to a conclusion that pitying him wasn't a reason either.

Did she could like him then? He couldn't imagine anyone liking him, but Belle was unique.

One day however, he realized something; it was nice to talk with someone, especially with someone like Belle - a kind, smart, and talkative woman. Who was also dazzlingly beautiful, he had to admit, so it was also pleasure to look at her. Not that he had ever looked anywhere other than her face of course. He was a beast, but a gentlemanly beast.

Although he wouldn't admit it to anyone, he was really enjoying these little lunch times, spent with little Miss French.

And so today, on a warm spring Wednesday, he was standing behind the counter, intensely staring at the door, impatiently waiting for her to come.

When the bell rang and the young brunette came inside, she looked at him and smiled, and for the first time since she started these daily visits, he actually smiled back.

Belle grinned at him and offered him his cup of coffee, while putting on the counter a bag of Chocolate Chip Cookies, one of their favorites. Just like she's been doing for days… And he never felt happier.

: : . . . : :

For almost an hour they've been talking about the new antiques in his shop, and when she had to go back to the library, he actually felt a sting in his heart. He could be a pathetic old cripple, but he really liked this woman, and a part of him hoped that she liked him too, that her visits were due to the fact that she enjoyed his company as well. He really wanted to get to know her better, to spend more time with her. Never had he felt like that about anyone, but he couldn't ignore it anymore, not when she was even starting to show up in his dreams. He had to ask her out. But what if she wouldn't agree? What if he misread her all this time? Well then, she wouldn't come back anymore and maybe his preposterous infatuation would go away…

"Miss French, wait…" he called after her, trying to not show his nervousness. He felt like a teenager, the second before asking the most beautiful girl in school out on a date. Pathetic.

When she stopped by the door and turned to him, he was still standing behind the counter, grasping it hard, so hard his knuckles became white. He had to clear his throat before speaking. Really pathetic.

"You have been buying coffee and cookies for me for over a week; I don't even want to think about how much money you've spent. And as the gentleman I am, I should repay you for that. So how about dinner at Granny's at around five?"

There, he said it and he even managed to sound calm.

But while waiting for an answer, he stopped breathing. Will she say no and never come back? Or will she say…

"Yes, with pleasure. See you later then, Mr. Gold" He heard her saying like from behind the fog, and then she sent him one of her lovely smiles, turned around and left.

For the next minute he was just standing there, without movement, until he felt like he was going to faint. He was still stupidly holding his breath, he realized, so he quickly released it.

She said yes. She really said yes…

But what does she actually think about it? That it's a date? But is it? He wanted this to be a date, but… Maybe she didn't? So should he bring flowers then? But what if she thinks it's only a casual meeting, and flowers would scare her? But if she thinks it is a date, would she be offended because he showed up empty handed?

He never felt quite so nervous and torn in his whole, long life…

At least he wouldn't have a problem with choosing clothes. He had always worn suits, after all.

: : . . . : :

He really asked her out. Finally! Practically a year of her damn crush on him, and over a week of going to his shop with coffee and cookies for lunch, but at least finally he noticed her and asked her out. Her heart was racing, she had never felt so happy on a prospect of spending the evening in a man's company. But it wasn't just a random man, it was Mr. Gold. The man who had intrigued her since she first met him, when he came to the library to collect her rent, a long year ago.

He came there every month, and sometimes, more often to borrow a book.

She couldn't stop thinking about him.

When she started to dream about him, she knew – she was really smitten with him. But it took her a few months to gather courage. And it wasn't easy at first, as he was trying to get rid of her in a not so subtle way, by snarling at her questions or ostentatiously ignoring her. But Belle French wasn't a person who easily gave up. And now – they were going to Granny's together.

She felt like the luckiest woman alive.

But what she will wear? He will be in one of his expensive, black suits, that's obvious. Should she wear an evening dress then? But what if he didn't mean it as a date, just a noncommittal dinner to return her kindness? He never said it was a date, he said it was dinner and he used the word 'repay'. She had really hoped that behind his words he actually meant a date, but… Well, it didn't matter so much anyway. She was going with him and she felt wonderfully happy about the idea, no matter if it was an official date or just an unofficial dinner.

: : . . . : :

All day she could barely focus on work, so she was glad that there were only a few customers. She closed the library a little earlier to prepare herself. She took a bath and then spent a half an hour on picking a dress.

Eventually, she decided on a modest navy blue dress, with lace on the neckline and a brown thin belt on the waist. A casual outfit, but very nice looking, she thought. Yes, it would be perfect.

She put on a little makeup, grabbed her purse, and walked through the door.

: : . . . : :

It was almost a quarter to five, when she walked out of the library and nearly collided with Mr. Gold at the entrance.

"Mr. Gold, what are you doing here? I thought we were going to… meet at Granny's…" her voice trailed off when he looked at her from head to toe with admiration in eyes, and she couldn't help but blush.

"I… Just wanted to see if you wanted to walk with me." He stammered looking everywhere but her face, but then he raised his eyes to her blue ones. "You look really stunning, Miss French." he added with a shy smile to which she couldn't suppress her grin.

"Why thank you, Mr. Gold, and I would love to" she said playfully with a wink, and turned for a second to lock the door. "Shall we go then?" she asked, when she turned to him again. He nodded and bent his elbow, which she immediately took.

The walk to Granny's was quiet, both radiating nervousness. When they approached the restaurant, Gold opened the door for her, and Belle smiled at him brightly.

When they walked inside, her hand still attached to his elbow, the first person who spotted them was Ruby, and she almost dropped a tray full of glasses at the sight.

They sat at the booth in the farthest corner, and Granny gave them menus, without comment, just with a stern look directed to Mr. Gold and a somehow pitying look directed to Belle. They both ignored it.

But before Belle could even take a look at the menu, she noted Ruby's ridiculous gestures. She probably should have called Ruby before this date… or not-date... Whatever it was.

Well, now she has to excuse herself and they didn't even order yet…

"I'm sorry, Mr. Gold… but I have to go to the bathroom" she said apologetically.

"Of course." he nodded with a kind smile.

A second after Belle entered the bathroom, Ruby stormed in. "Belle, what the hell are you doing here with him? Did he force you? Blackmail you? Are you in trouble? Should I call a police? Did he…" she couldn't finish, because Belle covered her mouth with her hand. "Stop it Ruby, it's not like that" she said firmly and withdrew her hand. "He… um… asked me to go to dinner with him. And I agreed. Voluntary, Ruby."

"You're on a date with him? Him?" Ruby looked shocked, completely, utterly, shocked. Belle probably would have been angry at her disgusted tone at the word 'him', but she wasn't, she had too much on her mind.

"I don't know what it is. I hoped for this to be a date, but… I don't know…" she admitted. She should have asked him in the shop if this was supposed to be a date or not, but she was completely out of her mind at the time, she was so excited. And so now, she had no idea…

"Why would you even want to go on a date with him?" Well, of course for Ruby it was something inconceivable. She was only into dating young, pretty, superficial men, but they weren't Belle's type. She liked Mr. Gold, no matter that he was twice her age and had a limp… and considered the town's monster. He was cold and harsh to everyone, even her in the beginning… But it was so much more to him, and there was a good side of him, a gentle side. She had already seen it.

But how could she explain that to Ruby, so she could understand? Well, she probably couldn't.

"Look, Ruby, You don't need to understand why; you probably wouldn't get it even if I tried to explain. But I really like him. He's layered, and he is so intelligent, and he's a gentlemen, he is handsome, and he…"

"Okay, Belle, I don't want to listen this." Ruby stopped her, before she could go on. She put her hands on Belle's shoulders and smiled gently.

"Look, it's your life and you're right, I may not understand what you see in this guy and I may not approve of it, but I can't stop you. Just… Ask him, alright? I mean, ask if this is a date for him. I don't want to suggest anything Belle, but he has the reputation of a monster for a reason. And you are young and beautiful… Make sure he doesn't see you just as a one night kinda girl, okay?"

Belle patted Ruby's hands and returned her smile, despite the fact that she was boiling inside from her friend's suggestion and wanted to scream. "I will Ruby, but I'm sure he doesn't see me like that. He's… he is not that kind of a man. And yes, I know that I barely know him, Ruby." She quickly added when Ruby opened her mouth. "But I see it in his eyes. He is a good man, despite his reputation."

Ruby opened her mouth again to say something at that, but Belle silenced her. "I have to go back, I don't want him to think that I ran away." She smiled at Ruby, and before she could reply with something, probably about running away being a good idea, Belle went back to Gold.

"I'm sorry it took me so long…" she apologized and he smiled coyly. "It's quite alright Miss French. I ordered us some wine; I hope that's okay with you?"

"Yes, of course… Thank you." she said and then went silent. Should she ask him? But wouldn't he interpret that as a stupid question from her, if he hadn't thought about it as a date? Or a rude question, if he did think about it as a date… Well, what the hell. She looked him in the eye, still trying to calm her racing heart. "I was thinking…" she cleared her throat. Damn it, she was so nervous… "Is this is a date?" she asked bluntly, trying to not avert her gaze.

He seemed to be taken aback for a second, before he answered her question with his own, "And do you want this to be a date?"

Great, and what should her answer be to that? Of course she wanted this to be a date… But did he?

"Well," she started, so she won't withdraw now. "Yes, I do".

She saw a little smile stretching on his face. "Then, yes, it is a date" He tried to sound light and nonchalant, like if it wasn't important to him, but his voice betrayed him, as did his eyes, which he lowered to the table. He looked so shy and anxious now, and she thought it was quite cute. The fearsome, powerful Mr. Gold so stressed about a date... Well, on the other hand, she was no less stressed. Since she broke up with Gaston over a year ago, she hadn't gone on any dates, until now. And it wasn't going too well. They were definitely too quiet…

"Um… I don't even know your first name, y'know?" Belle finally spoke and she really hoped that he would tell her. From what she knew, no one knew his first name, except maybe for Mayor Mills. She hated the woman and a few times was wondered if she and Gold had some kind of thing going on. However, he seemed to hate her as much as she did him, so she abandoned that horrible idea.

"You're right, you don't know my first name" he confirmed and then stretched his hand. "Nicholas Robert Gold" he introduced himself and Belle smiled, shaking his hand. "Nice to meet you then, Nick". They smiled at each other, and, to her surprise, he then bent down and kissed her palm, and Belle couldn't suppress a slight giggle. This man really had an old-fashioned manners. Not that it was bad, in fact, she really liked it.

: : . . . : :

Rest of the evening went a little more at ease. They ordered some food, and after a glass of wine they both felt more relaxed and the conversation started to go smoothly. They both tried to avoid any personal topics, so they had talked mostly about their jobs and books. She noticed that it was already far passed seven, and the meeting started to slow down… Date, she chastised herself with a smile.

And she had to admit, it was a really nice evening.

: : . . . : :

After they left Granny's, he offered to walk her home. And she said no, not that she didn't want to, she was just worried about his leg, and it was quite a walk to her apartment and then to his house, which she had heard was located on the other side of town.

So instead of going to her flat, she walked him to his house. Well, she didn't actually plan that, they just started to walk while talking, and before she noticed, they were standing in a front of a huge, pink house.

"Pink?" slipped out from her mouth, before she could think twice.

"It's salmon" he automatically corrected.

"Yes, yes, of course it's salmon. My mistake" she giggled and, to her surprise, he slightly chuckled too. When she managed to stop giggling like a crazy teenager on her first date, she looked at his amused face, and, not being able to stop herself, she reached for him and kissed him on the cheek, almost bursting into giggles again when he stiffened like a statue under her touch.

"I hope we can do this again soon" she said with a shy smile when she pulled back, and when he didn't say anything, she turned back, heading to her apartment.

When she looked back, she saw him slowly climbing on the stairs. Why did he have a porch with stairs if he could barely climb on them?

Her thoughts quickly changed their route and at night she could only dream about his coy, sweet smile, wonderful long hair and enchanting brown eyes. And his accent, his hot Scottish accent… And his warm skin, with a little of stubble, slightly scratchy when she had kissed him…

For the first time in a long time, she slept peacefully, with a huge, contented smile on her face.

: : . . . : :

At night Gold was turning from one side to the other. The images of Belle didn't want to leave his head and a certain spot on his cheek which met with her appetizing lips, still felt like it was burning...

He hadn't gone on a date in many years… He had gone on a few after his divorce, but they were disasters. He slept with Cora a few times, Madam Mayor's mother, but that was a colossal disaster too. He had actually thought that it could develop into something more serious, but Cora had other plans in mind… A marriage with an Indian billionaire, to be exact.

And he wasn't interested in women and dating since then.

Until now.

Now he went on a date, sorta. And Belle said she wanted to go out again.

He wanted that too, but this time it would be a real, official date, without any doubts about it.

If she didn't change her mind about him that is, and he was pretty sure she eventually would.