"What are you doing, Rumple?" Belle asked as she watched him grind herbs with his mortar and pestle.
Rumple smiled as he stopped and dropped the herbs into a pot. "Our dear Prince Charming had a little run in with some poison. I'm just..." He grinned a little wider. "Doing something nice for him."
"Really? No contract? No price?" Belle laughed a bit as she hugged him from behind. "I'm so proud of you."
It looked a little funny because Rumpelstiltskin was so much taller than her, but he appreciated the gesture. He loved being with her, talking to her, touching her hands and beautiful face. He had craved it since the time in Neverland.
"Well, I suppose after a journey such as this, a little goodwill is deserved." He turned around to kiss her.
"'A little?'" Belle looked at him with wide eyes. "You're saving his life."
Rumple chuckled as he turned to shut the pot. "I suppose so."
"Like you did Henry's."
Belle went around him and sat on his couch. She had done only slight redecorated his classic themed living room. Not exactly a "woman's touch", but it was a nice change. A little oil painting here and there, some photos she took and new shelves filled with books. His house was a little empty, especially with the two large guestrooms. The two slept apart for the first week, but for only a few scant days they did share a bed before Belle became "Lacey". Rumple did plan to give Neil room, but he declined.
"The prediction was false. We can finally be happy."
Rumple smiled once more as she sat beside her. "I always was happy with you, Belle."
She took his hand immediately, and leaned her head on his shoulder. "Me too."
Rumple took the chance to plant another kiss on the corner of her face. He ran his fingers over her knuckles and gently squeezed her hand. She returned the favor by leaning her torso more on his arm. His heart quickened, his stomach felt light and his limbs became more relaxed. He missed this feeling.
"When I was alone, and the others doubted me, all I could think about was you." He spoke, looking into her eyes. "Your beautiful face, your kind words, your love..."
"I couldn't stop thinking about you either, Rumple." Belle turned towards him and smiled wider. "About us..."
"In my solitude, I realized many things."
He took a sharp breathe, his eyes relaxed. He put his arm around Belle and looked into her eyes.
"I want to marry you for real, Belle." He confessed with a quieter voice. "I want to be with you for a lifetime. I want another child."
Belle sat up and her smiled widely while laughing lightly. "Oh Rumple." She embraced him quickly. "I want the same things too." She kissed him on the lips and squeezed his torso a little harder.
Rumpelstiltskin hugged her back and smiled. "I love you Belle."
"I love you too." She whispered.
As soon as she pulled away, her cheeks were blushing with joy. She stood up and paced with a spring in her step.
"Now, where would it be? The church? Or maybe a forest wedding? Or at town hall?" She muttered happily to herself as Rumple watched.
"Who will officiate it? Can we honeymoon? Or is it not possible?" She took a deep breathe. "And what about the baby? Boy or girl? What would their name be?"
Rumple laughed again as he stood up and caught her in his arms. "My darling Belle, I know you're excited, but one thing at a time."
She squealed slightly as she put her hand up to her mouth. "I'm sorry. I really am." She pushed her hair behind her ear. "But I'm so happy. This is what I've dreamed of."
"Funny enough, I never dreamed of this."
"Ok, one thing at a time." She took a deep breathe. "Let me go backwards." She accompanied her line with a rolling finger. "Boy or girl?"
Rumple bit his inner lip and looked up. "Honestly, I would want a girl." He replied looking at her. "Someone as beautiful and wonderful as my Belle." He joined hands with her again.
"Name?"
"What would you name her?" Rumple spun the question around.
"Oriane." Belle replied. "It means 'golden'." She looked away a little. "I actually had that name picked out for awhile..."
"I think Oriane is beautiful. But what about 'Oribelle'?"
Belle hit him teasingly on the shoulder. "No, I do not want to name our daughter with a name like mine."
"But it means 'Beautiful Gold'."
They were interrupted by the pot boiling over. Rumple chuckled as he wove his hand and the pot stopped.
"Well, I should get the potion to David." Rumple spoke.
Belle placed one last kiss on his cheek. "We're going to continue this conversation."