#Treasure chest

Disclaimer: I don´t claim any rights to the characters of this story . I don´t own them. All rights belong to ABC Studios and the creators of Once upon a Time ( Kitsis /Horowitz Production)

A.N: I hope you won't forget that I use the freedom of a writer as my advantage , so please excuse if this story doesn't make sense to you , or if you think that this sounds a bit unrealistic . This is what should happen in my opinion ( or should have happened) and it would be nice if you could accept that . Thank you ;) Please enjoy

Dedicated: To my dearest and best friend ! Thank you for beta-reading

Belle stared at the gold band on her right hand. A couple of hours ago it had been just a cold piece of metal and its meaning had been nothing more than to serve as an accessory and jewel. Now that it was resting on her finger, her ring finger –as a wedding band, it was not only warm from her body heat but it also meant unity, trust and a lifetime with Rumplestilkin.

As much as she loved to admit that she finally trusted Rumple, and that their wedding meant that he had changed for good, the ugly truth was that she still had her doubts. The shimmering gold on her finger that reminded her so much of Rumple's profession mesmerized her so much that she didn't notice when suddenly strong determined fingers brushed over her bare shoulders. Breathing in the smell of him, she closed her eyes for a moment and when she opened them again, Rumple was standing in front of her.

"I know you have doubts about the vows that I gave to you." He faced her with honesty in his eyes while hers seem to reflect her concern.

"Are you mad that I can't trust you completely?" she asked cautiously. She didn't mean to hurt his feelings but too much had happened in the past.

"Not in the least. Look, I gave my vows to you and I will do my best to keep them. You have changed my life and I don´t want to lose you. We both have been through a lot and in the end I'm not sure if I will be able to control my greatest weakness for the rest of our lives. Therefore, because you mean the world to me, I want to give you something." Rumple opened his jacket and pulled out a crinkled piece of paper and handed it to Belle.

"What is this?" She didn't try to hide her confusion, instead she enrolled the little scroll and revealed a treasure map.

"Rumple, what is this supposed to mean?" She didn't know what was going on and what Rumple wanted to show her.

"This, my love, is a map leading to a treasure chest. In this treasure chest you will find a roll with a spell on it. This spell is a very special one. It will make me forget my past as the Dark One. But it won't make me forget us, our marriage. It will also stop my powers. I found it before our wedding, but I'm not strong enough to use it. But YOU are. I want to protect you. I want to protect my grandson and for this I need magic. BUT if magic will ever draw us apart again I want you to be strong for me and use the spell. Keep it where no one will find it to use it against us. Wherever our path will lead us, the treasure chest will always be near."

There was a good minute of silence before Belle could speak again. This was a gift she had never expected to get from Rumple. Many kinds of different feelings were rushing through her mind, but the most strongest one was relief. She wanted to live her life with this Rumple, with the Rumple who was also the Dark One, but she wanted to make a family with him as well, and if he ever lied to her again this might be a chance. She only hoped that this was what she really wanted.

"I will consider it Rumple, but this shouldn't make it easier for you. I want you...the real you and I want to trust you. And I know that I will be happy with you. I never stopped believing that you're more than what others see in you."

"So you trust me?" Rumple asked in concern, his eyes looking a bit glassy.

"I do! That's why I was willing to marry you. There is a good heart beating in your chest," Belle answered with an assuring smile.

"I love you." Rumple took one of Belle's locks between his fingers, caressed her cheeks and sealed this special moment with a kiss.