Rumplestiltskin walked through enchanted forest, it was pitch black, a starless night. The old lantern in his hand squeaked happily, as it swayed back and forth, in time with his steps. He pulled a small water stained paper from his pocket, glancing at it and looking up again to make sure he was going the right way. In the distance, appeared a bright pinkish light. He quickly stuffed the map into his vest and grasped the hilt of his sword. Squinting, he moved carefully toward the unusual phenomena. Rumple moved closer and closer not sure of what it was, but showed no fear in his approach. Twigs snapped beneath his feet as he went, curiosity and excitement overwhelmed him. As he grew closer to the edge of the woods, he could here crunching and squishing sounds, sounds usually associated with feasting. Growls began to follow the sounds, and as he finally reached the edge all his questions were answered.

How could he not know where he was? He had arrived at the edge of Lake Nostos. The Lady of the Lake, the witch who inhabited the waters, it was her feeding time whenever some poor fool journeyed to the waters hoping to regain something. Only few can resist her temptations. Prince Charming, or King Charming thought he killed her, no he just wounded her, causing her to go into a deep hibernation. Now she has been causing a great deal of trouble lately. Rumple never took his eyes of the glowing witch. He slowly put his lantern down; she had not noticed him yet. He watched in disgust, as she tore meat from bones, the blood dripping from her mouth. This kill would've been easy if he had only noticed the rock in the dirt, which he kicked, and it rolled down and stopped at the lifeless carcass that seemed so delicious. Her head shot up and her hard red eyes fixated on him. Rumple watched her slowly stand; her fangs gleamed in the moon light, as she growled at him, the blood still dripping from her mouth. He gripped the hilt of his sword, ready to whip it from its sheath. Rumple took two steps back, as she slowly approached him.

"Rumple," she said in her usual hellacious voice.

"If I knew you were coming, I would have had my meal sooner."

"The King asked me to remove you from these lands. Go back to your lake," said Rumple sternly.

"So rude. You used to have better manners, but I guess you lose them when you become one of the King's lapdogs. All you knights are the same, magic or no. I thought you were different. I always thought you were a gentlemen," she said with a pouty face.

"Yes, and you used to not eat as much. It's starting to show," he added with a smirk.

Rumple smirk turned to a wide grin, as he watched the witch's expression suddenly change from playful to furious.

"Enough. You have two choices, you either go back to the lake on your own, or I escort you there in pieces. I'd rather you take the first choice, I am getting married tomorrow and I'd prefer not to go home to my fiancé in blood soaked clothes. Which will it be?" asked Rumple, pulling out his sword and pointing at the white witch.

"You are always open to deals. Can't we work something out?" asked the witch, her lip poking out in a pouty manner.

"The time for pleasantries has long past. You killed one of the King's knights, that is a very serious offense. Maybe you should have been a bit quitter when eating your meals."

The witch did not like her adversary's new attitude. In a flash she made a move to attack him, with equal speed, he spun to avoid her razor sharp claws, and in the same fluid motion, swung his sword, cutting her arm off. Blood spattered on his sleeve and vest. The witch howled in pain staggering back from him. She looked up at him, her eyes flame red, but Rumple had his sword held high, pointing it at her. She held her bleeding arm, growling, taking cautionary steps toward him.

"Stop. Unless you want to lose something a bit more valuable next time, like your head, I suggest you crawl back to your lake," he said sternly.

The witch howled at the sky, and disappeared in a burst of light. Rumple sheathed his sword and turned his head around to make sure she wouldn't try another surprise attack. When he was satisfied that she had gone, he too disappeared in his usual cloud of purple smoke.

Rumple reappeared at the front gate of his dark castle. The Moon was unusually bright, illuminating the front garden, as he walked down the middle path, on his way to the front doors. He reached the gigantic double doors and waved his hand, which made them magically fly open. His maid, Veronica, was there to greet him.

"Good evening, sir," she said warmly.

"Evening. How is everything for tomorrow?" he asked, taking his favorite cloak off and handing it to her.

"Perfect, my lord," she said smiling.

"Good," said Rumple, as he turned to leave for the library.

"The Lady is waiting for you upstairs, my Lord. She seemed anxious for your return."

"Alright. Thank you. Goodnight Veronica."

"Goodnight my Lord," she said, as she whisked herself around the corner.

Rumple climbed the marble staircase, anxious to see his true love. His steps echoed throughout the long hallway, passing his favorite collectibles as he went. The end of the hallway could not come soon enough, as he finally reached large double doors that led to his bedroom. It was warm in the master bedroom. The fire cackled in the corner, all the while illuminating the room with a bright orange glow. Belle, his love, was fast asleep in bed, curling up under their favorite wolf skin blanket. Rumple smirked and began to undress. He hung his belt, with his sword still attached, on the hook in the far corner. He unlaced his brown leather vest and dark silk shirt, tossed them both on the chair next to the fireplace. He flung his boots off, and slid his matching brown leather pants down, which joined the pile of clothes on the chair. Now completely naked, he slipped into bed next to his fiancée. Rumple scooted closer to her, careful not to wake her up, and gently caressed her shoulder. She stirred a little, rotating her shoulder away from him at first, and then bringing it closer. He smiled and kissed it again, pressing himself firmly against her back. Belle smirked in her sleep, feeling her love's familiar kisses; she turned over and brought his head down to kiss him firmly and passionately. She grasped his long soft hair firmly, as she embraced the heat of his kiss. He was on top of her now, grasping her shoulders, as their mouths moved together in perfect unison, generating the perfect kissed. After a few firm kisses, Rumple lifted his head to stare into her beautiful crystal blue eyes.

"mmmmmmmmmmmmm…Welcome home," she said, smiling a sensual smile.

"Thank you, darling"

"How did it go? With the witch."

"As expected…She didn't go easily."

"She didn't hurt you, did she?" Belle asked, running her hands over him, checking for possible injuries.

"No, No. I'm fine, my love. I clipped her pretty good though," he said with a mischievous smile.

"How bad?" she asked, arching her eyebrow.

"I cut off her arm."

"You didn't kill her?"

"No. It would take a lot more than that to kill her. She'll probably just sink into the nearest lake and heal."

"What if she returns?"

"Then I will have to kill her. I only give warnings once."

Belle just looked at him, listening to his cold words, she never liked it when he talked of killing someone, but if it was one thing she learned in this battle for peace, was not everyone can be saved.

"Let's talk about something a bit more cheerier," she said moving closer to him.

"The wedding is tomorrow…..Soon everyone in the kingdom will see us. We will make our love official. I've waited for this day since the day I fell in love with you….all those years ago in this very castle."

Rumple smiled down at her, shaking his head, he brought her chin up to kiss her.

"I can't wait," he whispered.

Belle caressed his face; she felt butterflies in her stomach when she saw the soft smile he gave her.

"Speaking of love….," said Belle with a smirk, as she reached down between them and grabbed his growing erection.

Rumple jumped at her touch and laughed. She was horny, and he knew it was his smile that did it; he flipped them over so that she was on top. Belle crawled up his body and kissed him passionately. He took handfuls of her gorgeous brown hair and moved it out of her face, as their lips danced over each other, their tongues quickly joined in. She ran a hand roughly over his cheek and down his neck to his chest. Their breaths were short and heavy. She broke the kiss, trying to catch her breath, and he began to kiss her jaw, and ran his tongue down to suck on her neck. She moaned softly, as he dragged her nails over the muscles in his arms.

She hoisted herself up and looked down into his puppy brown eyes. She whispered:

"Make love to me.."

Rumple smiled a soft smile and kissed her again. He yanked the silk white night slip over her and tossed it to the side. He bit her bottom lip, excited by the feeling of her bare breasts against his chest. She rolled them over so that he was on top, the kiss never broken. He pushed her legs up, and smiled when she wrapped them around his waist. Rumple's erection was at full throttle, and he began to grind himself against her. He reached between them, briefly feeling how wet she was, and positioned himself at her entrance. He burrowed his head into her neck; she gasped and clawed at his arms and to back, he pushed in. Her breaths were shallow, and her moans were deep. Rumple growled into her neck, as he began to move, thrusting slowly into her. He raised his head to look into her eyes; his brown eyes never left her blue's, even as he began to thrust harder, but at the same slow pace. Belle's hands ran over his neck and arms, still never breaking the primal stare between them. No words were exchanged between them, none were needed; everything that needed to be said was reflected in their eyes. He picked up the pace; he felt his orgasm drawing closer and closer. Belle reached down and clawed at Rumple's naked butt cheek and squeezed it, as she arched her neck. Belle could feel her release fast approaching as well. Rumple bit her shoulder, and Belle screamed and arched her whole body, as their orgasms hit simultaneously. Her screams cries of pleasure were so loud, that he was sure the whole kingdom could hear them, let alone the whole castle. They settled into the bed, both trying to catch their breath. Rumple laughed and fell over to the side, pulling Belle top of him. It wasn't long before they fell asleep in their favorite embrace.

The next morning, the dark castle was an aurora of activity. Cooks, butlers, servants, maids, all frantically moved about in an effort to put the last finishing touches on the biggest wedding in 30 years.

Belle stood on a wooden stool in the biggest guest room in the castle; the maids scurried around her and inserted pins where needed. Belle smiled, finally the moment she had dreamed of since she was little girl, her wedding day was here, but more importantly she was marrying the man she loved more than anything. Her dress was gorgeous, a snowy white color, long with sewn flowers cascading down. Her sleeves were long covered in sewn white lilies. Cogsworth, one of their butlers, a short chubby man with brown curled hair and a thin mustache, who was dressed in his usual brown suit, entered, his hand covered his eyes, his other arm waved frantically around, trying to reach for something to guide him.

"My Lady….," he said, stumbling around.

"I'm here, Cogsworth," said Belle, barley containing her laughter.

"You don't have to cover your eyes, I'm dressed."

"It's not that…I'm not supposed to see the bride before the wedding…"

Cogsworth stumbled into one the maids attending to Belle's dress. She shrieked and gave him a disapproving glare.

"Oh… Excuse me, mademoiselle," he said with a bow and an uncomfortable smile.

"Cogsworth, that's only my future husband…. He can't see me before the wedding," she said smiling at him.

"Oh.. yes…. Of course," he said removing his hand from his face.

Cogsworth's jaw dropped at the sight of her; he was speechless. A few moments went by before the maids began to chuckle at him, it was then that he realized he was staring.

"Forgive me, my Lady. You look radiant," he said breathlessly.

"Thank you," said Belle, her cheeks turning a bright rose red.

"Was there something you wanted?" she asked.

"Oh. Yes. The guests are beginning to arrive."

"Is it time already?"

"Just about," he said, as he pulled out his favorite pocket watch and glanced at it.

"Have them wait in the great hall. It is still two hours before the ceremony starts."

"As you command, Lady Belle," he said as he turned to leave.

"Is Rumple up yet?" she asked, stopping him.

"I haven't seen the master. I will check"

"Thank you, Cogsworth."

He stepped back into the hallway. Cogsworth bowed, as he closed the door behind him. A few quick steps around the corner and he stood in front of the master bedroom doors. He slowly pulled them open and poked his head inside. It was dark, the curtains were still closed.

"Master?" he called.

Rumple was still fast asleep; his limbs sprawled in various directions across the bed. Cogsworth approached the bed and bent down until he was inches away from Rumple's ear.

"Master," he whispered.

Rumple jumped in his sleep, growled, and turned over.

"Go away, Cogsworth," he groaned into the pillows.

"I'm afraid I can't do that, sire. You would miss your big moment."

"What?" asked Rumple confused, his eyes and nose furrowed.

"Your wedding starts in two hours."

Rumple's eyes shot open and with lightning speed, he jumped out of bed and darted across the room.

"Where's my suit for today?" he asked frantically.

"Here, sire. Bring it in!" said Cogsworth, clapping his hands.

Three maids wheeled in a mannequin dressed in suit fit for a prince, black leather pants, black leather boots, white silk shirt, black vest, and a blue overcoat laced with gold trim, and gold buttons that gleamed in the light. Rumple was amazed. The maids began to giggle. Rumple had gotten up so quickly, that he forgot he was still naked. He quickly reached for the vest that was still on the chair from last night, and covered himself with it, giving the maids an embarrassing smile.

"Alright. Thank you ladies. Out!" said Cogsworth, shoeing the maids outside.

"Who made this?" asked Rumple, running his fingers over the fabric.

"Mr. and Mrs. Potts….They own the tailor shop in Sir Maurice's village," he said, as he undressed the mannequin.

"Mmmm…You paid them handsomely, I hope."

"Yes, my master."

"Good. Next time we visit Belle's father, remind me to pay a visit to them. I would like to personally express my gratitude."

"Of course, sire."

Rumple was dressed in no time, and was tying the white scarf around his neck in the large mirror on the far wall. Cogsworth came up behind them and helped him put his coat on. Rumple buttoned up, and smoothed out a few wrinkles. He straightened his hair up, as Cogsworth went over his coat with a brush.

"You're the spitting image of king, my master."

"Thank you, my friend," said Rumple as he turned towards the door.

He took a deep breath and placed his hand on the door handle. He opened the door, and there stood Sir Maurice, Belle's father, in his finest robes.

"You already know I despise you, dark one….but that doesn't seem to stop my daughter, so I'm here to give you this…"

Maurice pulled out a small velvet box and handed it to him. Rumple carefully opened the box, which revealed a crystal blue pendent.

"I wore that to my wedding…Belle's mother gave it to me; and now I give it to you."

Rumple was shocked; Maurice never liked him, and hated him even more when he found out that Belle had fallen in love with him. Still he appreciated the gift; he took it from the box and pinned it in the middle of his scarf.

"Thank you, Maurice. It will be one of my most prized possessions," said Rumple.

"Good. Before the wedding begins I will give you this warning, Rumplestiltskin…If you ever, ever break my Belle's heart, or cause her harm of any kind. I will hunt you down, put your head your head on a stick, and place it in the middle of my village for all to see."

"How colorful…I promise Maurice, with all my heart, that I will do right by your daughter."

Maurice sneered.

"That would be helpful if you had a heart," said Maurice coldly, as he left them to join the rest of the growing crowd downstairs.

"How rude!" said Cogsworth in a disgusted tone.

"It's fine, Cogsworth. I don't think he and I will ever have the father –son relationship that Belle so desperately desires….Well, let's go greet the rest of our guests. Shall we?"

Cogsworth followed Rumple outside closing the door behind. As he descended the staircase, Rumple could hear the echoes of many voices coming from the great hall. He mentally prepared himself for the sneering and hatred that was about to come.