Gold was ready for dinner well before the agreed upon time. He didn't want to appear too anxious so he decided to enjoy the view from the balcony while he was waiting. The ship had set sail right after the lifeboat drill and they were now out at sea. He'd heeded Belle's advice and ditched the button-down shirt and suit for casual pants and a lilac polo shirt. He wasn't sure that he liked the color, but at least it wasn't pink.

"Hello there." Belle's voice surprised and soothed him at the same time. He looked up to see her standing on the balcony that was adjoined to her room. "I'll be down in a minute… You look nice."

She disappeared before he had time to respond and emerged onto the main balcony within seconds.

She was wearing a rather short light blue and white sundress and low sandals. Her hair was pulled back and she was wearing very little makeup. Her natural beauty took Gold's breath away. "Good evening, Belle. You look remarkably lovely tonight." He smiled at her and she felt her heart flutter. His smile seemed to have that effect on her.

"Thank you." She smiled back at him. "The casual look suits you, Mr. Gold. Does it make you feel more relaxed?"

He thought for a moment before answering. "Yes, actually." He wasn't sure if it was the casual dress or Belle's presence, but either way, he felt more at ease than usual.

"There you two are!" Moe's booming voice interrupted them. "Belle's like you, Gold. Always early. Used to drive me crazy. I always thought that women were supposed to make you wait, but that was never the case with Belle." He now looked carefully at Gold and burst out laughing. "I almost don't recognize you, old man. I don't think I've ever seen you out of a suit… I like it. What do you think, Belle? Not bad, eh?"

Belle looked directly into Gold's eyes. "I think he looks very handsome." Gold gulped in response. He hoped Moe didn't have any idea what he was thinking.

"Well if you think that's handsome, wait until you meet the young men from our office. They're going to knock your socks off." Moe was gleeful just thinking about it.

"Yes, Dad." Belle kept her eyes locked with Gold's. "I can hardly wait." She moved closer to Gold and hooked her arm in his and then hooked her other arm in Moe's. "We should get going. It's quite a walk. This ship is huge and nothing's close by." She led them out and they began the trek to the main dining room. Gold was happy just to have her arm linked with his.

Moe decided that this was the perfect time to plug some of the finer qualities of his employees for Belle's sake. It wouldn't hurt for her to know something about each of them.

"Let me tell you a little about the young people you'll be meeting tonight, Belle. I think you're going to like them and enjoy spending time with them on this cruise." He looked over her head at Gold and winked at him. Gold pretended not to notice. He was not about to be a party to Moe's foolishness. Especially since he rather fancied Belle himself, which he supposed was just as foolish in its own way.

"OK…" Moe began. "First off there's Jefferson. He's a handsome lad… quite brilliant. I never know what he's talking about, but I think you'll like him, Belle. You'll understand him, being as smart as you are." He turned to Gold. "What do you say, Gold? Anything to add?"

Gold gave him an amused look. "Hats… He's obsessed with hats."

Belle giggled. "What do you mean?"

"He collects hats. He wears a different one every day of the year. I'm sure you'll see a variety of them this week." Gold grinned at her.

"I think I like him already. He's sounds a bit eccentric." Belle was starting to enjoy this.

"Uh, yes…" Moe wasn't sure what to think so he went on to the next prospect. "Then there's Graham… very handsome, quiet, sensitive young man… very kind… a perfect gentleman…"

Gold interjected. "Wolves… He's obsessed with wolves."

Belle giggled again. "He collects wolves?" She grinned at Gold.

He chuckled. "Not quite. He's a big animal advocate, but the wolf is his main focus. I'm sure he'll discuss it with you tonight at dinner if you have a chance to speak to him."

"I think I like him too. I have a soft spot in my heart for animals and anyone who advocates for them. He sounds lovely."

"Yes…" Moe was anxious for her to hear about Gaston, but he was saving the best for last. "Then there's David. Another handsome young man… very honorable and hard-working… a real prince."

Belle turned to Gold. "What's his obsession?" She couldn't hold back her huge smile.

Gold had to laugh. "He's obsessed with my assistant, Mary Margaret."

Belle burst out laughing. "Really? So he's involved in an office romance?" That eliminated one of her father's prospects.

"Oh, it's more than a romance… it's true love."

She couldn't tell if he was saying it sincerely or sarcastically. She looked at him. "Do you believe in true love, Mr. Gold?"

He hesitated for a moment before answering. "Yes, I believe there is such a thing, but it's quite elusive. Only a very few ever find it."

She felt a tingle run down her spine. "I agree. I think David and Mary Margaret are very lucky if they've really found it."

"I'm surprised to hear you believe in such a thing, Gold. Haven't you learned your lesson?" Moe didn't want him filling Belle's head with fantastical ideas. She already had enough excuses to reject every man he'd every introduced her to. If she thought she had to find some type of fairy tale "true love" she'd never be happy.

Belle looked at Gold with a question in her eyes. What did her father mean about learning his lesson? Gold didn't make eye contact with her. Instead, he gave Moe a pointed look. "I'd like to think such a thing exists even though it may not be in the cards for the likes of me. I'm sure you'd like to see Belle find that kind of happiness with someone." He gave Belle a wan smile that made her heart hurt for him. She wanted to give him a hug, but settled for squeezing his arm. She needed to know more about him.

"Of course, of course." Moe wanted to end the conversation. "But back to what we were talking about. I saved the best for last… Gaston… he's the son I never had… a big, strapping handsome fellow… an all-around good guy… dedicated, determined, loyal… I can't praise him enough."

Belle looked at Gold and saw a rather naughty-looking smirk playing at his lips. She couldn't suppress her giggle. "Anything to add to that, Mr. Gold?"

Moe gave him a warning look so he bent down and whispered in Belle's ear. "He's obsessed with himself." Belle burst out laughing.

"OK, what's so funny?" Moe did not look amused.

"I told her that he's obsessed with himself." Gold looked challengingly back at him.

Moe appeared angry for a moment and then let out a loud guffaw. "I suppose he is. But when you're that remarkable how can you help it? You'll see Belle. I think you're going to be blown away when you meet him."

Belle smiled at Gold. "I'm sure you're right, Dad. I think I'm going to like everyone." She turned to her father. "What about the women in your office? Are you going to tell me about them?"

"Oh, you'll see for yourself, Belle. I'm sure they'll tell you all about themselves."

Gold chuckled. That was Moe… as subtle as a sledge hammer.

By this time they had arrived at the dining room and found themselves in the middle of a large crowd of people waiting to enter two sets of doors. "I guess we're here." Belle commented.

They gradually made their way into the room and were escorted to a special seating area that had been reserved for them due to the size of their party and their status as suite guests. They were the first ones there from their group. Gold helped Belle to the best seat at the table, one with a view out the window. "Would you mind if I sit next to you?" Gold didn't want to impose himself on her.

"Of course not. I was hoping we'd sit together."

"You don't have to sit next to Mr. Gold, Belle. Why don't you wait until the rest of the group arrives? I think you'd enjoy having Gaston as your dinner companion."

"Oh, I'm fine, Dad. I rather enjoy Mr. Gold's company. He and I seem to have a lot in common." She rested her hand on Gold's arm and he caught his breath. He felt something every time she touched him. Something that he really had no business feeling.

"Whatever you want, Belle." Moe wasn't about to give up. He'd make sure Gaston was seated as close to her as possible.

Moe saw the rest of the gang arriving and made himself busy directing them to their table. Belle took the opportunity to speak to Gold. "I really do enjoy your company, Mr. Gold. I hope we get to know each other much better during this trip." She blushed slightly and Gold felt that urge to kiss her.

"I'd like nothing better, Belle." He put his hand over hers and she felt that tingle again. "Let's start now. I think you should call me Rum. Mr. Gold is much too formal."

"OK, Rum. I like your name. It's sexy like your hair and smile…" She blushed a little. "…like you…."

He felt heat rushing through his body. This was getting to be more than a flirtation. He felt something for her that he couldn't explain. Something had clicked when he met her. He wanted to get to know her much better and she seemed to want it too.

"Have I rendered you speechless again?" Belle smiled shyly at him.

He smiled back. "Yes… I'm afraid so."

Everyone arrived at the table and a myriad of introductions were made. Belle met all of her potential suitors and she also met Ruby, Emma and Mary Margaret. Ruby was the only one besides Moe who had brought a guest, her friend, Dr. Archie Hopper. He was introduced and everyone found a seat at the table. Ruby ended up on the other side of Belle. Moe and Gaston found seats across from her and Gold. Emma sat next to Gold.

"I've never seen you so casual, Gold." Emma was ever observant when it came to his business.

"Well I didn't have much choice, did I? The itinerary called for casual dress."

Emma chuckled. "As though you've ever adhered to any "rules" before."

He looked at her. "What's on your mind, Emma? I know you're on a fishing expedition here."

Emma laughed. "We know each other so well." She gestured to Belle. "So Moe's daughter seems nice."

Gold knew exactly where this was heading. "Yes, she's lovely." He looked at her conspiratorially. "Between you and me, Moe hopes she'll connect with one of the men from our office before the end of the cruise. He's determined to play matchmaker whether she likes it or not."

Emma stared directly into his eyes. "He might want to be careful what he wishes for."

"Exactly." He held her gaze and left it at that.

Everyone began looking at the menu to determine what to order for their 5 course meal. Gold and Belle compared notes. She was stumped by a couple of the offerings and he explained them to her. They were laughing and leaning very close to one another as they looked over their choices.

"What are you ordering, Belle?" Moe's voice reminded Gold that they weren't alone. He glanced up to see Moe looking at him.

Belle rattled off her selections to her father and he used the opportunity to try to engage Belle and Gaston in conversation. It was short-lived and Gold was secretly pleased.

Belle turned back to Gold and continued to engage in entertaining conversation with him. He was sure that Moe was not happy, but he really didn't care at this point. He was enjoying Belle's company too much.

The waiter arrived and proceeded to circle the table to record each of their selections. Gold was the last one to order and Moe's laughter caught his attention just as he was finishing.

"You should have seen him. I've never seen anyone so terrified of flying. Talk about white-knuckling it…"

Gold felt sick to his stomach. Moe was talking about him and it wasn't something he could laugh about. He was terrified of flying, something related to a childhood trauma, and he couldn't make light of it.

Everyone was laughing. Moe continued. "At one point I thought that maybe I should hold his hand to make him feel better, but I thought better of it." He guffawed and everyone laughed again.

Belle sensed Gold's discomfort and put her hand over his.

He looked up to see Dr. Hopper watching him. His eyes were filled with understanding and sympathy. Gold prayed that someone would change the subject.

Dr. Hopper came to the rescue. "Did anyone else have a cricket made of towels on their bed? My cabin steward said he made it and that he'd be making a new towel animal for me every day."

This was the perfect diversion. Everyone started talking at once. Gold gave Hopper a grateful look.

"Let's take turns going around the table. I want to hear what kind of animal everyone had." Ruby was trying to bring some kind of order to the chaos. "I'll start… I had a wolf. It was so adorable. Here. I took a picture." She passed around her phone.

"I had a wolf too." Graham was looking at Ruby's phone. Belle looked at Gold and he smiled.

"I had a swan!" Mary Margaret chimed in. She shared the photo she had taken.

"So did I. I thought it might have something to do with my name." Emma said dryly and everyone laughed and agreed.

"Mine was a horse." David offered and Gaston and Moe said they had the same.

"What about you, Jefferson?" Ruby asked.

He tugged at the straw hat on his head. "I'd say it was a cross between a rabbit and a hare."

"Oh! A bunny! How cute!" Ruby wasn't about to give Jefferson a chance to go off on some long-winded tangent.

"Mr. Gold?" She turned to him.

"A crocodile, Miss Lucas."

"So did I!" Belle added. "It was the cutest thing I've ever seen. Take a look." She passed her phone around and everyone oohed and aahed.

Belle turned to Gold. "That was fun. I wonder how they decide which animals to make."

"I don't know, but some of it was interesting. Emma Swan had a swan, Dr. Hopper had a cricket, Ruby Lucas had a wolf…"

"Why do you think we had crocodiles?" She was curious as to what he'd say.

"Well, there are those who have dealings with me who would have no problem comparing me to one." He smiled mischievously at her and she felt a thrill run down her spine. She almost felt as though he was a crocodile and that he wanted to eat her. And she wouldn't mind at all.

She decided that she was going to ask if she could keep hers. She'd been charmed by it from the beginning, and now for some inexplicable reason, she didn't want to part with it.

Moe's laughter caught their attention again. "And he was the only one on the flight wearing a suit. We were flying into 90 degree weather to go on a cruise and he was wearing a suit. The rest of us were in shorts and t-shirts." Everyone laughed. This time even Gold found it funny.

Belle giggled. "And he was still all buttoned up and sweating when I met him. I had to tell him it was OK to be casual." Everyone laughed again. She grinned at him and he wanted to pull her onto his lap and tickle her until she begged for forgiveness and they ended up making mad passionate love to one another. He shocked himself by what he was thinking.

"You think you're funny, don't you?" He whispered in her ear. "I may make you pay later." He gave her one of his sexiest grins and she felt the heat coursing through her veins. She wished he'd make good on his threat.

Ruby interrupted them. She wanted to speak to Belle about the rest of the evening.

Moe took the opportunity to engage Gold in conversation. He wanted to go over a couple of business matters that evening. Gold suspected that it was his way of making sure that Belle didn't spend any more time with him.

When dinner ended Moe shook everyone's hand and told them to have a good day tomorrow. It was going to be a day at sea and everyone would be relaxing or engaging in fun activities. He also let them know that their party would be dining with the Captain and some of the officers that evening. Everyone was excited to hear it.

Belle got Gold alone. "I guess I'm being whisked off to an evening of drinking and dancing. Ruby won't take no for an answer." She looked wistfully at him.

"Have fun. I'll be discussing business with your father." He already felt lonely thinking about it.

"I guess I'll see you tomorrow?" Belle looked hopeful.

Moe came over and put his arm around Gold's shoulder. "Come on, old man. Let's go get a drink and discuss business. The young people want to have some fun away from us old-timers."

He turned to Belle. "You go have fun, sweetheart. I'll make sure Mr. Gold finds his way back to the room."

Belle and Gold gave each other a quick parting look.

"Good night, Dad. Good night, Rum."

"Good night, Belle. Have fun." Gold gave her a smile he didn't feel. He was sure that once she got to know everyone she'd no longer find his company appealing. He was used to it though. Nobody ever wanted to spend time with him.

Ruby grabbed Belle's hand and pulled her away. She looked back once and then disappeared.

"Rum? Belle calls you Rum?" Moe looked puzzled.

"It is my name, Moe. She's not one of my employees."

Moe guffawed and slapped him on the back. "Of course not. I guess I'm not used to seeing you in a social situation. Now let's go get that drink."

Gold had several scotches that evening. He found that he needed them to keep from thinking about Belle and what she may be up to. They finally returned to the suite and Gold stripped and crawled into bed. He was tired and drunk and more than a little depressed.

He slept fitfully until a steady knocking seemed to seep into his dreams. It finally awakened him. The moonlight was shining through the sliding glass door leading to the balcony and he thought he saw Belle there. The knocking continued. "Rum!"

He sat up. It was her. He started to get up and realized that he was totally naked. He pulled the sheet off the bed and wrapped it around his waist and walked over to open the door.

"Belle, are you OK?" He stepped out onto the deck with her. She pushed him back into the room.

"I just wanted to make sure you got back…" she paused "…and I wanted to make sure that we'd meet up tomorrow morning. I was hoping we could spend the day together." She could see his naked torso in the moonlight and thought he looked fit and trim.

"You want to spend the day with me? Don't you want to go off with Ruby and Graham and the others?" His heart was racing.

"No. I want to spend the day with you. I told you I enjoy your company and I meant it. Do you want to spend the day with me?" She moved closer to him and he backed up. She giggled.

He swallowed. "Of course I do. I'd love to spend the day with you." He looked at his bare wrist. "What time is it?"

"It's 1:30am. I need to get some sleep. What time do you want to meet?"

"I had a lot to drink tonight so I may sleep later than usual. I'll order breakfast for 8:30am. Do you want me to order for you?"

"Yes, I'll join you." She moved closer and kissed him on the cheek. "Go back to sleep. I'll see you in the morning." She left and waved as she walked away.

He put his hand on his cheek. He felt light-headed and off-balance and he didn't think it had anything to do with the amount of alcohol he had consumed.