Chapter Two: At Last
The wedding had been everything Belle imagined and more with all her friends there, whom had become her family, with the heartbreaking exception of her father, and she was marrying her true love. The small celebration was wonderful, but now they were finally alone. She had mixed feelings about it as they wouldn't just be alone, but she would give herself to Rumple as his wife. She waited in trepidation as she sat in the front seat of the Cadillac while they drove back to the house. When they arrived at house Rumple opened the car door for Belle, and scooped her up in his arms.
"Oh," she said smiling and giggling, "this is a surprise."
Rumple smiled. "The groom always carries his bride across the threshold."
"But what about your leg?" Belle queried, as she wrapped her arms around his neck, "I don't want you to put pressure on it."
"It's never felt better my darling," Rumple said, "and you give me strength."
A warmth filled her heart and as he carried her up the front walk. "I love you, my handsome husband."
"And I love you, my beautiful wife," Rumple replied kissing her softly on the lips.
It sounded so wonderful to be able to refer to each other in that way. It had taken them a long time, but they had finally made it to this moment.
After taking Belle inside, he carefully set her down and went to lock the front door while Belle stood in the middle of the foyer clutching her folded arms as she waited for Rumple. She wasn't cold, but she had goose bumps coating her arms. They slowly disappeared as Rumple wrapped his arms around Belle's waist and rested his chin on her shoulder.
"Are you cold sweetheart?" He asked as he felt her whole body shiver within his embrace.
"No, I'm fine. I just felt a little chill" she replied, leaning against him sighing contentedly.
"Are you hungry, because I thought we would start the evening with a light meal," Rumple guided her into the living room. The room was lit by candles and the meal was waiting for them on a table covered with a white table cloth.
"This is so lovely," Belle exclaimed and approached the table. She lifted the covering over the plates of food and found hamburgers waiting to be eaten.
"Just like on our first date," he said.
"I love it. It's incredibly romantic," Belle replied.
Rumple pulled the chair out for Belle. "My lady," he said, and then he sat down across from her pour wine in her glass.
Once he poured some wine in his own glass he lifted it to hers. "To us," he said.
"To how lucky we are to have found each other," she said lifting it to his. After clinking glasses, they both leaned forward and kissed.
She was relieved that they were eating first, because, not only was she starving, but she also needed some time before they made love for the first time to relax her nerves. Her ladies' maids often gossiped about what it was like, and she had read about it in books, but she doubted reading or hearing about it could compare actually making love.
"Nothing compares to Granny's hamburgers," Belle said as she took a bite of the burger.
"Actually, I made it. I promised her I would lower their rent if she taught me how to make burgers like hers," he admitted, "but I added my own spices to the burger."
"It does taste different, but in a good way," Belle told him as she took a sip of her wine, "It's better actually."
"You better not let Granny hear you say that," Rumple said, chuckling.
"Oh, of course," Belle said, winking, "Besides, I might be a little biased."
They were both quiet during the rest of the meal, their hands meeting in a comforting embrace and looking at each other lovingly. They were like two teenagers on a date, but this time, it was their wedding night.
"What are you thinking?" Rumple asked.
"How happy and how lucky I am to be married to such a wonderful man," she replied.
"I think I'm the lucky one," Rumple said and leaned forward to kiss her knuckles.
"Would you care to dance?" Rumple asked after they finished their meal.
"I would love to," Belle replied.
Rumple turned on CD player, which took a moment to start up, and it started playing Etta James' "At Last". Rumple had a preference for songs of the sixties and before that, and with Henry's help had a CD complied of his favorite songs and music. Tonight, he thought it would be perfect because many of the songs reminded him of how he felt about Belle.
She placed her hands within his, which fit so perfectly together, and she could feel tingles slide up her arm. They moved rhythmically to the smooth melody of the song, and Belle felt as if her whole world were in this room. Rumple spun Belle so she twirled, the skirt of her wedding dress twisting at the bottom, and spun her back into him. She laid her head on his shoulder sighing happily, and Rumple began to quietly sing to her.
"My heart was wrapped up in clovers
the night I looked at you
I found a dream that I can speak to
A dream that I can call my own
I found a thrill to press my cheek to
A thrill I've never known
You smiled and then the spell was cast
And here we are in Heaven
For you are mine at last….."
"My, my husband is full of surprises," Belle said, pleasantly surprised by sound of Rumple's soulful voice.
Rumple's cheeks turned crimson at her words. "Do you not want me to sing?"
"No, no I love hearing you sing. Why haven't I heard you before?" She asked.
"I only sing in shower, and when Bae was a baby, I would sing to him to lull him to sleep when he had nightmares," Rumple admitted.
Belle replied, "I wish you would sing more, at least to me."
Rumple chuckled. "I can do that."
"Good," she said.
Belle silently listened to her husband's beating heart as she pressed her cheek to his chest. The song had changed to a modern song called All of Me, by John Legend, and it was one of the few songs that was from the 2000's.
"I'm glad you and Neal are okay," she said breaking the silence, "That way, he could be your best man, and you both looked so handsome standing up there together."
She was so happy when Neal had accepted his father's request to be best man and had assured him that she didn't want to replace his mother. Neal had admitted that he was happy to see her as his new mother, because he never forgave his mother for abandoning him for life as a pirate. He told Belle he believed she would be a wonderful stepmother and was happy his Papa was happy for the first time in a long time. She said they both made him happy, and that she was glad to be his stepmother.
It had been a small wedding with Snow playing the role of wedding planner. Neal, Jefferson, Victor, Ruby, Ariel, and Astrid made up the wedding party. Belle had asked Leroy to give her away since her father couldn't accept her decision. In their old world they would need her father's approval or she couldn't marry Rumple, but in this world women had more rights. Rumple did consider asking Maurice, but she told him it was useless, and Maurice wouldn't give his permission for them to marry. She had tried to talk to him, but as she predicted her father rejected her, so her only option was one of her closest friend's to give her away. Rumple did confess he had tried to talk to Maurice himself, hoping her father would come around for the sake of Belle, but he still refused.
All of their close friends attended the wedding as guests. Both Rumple and Belle agreed the only person who had a right to officiate the wedding was Archie, because he had been a good friend to both and had helped both father and son with their relationship issues. When Neal had returned with his father, Emma, Henry, and Belle to Storybrooke, he and Rumple went to counseling with Archie. Neither was too keen on the idea, but Emma and Belle convinced them it would help. There were still some issues they had to work through, but after several sessions, Neal had learned to forgive his father, even allowing him to call him by his old name.
"I'm glad too. I'm so grateful that he was there to share this moment with us," Rumple agreed. "I didn't think I ever would have a moment like this, let alone share it with my son."
He gracefully dipped her and slowly eased her back up, her cheeks flushed as her face was inches from his. Their lips met in a tender kiss, and she rested her forehead against his. They stayed this way, getting lost in each other's gaze.
"Rumple, can I talk to you about something that's been on my mind," Belle said breaking the blissful silence between.
"Of course, my darling," Rumple said.
She admitted, honestly, "I'm nervous about tonight."
"Oh," Rumple replied, frowning, "Do you not want to make love with me?"
"No, that's not it at all! I do want to," she assured, frowning herself. She was very nervous about admitting this, and his concern that it was him made her more nervous.
"Are you not attracted to me?" He asked something Belle had not expected him to ask.
"What would make you think that? I find you most handsome, sexiest man in this town and our world," she said, trying to ease his insecurities that had resurfaced. She knew why and was going make sure he knew he didn't have to feel insecure with her, that she loved him for who he was and is now. She would save him from the demon that resided inside of him that made him doubt his ability to love and be loved in return. She wanted their wedding night to be magical, not full of lingering doubt.
"Rumple, I want to be with you in that way, but I'm nervous, because I've never been with a man before," she admitted walking away from him and sitting on the couch. "It's even more nerve wracking, because I love you so much. I've only read about it in books and heard my ladies' maids talk about it. I don't want to ruin things with my lack of experience. What if I'm bad at it?" Belle blurted this all out as her cheeks turned a deeper shade of red the more she spoke.
It was a relief to know she did want to be with him, but Belle's worries about it surprised him. He hated seeing her upset and afraid of disappointing him or anyone.
"She's nervous? I thought I was the only one."
"He probably thinks I'm being childish. Most men prefer women to be silent about their fears and don't want to concern themselves with them. Rumple is different though and has always put me and Neal first, above himself, but what if he does care that I'm not good? What if I do disappoint him? I don't want to, but don't men value how a woman is in bed or am I being silly in thinking that way?"
He sat down beside her and held her hands within his own roughened ones. "I was nervous my first time too until I remembered something one of my aunts told me. That it's about being with the right person, and if you love them, it will be a beautiful experience. Sweetheart, it doesn't matter to me if you have experience or not, because being with you, touching you, kissing you will be wonderful. If you're not ready we don't have to, and can do this when you're ready."
His words brought tears to Belle's eyes filling her with happiness, and easing her mind. She still felt the pressure of not wanting to let him down, but at least he told her they could be together when she was ready to be.
"See you still question me wanting to be with you, and then you say that. It just gives me another reason for loving you. Most of the men I've known would never say something like that or even think like that, but you respect me enough to be patient with me."
It was Rumple's turn for his cheeks to turn red. A few of his female neighbors had said Milah was an ungrateful bitch for leaving, and she didn't know how lucky she was to have Rumple as a husband. The words didn't mean much, because Milah still left him for that bastard pirate, but hearing Belle say those words made him believe it. That he was worth something to her, but the Dark One's voice would still give him reason to doubt. Tonight, he wasn't listening to it though, only to her, because tonight was their night to be together.
She placed a gentle kiss on Rumple's rosy cheeks and leaned against his chest. "It is okay if we just stay like this for now?"
"I have no objections," Rumple replied, kissing Belle on top of her head. He ran his fingers through her auburn locks, and the scent of mangoes filled his nose.
"Your hair smells really good," he said inhaling the fruity scent.
Belle giggled. "You like how my hair smells? I'll have to use this shampoo more often."
Once again, they were quiet, just enjoying being in each other's arms, when inspiration aroused Belle to be more intimate in her actions. She wasn't ready to go all way, but she could take it slow with small gestures. She slid her hand beneath his open collar, gently stroking him on his chest.
Rumple shivered at the feel of her hand. "I thought you weren't ready," his voice becoming husky.
"If I take it slow, maybe I'll be ready," she said, a small smile crept on her mouth, looking up at her husband, "It is alright?"
"Again, I have no objections," he said, returning the smile. Lifting her chin, Rumple kissed her on the lips.
She placed tender kisses upon his exposed chest.
"Is that okay?" She asked, hesitant.
He nodded, unable to speak, as he enjoyed her moist lips on his neck. She eased herself on his lap, so it would be a little easier for her to kiss him where she wanted. She stopped, and lifting her head up, their mouths met. She could still taste the sweet wine on his lips. She kissed him with slow, tender, passion that he responded to eagerly, while holding her on his lap. As she caressed him with her mouth, Belle was beginning to lose herself to her desires and began to unbutton his shirt more of his shirt.
As she slid the first button out of its slit, Rumple held her hand, giving her reason to pause.
"Wait, before we go any farther, I have something for you," he said, his voice breathless from their kissing.
"I have something for you too, my darling husband," she said, reluctantly removing herself from his lap. It made her giddy as she referred to him as her husband and her cheeks flush.
She had kept his present hidden away in the suitcase her clothes were in. Ruby had brought it over, while Ariel had helped Belle finish getting ready, and she had hidden his gift beneath the clothes. It was frustratingly hard to figure out what to get him, because she didn't want to get him just anything. She clutched it to her chest, hoping he would like it and not think it was stupid or something.
~Page Break~
Coming out of the small office where Rumple dealt with more legal matters, not that he had any traditional legal matters here in Storybrooke, he held a small black box. He had considered getting her a book of poetry or something, but that would be too predictable. It was their wedding gifts to each other; it had to be something much more special than just a book he could get her anytime.
They met in the living room holding their gifts for each other. Belle carried something rectangular wrapped in purple tissue paper. She presented it to her husband as her gift for him. The purple tissue paper crinkled beneath his fingers as he tried to master it without tearing the tissue. Belle waited for him to completely remove the tissue paper before she lifted the lid off the box he had given her. Hidden beneath the tissue was a dark blue book with their initials engraved in gold lettering on the cover. He flipped through, on the top corners of each page held different symbol: a rose, a spinning wheel, and a small chipped tea cup.
"I thought you would like something to write down your thoughts or spells and potions," Belle explained.
"Thank you sweetheart, I love your gift," he said giving her a light kiss on the cheek. She smiled with relief that he liked his gift.
She removed the lid of the black box and her eyes lit up as she dangled a shining gold bracelet with several charms: a book, a rose, a spinning wheel, a chipped cup, and a horse. She held it on the palm of her hand feeling how intricately crafted it was. Her tears made her eyes glisten, and she immediately embraced him ravishing him with kisses.
"I take it you like," Rumple said his voice slightly muffled.
"I love it," she exclaimed, "can you put it on me?"
He nodded and holding her wrist he hooked the clasps together.
"Have you ever made anything like this before?" She asked
He shook his head. "No, actually I haven't, but I wanted to make something special for you. I'm glad you like it."
"You have incredible talent, but I shouldn't be surprised since you're so good with your hands," she said. Her cheeks turned crimson once more when she realized how that sounded.
There was an awkward silence for a few minutes, but Belle finally spoke up again.
"Rumple, I think I'm ready to go upstairs," she said, trying to make her voice to sound more confident than it was, "But I still want to take things slow."
"I'll take things as slow as you want," Rumple promised, gently stroking her cheek.
"May I carry you my lady?" he asked, bowing.
"You may, my lord," Belle replied curtsying.
Rumple lifted her up slowly, carrying her upstairs as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He was rather pleased with himself that he was able to carry across the threshold and up the stairs. Since his leg still bothered him at times, he got some pain relievers at Clark's pharmacy, so he would be able to carry her. He wanted everything to be perfect and his leg bothering him would have made things difficult for him to enjoy tonight.
~Page Break~
Rumple set Belle down and opened the door to the master bedroom. The room was lit with candles, and there was a trail of rose petals.
"How romantic," she said. She turned around, so she faced him kissing him softly on the lips.
"It isn't too much?" He asked.
She shook her head. "Like I said, it's romantic, very romantic of you."
They tasted each other's mouths while she laced her fingers through his brown strands. "I'll be right back," she said, and step away from him a sly smile on her lips.
"Wait, don't go yet," he protested, reaching for her hands coaxing her back towards him. Belle leaned against him, and pretended to try to escape him. "It seems the beast has captured me."
"Yes, I have and the only way of escape is if you pay the price," he teased.
"And what's that?" Belle asked.
He grinned and said, "I have a few ideas."
She raised her brow. "Ideas huh? What kind of ideas?"
He kissed her neck and nibbled on her ear as she pressed against him.
"You know, if you let me go then you won't be able to see the surprise I have for you," she said, unable to contain her giggles.
"If I tell you it will ruin the surprise. Besides, it's something you have to see," she said. Surprise, what surprise is that?"
He reluctantly let her go, and she disappeared into the bathroom.
Belle leaned against the door, touching her burning cheeks. "Oh, how that man makes me feel," she muttered. Pushing herself off the door Belle approached the sink and splashed the soothing water on her face.
Her fingers pressed against the porcelain as she studied her reflection in the mirror. There was a shine to her face, and she couldn't hold in the smile that touched the corners of her cheeks. Her blue orbs lit up at the thought of him touching her bare skin and kissing her in her most sensitive areas. A shiver ran all through her body at the thought of all the wonderful things he would do to her. Soon they would join in a physical union, and they would be bonded forever, but she needed to get ready first.
Belle unzipped her tote bag and removed her toiletries and the dark blue nightie with the gold lacings. Reaching behind her, Belle carefully unzipped the back of wedding dress and slid it off of her. Once her dress was off she put it in the dress and picked up the knee length nightie. Finding one that she was comfortable in but was also sexy proved to be a difficult task, especially with Ruby insisting she should get something much shorter in length. She eased the nightie over her head, the silk felt light as it fit around her figure, accentuating her feminine features. She absent mindedly ran her hands down the length of nightie feeling the smooth silk beneath her fingertips, her cheeks even rosier than usual.
She approached the door, but hesitated turning the knob. "Belle, don't be afraid. We love each other and that means it will be amazing."
Looking down at her wrist, she admired the bracelet he had made for her as a wedding gift. Most men would never admit to having a talent like that, but Rumple was also raised by his Aunts Rebecca, Katherine, and Alexandra, who taught him that he didn't have to be what men and women defined as "macho" to be a real man. Most of the women she knew would find it sweet and romantic, while the men would be jealous. They would ridicule Rumple because of their petty jealousies, but Belle would rather have someone like Rumple over any of those nobles and princes.
Her heart was racing and the butterflies in her stomach continued to flutter about as she adjusted herself and slowly turned the knob.
~Page Break~
Rumple sat down on bed taking off his shoes and loosened his tie. He lay down on the bed while he waited, but his lack of being able to get comfortable gave him reason to no longer want to lie down. Sitting up, he fiddled with the buttons on his shirt, and eventually left the three top buttons open.
He didn't realize how nervous he truly was until she went into the bathroom, leaving him alone in the room. It had been a long time since he had been with anyone, and this time she wasn't just anyone. She was his true love, his soulmate, his best friend, his redemption, and the fear of losing her resided in the back of his mind. He wanted to please her and make her happy more than anything, not disappoint her any more than she didn't want to disappoint him. Unlike the first two, Belle was worth it, and she did love him, despite his flaws. He didn't understand that, but he stopped questioning it, because if he questioned too much, he could risk losing her.
He started to pace, wearing the carpet out with his sock covered feet. He was in mid stride when he looked up and gasped at the beautiful sight before him. He stood there staring in stunned disbelief, licking his lips, at his new bride with a mixture of pure joy and insatiable desire.
Belle stood there timidly, most of her hair draped over her right shoulder, and her eyes cast downwards when she caught Rumple's expression.
"Do you like it? Ruby helped him pick it out," Belle said. If she would have had it her way I would be wearing something shorter.
"You're exquisite," he said, his voice coming out huskier than usual.
Belle's cheeks became as red as the rose he once gave her. She could still feel her heart beating as she approached the bed. Once she was close enough to touch him, her cheeks once again felt hot as she realized she could see a lot more of his chest than earlier.
She touched his bare chest, caressing his skin with her fingertips. Rumple began to tremble when she touched his chest.
"Are you alright, my love?" she asked worriedly feeling his body trembling.
"I'm fine," he replied, shrugging.
"Rumple, please tell me what's wrong," Belle insisted, not at all fooled by his words.
He sighed and admitted, "It seems I'm just nervous as you are. It's been a long time." He sat down on the bed as he looked down at his hands, fidgeting nervously. "Forgive me, Belle."
She sat down beside him. "It's actually a relief to know I'm not alone. It might be nice if we just lay here and hold each other for a little while," she suggested brushing aside hair that had fallen into his eyes.
She kissed his brow and guided him so they lay down on the bed together. Snuggling closer to him, Rumple wrapped his arms securely around her. They stayed like that, with her back facing him, but found she didn't like this position. She wanted to see her husband's handsome face while she lay beside him. She moved her body repeatedly so she could get in the most comfortable position.
He chuckled as she once again made the bed sheets shift. "Am I going to have to hold you to keep you still," he teased.
"I want to face you and I need to get comfortable," she said, defensively.
She finally stilled after a few minutes of adjusting her position on the bed, so she was comfortable.
When all was quiet the couple lost themselves in each other's gaze as each had put the other one under a spell.
As he just stared lovingly into those eyes that captured his soul and made him feel, so overwhelmed with emotions he thought, "She looks at me with such love and affection and I could get lost her cerulean eyes for the rest of my, but why is she still? I should do what Bae said and just be happy that I finally have the happiness I've been searching for. I him back in my life, and I have my Belle, but I've traveled such a dark path for so long it's hard to believe it's real. That's why I'm nervous because I'm afraid to lose her."
Belle had different fears swirling in her mind. "It helps to know that he's just as nervous, but I wish I knew why. Does he not trust me? I hope I don't disappoint him. I know he said it didn't matter, but what if he's just saying that."
She needed to prove to him he could trust her that she wanted him and wouldn't leave him. Telling him wouldn't help, but showing him would. She fiddled with his buttons undoing the ones that were still button up, and covered his chest with soft kisses. She looked up at him, holding all the desire she felt for him deep within the depths of her cerulean eyes. She kissed him this time on the lips as she touched his chest, gently rubbing his smooth skin. Rumple responded by pulling her closer as he kissed her back lingering in this meeting of their mouths.
"Rumple, you know my love for you will never change. Even with the darkness trying to take you away from me. I won't give up on you, on us," Belle promised him, her voice breathless from the kiss they shared. "You are my handsome prince, but I need you to trust me, like I trust you."
"I do trust you with all of my heart, but there is that voice of doubt inside my head. Sometimes it sounds like Milah or Cora," he shuddered saying those names, but it was true.
At times it even sounded like Zoso, but would slowly change into his own voice. Before Bae went through the portal, and even for a little time after that, his son's voice would bring him back to the light, but over time his Bae's voice would fade until he could no longer hear it. Then Belle came into his life and her light shown as bright as the moon guiding him through the darkness. She became his beacon of hope, a flicker of light guiding him through an ocean of darkness. He looked at his hands as if he were ashamed to admit what he had confessed to her
"Let me help you fight those voices. I'm yours Rumplestiltskin, and your burdens are mine," she said cupping his cheeks. She kissed his brow and then his lips. "Don't be afraid to let me help you."
Rumple gave into temptation kissing his bride with all the passion he held inside of him for her. He caressed her skin with his fingers as if she were as delicate as the thread he spun feeling her body against his as he tasted her mouth with his lips. As Belle surrendered to her passions for her beloved, wrapping her arms his neck she could taste his aftershave and could smell his cologne as it surrounded her. She sat up slightly lifting her arms, as he peeled off the sexy dark blue nightie. Feeling brave, she helped him remove his own clothes allowing them both to be completely vulnerable to each other. She placed a hand on his chest delicately tracing the scars that were evidence of hard, long, suffering life. She didn't cringe at the sight of those scars, only touched them, and kissed the spots where they resided. He crawled on top of her their mouths meeting in an eternal kiss, and removing his lips from her mouth he nibbled his way down her collarbone to her chest. Rumple slid her silk panties down her thighs exposing her to him. He returned to her mouth kissing her deeply.
He paused lifting his head. "Are you ready or do you want me to stop?"
"I'm ready to be yours Rumple," she spoke breathlessly.
"It's forever dearie," he reminded her winking playfully.
"I made a deal didn't I," she teased back; "I know never to break a deal with the all-powerful Rumplestiltskin. I'm yours forever my darling Rumple."
With those words, he kissed her passionately, and she felt her whole body tingling as he kissed her. Rumple touched every part of her that was sensitive with his lips, learning about her every curve. It was as if she were slowly coming alive her body glowing with each touch of his mouth on her skin. His kisses alone affected her and aroused her. He slowly returned to kissing her already swollen lips from his previous kisses, and he tasted her sweetness and the mint on her breath.
They came together in a sweet embrace of desire and need for each other blending into one. Her skin felt as smooth as rose petals beneath him as body rubbed against hers and he caressed her pale skin. He melded his hand with hers and their fingers over lapped.
It was like a release to Rumple, as if she were the only thing that made sense to him. He massaged her most tender areas as he kissed her, and her moans of pleasure excited him. It was a relief to know she wasn't repulsed by him the way Milah had been and as Cora must have been.
The sweet confusion they shared, not knowing where she ended and he began made Belle feel as if she were going to die, They separated, only for a moment and in that moment she felt as if she had died...but part of him still lived within her, bringing her back to life again.
She didn't want Rumple to stop, but she was exhausted and needed to rest for a little bit. Belle snuggled in closer to him as if the. She couldn't contain the tears of joy that grazed her cheeks.
"Did I hurt you?" Rumple asked seeing the tears. He kissed where a fresh tear had shown itself.
"It hurt a little, but it's alright. I know it's supposed to hurt," she said.
He sat up looking down at her as he ran his fingers through her hair. "I don't want to cause you any pain."
"I'm okay, I just need to rest for a bit," she assured her concerned husband and kissed him tenderly.
She rested her arm on his naked chest and placed her lips on it. "That was wonderful and you are a wonderful lover," Belle spoke quietly gazing into his chocolate brown eyes.
He chuckled and kissed her lips. "You haven't had any other lovers, my darling, but I'm glad to know you think I'm wonderful."
"You are and any woman who says differently is insane," she said sliding her finger along his lips, which he proceeded to place in his mouth on. As if the gesture reminded her, Belle heard her stomach growl and so did his.
She blushed looking away embarrassed. "I think I'm hungry."
"It seems so," he teased kissing her again. "I have something for dessert."
"Do you?" She asked grinning mischievously.
"Would you mind if I used magic? I'm a bit comfortable right," he requested.
"It's okay," she said, "as long as there's no price."
"Not over something like this," he promised. He waved his hand and a plate full of strawberries with chocolate on them with an extra cup full of chocolate appeared.
Rumple dipped a strawberry that didn't have as much chocolate on into the cup and fed it to her. Chocolate spread on her lips and she dragged her tongue along her lip smiling seductively at her husband. He playfully nibbled on her bottom lip helping her with the chocolate and strawberry juice stain. Belle picked up a strawberry and tried to feed it to Rumple, but he pulled away. She pouted and tried aiming closer to his mouth, but instead of putting it in his opened mouth Belle tapped his nose with it. She smeared the chocolate and licked his nose, then kissed him while he rubbed her thigh. The couple spent the next five minutes teasing each other while feeding each other strawberries. She put another strawberry in Rumple's mouth nibbling on his lip after, but before she could pull away he captured her lips in a sweet, passionate kiss. He guided her so she was lying down once again and Belle received the delightful sensation of his tongue tasting her.
"Oh God, what he does to me," she thought as she once again felt every sensation inside of her come alive.
This time the joining was easier as he already broke through the barrier that held her innocence within. It felt so good to be bonded like this again because even during their moments when they weren't physically joined she felt empty when she wasn't touching him.
Rumple paused for a moment looking at her in concern. "Are you in pain? I'm not hurting you?"
She opened her eyes and shaking her head. "No. Before it hurt, but now you make me feel so good. I don't want you stop," she said her voice breathless. His grin aroused her more and she brought his mouth to hers for another kiss that left her breathless. As before, they came together, so blended that you couldn't tell who was who anymore.
~Page Break~
The room was still dark when Rumple opened his eyes to find his beautiful wife lying in his arms, still asleep. He smiled warmly, brushing aside a curl that had fallen in front of Belle's eyes.
He kissed brow, whispering, "I love you."
Careful not to wake his bride, Rumple eased himself out of bed.
After brushing his teeth, Rumple grabbed the robe from behind the bathroom slipping it on and quietly made his way downstairs with plans to make breakfast for them. He had thought about this last night, wanting to give Belle breakfast in bed. He took out everything he needed remembering Belle was a late sleeper so he didn't have to worry about her waking up before he finished preparing it. An hour later, he had a tray of waffles, sausage, eggs, and two glasses of orange juice. He placed a vase that held a single ruby rose and carefully brought up the tray to their bedroom. As he came into the room, fresh scent of waffles awoke his wife and she grinned at the sight of her husband with his messy hair.
"Breakfast in bed, that is so sweet of you," she said.
After putting the tray down on the nightstand, Rumple sat down on the bed. "Good morning sweetheart," he greeted kissing her sweetly on the lips. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, very well. Now, what did my wonderful husband make for breakfast?" she asked.
"First, we have waffles. I brought up maple and strawberry syrup for you to choose. For meat we have sausage, and eggs with cheese, of course," he said, gesturing to everything before her. "Oh and if you choose the maple, its real maple, not the store bought brand."
"I might have to try that one then," she said picking up her fork, she stuck in one of the cut squares, and dipped it in the container of syrup.
"Mmmmm," she said taking her first bite, "that is really good."
She picked up another bite this time feeding it to him, but syrup began to dribble down his chin. Grinning, she slowly licked his chin and kissed him tasting the sweet flavor of maple on his mouth. Rumple arched his brow smirking as she smiled innocently as she hadn't just teased him. He picked up another bite of waffle feeding it to her the way she had just done, kissing her too. She patted the other side of the bed hinting that she wanted him to lay in bed with her, and he was in bed again they spent the next hour feeding and kissing each other.
"I'm so glad my husband is such a brilliant cook," Belle complimented giving her husband another kiss after she put the tray on the nightstand.
Rumple responded eagerly saying, "You know your cooking wasn't that bad. Maybe a little less burning of the food would have been nice," he teased and Belle took her pillow playfully hitting him.
"Oh, were going to play it that way?" he asked smirking and tickled her ribs resulting in uncontrollable laughter from Belle.
"Please, stop," she begged through her laughter and she was laughing so much she had to lay down again.
"What's the magic question?" He growled friskily.
"What's the price?" she asked, struggling to get out the words.
"Simple," he said, and he paused to stop his tickling attack, "Join me in the shower?"
"I can do that," she said grinning as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She guided his mouth to his their lips meeting again. She lingered for a moment with her forehead resting against his and she sighed contentedly.
"Shall we take a shower?" Rumple asked taking her hands to kiss her palms.
"Yes," she whispered.
~Page Break~
Rumple stood behind his Belle, wrapping his arms around her waist as he kissed her shoulder and nibbled teasingly.
"Hmmm, you're a tease Mr. Gold," Belle said.
"I think it's you who are the tease, Mrs. Gold," he replied. He reached over her shoulder turning on the shower water to the perfect temperature. She turned around, so she faced him, their lips brushing as they walked backwards into the shower. The water cascaded down their backs making the moment all the more pleasurable.
As they continued to distract each other with sweet kisses, Rumple asked, "May I wash you, my love?"
"I would like very much as long as you let me wash you after," she replied.
"If it pleases you," he said.
He took the loofa filling it with soap and began to gently scrub her arms and shoulders. Closing her eyes Belle relaxed as he cleansed her body with the soap. It felt so good and he was always careful with her as he cleaned. He even found the tickle spot on her knee making her giggle uncontrollably.
"Oh, you wicked beast, you know that's one of my tickle spots," she said pretending to be angry with him.
He grinned. "What can I say? I know every nook and cranny on your body."
"I will get you back," she promised in playful warning. "Now it's my turn to wash you."
Belle lathered the loofa with more soap and set work. As she scrubbed Belle admired the marks on his body tracing the scars, each holding a story. To her Rumple was a as beautiful as a dusty book that others would push aside, not waste their time, but she still loved to explore. Belle gazed into those chocolate brown eyes that made her melt every time she looked into them feeling incredibly lucky to have found her true love.
Belle rested her head on Rumple's chest as he held while stay in the shower enjoying the moment because once they left the house, if they did, they would have to share each other with the rest of the world.
Breaking the silence Rumple said, "We better get out before you look as old as I do."
"You don't look old," Belle insisted, "you look like the handsome man I fell in love with him."
"Either way we should get out," he said.
Rumple stepped out first, wrapping the towel around his waist, and a few seconds later Belle followed. He helped her dry off and wrapped the other towel securely around her body so that it covered up her breasts. She put her arms around his neck and grinned seductively.
"What do you want to do today?" Rumple asked.
"Well, I have a few ideas," she said putting her arms around him. She kissed him on the lips as she entangled her fingers through the damp, strands of brown hair.
"You do?" He asked when she didn't have her mouth on his.
"Uh huh." She nodded and helped guide him backwards into bedroom. After they had made love again into mid-afternoon, she couldn't get enough of the experience and wanted more, both had agreed to at least go outside and get some fresh air.
It was warm outside and the sun down on the happily married couple as he outside to the back of house. There was a beautiful rose garden that held a variety of colorful roses, an oak tree stood tall and attached to one of the branches was a wooden swing, and on the other side of the swing Rumple sat down leaning against the tree while Belle positioned herself between his legs so he could hold her.
Opening the book she had brought with her outside she began to read aloud as she leaned against his chest. Hearing the melodious voice as she read the words so passionately, seduced him to relaxed, peaceful state. His life was finally the way he always wanted, but there was an impish voice in back of his mind that just like with Milah, marriage wouldn't keep Belle here. It was a ridiculous notion, because Belle was nothing like his dead Ex-wife, but Rumple was still the same man and that couldn't keep Milah so why should it keep Belle?
She had told him time and again she would never leave him and would always love all of him, but his own inner demon, Milah, Cora, and even Hook had beaten him down, betrayed him, and shattered any hope that he had in him until he was left with nothing but cynicism. He wanted hope again and wanted to destroy the demon inside him, but not even holy union to his true love could heal and destroy the darkness within. He could still feel the beast waiting in the shadows for him to give in to dark desires. He couldn't think about that now, he would just have to keep fighting the ocean of darkness and let Belle's light guide him not to the weak man he was, but to a stronger and truer version of himself.