Chapter 9: Whole


Rumplestiltskin was exhausted. He entered his home and collapsed on his bed, wanting nothing more than to sleep for a few hours. He lay there for a moment, feet dangling off the edge and took a deep breath. He didn't have time to sleep. There was too much to be done to prepare for tonight. He needed to fetch some water, bathe himself, and clean his clothes.

Resigning himself to a day of working through his exhaustion, Rumplestiltskin got to work. He gathered his buckets and rushed down to the river where he collected water. He trudged slowly back, the heavy load weighing him down slightly. When he returned he poured some water into his kettle to boil for his bath. Then he stripped down and dunked his clothes in the other bucket. He took a small bar of lye soap that he'd saved up for and began to scrub his clothing, wanting to be as clean as possible. He laid them next to the fire to dry and picked up the kettle, pouring the hot water into a basin. He flipped his head over and began using the soap on his hair, taking more water to pour over himself to rinse out the suds. He shook his hair out like a dog, droplets flying everywhere. Next he washed himself, scrubbing away all the grime and dirt. The smell of the soap was a pleasant contrast to how he usually smelled. He refused to smell like a sheep on his wedding day.

Once he was finished, he wrapped himself up in a blanket to keep warm and waited for his clothing to dry. He had little else he needed to do and so he slouched down in his chair to wait. Part of him desired to read, his fingers itching to hold a book, but he had none here. Belle would be bringing her books with her, which pleased him greatly. He fell into a light sleep, his nerves and excitement were too much to allow him to truly rest. He blew air out from between his cheeks and swayed his head from side to side, allowing the hard back of the chair to press against the nape of his neck as he moved. It was relaxing in its own way, and he stared up at the ceiling, murmuring old folk songs as he waited with the greatest impatience for the time to pass.

As he sat he began to let his mind wander. He wondered what Belle was doing at this moment. Perhaps she was picking flowers for her bouquet or fixing her hair. She could be bathing, a thought that delighted him but was quickly pushed away. Perhaps she was instead consoling her father. He loved his daughter dearly, and it would be hard to see her move from his house to her husband's. They did not live far away from each other, and he would have to suggest that Belle visit her father as often as she wished. It was only fair.

Rumplestiltskin glanced out the window to gauge the position of the sun. It was midday now, which meant he only had a few hours left before he would need to make his way to the chapel. They were not making their wedding a secret; their love was not something to be hidden. No doubt people would watch curiously as Belle made her way on her father's arm to the chapel. They would feel slighted at not being invited in. There would be a thousand rumors spread throughout the village by the next morning, and none of them would be pleasant. If their relationship had not been so scandalous for some by now, by tomorrow the entire village would be scandalized by their actions.

Shrugging half-heartedly, Rumple rose and checked his clothing. They were mostly dry. He turned with just his blanket covering him and walked to his cupboard and pulled out a loaf of bread. He cut a small slice and nibbled on his as he stared at the hearth. As he chewed he thought of all the things he wished he could give Belle. He had no wedding finery; he had no grand home to offer her. He had no money or jewels or anything of value that was worthy of her. He finished the piece of bread and cut off another small slice. He held up the hard crust of bread and inspected it carefully. He'd never had much more than this. But he would ensure that Belle did. He would give her everything she desired and more. He did not know how, but he would make sure she never wanted for anything. She was giving herself to him. The least he could do was ensure she did not come to regret that decision.

He was growing impatient, ready for the day to pass. He felt as if the fates were mocking him; causing the day to drag on unnaturally slow while he waited and pined for the time when he could finally do the one thing in his life that left him feeling eager and happy. He never thought he'd amount to much, nor have anything worth being excited about, but now he had Belle and there was no doubt in his mind that she was his everything. So long as he had her, he didn't care about what else happened.

~0~

The sun began to sink, and it was time for Rumplestiltskin to leave. He dressed quickly and ran his fingers through his hair, trying his best to make himself look presentable. He pulled on his shoes and his cloak and slipped out of his home, eager to return with his bride next to him. He walked through the village with a spring in his step. He was ablaze with excitement, and he grinned and nodded at people as he passed, ignoring their looks of disdain and confusion. He began to whistle as he walked, the song a happy ballad. He had not been this happy in ages. It was true his life of late had been much improved, but this was the culmination of everything: tonight he would be a husband. Tonight he would start his life with the woman he loved, and their future was stretched out before them.

He arrived at the chapel first. Unsure of what to do now, he stood outside for a while, pacing back and forth nervously as he waited for Belle to arrive. He began to sweat, so he moved inside to look for a place to sit so that he might calm himself. He was jittery with nerves. He glanced around the temple in awe. He had not been inside in many years and had all but forgotten what it was like. It was a place of worship for the old religions, whose gods were fierce and powerful beings who controlled all aspects of life. Many people prayed to the gods still, but time had given way to stronger belief in the magic that was more attainable, through sorcerers, fairies, and other magical creatures. The gods were ancient and outdated. Only the rise of the ogres had caused people to turn to their old ways again, praying for a miracle when fairies and magicians could not deliver.

The building, despite its age, was still as he remembered it. The ceiling rose high, with numerous low hanging fixtures that were lit with numerous candles. There were pews lined up on one side of the main room with an altar at the front. A fire was lit there to warm the cold, who often left small tokens such as flowers, coins, or other items for the gods they did not completely believe in. There were a few people inside, kneeling at a seat or at the fire with their hands clasped, their murmured whispers echoing eerily throughout the building. Rumplestiltskin walked further inside, unsure of what to do.

He did not have to worry long, for a small man in long robes appeared out of nowhere and asked, "Can I help you?"

Rumplestiltskin nodded. "I-I'm getting married today."

The smaller man nodded. "Ah yes. You're the spinner. Marrying Maurice's daughter, yes?" Rumplestiltskin nodded, and the cleric gestured behind him. "I have reserved a small room for the ceremony. You may wait inside, if you wish. I will alert you when your bride arrives."

Rumplestiltskin thanked the man and moved to the small room. It was a smaller chapel, used for gatherings such as this. It was private, and no doubt cost much less to rent than the rest of the chapel had they had a proper wedding. Rumple sat on the small bench with his hands clasped to his knees. He bounced his legs nervously, looking around to take in the slight furnishings of the room. He waited with quiet impatience, glancing at the door every time he heard the slightest sound, hoping it would be Belle. Each time he was disappointed, and he leaned forward and rested his head against his knees and let out a long breath.

He looked up when there was a knock on the door, and he stood abruptly, his eyes wide in anticipation. He frowned with the same cleric appeared. The man entered the room, then stepped aside, holding the door open for someone else. Rumple licked his lips nervously. Maurice stepped inside first, then turned and extended his hand, escorting Belle inside.

She was clad in her now-fitted wedding dress, but the sight of her here, with a bundle of flowers in her hand and even more braided into her hair was enough to cause a few tears to slip down Rumplestiltskin's cheek. His bride was here. She met his gaze and smiled happily, her own eyes shining with unshed tears as she looked excitedly upon her husband. Her face was obscured by her veil, but he could see the outline of her smile. She stepped past her father and reached out with her free hand to him. Rumple wiped his hands on his pants quickly to dry them where they had become damp from his nervousness, and took her hand in between his. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it gently. "Perfect," he whispered in awe, "You're perfect." Her cheeks flushed, and he felt a small satisfaction that his words created this reaction. He interlaced their fingers together. "Shall we?"

Belle flashed him a darling grin. "Yes."

They walked down the aisle together, Belle's arm wrapped tightly around his. It all seemed unreal to him, knowing that in a few moments Belle would be his. They stood together and Maurice followed behind to stand at his daughter's side. The cleric moved around them and stepped onto the small platform before them and began to speak. He spoke briefly on the importance of marriage and the significance of the vows that were about to be taken. While he spoke, Belle held tightly onto Rumplestiltskin's arm, her eagerness palpable. Rumple was so focused on having Belle beside him, he hardly registered the man's words.

Finally, he instructed Rumple to repeat after him. Rumple turned to face Belle, smiling joyfully at her, and vowed to love, honor, protect, and provide for his wife as long as he lived. Belle was instructed to repeat her vows as well. She spoke in a steady voice, her tears slipping down her cheeks as she promised herself to the man she loved. They had no rings to exchange, a novelty only the rich indulged in.

"You may kiss your bride," the man instructed and Rumplestiltskin wasted no time throwing her veil away from her face and pulling her lips to his. He could have remained in that manner for an eternity, but her father was still standing next to her, and he moved away reluctantly, knowing that there would be time to treasure her properly later.

They were moved to an adjoining room where they signed a contract that legally bound them together. Her father and the cleric served as the witnesses to the event and signed their names to it as well. The contract detailed the terms of the marriage, stating what Rumplestiltskin would receive by way of dowry. He was pleased that he could not only sign his name with a decent stroke of his hand, but he was also pleased he could actually read and understand all the contract said. His new skill was proving to be quite beneficial and he would have to thank his wife for her efforts later. And then he paused. His wife. He was a married man, with a wife who loved him. He laughed, causing Belle to look up curiously as she signed her own name. When she saw the joy on his face, she offered him a similar look. "I'm happy, too," she said softly, and Rumplestilskin took advantage of their new status to pull her closer and kiss her without shame.

With the ceremony complete and the document signed, the newlyweds and Maurice made their way back to his home to celebrate. People were standing outside their homes, watching as the party passed, looking on with shock and curiosity. Belle and Rumplestiltskin ignored the looks of those who watched on, having eyes only for each other. Belle laced her fingers with Rumple's walking happily beside him. He pressed a kiss to her temple and they spoke softly together of their happiness. Rumplestiltskin watched Belle as they walked, unable to take his eyes off her. She had his undivided attention since the moment she'd entered the chapel, and nothing could cause him to look away.

They reached Maurice's home and he ushered them inside where a small cake and some sweet wine was waiting for them. Belle laughed and clapped her hands in delight, letting go of Rumplestltskin's hand long enough to embrace her father and press a kiss to his cheek. "Thank you, Papa!" She exclaimed happily before letting go and fetching three small plates. Maurice poured the wine and Rumplestiltskin decided to make himself useful by fetching a knife and cutting the cake. He cut three modest pieces and slid a plate over to his father-in-law, before handing Belle her own. She thanked him with a kiss on the cheek. They talked for some time, laughing and enjoying the evening before finally Maurice stood and held his hands out to his daughter. She took them, and he offered her a teary smile. "It's time, my dear," he said. "I have to let you go."

She laughed gently. "Papa, I'm not that far away. I'll come visit often. I promise."

"I know, my girl," he said, wiping at his eyes. "But I've had you all to myself all these years, and now you're leaving me. It's not going to be the same without you here." Belle felt herself tearing up, but she blinked them away, not wanting to end her day on a sad note. "I know, Papa. But things won't be that different, you'll see. I'm not far away."

He nodded, laughing through his tears at his foolishness and let her go. She slipped into her room to fetch her bag that she would need that night. Her father would deliver the rest of her belongings later the next day. Maurice stepped forward and shook Rumplestiltskin's hand, grasping it firmly. "Take care of my girl," he said.

Rumplestiltskin nodded. "I will."

Belle stepped out a moment later carrying the bag. Rumplestiltskin took it from her and with one last teary hug from her father, they left and made their way to their home.

~000~

When they reached the house, Rumplestiltskin placed Belle's bag on the ground and glanced at her with a wicked grin. Before she could react, he moved, sweeping her up in his arms. She laughed out loud, clutching Rumple close as he stepped over the threshold of their home. Rumple kept his grip on her and spun around with her, finding delight in her squeal of surprise. He came to a stop and let her slip from his arms. Once she was on the ground he pulled her into his arms and pressed his face to her hair.

"Welcome home, sweetheart," he whispered as he nuzzled against her, breathing in the scent of fresh flowers that were still wound in her hair. She hummed in delight and settled contentedly against him.

"There is nowhere else I'd rather be," she breathed. Rumplestiltskin would have kissed her had he not remembered that her bag was still outside. He slid his arms from her, and after letting his fingers run through the soft material of the dress, he rushed outside. He returned inside quickly, kicking the door shut with his foot before turning to close the latch. He wanted no interruptions from the outside world tonight. He wanted tonight to be all about them.

Rumplestiltksin placed the bag on a small stool near the door and marched over to his bride, his desire evident in the look he gave her. Belle, for her part, did not appear afraid. She blinked up at him nervously, but that only reassured him. He was nervous too. He stopped before her and waited, taking comfort when she stepped forward to wrap her arms around his shoulders. She lifted her lips to meet his for a gentle kiss, and he obliged her happily. He did not want to assume she desired this, certainly not as much as he, but when she sighed and pulled him closer, he could not help the shudder of pleasure that shot through him. He lifted his hand to her face, stroking her cheek lightly with his fingers. As much as he wanted this, he had no desire to hurry. He wanted to savor this night with Belle. He wanted the image of her in his arms burned into his memory forever, and he wanted to ensure that he left her satisfied yet desperately wanting more.

He kissed her languidly, savoring the feel of her lips against his. He sighed against her lips and moved, pressing soft kisses over her jaw and down toward her neck. The top of her dress rested high on her chest, and he reached the limit of her exposed skin much faster than he wanted. He reminded himself not to rush but instead moved his lips back up the path he'd traveled and covered her mouth with his again. He pulled away slightly and looked down at her with wide eyes. She was the embodiment of desire and he cupped her face in his hands and sighed. "Belle," he breathed as she glanced up at him lovingly.

"Husband," she replied coyly, and he couldn't help the laugh that escaped him.

"Yes," he whispered in amazement, "And you are my wife. Finally."

She leaned forward and kissed him again, giggling when he clutched her tightly to him. He broke away after a moment, his breathing labored, and sighed her name once more. She nodded and stepped forward, using her hand on his chest to push him backwards.

"Yes," she whispered, "Yes, Rumplestiltskin."

He took a moment to look at her eyes and she offered him a comforting smile. "Shall we…retire?" She asked, and he swallowed thickly. Nodding, he clasped her hands in his and took another step closer to his bed. He paused and turned to look at her again.

"Belle," he said slowly, "Y-you do know what to expect tonight….right?"

His worry turned to embarrassment when Belle rolled her eyes and gave him a dry look. "I'm not a silly girl, Rumple," she said matter of fact, "I know perfectly well what is expected of a wife on her wedding night." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and offered him a sheepish grin, "Though I'm afraid knowing and doing are two very different things."

It was with a sense of relief that Rumplestiltksin laughed and gathered his wife into his arms. He had no idea how it would be either, but he was certain that they would learn. Belle was a dedicated student and he wished selfishly that she would devote many nights to learning with him.

"I'm afraid it won't be very good," he admitted shamefully, "I've never…done this…"

Belle giggled. "Well, then we can figure it out together," she said with an assuring smile. "As with all things, we will figure it out together." She turned her back to him and pushed her hair to one side. Glancing at her husband over her shoulder, she smirked slightly, "Will you unlace me?"

She was as straightforward as ever, for which Rumplestiltskin was glad. Other than her slight nerves, she seemed to be handling this with all the confidence and grace that she always did. Rumple stepped forward, reached out eagerly, and wrapped his fingers around the laces that held the dress together. He untied them deftly, slipping the laces through the eyelets and soon the dress opened to reveal her thin shift. He held the fabric in his hands and began to push it downward, over her hips. It slid to the floor with ease after that and Belle reached down to tug the shift off her, tossing it to the side haphazardly. Her back was now fully exposed to his gaze and he held his breath as he touched her, half afraid he would wake up and this would be a dream. Belle shivered in delight when his fingers brushed over her skin, and he stepped closer, leaning down to press a feather light kiss against the crook of her neck. She shivered again. "Rumple," she gasped, and he only hummed in response as he continued to press kisses over the expanse of her exposed skin.

She turned in his arms, smiling up at him as his gaze instantly lowered. She allowed him to look freely upon her and she felt no shame when she saw his eyes grow dark. His eyes traveled up and down her body and soon after his hands followed, ghosting over her neck, shoulders, breasts, and waist. He groaned at the feeling of her flesh under his hands and let them travel back up her sides.

He was brought out of his distraction when he felt his shirt being pulled on. He blinked and looked at Belle curiously. "It's hardly fair that you get to look upon me while you are still fully clothed," she chided playfully. With a swift movement, he yanked his shirt off and let it fall at his feet. He began to unlace his pants, offering her apologizes for making her uncomfortable. She reached up and pressed a finger to his lips. "I'm not uncomfortable," she informed him, "I just want the same joy of looking upon my husband for the first time."

"I'm afraid there's not much to look at," he said with shame. Belle reached up and ran her hands over his bare chest. He was underweight and his skin stretched slightly over the bone. He had hardly any hair on his chest, and it had never occurred to him until that moment whether Belle would like him smooth or hairy. He had little control over the matter so he hoped she was pleased.

"I'm quite pleased so far," she said, lightly smacking his torso. "Now get undressed and join me in bed." Her cheeks darkened at her words, and she moved around him, walking over to the bed with more confidence and assurance than he could have imagined and made herself comfortable under the blanket. She sat, uncovered from the waist up and began to pull out the flowers from her hair. Rumplestiltksin stood mesmerized for a moment before hurrying to undress so that he could join his bride in their bed.

He joined her after a few moments. He noticed her face was still flushed and it was now painfully obvious that she was trying her best not to stare at him in his current state. He was afraid she would admit she found him unsatisfactory so he opted to make no comment on the matter. Instead, he busied himself with assisting her in removing the flowers from her hair. Once all the flowers were out, he contented himself with running his hands through her hair, watching in fascination as the curls stretched the snapped back to rest against her shoulders and back. "You are so lovely," he declared softly leaning over to press a kiss to her cheek. She turned her head and captured his lips with hers in response, turning so that she faced him more directly.

They remained that way for some time, kissing gently. Rumple wrapped his arm around Belle's waist and pulled her closer, lying back so that she lay half on top of him as they kissed. His other hand traveled, caressing as much skin as he could, lingering for some time when his fingertips grazed her breast, which caused them both to gasp in pleasure. It thrilled Rumplestiltskin to know that he had made her feel good, and he continued in his exploration, determined to make her sigh and gasp and moan many more times that night.

She began to touch him as well, her hand hesitantly starting at his shoulder before traveling slowly downward, not so much trying to please him but simply become used to the bare man before her. It was pleasant regardless of her intent, and he whispered to her how much he enjoyed her touching him. Encouraged by his praise, her hand traveled lower, but Rumplestiltskin was quick and grabbed her hand with his, pinning it above her head as he flipped her over to hover over her. She blinked up at him with wide eyes, her chest heaving in time with his, and he bent down to kiss her hard.

"Are you ready?" He asked her at length, eager to be with his wife. She leaned up and kissed him in response, slipping her hand out from his grasp to travel back to where she'd been aiming for earlier. His eyes shot open at her touch and he growled her name as he pulled her closer to him.

"Are you?" She asked, teasing him with her voice and her hand. He chuckled darkly and kissed her once more.

"Very much so."

They moved together, seeking a pleasure they had not yet felt, but desperately longed for. At length they found it, and when it was done they fell, spent, against the sheets, both feeling more whole than they'd ever felt before.


Author's Notes:

Well, the moment I think most of you were waiting for finally arrived!

Thank you for all the comments, favorites, and follows! It means the world to me!

Chapter 10 will be up Dec. 20!

See chapters 1 and/or 2 for full disclaimer.