I am so sorry about the delay in updates. I thought this summer I'd be free to update every couple days, and here it is a month later and I'm just now posting a new chapter. My boyfriend recently had throat surgery to remove his thyroids, so I've been taking care of him as his nurse in a way. But that was this past week. Before then I had worked on this chapter a lot, but I just kept adding to it so it became much longer than I planned. This chapter was intended to be about half as long. So I hope you guys enjoy.
T. G. I. F
Chapter 16
It was the day before Belle's birthday, and it wasn't a happy one. Outside the weather was murky with heavy clouds preparing for a big storm. Belle knew she could not spend the entire day confined in a house with her father. Earlier when she had left her room to get herself breakfast, he was sitting at the table with a bad headache. He asked her what had happened once they got home. He forgot again, Belle had thought then. She had tried to not look at him while lying and saying they had discussed her punishment (staying in her room all day without supper, only breakfast). Maurice had groggily nodded then went to his room to rest his head from his hangover. Belle quietly cried a little, covering her throbbing eye.
She told Rory to make sure her papa did not get into her room while she was gone at Rumple's. Quietly, she got dressed and tried her best to cover up her left eye. Once her hat was atop her head and the scarf was around her face she patted Rory's back before saying "Rumpel-stilt-skin".
When she appeared in the great hall, Rumple was not there.
Belle called out for him, "Rumple? Are you here?"
She could hear footsteps coming down the main stairway. A moment later, Rumple burst through the wooden doors. "Hello dearie. You came over a bit early today."
Belle nodded slowly, trying to not make him suspicious. "I did? I didn't even notice."
Rumple looked at her with squinted eyes. "What's all this?"
"All what?" Belle asked knowing well that he meant her head and face gear.
"This…headgear. Can you even see with all that on?" Rumple said as he motioned toward her.
"Oh," It was true, she could hardly see. Her hat covered the top of her eyes while the scarf covered from her eyes to her neck. "Yeah I can see just fine."
"Why don't you take it off, it's hot inside." Rumple said as he walked over to her.
"No, no. It's hard to take off." Belle said as she backed away from him a little.
"Well here, let me help you." Rumple said as he took the hat off her head.
Belle turned away from him. "Rumple! Give that back!"
Rumple was curious as to why Belle wasn't looking at him and acting strange this morning.
"Belle, look at me."
When she didn't turn around he pulled her arm toward him. What he saw shocked him. Belle had a black eye. It was so swollen that her eyelids were barely open.
"Who did this to you?" Rumple asked angrily through his teeth.
Belle gently pulled the scarf away from her face. "I think you know who."
"Your father." Rumple said in a matter of fact way.
She starts crying. "Yes."
Rumple pulls her in to him. She cries into his chest. He holds her, trying to contain his anger.
"I'll deal with him soon." It sounded like a promise.
"No," she pulled away, "he doesn't even remember."
"What?"
She sits down in her chair by the fireplace. "He woke up this morning and asked what happened last night. I didn't look at him all morning, so he doesn't even know I have this. It would kill him if he knew he did this to me."
He had to ask something that was bothering him. "Did he…did he do anything else to you?"
Belle was shocked at his question, knowing exactly what he was implying. "Of course not. He would never ever do that to me. Papa just gets his anger out with fighting."
Although he was relieved she wasn't harmed that way, she had still been harmed regardless.
Rumple growled in anger. "Why does he drink if he doesn't remember anything the next day?"
Belle looked to her side at Rumple. "The same reason you spin. To forget bad memories." She looked down, "He misses Mama, and so do I."
So that's how she knew, the real reason why I spin, because she was experiencing the answer…in a much different way. Rumple thought to himself as he watched her put her hands over her face in exhaustion.
He huffed then walked over to her. When he stood in front of her he knelt down and put his right hand over her bruised eye. Belle looked at him questionably before his hand began to glow. He held his glowing hand there for a minute before it simmered down. She had felt a slight sting but now she felt not a bit of pain. Once he moved his hand away, he lowered it to her cheek and smiled at her. Her eye was no longer blackened.
"What happened?" Belle asked as happy tears fell down her cheeks.
"I healed you. Your eye is fine now." Rumple said as he stroked her cheek with his thumb to wipe away her tears.
"Thank you Rumple." She said with a weak smile.
He looked at her for a few moments. This made Belle feel a little self-conscience.
"What is it?"
Rumple slowly shook his head a little. "Even with that black eye, you were still the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Seems like nothing can alter your beauty."
Belle was at disbelief. Does he really think I'm that beautiful? She blushed and put her hand over his hand that was still on her cheek.
They looked at one another for what seemed like hours, but were actually mere minutes. He so badly wanted to kiss her, but in this fragile state of hers, he knew it wouldn't be right. So he settled for something that would show he cared, and was there for her whenever she needed him.
Delicately, he moved his hand off her cheek and to the side of her chair. He pushed off it to help him stand up. Belle stayed where she was, but looked at him carefully. When he stood fully he leaned down towards her. She thought he was going to finally kiss her, so she closed her eyes. But instead of her lips, he kissed her forehead. Rumple held his kiss there for a while. After he pulled away he looked down at her with such adoration.
"Come, I'll make us some tea." Rumple motioned for the table.
Belle was still shocked and a little saddened that he hadn't kissed her…on the lips. However, tomorrow was her birthday, and she had a good feeling about it. Today he had healed her, and that was more than she could ask for, so if she had to wait just one more day for that kiss, than she wouldn't mind.
She stood up and had tea with him. After their tea she felt very tired, so Rumple summoned her lounge chair from the library for her to sleep on while he spun. Within two minutes of laying down, she was out. Occasionally he would look over at her and watch her sleeping form.
She's very cute, with her light breathing and those little sounds she makes. I could watch her forever and never become bored. Rumple thought while leaning on the wheel.
Belle had stayed for a couple hours now, and had slept through the storm. When it had calmed down a little, Rumple felt it was time to for him to send her home before her father came to get her. But the moment he walked over to her, the storm came back even worse. The lightning was just a couple miles away, so when the thunder hit, it was loud. Loud enough to wake Belle up from her peaceful sleep.
"Rumple? What's going on?" Belle asked as she sat up.
"It's just a storm dearie. Everything is fine. Go back to sleep."
Belle yawned, "How long was I out?"
"A couple hours. I was going to take you home, but the storm just became, well…crappy."
Belle giggled, "Darn storm. Now I'll have to stay here longer." She said sarcastically.
"Oh, so you want to go home?" Rumple said playing along.
"Why would I ever want to stay here with the vicious, and scary DARK ONE?" Belle said while trying to hide her smile.
Rumple was enjoying their little game. "Good point. You never know what he could do to such a sweet and innocent little thing like you."
Belle bit her bottom lip before laughing. Rumple started laughing too.
"Were you really going to take me back to him? I thought you said you enjoyed having me over?" Belle said while leaning on her palms.
"I do dearie, but it is getting late and I don't want your father worrying so much that he comes and gets you himself." Rumple said while sitting down in front of her lounge chair.
"So if it wasn't storming right now, I'd be at home?"
"Yes, but I'd make sure Rory protected you and your bedroom door was locked before I left. Don't want you to be hurt the night before your birthday."
"Well thank goodness it's storming than. I get to spend more time with my healer." Belle said with a smile.
Rumple couldn't help but smile too. "What do you want to do now? Sleep more or something else?"
"Hmm, sleep does seem tempting, but I think I'll need help."
"Help sleeping? How?" Rumple asked curiously.
"Tell me one of your 'deal' stories. That should put me to sleep pretty quickly." Belle said with a smirk.
He was silent for a moment before she laughed. "You know I'm kidding Rumple. I love your stories. They excite me, not bore me."
Rumple laughed at his own idiocy. She had told him countless times in the past how much she loved his stories of adventure and dealings. If anyone else had tried to make that joke with the Dark One, they would've been dead on the spot. Belle seemed to be the only person who he didn't mind making jokes about him. She never meant to hurt him, she only wanted to make him laugh. Her intentions were good. She doesn't have to try and have dark humor like me. She's naturally funny.
"Alright, but seriously. How would you like me to help you sleep? Anything at all?"
Belle looked at him shocked. "Anything?"
Rumple was scared now. "Yes?"
Belle patted the spot next to her on the lounge chair. "Cuddle with me."
Rumple's eyes widened. "You…want me…to cuddle…with you?"
"Yes. You did say anything. Come, sit." She said as she patted the spot next to her again.
Rumple was hesitant, but gradually he stood up and sat to the right of her. The most they had done, where their entire bodies were touching, was hugging or sharing a harp bench.
Cuddling? Have I ever cuddled? Even when I was married to Milah, we never cuddled. She considered it weak if a man wanted to do the cuddling, which I did. Bae was an affectionate child, but not a cuddler. I guess I gave up on cuddling a long time ago. Now Belle wants to and I have no idea what to do. Just hold her? Where do my hands go? Will she be facing me?
Belle noticed his nervousness, and put her hand on his left knee.
"Rumple? Is everything ok?" Belle asked sincerely.
"Belle, to be honest…this will be my first time cuddling, ever." Rumple said looking down in shame.
Belle giggled lightly. "Is that all?"
"What are you giggling at?" Rumple asked annoyed.
"Rumple, I only asked you to cuddle with me because that is what my mother used to do with me when there was thunder outside. It was very comforting for me. If you're feeling uncomfortable, you don't have to, I'll understand. Besides…this is my first time cuddling with a man."
He was stunned by her honesty. "No, Belle, I will. I'm just nervous because, well….I don't know where to put my hands."
Belle burst out laughing. Rumple chuckled a little. "Well, where do you want to put them?"
The thoughts started running through his mind of all the possible places he could put them. Some better than others, but he settled on the one true place he wanted to put them on.
"Your hips." Rumple simply stated.
Belle looked down, "Well, mine aren't very wide. They're quit narrow. Nothing to really grab."
"I don't care about girth, Belle. How about around your waist. That way I can hold you close."
The words came out before he could stop himself. But they were true, he did want her close to him. Belle looked shocked but smiled.
"That's fine. Where do you want mine?"
Again, his thought went in a million different directions. But he settled on something safe.
"Over mine will be good. Unless you want them somewhere else?" Rumple asked as he rubbed the back of his head with his hand.
Belle blushed. She too had a million different places she thought of putting them. "No. That's fine with me. Will I be facing you or will my back be to your front?"
"Well, how did you and your mother used to cuddle?"
"I would be in front of her since I was smaller. I guess the same applies with us."
"Alright. Umm, do you…you want to lie down first or…or me?" Rumple stuttered.
Belle smiled lightly, "You first." She stood up so Rumple had room to lie down.
As he lied on his left side, his hands shaking slightly, Belle looked at him with a smile. Once he was settled down, Belle laid down in front of him. After a few moments, Belle reached behind her and grabbed Rumple's still shaking hands.
"Rumple, you can put them around my waist now." Belle said it like she was talking to a small child.
Rather quickly Rumple put his arms around her waist and pulled her in. Belle just chuckled while shaking her head a little. "Better now Rumple." He nodded his head against her neck.
Belle enjoyed feeling his arms around her. It had taken a few minutes for them to stop shaking, but now they were settled above her dress, one over her ribs and the other a little above her belly button. Her hands were over his, which kind of put her in a weird position, but she didn't care. Belle closed her eyes and thought, Wow today started as one of the worst days ever, and now it's one of the best. Rumple sure changes things quickly, whether it be my mood or just the circumstance I'm in. And tomorrow I get to spend the day with him at the beach. Could it get any better? Well yes actually. If he were to kiss me tomorrow then, well, I don't know, it would be nice if it did. Belle started imagining what their first true kiss would be like. Probably not wet and sloppy, but more of the chaste and nice kind. Soon those thoughts made her smile as she fell asleep happy.
How's Rumple holding up having this pretty, young thing so close to him? Let's find out.
I'm about to die. I do not think I can make it that much longer. This is torture at its best. Why did I agree to this so easily? She has so much control over me. Hell, she doesn't even need the damn dagger to control my every whim. Even though I know nothing more is going to happen, my friend 'downstairs' doesn't think the same. This has never happened before…well, maybe a few dozen times, but I was able to easily hide it by sitting down or spinning. Now she was so close, and I can't get up to go…do my business. But I've never had to resort to that either, it usually just goes away once I think about Cora or Milah or Hook. At this moment though, nothing can come to my mind except Belle. Her hair is right next to my face. Her chest is in visual range. Her hands are on my hands. Her backside is against my nether region. Her entire body is against mine. He inhaled deeply before exhaling slowly. I think that is what makes it so much harder. She willingly chose for me to be this close to her. Her decision, not mine! He felt himself almost lose control. I'm using magic to try and keep 'it' down. It would be beyond embarrassing if Belle were to feel that against her at a time like this, and she'd probably never want to cuddle again. Even though I'm struggling to control myself, this cuddling is quite nice. Belle is so warm, I don't even need a blanket. I wonder if she's still awake. He looks down at her and sees her eyes are closed. Wow, she is so beautiful. I can't believe a beauty like this even exists in a horrible world like ours. I suppose it's this beauty that brings out the light in all this darkness. Tomorrow is going to be the best day ever for her. Belle deserves it after all this bullshit with her father. A man like him doesn't even deserve to have such a wonderful daughter like she is. How'd such an ugly old man have such a beautiful, wise, and youthful daughter? Belle's mother, Rose, must have been just like her; looking beyond appearances and finding the true person within. Her beauty must have passed on to Belle as well. I wonder if…no, no I shouldn't think about that. If it'll never happen I'll just torture myself more. He looks at Belle again. She starts making little noises like she did earlier. While doing that she turns around so she is facing Rumple, but she is still asleep. He holds his breath for a moment as she snuggles up close to his chest and smiles. Rumple waits before he wraps his arms around her to hold her close. He can't help but notice how she smiles once his arms are holding her. I wonder if our daughter would make those same noises when she sleeps. Oh shit, I just did what I was trying to avoid. Dammit. Now I'm not going to be able to stop thinking about it. He looks down at Belle and smiles. Very gently, he moves a stray hair away that was covering her eye. I shouldn't think silly things like that. It'll never happen. Sure we'll have a kiss eventually, but I bet it'll be short and friendly. Belle has never showed or said that she's had any interest in me past being friends; which I do not mind, I enjoy our friendship. But if more were to come out from that kiss…well I'd have no clue what to do. Rumple watched Belle's breathing for many moments before he realized she will never be mine. I can wish and dream all I want, but this…this will never be. He closed his eyes preparing to fall asleep. Even if I want her, that doesn't mean she does too. She probably doesn't want an old monster like me. She's too good for me anyway. An imp can dream right? Rumple fell asleep and stayed asleep until very late. So late in fact that it was nearly nine at night before he awoke. He was surprised to see Belle was still in a deep sleep. Seeing that the storm was done, Rumple quietly and carefully stood up and lifted Belle into his arms. The next moment they appeared in her room in a cloud of purple smoke. She began to stir a little so Rumple placed Belle on her bed and disappeared before she fully awoke. Rory jumped on the bed and licked the sleepy girl.
"Rory? What are you still doing in here? Did my father not come in to check on me?"
The bear shook his head which made Belle's smile vanish.
"Oh…well at least I don't have to spend tomorrow with him. I get to spend the day with Rumple." Belle said as the thought made her smile reappear.
Rory jumped on Belle's lap which made her laugh.
"I wonder what he has in store for me." Belle said aloud as she pet Rory.
Alright! Chapter 17 is the big one! The beach trip! I will try my best to update as soon as possible, but I already know it's going to be a hella long chapter; maybe my longest one yet, so it might be in a week or so. Plus I'm still with my boyfriend (who lives a state over from me), but he understands that my story is important to me so I'm sure he'll be playing more FIFA 14 while I work on it lol.