Hey, I'm updating, and it's only been two weeks. What's going on lol? Nah, I've been on a roll with my writing. In fact, I have the rest of the story planned out in my notes, so all I have to do now is type it. This chapter is much less angsty than the last one. Sorry I forget to mention again on my last chapter that from now on all the chapters will be primarily angst. But it will get better, I promise, it'll just take some time. So please leave any comments or reviews. I love reading them, they inspire me to update quicker. Enjoy!

T. G. I. F

Chapter 20

The night had seemed long and drawn out to Rumple. His head was now filled with so many thoughts, and his heart was full of mixed emotions. Anger, Love, Hurt, Desire, Confusion.

All because of the visit from Cora, and this Gaston guy. Who is he anyway? What does he do? Will he be a fitting husband for Belle? Would he hurt her in any way? Rumple had all these questions about Belle's…betrothed. He felt nauseated just thinking about her being with someone else. Belle doesn't even like this guy.

Rumple looked at his clock and saw that it was almost ten. Belle might be calling soon. He made some tea and waited in his chair. He sat there staring down at his cup while thinking, I just want Belle to be happy.

At that moment Belle called his name. When he heard her voice it sounded like angels slowly descending from Heaven while playing little golden harps. He snapped his fingers and she appeared in the room. Rumple stood up to go over to her but saw that she looked different. Belle's eyes were red and puffy from crying, and her posture was slumped over a bit.

They both just stood there looking at each other, not sure what to say or do.

Belle was the first to speak. "Hi" she said in a soft, cracked voice before coughing lightly.

"Hello dearie" Rumple said with a small smile.

There were a few more awkward seconds before they slowly started moving closer. Once they were within reach of each other, Belle rushed into his arms for a hug; Rumple pulled her in tightly. He petted her hair as she ran her hands up and down his back. After a minute they pulled back to look at each other.

"I missed you" Rumple confessed as he placed his hand on her cheek.

Belle smiled lightly and put her hand over his. "I missed you too. Yesterday felt much longer than usual" she said sadly.

So she also felt the same way yesterday. Rumple just wanted to feel better. The day prior had been so terrible for the both of them. He needed to feel connected to her again, and show that he was still there for her. Kissing was a simple way of doing that, even if it was chaste.

When Rumple leaned down for a kiss, Belle turned away.

"Rumple, no. I can't" she declared while looking away from him.

He immediately let go of her and stepped back. It was happening and he hadn't even told her yet (that he loved her).

"No wait, I want to. Believe me I do. If I could you'd be against the wall gasping for breath right now" Belle said in a straightforward way.

Rumple put his hand on his chest and made an exaggerated shocked face. "My, my." He was a bit surprised by her sudden bluntness, but it was kind of a turn on for him.

He moved closer and seductively asked the question, "Then why don't you?"

Before she could reply he suddenly remembered…she was engaged now. "Oh, right" he said gloomily before turning to go to his wheel. But before he could go Belle grabbed his hand.

"Rumple, please don't shut me out" she pleaded to him.

He turned his head and looked into her deep blue eyes. They were searching for forgiveness, acceptance, and hope. Things that he wanted as well.

Rumple exhaled before he turned to her again, "Belle, I…I don't want to lose you."

A few tears fell down Belle's cheeks. "And I don't want to lose you Rumple."

He wrapped his arms around her and held her close, rubbing circles on her back to sooth her.

This sucks! He thought as he looked at the fireplace behind Belle. He wanted to be as close to her as possible without her feeling like she was breaking any engagement rules. Perhaps we can, sit close together? He led her over to the white sheepskin rug in front of the fireplace. Rumple then sat in the big armchair and patted his thighs, as in 'come sit on my lap'.

When she hesitated he said, "Come dearie, you're just sitting on my lap. No harm in that is there?"

She smiled and shook her head before sitting on his lap. He wrapped his arms around her waist and smirked. Good thinking. The two of them just sat there for hours by the fire. Rumple's legs occasionally went numb, but he used magic to bring their sensation back. Belle shifted after about the first thirty minutes so that her head leaned on his right shoulder, and her left side was against his chest. She fell asleep shortly after, which Rumple didn't mind at all, it gave him a chance to stare at her beautiful face and pet her gorgeous hair. After the two hours were up he simply kissed the top of her head and whispered, "I'll see you tomorrow my dear" and she poofed back to her room.

Well, hope you enjoyed this chapter. I'll try to update soon. In the next chapter, Rumple and Gaston meet *dramatic gasp* what will ensue between these two. Here's a sneak peak.

Rumple: So, you're going to marry Belle?

Gaston: Yes, I am.

Rumple: Well, here's a little word of warning. Don't.