With preparations made, all that was left was waiting. The next day went by far too slowly for Belle, and she could hardly focus during the council meeting, her eyes wandering to meet Rumple's and the two shared a smile before Belle forced her gaze away so she could concentrate on the matter at hand.

Finally, the duties for the day were accomplished and Belle could feel nothing but relief. She excused herself and met with Snow and Cecily, her maid, and they made their way to Snow's room.

Snow and Cecily immediately began fussing over Belle, and the Queen found herself being pushed into a chair, the other two girls immediately getting to work. They began brushing her hair, arguing over the best way to style it for a secret wedding. A true romantic at heart, Cecily had squealed in delight at the thought of her mistress marrying, even if the groom was less than appealing.

Despite being of a significantly lower station than Snow, the girls found themselves bantering playfully over Belle, trying various plaits, chignons, and other styles before deciding to simply pin back a few curls and let the rest spill over her shoulders, cascading around her like a waterfall. Belle pulled back the corner of cloth covering the mirror and smiled at her reflection for a brief moment before dropping the cloth. Snow gave her a strange look and Belle merely shrugged. "You never know who could be watching," Belle stated gently before walking to her wardrobe to grab her dress.

"I'll keep that in mind," Snow murmured before joining her.

-000-

Cecily stay behind at the castle, knowing she would not be able to sneak away without arousing suspicion and instead made herself useful preparing her mistresses chambers for the wedding night. All the girls blushed at the thought of what they knew would occur, but Belle pushed aside any girlish notions and fears. She had a basic understanding of what would occur and she knew that she would be cared for by her husband.

When nightfall finally fell, Snow and Belle snuck out of the castle and headed toward the small temple where the clerics lived and worked. Belle and Snow walked quickly, the excitement of the evening making them both giddy. Snow was happy for her friend and was growing more determined to go to her own love. She had informed Belle she would leave once the ceremony ended, hoping that the cover of darkness would aid her.

The arrived at the small temple, where Leonardo stood out front waiting for them. He greeted the girls happily, bowing swiftly before placing a gentle kiss on Belle's cheek. She gripped his hands with excitement, and he told Snow to go inside and inform the Dark One his bride would be along shortly.

Snow left and Belle pulled Leonardo into her arms and hugged him tightly. He returned the gesture and smiled at her when they stepped back. "I'm so proud of you, my dear," he whispered fondly. "Your father would be proud, too."

She smiled at that and hugged him again. "Thank you, Leonardo."

They made their way into the building, pausing long enough for Leonardo to unclasp her cloak and lift it from her shoulders. He smiled affectionately at her and said, "You are the most beautiful bride I've ever seen."

"Do you really think so?" She asked, pulling at the skirt of her dress and looking at him hopefully.

"My dear, if that boy in there isn't awestruck at the sight of you, I may not let him marry you," Leonardo chuckled. "But have no fear. You are lovely. And I must compliment your choice of dress," he said with a wink. "You're as lovely as you are clever, my dear girl."

Belle smiled and laughed, taking his proffered arm. "Are you ready?"

-000-

Rumplestiltskin was a wreck. He stood at the far end of the room, fidgeting nervously while he waited for Belle to arrive. A thousand thoughts raced through his head, and he wondered if she would change her mind at the last minute. It wouldn't be the first time he offered his heart only to have it thrown at his feet. Shaking his head ever so slightly, he banished that thought from his mind. Belle would not abandon him. She loved him, and he truly believed her.

Standing next to Rumplestiltskin was Father Pierlet, who looked quite unhappy to have been dragged into this ordeal and Bae stood off to the side, waiting. When the doors had opened the first time, Rumple had looked up with eager anticipation, only to frown when Snow White walked in.

"She's outside," Snow informed him, sensing his anxiousness. He nodded, only slightly, and continued to fidget while he waited.

They hadn't discussed what they would wear, at least not with each other, so he'd opted for something simple. He had no idea what one wore to a secret wedding and so he'd enlisted his son's help. The boy knew little and cared even less about the fancy clothing of the nobility, but had helped his father pick out a simple silk shirt, deep gold in color, a dark brown vest, with his traditional leather pants and high buckled boots. He played with the sleeves of his shirt, needing to occupy himself with something only to freeze completely when the door opened again, and Leonardo and Belle stepped through .

Rumplestiltskin stared wide-eyed as Belle approached him, dressed in the same gold dress she'd worn when they'd first met. It had clearly been cleaned and mended back to its original beauty, and Rumple decided then and there that he would dress her in gold every day. She looked radiant in the color, and he knew that she'd chosen the dress, not necessarily for the color, but for what it represented. She'd worn it when she'd changed her life and the lives of her people. She'd worn it when she'd been a noble woman deciding her own fate and she'd worn it as a servant in his household. Now she wore it as she changed their lives yet again. She wore it as she as she chose to become his wife.

She finally reached him and he reached out to grasp her hands, uncaring if it was not proper. The cleric glared at him, but kept quiet after noticing the hateful glare from Leonardo and he began the ceremony.

Pierlet led them in the vows of her people, the vows her parents had made, and she smiled brightly as Rumple repeated them to her. Then the stern cleric requested the rings be brought forth, and Rumple summoned Bae over, who handed him the two small gold bands. He'd made them the night before, when sleep evaded him and his excitement kept him from rest. He placed the small band onto Belle's finger, using a slight whisper of magic to shrink it down to fit her slender finger. She smiled up at him and slid the ring he'd made for himself onto his finger and Pierlet begrudgingly declared them wed.

Rumple pulled Belle close, pressing a swift, light kiss against her lips. He didn't miss the slight look of disappointment that flickered across her features, but she brushed it aside and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug, laughing when he lifted her off the ground and spun her in a circle.

Pierlet collected his payment and left, much to the relief of the group. Before they began to celebrate, Rumple motioned Bae over and the boy came up to them, carrying a smooth, polished stone. Belle gave him a curious look and he shrugged slightly.

"It is a custom from my village," he explained, "For the bride and groom to repeat their vows over an Oathing Stone. Afterward, their initials are carved into the stone as a reminder of the vow they made. I thought perhaps you would not mind…" He trailed off, the sheepish and timid spinner of old shining through the armor of the Dark One. Belle took the stone from Bae, nearly dropping it when it was much heavier than expected, and placed the stone on a small table against the wall.

"I'd love to," She said sweetly. "What do we say?"

Rumplestiltskin took her hands and laid them on top of the stone. Next he placed his hands over hers and said softly, "I, Rumplestiltskin, vow to love, honor, and respect you all the days of my life. No matter what trials may come, I will be your rock. I bind myself to you forever."

With tears in her eyes, Belle repeated the sentiment, smiling as she spoke. When she finished, Rumplestiltskin removed his hands and turned so that he stood behind Belle. "Touch your finger to the stone," he instructed. She did as he requested and he placed his hand over hers. "Move your finger in the shape of a 'B'." Again she did as he asked and when she began to move, she felt a strange tingle flow through her hand. She gasped as she saw the shape she was making begin to form on the surface of the rock.

"That's amazing!" She exclaimed in hushed excitement.

When she finished, Rumplestiltskin gently removed her hand and used his own finger, swirling it on the rock in a flourish, an 'R' forming next to the 'B'. He stepped back and admired their creation and Belle clapped her hands in excitement.

"It's perfect!" She told him, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. He held her close, wishing more than anything he could magic them to her bedchamber.

Instead, Belle removed herself from his grasp and turned to Snow, who draped an arm around Belle's shoulders and smiled, the girls giggling happily as Leonardo handed Rumple a small goblet of wine.

"Cheers, my boy," he said before drinking deep from his own cup.

They all sipped wine, chattering softly and enjoying the easiness of the moment, but when the hour grew late,Snow White embraced Belle tightly, thanking her for everything she had done, then moved and slowly, hesitantly hugged Rumplstiltskin as well. He was taken aback by the gesture, but returned it slowly and Snow smiled up at him.

"Thank you," she said. "And congratulations to you both." She bid farewell to Leonardo and Baelfire and made her exit, hurrying to the stables where Gaston was waiting with a horse and some provisions.

Leonardo smiled at the couple, then draped his arm around Bae's shoulder. "I think it's time we returned, don't you?" He asked, giving Rumple a wink. Rumplestiltskin blushed, but took Belle's hand and the four of them made their way back to the castle.

-000-

They bid each other good night, Bae making his way to his own chambers. He'd requested his own personal space about a week after being back with his father, and Rumple couldn't say he minded, and before long Bae had been set up in the room directly next to his father's.

Rumplestiltskin had little use for the room now; he fully intended to indulge in his rights as a husband and take to his wife's bed as often as she would let him. It was still customary in the realms for a husband and wife to maintain separate rooms – something that Rumplestiltskin did not understand. He'd grown up in a one room hut where parents and children often shared a bed. He planned to keep his chambers as a workroom for potions and other magical experiments, but the bed that took up one large section of the room would quickly become useless. Unless Belle joined him in his rooms, he did not foresee ever needing it again.

With thoughts of sharing a bed in mind, Rumplestiltskin led Belle up the stairs toward her room. Belle had instructed Cecily not to come in that night or the next morning until she was called upon. Her husband could dress – and undress her.

Belle paused at that thought, a smile creeping onto her face. She had a husband. She giggled and Rumplestiltskin gave her a curious look. "I'm happy," she informed him as she opened the door and allowed him into her room.

As she shut the door behind her and locked it, Rumplestiltskin moved over to the vanity at the other end of Belle's room. Upon the table sat the glass covered rose, glowing brightly in the darkness. With a swirl of his hand, Rumplestiltskin produced the Oathing Stone and placed it next to the rose. He gave the objects a satisfied smirk, then turned to see Belle leaning against the door, a bashful look on her face.

"I don't really know what I'm supposed to do next," she admitted reluctantly. "I mean, I know, but this is all," she paused before continuing, "New for me."

He offered her a gentle smile before coming to stand before her, taking her hands in his and leading her to the bed. He sat her down and kneeled before her. She gave him a nervous look, "Are we," she paused, "Can we," she rolled her eyes, frustrated at her own nervousness. "Are we able to be together for our wedding night?" She asked, glad to just get the question out.

He smiled and ran his hand over her thigh. "We can," he said. "We will; if that is what you want."

She nodded, almost too eagerly. "It is," she answered.

He smiled and leaned forward, running his hands through her curls. He pressed his forehead against hers; breathing her in. "What do we have to do?" She asked softly, "To keep the curse from breaking?"

Running his hand through her hair and over her shoulder, he whispered, "We don't."

She gave him a confused look. "What?" She asked.

He stood and sat on the bed next to her, taking one of her hands in his. "I've been thinking," he began, "And let me ask you something. What do Regina and I have in common?"

Belle's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. The last thing she wanted to think about on her wedding night was Regina, but she thought for some time before the answer became clear. "Magic."

He nodded. "That's right," he said. "However, my ability to do magic came from the curse of the Dark One. Regina was taught. By me."

Belle regarded her new husband carefully. "So, what does that have to do with us?" She asked, having her suspicions, but wanting to hear him say it.

"It means," he began, "That I can have both you and the magic I need to protect us. I don't have to have the curse. I can relearn everything; I may not be as powerful as I am now, but I will still be able to keep us safe."

Belle smiled softly, "And if you aren't the Dark One, then no one can control you with the dagger," she added happily. "You'll be safe."

"But not immortal," he reminded her. "Currently the only way to kill me is with that dagger. If we go through with this, I'll be like any other man."

"Does that bother you?" She asked, moving closer to him and running her hands through his hair. "Are you willing to give that up?"

"I've lived longer than anyone should have to, my dear," he said solemnly, "And as long as I can spend the rest of my days with you and Bae, I don't think I'll mind. I've been lonely for a long time. I've no desire to ever experience that again."

She wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace, her mind reeling with amazement. He was going to give up his curse – but still retain his magic – and they could finally be together. She could hardly contain her excitement.

"This is wonderful, Rumple," she declared as she pulled away from him. He smiled at her, a genuine expression and her heart filled with love for him. "But are you absolutely positive this is what you want?"

"It will be an adjustment, but I think we'll manage," he said as he ran his fingers over her cheek. "This is my gift to you, Belle. I want you to have all of me. I've lived with this curse long enough. But I can't live without you."

She smiled, tears filling her eyes and moved forward to press her lips to his. They were a breath away before she stopped and gave him a concerned glance. "Won't it be dangerous if people find out you aren't the Dark One anymore?" She asked, and he sighed and shook his head.

He moved up to sit beside her on the bed. "We aren't worrying about that tonight," he said firmly. "We'll worry about it tomorrow. For now, I want to be with my wife."

"And I want to be with my husband," she said softly.

They moved closer, Rumple pressing his lips to hers in a gentle kiss. Instantly he felt the magic of True Love swirl around him and though he began to feel sick and weak, he wrapped his arms around his wife and pulled her closer to him. He deepened the kiss, rejoicing at how wonderful it felt to be so close to her; to have the freedom to kiss her as he wished. Her lips were soft and he moaned slightly at the feel of her so close.

He frowned when she pulled away, the sickening feeling hitting him harder now that he was not focused on her mouth, and her eyes widened when she looked at him. "It's working," she whispered in awe. "Kiss me again; it's working."

He did not need to be told twice, and they wound their arms around each other, pressing their lips together in a heated frenzy. He could feel a strange sensation come over him, like he was being stripped naked, and he realized that it was the darkness of the curse being forced out of his very being. He continued to kiss her, trying to ignore the pain that had suddenly come upon him. He could feel the dark magic trying to fight off the power of True Love, and he willed himself to let True Love sink into him, cleansing him of all the darkness he'd held close for so long.

Finally, after kissing her and being overwhelmed with the glorious sensation of her lips against his and the sickening feeling of conflicting magic pulling him in numerous directions, it became too much and he jerked away from Belle, falling back against the bed in a cry of agony.

And then it was all over.

He blinked and turned his head toward Belle, who was now sitting on her knees, looking at him with concern. Hesitantly, she reached out and touched his cheek, and he sighed at the contact, moving his head to trap her hand between his cheek and the sheets. She scooted closer to him and used her other hand to brush some stray hair from his eyes, and she smiled down at him.

"I thought the change would be much more drastic," she commented softly and he grunted in response. "I mean," She explained, "You look the same; but your skin is… normal. I like it," she smiled and he returned the gesture.

"I'm glad my appearance pleases you," he said weakly, struggling to sit up, a wave of nausea washing over him as he did so.

She steadied him and rubbed his back as he blinked, trying to get used to the strange sensations that being human brought. He could still feel the magic in him, much weaker than before. Turning, he tried a simple spell, and the sheets of Belle's bed fluttered and a pillow flew from the bed onto the floor. Looking at the pillow, he shrugged. He would have to practice to regain control over his magic.

He peered down at his hands, eyebrows raising in interest as he saw the strange, slightly tanned fingers of the man he hadn't been in centuries. His nails were short and clear and there were thin wisps of hair along his arms in place of scales. He lifted his hand and brushed it through his hair, pleased to find that his hair had not changed much; the waves were slightly more limp than normal but he found he didn't mind.

He mentally ran over other changes that took place, noticing he felt the chill in the air, and the slight dizziness from the wine they'd consumed earlier. He wasn't drunk, but he could tell he'd had more than he should, and he wondered absently if he'd have a headache come morning. He ran his tongue over his teeth, pleasantly surprised to find the sharp fangs that had been changing slowly over the years were now flat and smooth.

He turned to look at Belle, his human eyes focusing on her for the first time since the change had begun.

"How do you feel?" She asked curiously and he shrugged slightly.

"Strange," he admitted. "I feel strange. But good."

She smiled and pressed a kiss to his lips. "I'm glad," she whispered.

He gasped, looking at her in amazement and demanded, "Do that again."

She readily complied, kissing him gently and he moaned deeply. "What is it?" She asked, worried that something had happened.

He pulled her to him, making it so she was cradled in his lap. "That felt wonderful," he declared and she smiled curiously.

"It was just a kiss," she said and he shook his head.

"No, you don't understand," he commented, stroking her cheek with his fingers. "Every single time we've kissed, I've gotten sick. My curse and True Love fighting each other for control. I've never been able to truly enjoy kissing you because of that. Now all I feel is you. And it's incredible."

She pulled him closer to her. "Perhaps we should make up for lost time, then." She smiled and he laughed, overjoyed at just how wonderful he felt despite it all, and pressed his lips to hers again. It truly was a wondrous feeling, he thought as their lips moved together. He nipped at her bottom lip, causing her to sigh prettily before pressing her lips firmly against his again, relishing the fact that they could do this for as long as they desired.

They could do this and more.

He shifted, scooting back so he leaned against her headboard and they tangled their limbs around each other, both completely lost in each other. He held her tightly and she sighed again as he kissed and nipped at her lips, running his hands through her hair and down to grip her at the waist.

They remained that way for some time, simply kissing and holding onto each other tightly. They deepened the kiss, Rumple sighing at the absolute pleasure he felt to have her so close and before long they found themselves breathing heavily and Rumple looked down at his bride with dark eyes.

"I want you," he whispered huskily and Belle flushed, declaring she wanted him as well. He groaned at her words and kissed her again, wrapping his arms around her back and began searching for the laces of her dress. He wished briefly that he could control his magic just enough to rid them of their clothing. It would be a simple spell but he was hesitant to try, afraid that something might go wrong and harm Belle in the process. Belle's hand gripped his vest then, hastily yet clumsily undoing the buttons and he shoved all thoughts of magic aside. He didn't need magic when the feeling of Belle's hands touching his bare skin felt so good.

Yes, magic could wait, he thought as he lowered Belle onto the bed, kissing her eagerly. He had more important things to worry about at present, such as getting his wife undressed and between the sheets, which he found he could do quite well without magic.

End Chapter 26

Author's Notes:

And that's it for the Dark One. He's gone. Bye-bye.

But, magic can be learned, as evidence by Cora and Regina. They were not innately magic, but they were still able to learn. So, Rumple, looks like you have some work to do. If I can ever convince you to get out of bed…

The oathing stone is an old Scottish wedding tradition, but is still used quite often today.

Thank you to everyone who has favorited, followed, and reviewed this story. I'm thankful for each and every one of you. I only wish I were better about responding to reviews. If I haven't responded, I do apologize.

Chapter 27 will be up on Friday, August 2nd.

Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time. I do own Leonardo and Pierlet.