"They're heading over here, Gold." Moe was telling him what he already knew. He could feel it and he could see it in Belle's eyes.
"I'm well aware of it, Moe." He answered without looking at him. His eyes were glued to Belle.
He adjusted his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. "Are you OK?" He whispered in her ear.
"Yes." He felt the tension leave her body. "I'm better now that I'm over the initial shock."
Gold kissed the top of her head. "Me too. It's going to be OK." He spoke the same words that she so often used to soothe him.
Belle slipped her arm around his waist and smiled at him. This time the smile reached her eyes. "I know."
Gold's heart beat faster. He loved her so much.
"Neal… So nice to see your handsome face again."
Gold didn't need to hear Cora's voice to know that she was close at hand. He squeezed Belle and turned in Cora's direction.
She immediately locked eyes with him as she introduced Regina and Sidney to Neal.
Gold held her gaze. He knew her game. She wanted to disturb their celebration, but he would not allow her to do so. He could feel Neal's eyes on him also. He dug his fingers into Belle's waist and she did the same to him. It was their way of communicating without speaking.
"Rumford, darling." Cora slithered over to him. "Aren't you two just the most adorable couple?" Gold felt Belle's fingers digging in deeper. "I had no idea you'd look so perfect together." Cora's tone was dripping with saccharine.
"Why are you here, Cora?" Gold was not about to play her game.
"You wound me, darling." She placed her hand over her heart and smiled at Belle. "I'm here for the same reason as everyone else… to congratulate you on making such a fortuitous match and to wish both of you well."
"Of course you are." Gold's eyes were pure ice.
"That's very lovely of you." Belle's voice caught Gold by surprise. It was filled with sweetness and sincerity. She was going to be her kind, generous self even though she knew that Cora's intentions were far from honorable. Gold's heart filled with love and pride.
"Rum and I are touched by the turnout tonight. We never imagined we'd have so many well-wishers." She stopped to brush a strand of hair from his face. The move was territorial to the extreme. It made Gold grin at her. She giggled, knowing that he'd seen right through her, and grinned back.
The looks between them were not lost on Cora. Gold realized that Belle had the right idea. The best way to deal with Cora was to be themselves with one another. He wanted nothing more than to kiss Belle so that's what he did.
He could feel Cora's displeasure. She'd been hoping to control the situation and Belle had derailed her plan.
"Can I interest you in an hors d'oeuvre?" It was obvious to Gold that Leroy had seen Cora and was there to come to Belle's rescue. For once he was actually grateful for the other man's interest in her. If Belle could deal with Cora's continued fixation on him, then he could certainly tolerate a little innocent flirting.
"Why don't you try one of these?" Leroy pointed to the ones that had caused Gold to choke from their intense heat. "I'll have one of the guys bring over some drinks."
Cora smiled her Cora smile (Gold chuckled to himself at Belle's description of it) and carefully selected two from the tray.
"You might want to wait until you get your drink. Those are very spicy, aren't they, Rum?" Belle's inner sweetness once again came through. Gold hugged her closer. This was the strong woman he loved, the woman who wasn't afraid to be herself even if others would mistake her kindness for weakness.
Cora gave her a self-satisfied look and then deliberately turned her gaze on Gold. "Nothing's too spicy for me." She opened her mouth and very deliberately used her lips and tongue to almost ravage the small morsel. She slowly devoured it without even flinching.
Gold felt Belle's fingers dig into him. He responded in kind. Cora was trying his patience.
"That was delectable." She kept her eyes on Gold.
"Belle and I prefer ours with champagne." He smiled at Belle. "Don't we, sweetheart?" Just looking at her made him want to kiss her again.
"Yes." Belle stroked his cheek. He tenderly grasped her wrist and brought it to his lips.
He could feel Cora's intense irritation.
"Drinks?"
Leo had kept his word. While Cora was distracted, Gold looked past her to see what Regina was up to. He was surprised to find that she was still engaged in conversation with Neal. Gold couldn't imagine what they could possibly be discussing.
Then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Emma entering the diner accompanied by a face he hadn't seen in a long time. The timing could not have been better if he'd planned it.
Emma caught his eye as she approached. Her companion walked past her and towards Regina. When he was within 3 feet of her, Regina looked up and gasped.
"Daniel… what are you doing here?" Gold had never heard Regina sound so vulnerable.
"I'm here to see you…"
"Who's that, Rum?" "What's going on, Dad?" Both Belle and Neal asked at the same time.
"That's Regina's ex, Daniel. She hasn't seen him in years."
"How did you do it?" Cora, who was staring at Daniel as if she'd seen a ghost, interrupted them.
"It doesn't matter how. I think I've fulfilled my end of the deal, Cora. It's time for you to fulfill yours." His tone was firm.
He felt Belle's fingers caress his side. He caressed her. He knew she had questions, but he knew she'd wait until he was ready to share with her.
While Cora's attention was diverted away from them, Gold used the opportunity to remove himself and Belle from her vicinity. He pulled Belle close and kissed her without even thinking about everyone who was there watching them. Somehow he didn't care.
"Are you OK, sweetheart?"
"I'm fine." She ran her fingers through his hair. "I love you, Rum."
"I love you so much, Belle. Thank you for helping me through that."
"It wasn't that bad, was it?"
"No. Thanks to you. I followed your lead." He pulled her close again.
"Dad!.. Gold!..." Neal and Emma rushed toward them. "Gold!" Moe came from the other direction.
The sound of Belle's giggle was music to Gold's ear. She was definitely OK. If he wasn't so relieved he would have wanted to tickle her for laughing again at what she knew was coming.
Gold held up his hand. "One at a time."
Before any of them could speak to him, Granny announced that the main part of the meal was ready. Everyone stopped what they were doing to stare at Gold and Belle. As the guests of honor, it was expected that they'd be the first ones to help themselves.
"I guess we need to go first." Belle nudged Gold.
"Absolutely!" Moe gathered them on each of his arms and led them up to the buffet. Neal and Emma followed.
"Make sure you don't forget to take some of the lasagna, Gold." Moe reminded him before turning to the room and encouraging everyone to come up to help themselves.
Belle giggled. "No need to take any tonight. I can make it for you whenever you want now that I have the pan and recipe."
Now Gold really wanted to tickle her. He felt so much better.
They filled their plates and found a place to sit. Moe, Neal and Emma sat with them. Ariel, who had been enjoying herself with some of the new friends she'd made at the shower, finally hooked up with Belle. Mary Margaret, David, Ruby, Dr. Hopper and several others gathered nearby. Cora was busy with Regina and Daniel, while Sidney Glass worked the room taking photos.
Gold braced himself for the onslaught of questions.
Moe was the first to speak. "What's the story, Gold? What's going on with Cora?"
Belle came to his rescue. "There's nothing going on, Dad. Everyone in Storybrooke was invited to this party so Cora and Regina decided to come by to congratulate us." She found Gold's hand under the table and squeezed it.
"I don't trust her." Moe knew better.
"Neither do I." Neal, who had been waiting to speak, agreed.
"I can't pretend to know what goes on in Cora's mind. I don't like it any more than the rest of you, but Belle's right. The invitation was extended to everyone."
There was some general mumbling and grumbling.
"Believe me when I tell you that Cora's interest in our upcoming marriage," he smiled at Belle, "has taken a back seat to her interest in her daughter's affairs. Daniel's appearance could not have come at a better time." He caught Emma's eye.
The discussion now thankfully turned to Regina and Daniel with various theories being thrown about as to why he was back and what would happen now between him and the mayor.
Gold took the opportunity to whisper in Belle's ear, "I'll fill you in later."
She rubbed her thumb over the top of his hand. "I know."
They smiled at each other as though nobody else was there. He bent down to give her a sweet tender kiss.
The conversation became more general and the room filled with laughter. A stream of Storybrooke residents continued to stop by to offer their congratulations. Gold relaxed again and actually enjoyed himself. How could he not with both Belle and Neal there beside him?
"Dad, I need to tell you something." Neal's tone was serious.
Gold knew that his relaxed state wouldn't last. He gave his son his full attention.
"Mom arrived in town today."
Gold's heart seized for the second time that evening. Even though he'd known that she was coming to Storybrooke, the knowledge that she was actually there elicited an intense physical reaction in him. His stomach flip flopped and his heart raced. He felt Belle's arm slip around his waist. If she hadn't heard Neal's words, she'd evidently sensed that something was wrong.
Gold squeezed Belle's hand to gather strength. "I hope she's well."
"Listen, Dad, I don't want you to get upset, but I think she may stop by here tonight."
Gold almost felt light-headed. Belle tightened her grip on him.
"What's wrong, Rum?" Her eyes locked with Neal's.
Gold recovered himself enough to answer. "Milah's in town and may be stopping by here tonight."
Belle didn't even flinch. "That's good news. You know I wanted to meet her before the wedding and before Neal becomes my stepson." She squeezed Gold's hand and smiled at Neal.
Gold's heart rate began to slow down. Belle's response was exactly what he needed. She was not upset at all. He knew that he had to face Milah again if he was going to finally put all of his old feelings of worthlessness and anger behind him. If Belle could be this strong for him then he had to be strong for her.
He squeezed her hand back and looked deeply into her eyes trying to convey just how much he owed her for being there for him. "I suppose you're right."
"It's for the best." He saw in her eyes that she had understood exactly what he was saying to her.
"Wooh!" Neal drew their attention back to him. "That's a relief. I thought you'd be upset."
Belle's fingers once again dug into Gold's waist.
"You can thank Belle for that. She's made me see things differently." Gold wanted to be alone with her to hold her and hug her and shower her with all of his affection. He wanted her to know just how much she kept him from sinking into his old self. He pulled her closer.
"Thanks, Belle." Neal grinned at her and she smiled back.
Gold was not sure how many more surprises he could take. And as well as Belle seemed to be handling everything, he knew it had to be difficult for her too. His exes showing up at their pre-wedding party had to be stressful for her, not to mention that it was sure to ignite all types of additional gossip.
Belle stroked his cheek and made him look at her. She bit her lower lip to conceal what he thought was a naughty smile. His heart lightened.
She leaned in and whispered in his ear. "I think you're going to owe me big time for tonight."
Her hot breath sent a shiver through him. "I agree completely, darling. Your wish is my command forevermore."
"Ooooh! I like that!" She released her hand from his and settled it on his thigh. His body involuntarily responded to her. She knew exactly what she was doing.
He kissed her even though he knew it would make his body respond further. When he broke the kiss he once again looked deeply into her eyes. "Thank you, Belle."
Their little tête-à-tête came to a quick end. Ariel and Ruby claimed Belle while Neal and Emma engaged Gold in conversation.
The fact that Emma was spending the night by Neal's side had not gone unnoticed by Gold. He was just about to make some type of comment about it, when something stopped him. Gold sensed her presence as soon as she entered the diner. He looked towards Belle who looked back at him almost immediately. She excused herself and returned to his side. She glanced at the door. "Is that her?"
"Mom's here…" Neal answered before he could.
"Yes." Gold eyes locked with Belle's.
Belle squeezed his hand. "It's going to be OK, Rum. She spotted Neal and she's heading this way."
Gold braced himself. He knew he could do this. He turned around to face her. Milah, who hadn't changed all that much over the years, was working her way through the crowd. At first he saw only her, but then his attention was drawn to the man who was following her.
"What the?" He could not complete his sentence.
The look on his face made Belle giggle. "I didn't want to say anything. I think he's Milah's new beau."
Gold caught Emma's eye.
She looked just as confused as he was. The only person in their little circle not confused was Neal.
"Is that your mother's new boyfriend?" Gold asked.
"Yeah. I don't know why everyone looks so shocked. I told you she was seeing someone much younger."
"He looks identical to the captain from our cruise."
He finally got Neal's attention. "Whoa! She said he was a ship's captain."
Gold could not believe it. This night was becoming more surreal by the minute. Before he could comment further, Milah was standing in front of them.
She glanced at Gold while greeting Neal. They exchanged what Gold would describe as perfunctory hugs.
Then her attention turned to him. "Rumford..." She looked him up and down. "You're looking well." Her eyes drifted toward Belle.
"As are you." Gold replied tersely. He was not in the mood for small talk.
"This must be your lovely fiancée." She extended her hand to Belle.
"Yes... Milah, this is Belle. Belle, Milah."
"It's so nice to meet Neal's mom." Belle sounded sweet and sincere. Gold couldn't help feeling proud of her. She always seemed to know the right thing to say.
Milah looked surprised, but pleased. Gold was sure that she had not been expecting anyone to acknowledge her role in Neal's life.
"Well aren't you sweet?" Milah actually smiled to Gold's amazement.
"I'm so happy to meet you." Belle continued. "Especially now that we're going to be related." Her smile widened.
Milah followed suit. "Your fiancée is charming." She continued to smile at Belle while addressing Gold. "It looks like we've both come a long way." She glanced over at her Captain Jones who was engaged in conversation with Neal and Emma.
Gold could see that he was flirting with Emma. Old habits evidently died hard.
Milah managed to get his attention. He kissed Emma's hand as he departed and planted himself next to Milah. "I'm here, love." He put his arm around her.
Gold didn't like this man any more than he had on the cruise.
"This is Rumford, Killian, my ex."
Killian extended his hand. "It seems we've already had the pleasure. Emma just informed me that you were passengers on one of my cruises."
"Yes..." Gold shook his hand. He did not care for the familiar way in which he referred to Emma.
"And this is the beautiful Belle. I never forget a pretty face." He took Belle's hand in his and raised it to his lips. Gold wanted to clock him.
Milah, surprisingly, didn't seem the least bit upset by his flirtations.
Gold and Milah looked at each other, neither quite knowing what to say. Gold felt uncomfortable, but calm. None of his self-doubt had surfaced. Seeing the woman before him had not sent him into a tailspin. He was almost relieved that they'd finally met again after all these years.
"I wasn't sure how you'd feel about seeing me again."
Gold had not expected her to say that. For the first time that evening he felt a slight panic that was only tempered by his still simmering anger over Neal.
"I want what's best for Neal." He answered without answering.
"And you don't think having me in his life is for the best?"
Gold was once again startled by her response. He had not meant that at all. Maybe she had changed after all these years.
"Neal's happy to have you back in his life, Milah, and that's enough for me." He was amazed at how well he was handling this. Even the anger that had been eating at him seemed to slip away at her uncertainty. He'd expected her to waltz into Neal's life as though nothing had ever happened. It was obvious that she felt some guilt.
"What's up, love?" Killian and Belle had evidently run out of conversation sooner than they had.
Belle, who was so good at sensing his every mood, took it upon herself to ease things further. She addressed Milah and Killian. "Why don't the two of you help yourselves to some food? It's delicious. Rum and I will wrangle up some drinks for you."
Milah began to object, saying that they hadn't intended to stay, but Belle wouldn't take no for an answer.
Gold could see Milah looking thoughtfully at Belle. She seemed as thrown off balance as he had been upon meeting her.
Gold was filled with pride. He noted the way Neal was smiling at Belle and he knew that he appreciated what Belle was doing.
Neal intervened and directed his mother and the captain to the other side of the restaurant.
Emma stepped closer to them.
"I know. It's bizarre, isn't it?" Belle responded to Emma's unasked question.
"Very." Emma returned.
"Are we talking about the fact that my ex-wife is dating Captain Jones?" Gold felt left out.
"Yes. Milah met him on a cruise a few weeks ago." Belle explained. "It's hard to believe that we'd just met him a couple of weeks before that. It doesn't seem real."
"Yes…" Gold's expression was sour. "Well, he did seem to spend a lot more time with the female passengers than he did on piloting the ship." He suddenly smiled a wicked smile. "Just think, Miss Swan, if you had played your cards right, you could have been the lucky one. He seemed to be quite interested in you if I recall correctly." He observed her carefully.
Emma wrinkled her nose. "He's not my type."
"And what, may I ask, is your type?" Gold felt Belle pinch him. She knew he was interfering.
Emma's eyes challenged him as she answered without hesitation. "Probably somebody more like Neal."
Gold was almost too shocked to respond. He'd expected her to change the subject or to tell him to mind his own business.
"You should let him know." Belle encouraged her.
"I am. It's just not as easy as you'd think it would be. I'm not you, Belle."
Belle giggled. "And Neal isn't Rum. But he'd probably respond the same way."
"You may be right. I'm working on it."
"I'm standing right here." Gold wanted to tickle Belle. She was obviously referring to something she'd revealed about him at the bridal shower. He may have owed her for having to deal with Cora and Milah tonight, but he was pretty sure she owed him for some indiscretions from the previous evening. He'd settle things with her later.
Moe, who had managed to be absent when Milah arrived, made his way over to them. Emma excused herself.
"What's going on, Gold? I just met Captain Jones and he's with you ex-wife." He turned to Belle. "Are you OK, sweetheart?"
"I'm fine, Dad. I told you that I wanted to meet Milah. I just didn't expect to see her with the captain."
"Isn't he a little young for her?"
Moe's question to Gold made him cringe. "I don't think I should be one to judge."
Moe looked baffled for a second and then guffawed. "I didn't think of it that way... But Gold, what is it with you and your exes? Can't they stay away from you?"
"I can assure you that Milah's here for Neal, not for me." He tightened his grip on Belle.
"That may well be. But what about the other one?" He gestured toward Cora.
"She's here with her daughter, who just happens to be the mayor of this town as you know. You did invite everyone, didn't you?" This time Belle squeezed Gold.
Moe laughed heartily. "Don't remind me. I guess you two know what you're doing. I'm just going to butt out and mind my own business."
Belle squeezed Gold and giggled. That seemed to be her father's favorite new saying… one that bore no relation to reality. Gold chuckled.
There was little time for personal conversation after that as well-wishers continued to greet them. Gold was amazed at the number of people who had shown up and who had stayed throughout the evening. They all seemed to be having a good time. He was even more amazed that Granny hadn't once bothered to offer him her signature brand of sarcasm. He was pretty sure it was probably because she was just too busy to do so.
As the evening wound down, the crowd dwindled. Milah had only stayed a short while. Cora, on the other hand, was still there. Gold had almost forgotten about her until he felt her watching him again. He'd known that she was not done with him.
He felt her as she inched her way over until she was standing by his side. "I'm afraid we're going to be leaving, darling. This may be the last time I see you before you're officially unavailable." The way she said it made his skin crawl. He searched the room for Belle. Leave it to Cora to wait until he was alone.
"I've been officially unavailable since the moment I met Belle, Cora. I think I've made that abundantly clear to you."
"I'm only teasing, darling." She took a step back.
"Regina seems happy. It must have been quite a shock for her to see Daniel again." His tone carried a warning in it.
"Yes. You came through on your end of the deal." She conceded.
Belle, who had seen Cora cornering him, appeared out of nowhere. She slipped her arm around his waist in a rather possessive fashion. Gold chuckled to himself.
"Cora was just taking her leave, Belle."
"It was so nice of you to stop by. I hope you enjoyed yourself." Belle smiled a smile that Gold felt rivaled Cora's own signature smile. He grinned at Cora. Belle was his hero.
"It's been an enlightening evening in several ways." Cora graciously took her leave much to Gold's surprise.
Gold kissed Belle.
"What was that for?" She raked her fingers through his hair.
"For being you. Don't ever change, Belle."
Belle smiled at him. "I had fun tonight."
"So did I." He realized that it was true. He'd enjoyed celebrating their upcoming marriage with everyone. He whispered in her ear, "But now I'm ready to go home and spend the rest of the night alone with you."
"Me too."
The next half hour went quickly. Belle spent her time with Ariel, Mary Margaret, and Ruby. Gold got waylaid by David Nolan and Moe. Gold noted that Neal and Emma were deep in conversation.
Before they left, Granny made a point of coming out to mingle for a few minutes. She spent some time with Belle and her friends. Gold was sure that he'd never seen her smile, but she seemed to be doing just that with Belle. She looked up to catch his eye and the smile immediately disappeared from her face.
He groaned when he saw her heading in his direction.
"That young woman thinks the world of you, Gold. Do not do anything to hurt her."
Gold didn't feel annoyed. He appreciated everyone's concern for Belle. "I won't. Thank you for looking out for her. We both appreciate it."
Granny's gaze seemed to bore a hole into him. Then she grudgingly muttered a congratulations to him under her breath.
"Thank you." He wanted her to know that he'd heard her.
She harrumphed and removed herself from his vicinity.
"I see that smirk." Belle appeared at his side. "What did you say to Granny?"
Gold chuckled. She knew him too well. "I simply thanked her for looking out for you."
Belle looked unconvinced.
He laughed. "She didn't like congratulating me. I enjoyed that."
Belle slipped her hands under his jacket and caressed his sides. He could tell that she was suddenly feeling needy for his attention. Thankfully the party was just about to end. He'd make sure to cuddle her all night long once they got home and to bed.
The next ten minutes were spent saying good-byes and thank yous and firming up arrangements for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
Neal and Emma left together and Moe walked Gold and Belle to their car.
"Thanks so much, Dad. This was a lot of fun!" Belle hugged and kissed him.
Gold extended his hand to shake Moe's. "Thanks, Moe."
"Come here, old man." As expected, Moe grabbed his hand and then pulled him in for another bear hug.
When he finally let him go, Gold could see tears in Moe's eyes. It brought tears to his own.
Belle hugged both of them. "I'm glad we're all happy!"
Gold and Moe composed themselves and they parted ways.
Instead of being tired, Belle was a ball of energy. She chatted happily all the way home while constantly caressing Gold. There was no doubt that she would welcome the night of cuddling he had planned. He just wished his deep feelings of affection for her hadn't suddenly morphed into an intense sexual desire. There would be no way of hiding it from her. He was already too far gone.
Belle continued her affectionate behavior up to the bedroom. They barely got undressed before she was pulling him down on the bed with her. "Hold me tight, Rum. I need you."
Gold did not need a second invitation. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close. It occurred to him that she needed reassurances from him after the surprises they had faced that evening. His desire faded slightly as his heart filled with love and concern for her.
He caressed her tenderly and kissed her head and temples. "Talk to me, Belle. Tell me what you're thinking and feeling." He wanted her to share everything with him.
She took his hands in hers and brought them to her lips. "I panicked when Cora showed up tonight. I didn't know if I should confront her or act as though everything was OK so I just ended up treating her like I would anyone else. You don't think I was weak, do you?"
"Oh, sweetheart…" He made her look at him. "You are the kindest, sweetest person I've ever known and that came through tonight… with Cora and Milah. You don't know how proud I am of you for who you are. That's your real strength, Belle. I admire you more than anyone I know."
Belle's chin quivered and tears began to flow down her cheeks. "I needed to hear that."
Gold's heart hurt. "Are you OK, Belle?"
"Yes. I'm just a bundle of emotions right now. I'm not upset or sad. I'm happy and excited. I think everything's catching up with me." She smiled through her tears.
Gold knew what she meant. He felt like crying too. He brushed the hair from her face and kissed her.
"What do we have to do tomorrow, sweetheart?"
She looked at him. "Nothing until later in the afternoon."
"Good. I think we should spend the day relaxing the way we said we would. I'll do anything you want."
"You will?" Belle's smile seemed to magically erase her tears.
Gold looked into her eyes. "I don't like the way you said that."
She giggled. "It's too bad we made that agreement."
Gold's heart lightened and his repressed desires suddenly resurfaced. "No comment." He wanted to tickle her again.
She bit her lower lip. "I was impressed by the way you handled yourself with Cora and Milah tonight. You seemed so calm and cool."
Gold smiled. "I have a confession."
She raised an eyebrow.
"I felt pretty calm and cool. I surprised myself."
Belle hugged and kissed him. "I'm happy for you."
"It's all thanks to you. You've made the difference about the way I feel about myself."
Belle slipped her hands under his pajama top so that she could place her hands on his bare skin. His body lost all control.
"I'm sorry, Rum. I know I shouldn't be doing this, but I'm feeling very aroused by how in control you were tonight. It did things to me."
Gold's cock hardened considerably. This abstinence seemed to make him more aroused. "What do you want, Belle? Are we sticking to our arrangement?" He could sense her need.
She sighed and stopped caressing him. "Yes… I'd still like to wait."
"I was afraid you were going to say that." He pulled her against him to cuddle with her.
"This is what I want. Just being close." She whimpered.
He grinned and whispered into her ear. "You keep telling yourself that, sweetheart." He was happy she was feeling it too.
She giggled. "I love you, Rum." She reached up to stroke his cheek.
"And I love you." He laughed. He was content and happy and she was in his arms. And that was all that really mattered.
