Even after his little endeavor with Regina, still Rumple needed to find Belle. Then he remembered it was nearing sundown. All he could do was go to Big Hero's Bluff and get Belle. This women was doing things to him no one, not even Bae, could do. But he couldn't think about Bae right now. Right now he wanted Belle.

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He arrived as the moon was beginning to get high in the sky. He brought the gauntlet, just like they had asked. He would give them anything if I meant he got Belle back, well maybe not one thing. No. He would even give that up if it meant Belle's safety.

"I have what you want dearie! Now show yourself" he said in a low growl. Suddenly Belle appeared out from behind a rock wall and had her hands tied.

"Rumple, he-help" she said breathless

Then from behind him heard what sounded like a hundred of the same voice "yes Rumplestitskin, do help her" a dozen ravens came flying behind him and flew around a rock. They came back to reveal a figure, horns where hair should be and a long black sparkly dress.

"Maleficent, oh, I am impressed. Didn't think you had it in you." he said very impish but highly annoyed

Mal fluttered her eyes but continued "I'm not here for your praise. Give me the gauntlet, and you can have your wench back."

"Well," he said as he pretended to laugh "seeing as you asked so nicely" and he choked her using magic, holding her up in the air "you think you can steal from the dark one and live? Fatal mistake dearie! Any last words?"

"I'm- not- alone" she said trying to get her breath. Rumple saw two tentacles come from around a rock wall, it made a slippery noise as they rapped around Belle's neck and waist.

"The sea witch" Ursula walked out from behind the wall and stood near Belle. Tightening he grip slowly around Belle throat.

"Such a pretty thing, seems a shame i'll have to crack her pipes." Rumple began to fell slightly under powered but kept his guard up

"Harm one hair on her head, Maleficent burns"

"The Ursula will kill you maid, and where will that leave us?" a black, white, and red very sparkly figure appeared out from behind another rock wall in the back.

"Cruella! Thought I caught a wiff of desperation on Gin." he waved the gauntlet in front of his nose as if there was a smell. "I must say, i'm surprised to see you all here. Last time we crossed it looked as if things weren't going your way" He knew he shouldn't be taunting them with Belle's life on the line but he had to look like he wasn't fazed by what was happening. But he did have to add "And unless you hand back my maid, they won't be this time either."

Cruelle narrowed her eyes "Shall I get you a step stool so you can look in my eyes when you threaten me?"

"I don't need to threaten you dearie, it took three of you to get this far" he growled " and I promise, it isn't far enough"

"Have it your way. Ursula darling crush the maids heart" he heard the grip tighten around Belle. She was fighting to keep her breath. Rumple sat staring, still holding Mal in the air. As he slowly watch as the light began to leave her eyes, he gave in. He growled loudly and threw the gauntlet at Cruelle and dropped Mal to the ground. Ursula let go of Belle completely she began to catch her breath.

"That was a risky endeavor for an old glove dearies." he said silently wishing he could just get Belle and go. But he had to play dumb and keep up appearances.

"The risk was worth it, for to long we've lived in a world where the hero's always win" Ursula said, finally speaking something that would help their little cause

"And the gauntlet will reveal our enemies weaknesses and we will be the victors." Cruelle said while stoking the glove

"Let her go." Mal said in a monotone voice. Ursula pushed Belle into him and he caught her. Cruella glanced at Mal and they disappeared in a swirl of grey smoke.

Rumple held Belle by the shoulders and looked into her eyes "Are you alright?" he asked as his voice sounded highly worried

"Yes, why would you do that? With that gauntlet you could-"

"They still won't be able to harm you. Are you ready to go back to the castle?"

"Yes" and they where gone in a buff of purple smoke

--

They appeared in the great hall, fire ablaze. They stood in the middle of the room. He rapped his arms around he waist and looked down at her as she looked up at him.

"I'm so sorry Belle"

"Don't be sorry. I'm the one who made you lose the gauntlet."

"I'm the reason you got kidnapped."

"You are also the reason I got saved."

"If only there was a small thing to repay me by." he said with a smirk. She leaned up and kissed him. It was a kiss full of hope and love. They only stopped the kiss to come up for air. They laid their foreheads against each other.

"I love you" Belle whispered

"I love you" Rumple whispered back

They moved to lay on the couch in front of the fire. He sat down on one side and she laid across the length of the couch, the back of her head laying in his lap so she could look at him. He slowly pet her hair.

"Lets hope this isn't a everyday thing. I would like to spend more time with you, not trying to save you."

"Lets hope." she said as her eyes grew heavy. They both began to feel how much the day had taken on them. They fell asleep on the couch and slept through the night

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