True Love's Gift

Chapter 13

Rumplestiltskin Point of View

" Perfect…" I smile while she holds up her long brown, curly tresses while I clasp the diamond necklace around her slender neck " You look like the princess you are my Belle."

" Rumplestiltskin you better stop with your sweet words and gifts or I'll have to start calling you Charming." She giggled running her fingers lightly over my chest before wrapping her arms around my frame.

I grinned happily as we leaned our bodies melted together in an embrace, I placing a hand on her face while pulling it gently nearer to mine until we were close enough to feel the others breath quickening ; just as our lips were about to collide I heard her voice , like a million nails on a chalkboard scream through my shop.

"GOLD!" She roared, the fury evident in her voice.

I sighed heavily, leaning my forehead against my loves – it seemed this town was full of impeccably timed interruptions.

" Excuse me a moment dearie " Deep annoyance filled my tone as I lightly kissed Belle's nose before turning to make my way towards the front of the shop.

"Be careful Rumple." Belle's sweet voice, full of love chirped anxiously as she wrung her hands , even my dark heart couldn't help but warm at her deep care for me.

"Worry not my love, this Queen's bark is worse than her bite…I'll be right back and we can finish where we left off…" I smirk with a wink , causing her to giggle as a blush swept across her cheeks.

"Madam Mayor…" I exclaimed once out in the main shop where Regina placed back and forth like a bull in a pen, her hand clasping hard at on object wedged in her fist, I had a nagging fear that I knew what she held on to " to what do I owe this honor?"

Her lip snarled slightly as her eyes narrowed at my sarcasm. She stomped over in front of me till our faces were mere inches apart.

" What the hell is this? And who is its owner?!" She demanded loudly letting the necklace uncoil from her fist and hang before my face.

"I believe that is a necklace Madam Mayor …" I smirk as I swiftly take the piece from Regina's hand with magic and dangle it before my eyes " as for it's owner…that would be the mother of your little house guest."

" Don't play stupid with me Gold…" She growled impatiently glaring at me " Now you tell me who her mother is and why you separated them all of these years or I'll…"

" youll what " I hissed back leaning into her face, my eyes darkening slightly causing Regina to back up a bit knowing she was overpowered . I shook myself from the darkness knowing Belle was in the back room and wouldn't approve " Anyways – why is MY business and who? Well that's yours.."

" What?! Mine?! What the hell does that mean ?!" She threw up her hands exasperated and angry.

" You're a smart woman your majesty , figure it out " I say sharply , pressing the jewelry back into her palm " Now get out of my shop."

" So that's it? " she asked shaking her head with a disgusted chuckle before crossing her arms " You won't help me at all?"

Her last words were a bit quieter, with a pleading edge to them despite her solid expression which she wouldn't allow to show any weakness due to her pride. I closed my eyes and sighed before turning back to face her, she always hit the soft spot in my hollow chest.

" All you need is in your hand." I state firmly as we both look at the necklace and I , grabbing her wrist sudden yet light, stroke the vein on her left wrist with my thumb before leaning into her ear " Now leave my shop…"

" Gold.."

" Please." I state more than ask through my teeth , giving her a tight smile.

" You're a bastard." She spit out in disgusted defeat, backing out of the shop , knowing she'd been bested by her own deal " This isn't over!"

"Don't I know it.." I mum bled as the door slammed behind her and she huffed away.

"Is-is everything okay?" Belle's voice whispered softly as she peaked worriedly out of the back room door.

"Yes sweetheart " I smiled slightly taking her into my arms " Regina and I just have a lot of history together…more than she even realizes…therefore we have quite a bit of fuel for arguments."

"What was that necklace she brought in ? " Her voice inquired letting me know she'd been eaves dropping.

" I thought I told you to stay in the back my dear? " I tease a bit with a chuckle before looking down " And that? That's something I took from her years ago…something she'll never forgive me for..."

" Oh Rumple.." She began speaking with her delicate accent, her finger tips running comfortingly through my hair " Regina is a wicked woman at times at even she wouldn't be that upset over a necklace, after all she's queen , I doubt she's lacking in jewelry."

" Darling it's not the necklace she'll be furious and irreparably hurt over…it's what, well, who it represents – who I took from her…it represents a stolen happily ever after…" I say low and quiet , a slight tremble in my voice as I look to the floor, avoiding her question gaze.

" Wh-what did you …I mean who did you take from her Rumplestiltskin?" Dread filling her question as she placed both hands on either side of my face, forcing a me to look into her eyes , forcing my complete honesty.

I took a breath as I leaned in, my mouth resting beside her ear – my mouth formed each word slow , quiet and matter of fact. She gasped in horror , tears filling her pure eyes , her hands covering her mouth.

" Oh Rumple…" were the only words she could manage to get out.