Rumple returns after his weekend break. There's a growing rapprochement between him and Ariel as she settles in with Belle. Someone becomes nosey about things that no longer concern her. An argument gets out of hand and Ariel comes to realise something about Belle's feelings for Rumple.

The Gold Mansion

It was late Monday morning, when Rumple's limousine drew up in the driveway. It had been a long journey back and fortunately, Gideon had slept soundly in the back.

Leaving his bags in the trunk, Rumple opened the back door, unbuckling and lifting the car seat out carefully, before walking across the drive to the large colonial house. With his magical powers having returned on crossing the town border, he used them to apparate inside, reappearing in the kitchen.

"SHIT!" yelled Belle, startled by his sudden appearance. She had just been in the middle of making two coffees. Unfortunately, her shriek woke Gideon, who started to grumble. "Sorry, you just took me by surprise!"

As Rumple put the car seat down, she went over to give him a brief side-hug, pecking his cheek, before kneeling down to extract their son. "Hello Gideon! It's mamma. Sorry I woke you. I've missed you! Did you have a lovely time with your papa in Boston? Did you meet Henry?" she gathered him into her arms.

"We had a wonderful time. Henry's in remarkably fine fettle and I almost didn't want to leave." With a quick flick of his wrist, his case, Gideon's bag, and various boxes appeared on the large dining table.

Properly looking at Belle, he saw she appeared to be wearing a slightly crumpled, but rather alluring, deep red satin chemise, clearly new, which showed off her curves superbly. Also clear from the way it rested on her, she wasn't wearing any panties underneath. The sight alone made him groan internally, remembering what lay beneath.

Belle saw him stare. "Something wrong?"

He realised he'd been caught ogling. "Hmm? Oh, no, nothing dearie. I just thought you looked rather nice his morning?"

As she realised where he'd been staring, she felt her cheeks flush. "Oh this? I've had it for ages." They both knew it was a lie, but more importantly, she knew that he knew it was a lie!

"So I see. And is Ariel still asleep?" He'd already spotted the two empty coffee mugs by the sink.

"I think she's waking up. That's why I was taking up some coffee. Would you like some?"

Although tempted to decline, having her a little longer in front of him was more than appealing. "I will. It was a long drive, after all. You could take Gideon up and perhaps change him? I'm sure he's missed your company. I'll make the coffees. How does Ariel take hers?"

"Okay. White with one sugar, like me. Thanks."

"Well you go on up. I'll bring them to you."

~oOo~

A few minutes later, Rumple knocked gently before walking into their old bedroom. "May I come in?"

He stepped inside with the tray, to find Gideon on the bed, lying happily on his back, with a towel under him but no daiper, giggling as Ariel was leaning over him, brushing their noses together, making silly gurgling noises. She looked up to see Rumple setting drinks down on a nearby table. "Oh, thank you! I'm parched. Gideon's in a lovely mood, Mr. Gold. He's been laughing and giggling. I think he finds my nose a bit funny, cos he wont stop grabbing it! He's so utterly gorgeous - I could just eat you all up!" she said to the baby, her face all scrunched up like his.

As he looked at the former mermaid', he couldn't help noticing she was wearing an almost identical silk chemise to Belle's, albeit a different colour. His eyes drifted to her torso, and he saw how well she wore it, as it draped over her hips, slightly narrower than Belle's. He barely noticed his wife kneeling close by. He's cheery? After that journey, I'm a little surprised. Though you best call me Rumple, or Angus. 'Mr. Gold' sounds a bit formal if you're living here."

As he handed them their drinks, both Belle and Ariel knelt up to take them. "I'll best sit back, I don't want to go near him holding hot coffee."

Rumple studied the pair, now kneeling side-by-side in front of his son. Each woman was rather beautiful in her own right, but together, they were quite a picture in matching nightwear.

"That's a lovely colour on you, dearie. Eggshell blue, is it not? You two been shopping over the weekend?"

Belle looked across, realising Rumple had already spotted how similar, apart from colour, Ariel's nightwear was to her own. Identical in fact. Why did I tell him I've had it for ages?

"Thank you, Rumple. Yes, Belle and I went shopping at Kathryn's new store. It opened at the weekend. Usually a bit pricey for me, though."

"They suit you both. Heavenly twins, as it were..." After the glib remark, he couldn't help but feel a hardening in his trousers at the sight. I can't let them see that! He thought. "Excuse me a moment..." He left for the bathroom.

Unfortunately, Belle had seen precisely that! A familiar bulge, as he'd turned around, his face pinking. Interesting? She thought, allowing herself a small smirk.

~oOo~

Two hours later...

Rumple had showered, shaved and driven to open the shop to prepare for his rent collection. Belle was not due into the library with Gideon till noon, so set about a brief tidy up of the infant's room. Spotting some small boxes and papers lying on top of the baby basket which Rumple had brought back from Boston, she collected them, taking them downstairs to put them on his study desk. All the while, Ariel stayed with Gideon, having fed and changed him.

Laying the papers down on the old gnarled walnut desk, her eyes caught several more small boxes, their lids on, but clearly previously opened. Her curiosity got the better of her and she decided to see what he'd bought. Opening one elegantly styled shiny black and silver cardboard box, she was surprised to see what looked like a pale cream, silk long-sleeve polo neck sweater. It was obviously expensive, judging by the soft feel of the cotton. It was the colour he'd chosen that most surprised her! The vast majority of Rumple's wardrobe had always consisted of black or dark blue shirts, ties and suits. That was his trademark, reinforcing his Dark One image. However, this was very different. As her fingers roamed across the fabric, she saw there were two more, similar sweaters, one a pale blue and another flesh coloured. Now even more curious, she started to look through and open more, previously opened boxes, avoiding the sealed ones. In one she found two pairs of, seemingly designer, jeans. In another, various pale and dark leather belts. Another contained cotton casual shirts in various colours and the largest, a beautiful soft leather jacket.

The jacket was clearly very expensive, judging by the quality of the calf leather, and it smelt just wonderful. Like a new car. On the top lay an envelope, with the words 'Angus, with my love and thanks...' handwritten in beautiful script. Clearly written by a woman! Thankfully, Belle found that the envelope hadn't been sealed, just left on top. Ashamed of her own nosiness, she nonetheless pulled out the contents to read:

My Darling Angus.

I just wanted to give you a little something extra for your wonderful company this weekend. I had a lovely time with Henry and yourself. And precious Gideon, of course!

It does seem as if my young Sofia is rather smitten with Henry, doesn't it? Still, I can't say I blame her. Your grandson is a delightful young man and I hope they find something together, although they must have their time in the sun before they settle, so we'll see, won't we?

Thank you for making a middle-aged woman feel an awful lot younger this weekend. Thank you for trusting me with helping put together your new wardrobe, for that delightful dinner and two of the most lovely nights in years. You've proved to me that there's still life in the old dog yet, and you clearly still have the energy of a man thirty years younger! You've left me with feelings I haven't felt in many a year! Young Gideon has big boots to fill...

Do take care and enjoy your European journey, you lovely man. I'll email you the recommended Swiss chalets as I promised. Meanwhile, have a wonderful time and I do hope it won't be too long till you come to visit again?

With my fondest love,

Gabbie xxx

Belle's jaw slumped in disbelief. Lovely nights? Energy of a man thirty years younger? That was more than a letter from someone he'd just taken out for dinner! She brought the paper to her nose, smelling the lavender scent. She looked to the unopened, larger boxes. Some six more of them! Then she noticed, for the first name, the silver printed name on the envelope. And on the boxes themselves? Gabriella Weiss.

Gabbie? Gabriella Weiss?

That foul bitch has got her paws in my...my...my what? My husband? A lump formed in her throat as she realised Rumple had probably taken a lover. And It looked like a lot more than a one-night stand!

Belle felt like her legs were going to give way. She knew they were apart. Hell, he'd even kicked her out previously! She'd taken lovers. So how could she object to him doing the same? "Because they don't know him like I do! Does this 'Gabbie' even know who he really is?" she growled to herself, feeling bile rising in her throat.

She felt as though she had been...betrayed. But that was stupid because he was no longer hers. This is what she wanted, right?

As her mind whirled, she held her face in her hands. Was that it? Was it really, truly, over? Was this what she wanted?

Granny's

An hour later, Belle stepped into the diner, holding the door open for Ariel, as she pushed the buggy inside. Her mind was still swimming at the implications of what she'd discovered that morning. It was only when she felt a hand on her shoulder that she snapped out of it.

"Hmm, what? Oh...Ruby...hi!" she said, forcing an unconvincing smile.

"Well someone's away with the fairies?" Chuckled the proprietor. "Someone looks like she could do with a drink! Haven't seen you for a while, Belle. Everything okay?"

"Er...yes. Ariel, what are you having?"

The former mermaid knew something was wrong with her. She'd been acting odd for the past couple of hours, though she wasn't saying what had disturbed her. "Hot chocolate for me, please. Are you sure you're okay?"

The brunette nodded, not wanting to talk about it. As her eyes roamed the diner, Ariel spotted a face she recognised at a back table. "Hey, isn't that Killian Jones? Belle, do you mind taking Giddy? I haven't spoken to him for ages."

"Sure...go ahead." Belle's mind was on autopilot, anyway. A moment later, she felt a warm hand on her shoulder. "My, he's grown fast, hasn't he?"

She looked into the smiling face of an old, trusted friend. "Mulan? Oh, hi! It's been ages." She stood to hug her old travelling companion. "How have you been?" Before spotting Mulan's wife over her shoulder. "Aurora! Lovely to see you both. I was just popping in for a coffee, before I head to work."

Aurora was pushing their baby daughter, Li, in her buggy. "Lovely to see you too, Belle. Can't you join us for a couple of minutes? It's been so long since..." Since she hid herself from everyone, after Rumple threw her out?

"Yes of course there's time. Goodness, look at you, Li? You are really turning into a stunning little princess, aren't you?" she cooed at the eight month old girl, sitting contented in her chair chewing on a teething ring. The tiny tot, smaller than most her age, looked so much like her warrior mother, her large almond-shaped brown eyes twinkling. Though Belle could still see Philip's face shape, mouth and jaw. Rather a beautiful combination. "How are you both?"

The three women chatted happily for the next fifteen minutes, though Rory and Mulan both saw something worrying their friend. "Belle, please don't take this the wrong way, but you don't seem yourself? Everything okay at home? Someone told me you moved back into Rumple's place to be with Gideon?"

"Yes, it's fine. We're separated but it seems to be working out alright. Besides, Ariel's staying with us at the moment..." Perhaps too early to mention in what capacity?

"I heard. Someone saw you both in Kathryn's new shop," Aurora smirked. "Buying lingerie?"

God, can't anyone mind their own fucking business in this town? "Well yes. Some presents. She's got some lovely things." God, this could be awkward!

"I'll say. Mulan bought something special, for me from there too." Aurora giggled, leaning across and pecking her wife on the lips. "Very special!"

Seeing the two of them together like that, she glanced across at Ariel, now cooing over the baby Killian was holding. Without thinking, she asked, "Does Philip mind?"

"Mind what?" asked Aurora. "My wife buying me sexy underwear? I hardly think so. Why should he mind, he's our husband? He gets all the benefits, too!"

"Oh sorry, I didn't mean to offend. I just...sorry, never mind."

"Say it, Belle? What were you going to ask?" Mulan persisted.

"Oh it's nothing. I just wondered. When you do something nice for Rory, or she buys you something special. Does he feel left out? Is there any jealousy?"

"Not jealousy exactly. Envy sometimes. Like when I come back from work late to find them all snuggled up watching TV. Then perhaps a little. But I just jump in the middle!" she winked at Aurora.

"Or when I come back to find Phil and Mulan having a bath together, without waiting for me!" her brow went up as she looked at the warrior.

"You soaked the whole room when you jumped in!" Mulan cackled. "There was foam everywhere!" both women laughed at the memory.

"And Philip? He doesn't ever feel left out? Two women against one, poor defenceless man?" she said it, guessing the answer.

Mulan and Aurora both chuckled at that. "Occasionally. But half the time, he says seeing us together just turns him on! He's a horny little bugger." said Mulan. "But seriously, we've moved well past that. We both love him as much as he loves us. It just works..."

"Why do you ask, Belle? Looking for a little 'poly' arrangement of your own?" Aurora had noticed her looking across at Ariel several times. "You know, I think we may have helped give a little nudge to Robin and the Swan-Mills coming together? According to Phil, they've even booked the Town Hall roof for a wedding!"

"Really?"

Mifflin Street

"Emma, you can't be serious? Why on earth would you ask for your mother to come with us?" Regina scowled at her.

"Because she's my mother! I want her to be part of this! She missed out last time..."

"And a good thing too! She'll ruin everything by wanting to take over! She always does!

"Regina, please?"

"It'll be twee. No doubt she'll want us being serenaded by the bloody dwarves! She wouldn't know taste if it bit her!"

"You're not helping..."

"And bridal dresses? She'd have us both looking like bloody meringues..."

"WILL YOU FUCKING WELL SHUT UP?" Emma suddenly roared back in her face, having now lost it completely. "I've listened to this shit constantly! Yes, you hate my mother, I get it! But at least she's not some fucking murdering psycho-bitch like yours was!"

"SHE KILLED MY MOTHER!" Regina screamed back, both now almost spitting in each others faces in fury.

"WHO KILLED HER MOTHER! Or is it different for your family? Psycho nut-job Cora gets to murder HER, but that's different, I suppose?"

"AND SHE KILLED DANIEL!" The brunette was too angry to let this go, even though she knew that wasn't completely true.

"NO, CORA KILLED DANIEL! I SAW IT IN THE DREAM-CATCHER! YOUR EVIL-BAT-SHIT MOTHER KILLED DANIEL!"

The slap came hard and fast, taking Emma completely by surprise in its ferocity! Emma stood in shock, mortified, looking back at the other woman. A moment later, Regina, her hand now stinging, realised what she'd just done. She'd slapped her! She'd slapped her own wife!

Horror dawned on her. "Emma! I...I'm..."

But it was too late. The Saviour, an angry red mark now starting to appear on her left cheek, glared angrily back before raising her hand. Her familiar mist engulfed her and she was gone, leaving a heartbroken former queen knowing she had gone too far! Way too far!

"Oh god, what have I done?"

Meanwhile...

Rumple was sitting at his desk at home, when the expected web call came in.

"Evening Henry. How did the exam go?"

"Hi grandpa. The general paper was fine. I think I got through it okay, but the medieval poetry paper was horrendous. All opinions and interpretations; but it should be enough. How about you?"

"Well I have the flights booked. We'll land in London early, so it'll give us time to recover. I've emailed you all the details."

"Thanks." Henry spotted what he was wearing. "Hey, love the shirt! Silk? Looks expensive. One of Gabriella's?"

"Aye lad. I bought quite a few things, and she insisted on giving me some too. She also gave me the full 'personal shopper' service. Rather good of her to spend the time, considering she owns the place, I thought."

"I think she's got a little thing for you gramps! I'm glad you got on well with her. Sofia said she already asked me to make sure you got home safely?"

"She's a lovely lady, Henry. We had a lovely time together." Especially in bed later, though he had no intention of telling him that!

Over the next twenty minutes of their call, Rumple's eyes scanned the various clothes boxes that littered the room, noticing there was something decidedly odd about them. They'd been opened since I've left! Saying his good nights to Henry and finally ending the call, he stood and looked at the carefully arranged tower of Gabriella Weiss boxes. His curiosity aroused, he rolled his hand across the dream catcher that hung by the windows, casting his spell on it to show what had happened in the room over the last ten hours. Since he'd left.

Fast forwarding, like a DVD player, It didn't take him long to see Belle enter the room, leaving a small pile of boxes on the desk. He also saw how her curiosity had got the better of her. How she took the lids off several boxes, gazing inside and running her hand over his new clothes. How she's stroked the leather jacket, picking up his envelope from Gabbie. The way she studied it, sliding the letter out from inside, and reading. She looked surprised. Shocked even!

I'll bet you were, my dear Belle!

~oOo~

Later that evening, Gideon had become fractious, not wanting to settle. Belle had fed and cuddled him, but he was still bellowing. His wife had been in an odd mood all evening. Quiet. Sullen. "Let me take him, dearie!" said the Dark One, lifting him onto his chest, patting his back in an attempt to settle. "I'll take him up."

Twenty minutes later, Gideon was still crying. Knowing he was teething, Rumple had applied ointment on his red gums, but all to no avail. Even he was getting frustrated!

"For heaven's sake, my boy, you need to get some sleep!" he almost begged.

"May I help?" Came a voice from the doorway. "I could try and calm him, if you'd allow me?" He turned to find Ariel, looking anxious.

"You can try. He's a little overwrought with his teething, but anything you think might help?" He was getting more agitated himself from all the screams. The redhead nodded, collecting the angry, red-faced tot from his arms, resting him against her chest. As she held the boy's head, she began to sing, gently. For a few seconds, Gideon persisted in bawling until, gradually, he faded, as he started listening to the mermaid's soft voice.

In less than a minute, Gideon had ceased all tears, looking silently up at her. But she continued her gentle song, moving him towards his cot, to eventually lay him down.

Rumple watched, transfixed. The mermaid had a truly beautiful voice. Soft. Melodic. Soothing. It seemed to calm him as much as his son. He watched silently as the boy's eyes closed into a gentle slumber. It had taken less than a couple of minutes, though Ariel carried on softly singing, just to be sure. He'd never heard the song before, but it hardly mattered. Her voice was just perfect. He hardly noticed the stray tear slide down his cheek, as she slowly finished:

"When's it's my turn, wouldn't I love, love to explore that world up above?

Out of the sea. Wish I could be. Part of your world..."

Gideon was sound asleep. She leaned over, placing a small kiss on his forehead, before slowly stepping back, turning to see the Dark One staring back at her.

"You have a wonderful gift there, young lady!" he whispered, a warm smile on his face.

"Thank you. My papa said something like that. Ursula stole it from me once, in exchange for my legs. I got it back eventually, thanks to a friend. It's a long story."

"One I would love to hear about when you're ready to tell it. Thank you for settling him. Come and join me for a drink downstairs?"

~oOo~

A little while later, having changed into a pair of his new pyjamas and dressing gown, Rumple poured himself a large scotch, as Ariel entered the room.

He noticed that, like himself, she was also wearing new clothing. In her case, a sheer nightdress under an equally short dressing gown. It was more discreet than this morning's chemise, but nonetheless he couldn't help but admire how well the silk draped over her slight frame.

"Would you like to join me in a whisky, dearie?"

"Oh. Well I'm not sure I've had it before, but yes, please?"

She sat on a nearby armchair as he handed her the drink, she looked him over. "Nice dressing gown! I spotted the new outfit you had on earlier. I'd never seen you in casual before. You looked very handsome. Quite expensive, I would imagine? Been on a spending spree?"

Rumple chuckled coyly, not used to having comments on his sartorial dress sense. "Why, thank you. Yes, something like that. Henry thought I needed a change. Something less 'demonic', according to him. He introduced me to some people who helped..."

"Some people, meaning a designer from a top Boston fashion houses?" Belle walked in, having just caught the last part of their conversation. "May I have one of those?" she nodded towards the tantalus. "I think I need one."

"Help yourself, dearie." He noticed she'd also changed for an early night, and now wore her own, slightly shorter, sheer silk nightdress he'd never seen before.

Meanwhile, Ariel was still admiring his new fashion sense. "Well I think the new colours have knocked ten years off you! Whoever helped you knew what they were doing?" She followed it with a large sip of the whisky, which, although warming her throat, made her cough.

"Well you'll appreciate ten years isn't much when you're three centuries old?" he chuckled. "Still, thank you for the compliment!"

"No, I meant it! It's nice seeing you in lighter clothes. They make you look less..."

"Threatening? Evil? Demonic, to use Henry's word?"

"Severe! They make you look less severe," she continued. "And happier. You definitely look happier since you got back!"

Belle listened, surprised Ariel was being so full of praise for her husband.

"Aye, well I'm feeling happier, dearie. I got to spend some quality time with Baelfire's boy. He reminds me of him and young Henry has so much energy; so many new ideas. His company makes me feel younger, regardless of whether I look it." Then he noticed how Ariel had been doing all the talking; his wife had been mostly silent. "Something wrong, Belle? You seem a bit perturbed?"

"Me? Oh no, I'm fine. I guess I'm just a bit tired."

"Well come sit with us? Speaking of my attire, it would appear that you two have also been having some more retail therapy? In Miss Nolan's store perhaps? You both look beautiful, by the way, complementary in fact." Belle perched herself on the arm of Ariel's armchair, rather than closer to her husband who was acting...strange. Too happy, for him. Too light-hearted. God, he'd even been smiling? But it was his next choice of words that threw her. "You do make a lovely couple."

Belle felt uncomfortable him talking about Ariel and herself as a 'couple'. Were they? " So she decided to change the subject.

"So tell me about this new wardrobe? It looks like a woman's touch! Did anyone help you?"

Rumple knew her inquisitive mind wouldn't let it rest. Oh well, here we go. "Well you'd know dearie, you did read her letter when you opened the boxes, after all?"

Belle choked slightly on her drink, coughing. Seeing his little smirk, she knew the game was up. "I'm sorry, Rumple. I was just curious. I shouldn't have looked."

Ariel was confused. "Sorry, am I missing something? Has something happened?"

Rumple's grin widened. "Nothing important. Your girlfriend just decided to look at something that didn't concern her."

"I'll say it again, I'm sorry, Rumple. I really am! I know I shouldn't have looked, but it's just so unlike you to go shopping like that! You normally just look in one of those catalogues and magic it up! I was curious to see what you'd bought. I got nosey, I guess, and then I saw the leather jacket and the letter on top. It was wrong of me. Ariel's right though, the clothes are lovely."

"You're forgiven. And thank you." He knew she couldn't leave it like that. He quietly took another sip of his scotch, waiting for the inevitable follow up.

"So, are you going to tell me about 'Gabbie', or were you just going to leave me in limbo?" God, Rumple, stop playing with me?

"Gabriella Weiss is a very special lady. And a grandmother to one of Henry's friends. It was she who helped me put together my new wardrobe. It was nice to get the opinion of someone who doesn't live in Storybrooke."

Ariel sat up. "Gabriella Weiss? Isn't that the name you were looking at on that computer, Belle?"

Game, set and match to Rumple! he thought, maintaining his smile as Belle winced. "She's become a dear friend."

"How dear?" the brunette asked, unable to stop herself, instantly regretting it. "I'm sorry, that's none of my business! I apologise. Again."

He rose slowly, taking his glass with him. "No problem. Well, I'll bid you two lovebirds good night? Sleep well."

As he nodded and turned, Ariel couldn't fail to notice the way Belle stared at his back as he left the room, a sad look on her face. She waited till he was out of earshot.

"You're still in love with him, aren't you?"

~oOo~