XVII

***New Beginnings***

Rumpelstiltskin glared at the hatter – the closest he'd ever had to a friend if he were going to be honest with himself – as the man casually moved to the little sitting area and flopped down into a chair, tossing his hat onto the coffee table. Belle giggled as she snuggled closer to her betrothed and rested her head on his shoulder. He was going to have to speak with her about inappropriate responses. Shouldn't she be blushing furiously and beating a hasty retreat to the door, her modesty compromised? He pulled the blanket up to cover her shoulders and briefly thought of magicking her to her room.

Jefferson winked at her. "I'd ask how you are, sweetling," he addressed Belle, "but I can see by the beautiful blush on your cheeks you're indeed quite well."

"Do. You. Mind?!" the Dark One growled, his displeasure evident in each word he enunciated clearly.

The hatter's smile widened. "O'course not," he said innocently. He then proceeded to ignore them both as he set about preparing himself a cup of tea.

"Out!" he bellowed, losing what little patience he'd had. Belle shifted her lower body against him and he hissed, his eyes widening as they swung back to meet her innocent gaze.

"Play nice," she admonished softly against his ear. She wiggled her fingers. "Might you magic our clothes back on, darling?"

Jefferson, having heard her whispered words, snorted into his tea. "It would probably help with the blush riding him."

Rumpelstiltskin sent a patented death glare in his friend's direction, but his words were for his beloved. "I think I would be more comfortable paying the price of the magic if I could turn him into a snail."

Belle covered his hand with hers as he lifted it in readiness to release the spell. "No, Rum. We need a witness for the ceremony."

Jefferson spluttered at the dark innuendo in her tone, and set his cup down as he bounded to his feet. His lovely bejeweled hands came to rest on his hips as he stared down at her. "Well, I like that!" he said, affronted.

Belle snorted. "Pfft. You know very well I'm only teasing."

The hatter looked over at the sorcerer who stared smugly at the girl wrapped securely in his arms. He really was a bad influence on the little princess, and her appreciation for his dark humor grew more and more every day. It was clear they would enjoy ganging up on him. He shook his head as he reached for the last tea cake, hoping the sweet would help curb his wayward tongue.

Rumpelstiltskin brushed an errant curl behind Belle's ear before a loud snap of his fingers sounded in the room and their clothes had been set to rights. "Go on, dearest. Freshen up a bit and then we'll go down together to meet with the friar, yes?"

He set her on her feet, but she was loath to release him. Her arms slipped around his waist, her face upturned to his. "I love you, Rum." She gave him a gentle squeeze, waved to the hatter and disappeared out the door. The love-struck expression on his weathered features lingered for a long moment before he moved to his workbench and added another ingredient to the cauldron.

Jefferson – never one to be still with his boundless energy – sauntered over to join his friend, a mischievous smile playing at his lips. "Well, well, I see you wasted no time in claiming your little maid." He slapped a hand over his heart, the back of his other hand pressed to his brow dramatically. "True love," he sighed in a dreamy tone.

Rumpelstiltskin rolled his eyes.

"Oh, don't be like that, Rumpel. I'm really happy for you." His brow furrowed as he toyed with one of the instruments on the table. "But there's something which confuses me."

The sorcerer reached out and snatched the pincers from Jefferson's hands. "Give me that! How many times do I have to warn you not to mess with my things!?" He went back to his work. "What is it that has you in a conundrum, dearie?" he asked, his tone laden with weary tolerance.

The hatter's brows rose, his lips pursing as he waited for the Dark One's full attention. It didn't take long to gain it. "Why are there fairies outside the castle gates? I was certain the wards would have warned you."

"Hell!" Without another word, he was off to investigate.

*.*.*

"Friar Tuck," Belle greeted the monk with a bright smile. When Rumpelstiltskin had first begun allowing her to accompany him to the market in the small village under his control, the short rotund clergyman had been one of the few who'd refrained from shunning her for her association with the Dark One. "Thank you so much for coming all the way up the mountain. I know how you dislike venturing too far from the village."

Tuck glared at the hatter over her shoulder where the tall elegant milliner idly paced before the hearth. "When that one told me why I was being summoned to the castle, of course I had to come, my dear," he said, once more returning his attention to her. "I had to see for myself this wasn't some trick."

Belle's brows disappeared somewhere near her hairline. "What?! NO! Why would it be a trick?" she asked, confused. Something was definitely off about the poor man if he believed her sorcerer wanting to marry her was odd.

"Lady Belle, he's the Dark One. He's not known for his generous nature or acts of kindness." He waved a hand before him, gesturing in her direction. "You, on the other hand, are a soul of charity and grace. How could you want to tie yourself – " He lowered his voice, a shiver traversing his spine as he looked about him in fear. " – to such evil?"

The lady of the Dark Castle smiled patiently at the middle-aged monk, one elegant brow arched. "Friar, it's quite simple, really. I love him … as he loves me. We wish to share our lives with one another, and instead of living in a state of sin – according to your god – he wishes to honor me. So, I'll ask again … how could that possibly be a trick?"

Jefferson's brows shot up. Never, in all the time he'd known the girl, had he ever heard her be so manipulative. He was sure it wouldn't be obvious to those who didn't know her, but her time with Rumpelstiltskin had merely honed her skills as a linguist.

The good friar was quick to reassure her. "M'lady, marriage is never a mistake between two people who love one another … of course not. It is however, my agency to make absolutely certain neither of you have any impediments which will make me question – "

"There are none," the Dark One growled from the open doorway leading into the Great Hall. "You aren't trying to dissuade," he drew the word out as his eyes narrowed, "my darling girl from becoming my wife now, are you?"

"Er … um … n-no, not if this is truly her w-wish."

Belle hid a smile behind her hand, knowing the Dark One wouldn't let it go if he thought something he wanted was threatened. It was then she noticed the two little blurs of color hovering out in the corridor. "Oh, my," she murmured. She inched closer, her jaw tightening as she stared at the two fairies. "And just how did you two little gnats gain entrance to our home, hmm? The wards should have kept you out."

"Rumpelstiltskin asked us in, m'lady," the little gold fairy quickly provided.

"T-Tinkerbell sent us … to … to help." Belle's gaze swung to the pink nuisance hovering slightly behind her companion. "F-For the spell." The poor thing looked terrified.

"It's not nice to threaten my lady," Rumpelstiltskin tittered, causing Belle to turn, to ascertain for herself the monk was still in good health. She could practically taste his displeasure in the air, though not any real anger. He was merely toying with the little man.

"Land blessed with fairy magic," she murmured to herself. "Very well. If Rum brought you into the castle, I suppose he believes you to be honest about your purpose here." She eyed them both, wondering why Tinkerbell would have sent one unable to control her fear of the Dark One.

The hatter's gaze ping-ponged between Rumpelstiltskin terrorizing the friar and Belle's wary suspicion of the fairies. He figured it was safer in the princess's camp. "Belle?" he asked, smiling gently at the two tiny women hovering in the air. "It might be a good idea for you to talk Rum down, don't you think?"

The smile which graced Belle's lips was playful as she batted her lashes innocently at him. He didn't know whether to laugh at the absurdity of the gesture or groan in anticipation of what mischief she was contemplating. Her only tell was the icy glint in her eyes as they hardened into steel blue shards. "Rumpel is just fine, Jefferson." She inched closer to the fairies, dropping her voice almost an entire register. "You see … " She spoke softly yet succinctly to them. " … when he blusters, as he's doing now with the good friar … that's really all it is. He's quite the imp, isn't he?"

"I heard that, dearest!"

Belle giggled, her gaze softening exponentially as it met his. She shrugged as he returned to answering the clergyman's questions about the Dark One's intentions towards her. "He's just amusing himself. We all know he'll get what he wants in the end … what we both want. If he were truly angry …" Again, she turned to her guests. "The air would cool and the shadows would encroach. Fear would freeze the blood in your veins and you would know … you would know the darkness was coming for you."

Rumpelstiltskin's voice trailed away, gaping in surprise at his girl. "Belle … " he murmured huskily. The demon was fighting to get free, to praise her for her daring, to drag her off to show his appreciation for all that she was.

"Belle!" The hatter was equally astonished. He smiled apologetically at the fairies. "Sorry … she um … she's always been a sucker for a good horror story … has an entire library full of them, and – "

Her betrothed slipped an arm about her waist, and pulled her into his side. He didn't excuse them, but simply transported them to her library where the next potion ingredient needed to be added to the bubbling cauldron. Once he'd completed his task, he cupped her face in his hand, searching her serene features for … what, he wasn't sure. "Sweetheart, what was that? Why would you … " His face screwed up into a grimace as he released her, one green gold hand tapping against his chest. "Did I … was this because of me?"

Her own face eased into a sympathetic smile. "Of course not, Rumpel. Your curse cannot touch me in that way, nor would you allow it. Turning to the darkness is a conscious choice." She glanced away sheepishly, biting her lip. "I just wanted to spook them a bit. Their kind has brought you immeasurable pain; that wasp who leads them, most of all."

He huffed out a bitter laugh, running his hands over his face in vexation. "You did that for me?"

"Maybe … a little for me, too," she admitted in all honesty. "I do so hate it when someone mistreats you."

Rumpelstiltskin dropped down onto the stool at his workbench, his head spinning much like his wheel. Why … how … could she ever love him as she did? "I've lived for centuries, Belle. Decade upon decade, and I've seen more of the world than anyone. The darkness, the evil, the power … riding my soul. True love was a myth, a puzzle for me to solve, to bottle just like any other potion. I never thought it would be possible to find it for myself … to find you."

"Rumpel – "

"I don't want … " he cut her off. "I don't want who I am to smother your light, Belle."

She wrapped her arms about him, kissing him sweetly as her fingers coiled through his hair. "Taunting a few fairies isn't going to turn me into a mass murderer, Rumpel. Think about it … everyone has a little darkness within them. It's human nature. If someone hurts you or someone you love, it's only natural to want a little retribution." She sighed wearily. "I just don't want them to come in here with the same attitude as Rhuel Ghorm would. They should have proper respect for you."

He shook himself, straightening his shoulders. It would take him time to truly appreciate the way she had of defending him, still unable to believe he was worth fighting for. But he wouldn't give up, not as long as she remained by his side, not as long as they found his son. They could be a family. They could have their happy ending. "I suppose we should get back to the friar's interview now, yeah?"

"Indeed." Her tinkling laughter filled the room as she took his proffered arm. "We're getting married today!"

*.*.*

Belle fiddled with the ring on his finger as she leaned back in his embrace, his arms wrapped loosely over her waist. It was still hard to believe she was finally his wife. A simple ceremony with their friend and two jittery little fairies to witness it, and she'd joined her life to his. The only thing which would make the day better would be when they stepped through the portal and into the land where they'd find his son. She hummed happily and tilted her face up to kiss the pulse point beneath his jaw.

"You're going to have to get packed after we take care of this little problem," he whispered, turning his head to meet her lips with his. Would he ever tire of kissing her? He doubted it.

She frowned as she looked down at the rose sitting so innocently in the bronze vase. "We wouldn't have this little problem if you wouldn't let your jealousy cloud your judgement."

"Pfft!" Rumpelstiltskin scoffed, "He was coming to take what was mine, and you know how I just love to share." He released her to stir the bubbling mess inside the cauldron before perching upon his stool. "I could just send him back to your father without any need for you to speak to him."

Belle sighed. "It wouldn't be right, Rum."

His lip curled in disgust as he glared at the rose. He was giving in to her wishes on the matter, but it didn't mean he had to like it. With a wave of his elegant hand, the knight transfigured back into himself … albeit without his prized sword which he'd been brandishing at the time of his unfortunate transformation. No need for Belle to get caught between them and get hurt.

"Hello, Gaston," she said simply, taking a step back from the anger clearly written on his face.

"Belle! I've come to bring you home." He frowned at the unfamiliar room, clearly remembering himself at the front door, and having no recollection of how he'd ended up in what appeared to be a library. He held out his hand to her, expecting her to take it and flee with him.

She sighed, clasping her hands before her and smiling gently. She was happy he had no memory of spending time as a rose. "I am home, Gaston. But I would like you to deliver a message to my father upon your return to Avonlea."

"This isn't your home, Belle. This is your prison, and … " He glared at Rumpelstiltskin over her shoulder, "and that beast is your jailer."

"Guess again, dearie!" the mage chortled.

"Rumpel," she admonished with a chuckle of her own. "No, Gaston, that beast – as you say – is my husband."

"You can't be serious!"

"Oh, but she is," Rumpelstiltskin said, slipping his arms about her waist as he came to stand at her back in a show of support and protection. Surely the knight wasn't stupid enough to try to touch her. The man looked as if he were about to have a complete breakdown.

Gaston's face twisted into a look of utter disgust as he glared down at her. "How could you give yourself to a monster like him?"

Which completely set her off. The sorcerer could feel the tension and anger radiating from her every pore, which only fed the dark entity sharing his body.

"You seem to forget, Gaston … I know who you really are. I've seen the evil you're capable of, and I'm not going to be swayed into thinking otherwise." She pulled a folded missive from the pocket of her gown and held it out to him. "Just please see that my father gets this."

Before he could utter a protest, the knight was gone, sent home to Avonlea as per Belle's request. As much as he hated himself for his small bit of insecurity, he couldn't stop himself from asking. "What did you have to say to your father, dearest?"

"Goodbye," she replied, a sad smile forming on her lips. "I told him I was happy and loved and that he shouldn't worry about me. I just felt I needed to tell him before we left."

Rumpelstiltskin pressed his lips to her brow and nodded. He knew the king wasn't worthy of his precious daughter, nor any words of comfort she might have for him, but this would give her the closure she needed. He groaned inwardly as a thought occurred to him. "Would it be better to see him before we leave?"

Belle bit down on her lower lip as she studied the man she'd married. "You would take me to him, wouldn't you?" she asked in a breathless whisper, awed by his selflessness. She could see the answer there in his fathomless amber eyes. She shook her head as he nodded. "No, my husband, I don't need to see him before we leave. Avonlea, and my life there, are my past. You are my future, and I don't want to waste another second with our beginning."

He didn't hesitate to lean into her and meet her lips as she brushed hers against the corner of his mouth, but he couldn't allow himself to be distracted … no matter how much he wanted it. "Then you'd best get packing."

*.*.*

In the end, Belle had decided not to pack anything … well, except for an insane amount of gold. She'd convinced Jefferson to tote one crate of gold thread after another up to the library where she'd then had Rumpelstiltskin transfigure it all into gold coins. The reticule he'd given her with its unending bottom, could more than accommodate it all. If they really were going off to a land with unexpected dangers and no knowledge of what they'd encounter, at least they wouldn't be poor. She didn't think her former spinner would need poverty added to his already troubled mind. He'd quickly agreed.

Now, as they stood just outside of the circle, waiting for Rumpelstiltskin to cast the spell, she was calm. She trusted him more than any other living soul, and had every faith he'd see them safely to the other side. Her husband – on the other hand – was brimming with nerves. "It will be fine, Rum," she whispered as he fiddled with the vial of noxious blue liquid in his hands.

"You don't know that," he returned in a hiss, trying to keep the panic from his voice. "I'm still not so sure this isn't some clever ruse to get rid of me, and I couldn't bear it if something happened to you."

"Have faith, Rumpel," Jefferson said, a wicked gleam in his liquid gaze. He hauled Belle away from the mage and swept her up into a strangling embrace. "I'm going to miss the two of you so much." He choked on a sob as he drew back to kiss her brow.

Rumpelstiltskin glared at him as he let Belle go. He'd never approved of the hatter being so liberal with his affection towards her. His eyes narrowed menacingly as Jefferson reached for him. He held up a hand already glowing with a fine crimson mist. "If you so much even think of hugging me … I will end you."

Jefferson nodded sheepishly and took a step back. "You don't have to be such an ass, Rumpel." He glanced between his two friends. "This is just all so emotional."

Belle hid a grin behind her hand and shot her husband a telling look. Finally, the Dark One reluctantly extended his hand to his friend. The hatter glanced once more between them and caught them both in his embrace, nearly choking the life from them. Then he ran for the gate.

"Hellfire and damnation!"

Belle giggled as Rumpelstiltskin cursed. "He means well, darling."

The Dark One turned back to the circle of fairy-blessed land and took a deep breath, staring down at the vial in his hands. Belle slipped her hand into one of his and twined their fingers, letting him know she was ready whenever he was. His heart pounded, his blood racing, fear at the back of his tongue … what if? He threw it, drawing strength from his wife.

They stepped into the circle, a faint blue mist rising from the grass to wrap around their ankles. He could hear her unsteady breath next to him as she tried to hide her excitement, and he tightened his hand over hers. It was time. He could feel the magic gaining in strength … only one thing left. With his free hand, he cradled her cheek, losing himself in the love shining in her cerulean gaze. She was his world, his hope, his future … his everything. Slowly – savoring the moment for what it was, his infinite destiny – he lowered his lips to hers. He gasped as the pure white magic of true love swept over them, and then the world fell away.

*.*.*

Rumpelstiltskin opened his eyes and groaned at the unfamiliar sight above him. It took him a moment to realize he was lying under the moonlit sky. He gained a bit more clarity when a lump of snow fell from the branches above him and landed on his face. Sitting up, he rubbed the offending substance away and gasped. This wasn't the grounds of the Dark Castle. He was in a park of some kind, with benches and a fountain. He'd made it … they'd …

"Belle!" he cried, realizing her hand wasn't safely nestled within his own any longer. He pushed himself to his knees, his head screaming with a dull pounding, panic rising in his chest. "Belle!" It was growing harder to breathe, yet he had to find the strength to find her. "Belle!" He was becoming frantic, despair evident in his voice. How had he lost her? No! He couldn't accept it! The fates wouldn't be so cruel as to grant him such love only to snatch it away … would they?

He collapsed back into the snow, tears slowly making their way over his ashen cheeks. "Belle … " his voice now no more than a whisper as he gave into the sorrow of her loss.

A/N: Omg, are y'all ready to kill me yet? You know I just love my cliffies :D One more chapter to go, luvs! So, hope you all enjoyed! Thanks so much for reading!