A/N: It's been sometime since I revisited this verse and this seemed like the perfect prompt to get back into it. Hope you all like!

Edward Scissorhands

Oncer4Life69Dearie prompted: Now that Scissor!Rum has a pair of hands, he can express his feelings for Belle. However, his shyness prevents him from telling her what he wants and he tries to tell her in his own way, but misunderstandings are bound to happen. (Rated M for smut)

Rum could not believe how fast the months had passed. And why shouldn't they? Since Belle's father surprised him with the birthday present of a lifetime, having real hands was a magical experience. He could feel things he only dreamt about doing, touch things without bringing pain. He could lay his fingers upon his cheek and not meet with a sting or feel the trickle of blood running down his chin.

The first time he was able to touch a blossoming bud nearly had him breaking down in tears. The velvety sensation was such bliss to have such delicate petals between his fingertips that he lost track of time he spent stroking the rose. Now he understood why the flower had been Papa Jeff's favorite, and in turn, the same for Belle. He was able to bring the rose close to his nose so he could inhale the heavenly fragrance, even allow the soft petals to tickle his nose.

This… he could do this without a hint of guilt or fear he might accidentally destroy such beauty.

He knew he probably made quite a spectacle in the florist shop, but Rum did not have a care in the world. People take such simple pleasures for granted—not him. Not ever.

Belle understood, allowing him to take his time in enjoying the flowers and never once interrupted, even when the shop girl was getting a little uncomfortable about the man who would not stop weeping over the flowers. Belle merely pulled the girl aside and calmly explained to her that he had an accident and would have been unable to touch something so precious until a miracle happened. The girl (not knowing Rum once had scissors and knives for fingers) nodded wordlessly and allowed him to continue his supplication.

Rum knew he was fortunate to have Belle at his side. She didn't have to say anything to him. Her patience in him was unwavering and when he was ready to go, she held out her hand to him and he was once more enveloped in rapture to have her warm, silky palm in his.

They had stayed with her father in Sydney about four months now. The doctors and physical therapist wanted Rum to stay close in case something should go awry. As it were, Rum's surgery was no ordinary one and everything had been documented and tested carefully. Maurice hadn't minded the houseguests since he was able to spend more time with his daughter, especially since her last visit was when he had been in the hospital from the car accident.

This time Maurice was able to have quality time with Belle that wasn't upsetting. And… it gave him the opportunity to get to know the man that his daughter was in love with.

Indeed, Maurice knew something was going on with Belle when she came to see him ages ago. While she had been worried and concerned over his well-being, she was also distant and would often look out the window as if searching for something. Even the sight of a rose would cause this small smile to grow but it would not touch her eyes. Belle was troubled, Maurice could tell, and when he asked her about it, her response was that she was thinking about a friend. She hadn't volunteered much information as to who the friend was, but that he didn't have many people who cared about him. In fact, Maurice didn't think too much about it until Belle called him up about Rum's birthday. Then… she told him everything about the man with the scissor hands.

Maurice knew as outlandish as it sounded could not be made up. Regardless how his Belle was a reader with a knack for storytelling, Maurice had no reason to doubt her and when she sent him pictures… he vowed he would do everything in his power that he could to help this poor soul.

Now, Maurice was very happy with the fruits of his labor. He was also happy over how much Rum was happy, which also made Belle happy. While the two did not share how deep their friendship went, Maurice wasn't blind. He knew damn well they loved each other and as far as he could tell… neither of them acted on it other than a few chaste and platonic touches or a quick peck on the mouth.

At the rate Rum and Belle were going, Maurice was looking at having grandchildren possibly in twenty years.

That did not sit well with him. He wanted these kids together and to cease this slow burn romance. All they needed was a little nudge in the right direction.

xxXXxx

"You love her."

The blunt reply shook Rum as he turned wide eyes to her father.

"I-I don't know—"

Maurice snorted. "C'mon son. Any person with a pair of eyes can see how much you care about Belle. And to be frank, she cares a lot about you too."

Rum's cheeks burned as he thought back to the moment after the incident with Gaston and he retreated to his castle on the mountain. Belle came to him—a vision in white with those crystalline blue eyes swimming with tears and pink lips quivering. He had thought he would never see her again not with Gaston's blood on his hands, but Belle never accused him or cursed him or raged at him. She only wanted to be held and when he wrapped his arms around her so gingerly… she had whispered so quietly that he almost missed the soft utterance:

"I love you Rum."

Hearing those simplistic words (and with his name too!) Rum did not know how to respond or if he was supposed to even know. In that moment, silence was the best solution and he had held her to his beating heart until Belle shifted. Then it had been over. Afterwards, Belle never brought it up again nor did she ever repeat those words to him again. Eventually Rum wondered if he was so starve for any confirmation about Belle's feelings for him that he imagined she had said them because he wanted to hear them. It hurt too much to ever dare hope that this beauty could love him the way he loved her. She was his angel, his salvation. He was selfish and greedy to want more than the friendship she had offered, and so Rum cast aside his heart so he could be content with their circumstances.

It wasn't as bad as it sounded. He found happiness in other things and having Belle close by meant the world to him. As long as she was happy with his friendship, then he would be too.

Rum didn't want to raise his hopes but Maurice sounded pretty confident that his daughter cared far more for him than she let on.

"What are you waiting for?"

"Excuse me?" Rum asked, not sure if he heard the older man correctly.

"You heard me: what are you waiting for? Ask her out. Take her on a nice, romantic date. Lord knows, you two have waited long enough."

"Well—I…" Rum licked his lips and swallowed hard. He wasn't sure how to explain to Maurice that it wasn't easy as he made it. For one, Rum didn't have much knowledge about dating or dates or anything romantic other than from the books Belle brought him. Papa Jeff never got that far in his teachings either. When it came to the opposite sex, Papa Jeff told him that women could be changeable but if he found the one, then he should treat her right. Of course, "treating her right" did not make a whole lot of sense. Rum knew he wanted to give Belle the world, but to complete such a feat was elusive to him.

"I don't know what a date is," Rum finally admitted. "I mean, I know a man and a woman spends time together, but what does that mean? What do you do? What do you say? My Papa never told me and the books I've read don't go into a lot of detail. I want to make Belle happy, yes, but where do I start?"

Maurice gazed at him with dawning understanding and even a little embarrassment. Belle had mentioned he was closed off from the world, but he had not realized how little Rum understood about people or interactions or even the basic social protocols.

Getting his daughter and Rum together was not going to be easy. Not with this kind of challenge.

Maurice wondered how much he should share, but the boy was so innocent and naïve that he didn't want to frighten him away. Then again, Maurice wasn't getting any younger either.

"I think we should have a drink beforehand."

Rum was a little confused but he nodded anyways. If Maurice could help him, then he might be able to work up the nerve to tell Belle how much he loved her.

xxXXxx

"That was a nice visit! I'm sad to leave but I do miss Storybrooke. What about you Rum?"

Rum started, not realizing she was talking to him until she set her hand on his arm. Just a jolt from that contact had him practically leaping out of his skin. He forced a grin for her benefit and agreed how he also missed Storybrooke. It wasn't a complete lie. He did miss his home, his gardens, and his Papa's presence. But he was not looking forward in seeing the townspeople.

Belle assured him that Graham wasn't going to arrest him. The Sheriff was one of his biggest advocates and he was anxious to see Rum and his new hands. The same went with Ruby and Ariel.

Yet it didn't allay his anxiousness.

In addition, Rum was even more anxious after what her father told her about dates and dating a person entails. Was Belle expecting him to do those things? He thought kisses and being close was intimate already, yet Maurice shared more about the birds and bees than he cared to know. And the crazy thing was that it had nothing to do with birds or bees. Not that adding them would make it any better.

Suffice to say, Rum was shock to his core. He didn't know how he could look Belle in the eyes but Maurice clapped him on the back and told him that it should happen naturally and at that right time.

"Don't rush things or it would come back at you," Maurice advised.

Rum didn't want to know what would come back at him, but he thought he will take Maurice's words to heart. He didn't want to rush Belle into anything.

But as the plane landed, Rum decided he was going to have to do some additional research of his own. He didn't doubt Maurice's sage words but he knew he wasn't ready for what Maurice told him. The truth was… he didn't know if he would ever be, but if it made Belle happy… Rum would find a way to get over his fears.

As expected, Belle's friends were waiting for them at the gate when they got off the plane. Rum stood back as Ruby and Ariel embraced Belle. The girls were too busy laughing and talking at once to notice how he stood there fidgeting with the bag in his hands. Then Ruby happened to glance in his direction and his ears were instantly filled with her squeals.

Yes… Rum having actual hands became the gossip in town. The funny thing was how quickly everyone forgot the horror of his scissor hands and he was welcome back into the tribe like a long-lost brother. It was strange and unnerving, even Belle felt the welcome was over-the-top.

"I suppose we should be grateful they're pleased to see you," she told him. "Could be a lot worse."

Indeed.

Then in a snap, the attention was over. Rum was like one of them. No more the oddity or the freak. Just Rum.

And honestly, Rum liked it that way.

Of course, there were expectations now. People figured he would move away from the castle and get a job. But Rum loved his home and parting from it was not an option he would consider. Now that he had hands, Rum could fix the place up and do the repairs that had been neglected for so long.

It was part of his plan.

He was going to ask Belle out but he wanted to prove to her that he was worthy. Plus, it gave him the time needed to learn more about courtship and other dating rituals.

It didn't take long for Rum to decide the normal conventions were for him. If he was going to woo Belle, then he was going to do so in his unique way.

First, he really needed to spruce up the castle.

xxXXxx

Belle was glad that things with Rum had smoothed over. The people took him back in and the only person who objected to having him come back was Regina Mills. Yet, she was part of the minority and as long as Rum didn't cross paths with her… all was well.

Belle was grateful that Graham's investigation resulted in Rum's favor and that Gaston died due to Rum's self-defense. The word "murderer" did not breathe in Storybrooke but the few that did not like Rum did keep a close eye on him lest he should kill again. Even with his normal hands… Some did fear him.

Belle went back to working in the library between spending time with her best friends and Rum. Although, lately, it's been spending time with the girls more so than Rum.

Belle knew he was hard at work in getting his home back to its former condition. Now with a pair of functionally working hands… Rum could do what he always wanted but never could.

As pleased and happy as she was for him, Belle also missed him.

She hadn't been able to see him since he started his project. Not due to lack of effort on her part. It was that Rum didn't want her to come inside until he was done. Even when she offered to help, Rum was appreciative to the suggestion but kept insisting this was something he had to do on his own. She had to surmise that almost a lifetime without hands would make him antsy to do something independent and she respected his wishes, but she occasionally wished he would come down from the mountain more often. Usually he did when he needed supplies or food but then Rum would be back on his mission without so much as a hello or a friendly wave.

Belle had to reason she shouldn't be upset. Rum didn't need her and he was entitled to live his life. But it would make her sad she wasn't able to see her friend. She missed talking to him, reading, and even walking the castle grounds together.

It was silly, really. Belle always thought that with his hands he would want—She closed her eyes and shook her head. There was no indication that Rum was interested in her other than the innocent caresses. Yes they were good friends, but Belle believed that her feelings were completely one-sided.

After all, she had told him she loved him and he did not say the words back. In the heat of the moment, she figured he was stunned or speechless but since he didn't let her go… she took it as a sign that he loved her too. Over time, Belle began to question his feelings since Rum never said or done anything to indicate he wanted to be something intimate other than friends. Even after his operation, when he touched her hand in the park, Belle thought he would say the words, but to her disappointment, he didn't.

"You have to get your head out of the clouds," she told herself. "Clearly Rum doesn't feel the same about you."

Perhaps there was a time when he did, but Belle started to believe that the ship had sailed after Gaston's death. Maybe Rum was too polite to say it but Belle felt she was to blame. If it weren't for her persistence to have Rum part of her life, then Gaston wouldn't have cause to confront him and it wouldn't have put Rum in that compromising position.

Either way, Belle feared her friendship with Rum was coming to an end.

Until one day he had showed up at the library with an ear-splitting smile. It nearly took her breath away to see how handsome he was with those dazzling brown eyes and unruly curls. Even with his hands, Rum could not tame his wild mane but Belle was relieved to see he hadn't.

"I want to show you."

That was all he said as he held his hand to her and Belle didn't think twice about slipping her hand in his. She was overjoyed at seeing him again and she couldn't get enough of her fill at seeing how the weeks apart had done.

Rum put on some muscle and she could feel the strength radiating from him as he pulled her along the trail to the mountain. Not that he had to motivate her. Belle was quite willing to follow. And she did have a good view of his backside, which had grown delectable.

Eventually, they arrived at the gate and Belle could not help the gasp that slipped at the transformation.

The castle… it didn't look the same but at the same time it did.

Gone were the boarded up windows. Sturdy glass stood in their places as if the castle's eyes were now awake and taking in the sunlight after its long winter slumber. The coloring was lighter, friendlier and no longer contained the previous gloomy feel; even the bricks were given a polish to appear brighter.

It was difficult to believe this was the same castle that people claimed to be haunted.

Rum tugged on her hand, breaking the trance she was in.

"Come inside."

She did and the surprises continued to follow.

No more chilly air but a warmth wrapped her up as soon as she entered the door. The open space was inviting, lively. The furniture was no longer covered in blankets or crusted with dust and cobwebs. The floors were gleaming and the inventions were like new with its silvery glint.

The heat she had felt came from a giant fireplace that was burning brilliantly and intense. Above the mantle was a portrait of an elderly gentleman with a handsomeness about him that hinted in his younger days he was a heartthrob that had the girls swooning with that mischievous smirk and penetrating eyes. His clothes, though, were mismatched with solid and prints and on top of his head was a top hat. Belle had to admit the look fit this man well.

"That's my Papa," Rum said quietly but his tone held pride.

Belle nodded as she studied the painting. It was pretty immense and she had to wonder how Rum was able to lift such a heavy object, but none of that mattered. There was no denying the love Rum had for his father and if it was possible… she detected some gloating pride in the portrait towards his son for turning the castle back to its former glory.

"Oh Rum…" Belle murmured. "This… You did a fantastic job!"

That was the first time Rum shared his feelings for Belle. He did not know how to tell her how she had brought the light into his dark life, so he decided that actions would be better. Everything he had done in his castle was to show her what her presence and influence gave to him.

On that day, Belle was impressed and excited over the work he had done. She grabbed his hand and squeezed it with such affinity that Rum figured any moment she would realize how symbolic this was. Instead, she thanked him and told him how touched she was that he would show her first.

That implied that others would see his home too. Rum hadn't counted or expected anyone else to see, but Belle's features lightened up as she asked him if he had replanted the maze and if he would consider letting the children run through it as autumn came.

The thought didn't occur to him but he knew how much she loved the children of Storybrooke and so he agreed. She threw her arms around him, hugging him close. He could have said it right then and there. He could have told her that he loved her. Instead, he remained silent.

Next time. Next time I will tell her how I feel.

xxXXxx

The second time he tried to express his love for Belle was to surprise her with an impromptu picnic with her favorite foods.

It took quite a few trial-and-errors before he was successful in making the perfect cheeseburger and a sweet ice tea (but not overly sweet) with her favorite dessert—honey and fig biscuits. It was something she grew up eating all the time (thanks to Maurice telling him) and he thought the taste of home would let her know how he cared. Of course, he hadn't realized biscuits were really cookies, but they turned out pretty darn good.

The only thing he didn't make was the French fries. He tried. Honestly, he did but the oil kept burning him. And the decent batch he made didn't quite taste the same as Granny's.

Before going to the library, Rum stopped at the diner to pick up two orders of fries to go. Ruby was there and she kept eyeing him while he stood waiting for his food with the basket clutched awkwardly in his hands. Finally, she brought the fries to him but before handing them off, she asked:

"Do you like Belle?"

Like Maurice, the bluntness was unsettling for him as he was quickly discovering he didn't like being put on the spot.

"I can tell you do. And I can smell a cheeseburger in that basket of yours and I know how much Belle loves them." After a brief pause, she continued, "If you want some advice: don't be so shy. You and I have only known each other for a short time and I believe I heard you speak like a half dozen times. You need to grab the bull by the horns and let her know that she's the one."

Rum was at a loss over Ruby's "grab the bull by the horns" statement, but he nodded politely to let her know he understood. Well… partially.

"C'mon! Let's hear it."

"I will," he replied softly.

Ruby snorted under her breath. "Shakespeare you're not."

"'Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind,'" recited Rum without skipping a beat.

She blinked at him, stupefied and a little bit turned on. "Twelfth Night?"

"A Midsummer Night's Dream," he answered.

"Ah. Okay. Start there and she will be putty in no time."

Once more Ruby's colloquialism escaped him but Rum smiled anyways and thanked her again for the advice.

As he walked out of the diner, Ruby whistled softly to herself.

"Belle better get some or I might have to jump him myself."

xXx

Rum found Belle deep within the shelves of the Fantasy and Adventure sections. She was leaning on the top rung of the ladder, her nose buried deeply in one of the books as she used her free hand to shelf the pile of books beside her. Unfortunately, she hadn't noticed him right away and Rum wasn't sure how to announce himself. Setting the basket down, he took a step closer and with Ruby's advice echoing in his head, he began:

"'Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind—'"

Belle instantly started. The book she was reading snapped shut as the pile of books toppled off the ladder. Her arms were flailing trying to recover her balance but it was too late… She was falling.

The moment he realized she was about to fall, Rum was already waiting with his open arms to catch her; however, he hadn't taken into account the sudden gravitational force the second Belle landed in his embrace. His breath was quite literally knocked out as he stumbled backwards and fell on top of the basket and their lunch.

Yet all of his thoughts and concerns were on Belle as he started to sputter all at once: "Are you all right? Are you hurt? Do you need a doctor?" between "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to frighten you! I'm sorry!"

Belle's head was still spinning as she tried to absorb the last ten seconds. She was reading her favorite adventure story Her Handsome Hero before being startled and falling from the ladder. It took her a moment for her to realize she had not fallen to the hard surface, but was nestled comfortably in Rum's lap, his arms wrapped tightly around her trembling form as he gazed upon her with such frantic worry.

She didn't know what came over her, but seeing Rum and knowing she could have been hurt if he wasn't there, Belle grabbed his face and crushed her lips against his.

Rum froze. His mind went blank. All he could feel was Belle's lips, her hands, and the soft strands of her hair beneath his nose. But it registered she was kissing him. KISSING him! Then a foreign feeling unlike any other began to take hold and before Rum knew what was happening… he was kissing her back with the same ounce of frenzy force. All he knew was that Belle was in his arms, in his lap, squirming and burning him with her touch, her taste, her scent. He didn't want to stop. He couldn't let it stop. This was too good.

Then Belle suddenly released him—horror filling her features as she scrambled to get off him.

"Rum! I am so sorry! I didn't—I don't know what came over me—I…" She couldn't find the right words to explain how sorry she was for assaulting him. Rum had been nothing but sweet and kind and here she was ruining their friendship because she couldn't seem to get over her feelings for him.

Her bottom lip quivered as tears welled up in her eyes. She didn't know what to say or do and fleeing to keep whatever shred of dignity she had left seemed like the better option.

So she turned on her heels and ran.

Rum watched her leave in confusion and bafflement. He thought she liked Shakespeare… Standing up, he looked down at the smashed basket and food. Maybe she didn't want the cheeseburger after all. Whatever the reason that caused Belle to leave Rum knew he couldn't leave the floor a mess.

xXx

Belle fled to the one place she knew would help her sort out her problems and for a really good girl talk.

Ruby looked up as Belle entered the diner, her brow furrowing as to why her best friend was here and not having lunch with that Shakespeare quoting Rum. Then she plopped down on one of her stools with the tears trailing down and Ruby instantly knew something went wrong.

"Okay. What did he do?" Ruby demanded.

"Uh?" Belle sniffed. "Oh Ruby… I messed up. I really screwed things up and now Rum probably doesn't want to see me anymore."

"Hold on. Back up." Ruby threw the cloth she was using to wipe the counter over her shoulder and squared herself. "You need to rewind for me. What happened with Rum?"

"I was reading while I was shelving books, which yes I know I shouldn't do when I'm on the ladder, but I was on my favorite part where Gideon rescues the princess and I lost my balance and I fell on top of Rum and then I kissed him! He was in such shock that I couldn't believe what I was doing and I got out of there as quickly as I could because I need to crawl into a corner and die from my mortification."

Ruby gaped at her as if she grew a second head. "Are you kidding me right now? Belle… I love you but you can be dense sometimes."

"What?"

"You didn't ruin anything with Rum. He was enjoying himself until you left and the poor guy is scratching his head over what did go wrong. You need to go back to him."

Belle shook her head. "No. I told you. I need to die in a corner."

Ruby sighed. "Belle, I'm going to tell you this with love: you're an idiot. Rum is head over heels for you. He came here to order fries to go with the cheeseburger he made for you. And he quoted Shakespeare. Shakespeare! This is from a guy who can barely speak two words together and who used to have sharp blades for fingers. But he adores you. Every time he looks at you… even before his hand surgery… he was smitten. And if you don't go back to that library right now and screw his brains out, then I will personally slap you silly. Got it?"

"Wait… Are you telling me that Rum has feelings for me?"

"Yes Belle. Now, will you go to him?"

Belle couldn't believe what her friend was telling her. Rum… he loved her? All this time? And she had thought…

"Thank you Ruby. I have to fix this right now."

"Yes you do!" she cheered as Belle flew out the door.

xXx

"Rum! I'm back! I am sorry for running out the way…" Belle stopped to see he wasn't in the library anymore. "…I did," she finished quietly.

To her astonishment, he had picked up the books she had dropped and finished shelving them. As for the basket Ruby had said he made, Belle couldn't find it but she did smell the lingering scent in the air.

Rum… He did that for her and she ruined it. She could beat herself up over the fact she had missed the opportunity to hear him tell her how he felt.

"I have to find him," she said to herself. "I have to find him and tell him it's not late."

But where?

Stepping outside, Belle looked around for a clue until she settled her gaze on the castle in the mountain.

She grinned.

xxXXxx

Rum carried the remains of his lunch for Belle to the kitchen counter to see if anything could be salvaged. The burgers and fries were pulverized but the thermos of the iced tea was good. The cookies… there were a couple intact but the rest were nothing but crumbs.

He exhaled deeply. He thought for sure this would have worked. And saying a line from one of Belle's favorite plays was a sure way to turn her into putty as Ruby said. He had a feeling that it didn't happen.

He set the iced tea down and he threw out the food. There was no point in saving a meal that would not be enjoyed. Once he had it cleaned up, Rum retired to the attic.

The one thing he didn't repair was the roof. He had been in the corner when he met Belle for the first time. She didn't look at him with revulsion or fear when he stepped into the light and it was when his life changed for the better. Despite everything that had happened, Rum wouldn't change a thing. Not even Gaston's death.

Feeling the sun's heat at the back of his neck, Rum stood there with his eyes closed as he transported himself to that fond memory. Even now… he could almost get a whiff of her rose perfume.

"Hey."

He spun around and found Belle standing before him. He had to blink a couple times to make sure she wasn't an illusion.

"Hey," he said softly.

"I wanted to apologize again. I had no idea…" Belle trailed off but she seemed determine to get it out. "I'm throwing caution into the wind but I have to say this: Rum, I love you. I loved you for so long and I am so stupid for not seeing it before. Or even recognizing what you have been trying to tell me this whole time."

"You… you love me?" he whispered.

Nodding, Belle took a step closer. "Very much. And… do you? Do you love me?"

Rum couldn't believe this was happening! He must be dreaming! There was no other explanation.

But to make sure, Rum reached out to cup her cheek, his thumb grazing her lip. She felt real. So very real and so very warm.

"I love you Belle. You made me the man I wanted to be."

Then with love soaring in his veins and guiding him, Rum lowered his face to hers as he gently captured her mouth with his. He wanted to savor every drop and sweetness that was his lovely Belle. Slowly, he nipped and suckled, as his fingertips glided with featherlike strokes down her neck and across her collarbone. He felt her shiver and wondered if she was cold. Rum pulled back to ask her if she was, but Belle pulled him back to her, murmuring, "No. Don't go."

There was no way in Hell Belle wanted to stop; however, she could sense his hesitance and the innocence in the knowledge of where this was leading. She didn't want to rush Rum or push him into something he wasn't ready to do.

"Rum," she whispered. "I want you to make love to me. Do you understand what I mean?"

Heart-racing, Rum nodded wordlessly. This was what Maurice told him could happen when two people love each other. And the books he read also mentioned how this could be like for a couple. Yet, he knew he needed guidance and he didn't want to disappoint her.

"Would…" He swallowed thickly. "Would you show me?"

A smile bloomed on her petal lips. "Yes."

She took his mouth and delicately traced his lips with her tongue, giving him the chance to get used to the sensation and show him what he could do. It was his turn to shudder and for a low moan to escape. Inwardly, Belle was pleased as she continued to coax him to follow her lead when she begged for entrance. Rum was all too eager to oblige as he understood the message she was sending.

Gently, very gently, Belle slid in and out, the tip of her tongue licking his in a sensual dance. It didn't take long for Rum to get the hint as he followed her, repeating the same slow, circular movements. Feeling a little confident, Rum tilted his face and opened a little wider to further explore the sweetness he was quickly discovering. Belle grinned as she did the same, sucking his lower lip as she softly bit and tugged, inviting him to other pleasurable acts.

Rum was indeed an eager student. Astute and quick, he learned what Belle seemed to like by mirroring her actions. The light scraping of her nails in his hair showed him what pleased her and he found himself enjoying the sensation.

All too soon, Belle withdrew but remained close as she breathed softly against his lips. Her cheeks were flushed and pink, her lips slightly swollen although thoroughly kissed. When her lashes fluttered, her blue eyes sparkled as she dragged her hands across his shoulders and down his arms until they settled in his.

He didn't need any convincing as he followed her to his room. He had eyes only on her as Belle guided his hand to the back of her dress, his finger catching the cool zipper as she motioned him to pinch and pull. He obeyed her silent command as the fabric parted to reveal the even creaminess of her back. Never had he seen something so beautiful, so flawless that his hand drew back instinctively lest he should mar such beauty. It was easy to do… forgetting he no longer had his nightmarish knives, but even as he compared his normal hand to Belle's milky complexion, Rum saw the stark contrast of his own reptilian hue.

Feeling he had stopped undressing her, Belle turned around with a frown on her face. She was going to ask him why he stopped, but the words stuck in her throat as she saw the warring emotions on his façade as he gazed intently at his hands.

"I… I'm hideous," he lamented. "Even with my hands… What right do I to behold or even touch you?"

"Don't say that," she said sincerely. "I love you Rum. I love every part of you. Every lovely part."

To prove to him, Belle held up his arm as the sunlight filtered through the window, catching the golden tint. "See? See the way the light touches your skin and warms it? See how it glitters? You might expect some roughness but you are smooth and soft. And when you touch me… it's bliss. Even when you had scissors for hands, I never shied away. Because I know you would never intentionally hurt me. There are many who can be cruel and bring pain, but not you. You don't take anything for granted. You are perfect in every way."

She planted a light kiss in the center of both palms and laid one hand over her heart. Holding it tight, Belle continued, "Feel that? My heart skips a beat whenever you are near. You make me feel things I never felt before. You believed in me and you helped me with the library when I needed it most. You have been so wonderful that it is I who doesn't deserve you. So don't say that you are hideous. You're not. You are beautiful and I count myself as the lucky one to touch you."

Kicking her heels off, Belle shrugged the dress off her shoulders and allowed it to pool at her ankles. She stood only in her bra and panties as she stepped forward and began to unbutton his shirt. With each action that revealed skin, Belle pressed her lips to that spot. By the time she reached his navel Rum was already shaking from what she hoped was pleasure.

"This is what I have dreamed about. This is what I want," she said, bringing herself up as she pushed his shirt off him completely. Continuing her gentle exploration, she traced his muscles on his chest and dropping kisses down his throat and lapping at his Adam's apple.

Rum could barely contain himself as he whimpered and keened. Whatever Belle was doing… he didn't want her to stop. This intense feeling was starting to build in his belly and before he knew what was happening… his pants felt tighter and uncomfortable. He needed relief but he was quickly forgetting from his reading what that entailed. And right now, the only word that was coming from his mouth was Belle's name over and over again.

Belle felt how wound up Rum was becoming and she didn't want it to end too soon. She was feeling pretty wound up herself, but Belle wanted to do this for him first.

She led him to the bed, and together, they removed his shoes and pants. To her shock, Rum wore nothing else underneath. But that hardly mattered. Rum was truly magnificent, a fine specimen. And knowing that his greenish-gold complexion covered throughout… Belle could not tear her eyes away or stop the hungry desire from spreading over her features.

"Rum."

Keeping her hands over his, she aided him as he helped her undo the rest of her clothing. His eyes widened as the rest of her was bare before his reverent gaze. Then, carefully, Belle guided him until he was finally surrounded in her warmth.

Eventually, Rum had no problem in voicing his feelings anymore.

I hope you enjoyed this! Don't forget to send me prompts if you like more! Next… Indecent Proposal, anyone?