Author's Note: This is written with great respect, love and gratitude for the talents of Robert Carlyle, Emilie de Ravin, all those involved in Once Upon A Time. I do not own the OUAT characters. Given that this fic was originally posted as a one-shot on Robert Carlyle's birthday, and today is his birthday again, I'm posting two chapters. So if you came straight to this chapter, this is the second chapter posted today, so you need to back up one chapter.

The next morning, Belle awakes to something tickling her nose. With her eyes closed and not yet ready to give up her world of slumber, she blindly swats it away. At which point, she hears Rumplestiltskin's unmistakable laugh. She ventures to open one eye, seeing something red floating in her field of vision. Opening her other eye and lifting her head, she realizes he is holding a rose.

With a groggy voice, she asks, "What's this for?"

"It's your birthday, darling."

It feels odd to realize that she didn't know it was her birthday, yet she feels blessed to have someone who cares that it is. She beams at him, "Thank you, it's a wonderful present."

"I'm not finished. After breakfast, we're having a birthday hunt."

Her brow furrows, "A birthday hunt?"

"Yes, you'll be hunting for your presents."

She smirks, and asks, "...and how far do I need to search for these presents?"

With a mischievous gleam in his eyes, he says, "Who knows? Your presents could be on a mountain top with goats preparing to eat them...you'll never know, unless you get moving. Breakfast will be ready shortly.", and he strides out the bedroom door.

Flopping back on her pillow, Belle stretches, yawns and mutters, "And I was the one in a mental ward?"

Thankfully, the hunt does not involve a mountain nor goats. The presents are hidden around the house, but also an exquisite necklace is found in the knot hole of a tree in the backyard. The search ultimately yields three books, the aforementioned necklace, earrings and an evening gown with coordinating apparel, which Belle has no idea when she'd wear such an extravagant outfit, knowing she'll out grow it soon...yet loves it all the same.

That night, they snuggle under the amethyst purple and sapphire blue patch work throw, eating popcorn and watching an old black and white movie, "The Philadelphia Story" with Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, and Jimmy Stewart. Belle remarks that Stewart's character, Macaulay Connor, reminds her of Rumple, and that she wasn't sure why Hepburn's character, Tracy Lord, is giving the other man so much attention. He smiles and kisses her ear, keeping a secret to himself. He and Belle had watched this very movie a few times before the shooting, and back then, Belle had expressed a similar sentiment.

Later, Belle queries about Leroy's love. Though he shares what he was able to surmised about Leroy and Nova, he is uneasy about her interest in a fairy.

Much of the next day is spent in separate endeavors as he is busy in his workshop, and Belle takes the opportunity to enlist Emma's help with a few errands in preparation for Valentine's day.

Valentine's morning, Rumplestiltskin awakens to find that Belle is missing from his side. He checks the bathroom, but she is not there. Then he notices a peculiar aroma coming from the first floor. In the kitchen, he finds Belle with a powdery substance down the front of her nightgown, as well as traces of the substance in her hair.

"You're not supposed to be up yet.", she pouts.

In a playful tone with a flourish of his hand, he asks, "What's wrong? Is the demolition of the kitchen incomplete?"

She grumbles, "I'm making breakfast, and you're not supposed to be here yet."

Smiling softly, he says, "Darling, I could have made breakfast."

"Yes, I know you could have...but it's Valentine's Day, and...I wanted to surprise you.", the last part coming out whinier that she had hoped, but after three previous attempts at making heart shaped pancakes which ended up being scrambled pancakes, her patience is wearing thin.

Walking over to inspect her latest attempt, he eyes the roughly heart shaped specimen, "This one looks good."

She blushes and pouts slightly, "It's lopsided."

"Here I'll fix it.", he says, pulling off a piece and popping it in his mouth, surprised that despite the odd shape it tastes quite good with hints of cinnamon and almond in the flavor.

"Hey, it wasn't ready yet."

"Ready enough." as he goes to tear off another piece.

She blocks him with the spatula, brandishing it like a weapon, in a false tone of hostility, "Don't make me use this!"

"Oh no! She's going to flip me!", he teases, and with a flourish of his hand, the offending weapon is magically yanked from her hand and levitates above her, just out of her grasp even with her standing on her tiptoes. As she glares at him, he says, "Whoever taught you how to sword fight was terrible."

She grumbles, "No one taught me...", and he feels momentarily guilty for forgetting that she has no memories prior to the shooting, but then she says in a haughty tone, "...and you're incorrigible."

"Am I? And what to you plan on doing about it?", as he playfully pins her against the counter with hand on each side of her, awaiting her next move.

She momentarily considers pouring the left over batter down his pajama pants, but realizes she can't predict the chain of events that might set off, and she has too much planned for today.

Calmly she says, "Nothing. I'm going to stand here and wait for your to stop being such a beast.", and then she holds out her hand.

Though he feels rather uncomfortable hearing her refer to him as a 'beast', he knows it was said with affection...albeit annoyed affection, and he returns the spatula, saying "Spoilsport." Suddenly, he swoops in stealing another piece of pancake, and she retaliates by swatting him with a cloth potholder.

"Stop grazing like an animal in a field somewhere!...and go sit down, while I finish."

He bows flamboyantly, and she rolls her eyes knowing he thinks he's cute when he's annoying...and she begrudgingly admits to herself that he is cute when he's annoying. However she decides to keep that information to herself, less she encourage more of his unruly behavior. Obediently seating himself at the table, viewing the blush of her cheeks and the glint in her eyes, "Gods, I've missed aggravating her.", he ponders.

She makes another somewhat heart shaped pancake to replace the one that he mutilated, and opts to make simple rounded shaped pancakes for herself. Taking the rest of the pancakes, some syrup, raspberry preserves and butter over to the table, she seats herself, and they have an enjoyable breakfast, infused with lively conversation and furtive flirtatious glances.

After breakfast, they each take the opportunity to shower and change clothes. Having changed in her room, in which she no longer sleeps, Belle knocks on his bedroom door to be certain that she doesn't enter at an inappropriate moment. Rumplestiltskin calls for her to come in. She strides through the door with two boxes in her hands and a twinkle of excitement in her eyes.

Wearing a red and blue plaid dress, in which the red dominates the pattern, Belle's skirt flairs out in a bell shape, but the length is a bit short than what is comfortable for her. In the hospital, she was always covered unless having an exam, but she decides she can adjust. After all, she won't be able to wear these clothes much longer, and her maternity clothes will certainly cover more, as well as have more of her to cover. Recalling what she has been told, she knows this is their first Valentine's Day together. That knowledge makes her both excited and nervous.

Biting just the side of her bottom lip, she sits on the bed and pats the space beside her, and then say, "I have something for you...for Valentine's Day, I mean."

"You didn't have to get me anything."

Belle frowns slightly and he adds, "You are already carrying within you the greatest gift I could ever want."

"I'm glad to hear it, but I...I mean we?...wanted to give you a present.". He looks at her with a mixture of confusion and curiosity, and she hands him the larger of the two boxes, saying, "I found this in the box of things from the library apartment."

He unwraps the present that has been encased in a paper which is designed to look like white lace over red satin. Opening the rectangle cardboard box, the contents are wrapped in tissue paper with a heart shaped card on top. He opens the card which says,

"My darling Rumple,

Your love has woven around me with it's warmth, so I'm returning the favor.

Now, you know what I was doing watching YouTube to all hours. I wanted to make sure that I finished it in time. Now, don't you feel silly for grumbling?

I love you, Rumple, with all my heart and soul, today and everyday.

Happy first Valentine's Day!

~Belle"

Removing the tissue paper reveals a smoke purple scarf, a pensive smile forms upon his lips as he studies the garment, and Belle watches his expression intently.

"I made that?", she asks, feeling a twinge of inadequacy as she no longer knows how, and fears her store bought gift will pale in comparison.

"Indeed you did. Apparently, you'd been watching knitting demonstrations on your computer." Sensing her trepidation, he adds, "It's exceptional work for a novice, yet, it's not perfect, you know. Nothing is...no one is." She nods, understanding what he's trying to say. Continuing his hand trails along the scarf to draw her attention to the piece itself, "This is a basket weave stitch, and on occasion, some stitches are looser than others...but that's what makes it special...the so call imperfections which appear in something handmade, versus machine made or conjured by magic, demonstrate the heart of the maker...and that heart is always within you, my love. It reveals itself in this scarf and in the pancakes that you made for breakfast. I said I'd teach you to knit, and I meant it. I can teach you this stitch, as well as stitches more appropriate for baby clothing, if you would like."

Her eyes sparkle with excitement, as she nods enthusiastically, "Yes, I really want to learn to make things for clothes for our baby...and maybe a stuffed bunny too."

"As you wish, sweetheart. But why a stuffed bunny in particular?"

"I saw a knitted one when I was out shopping with Emma yesterday...and I wondered how they made it. I'd like to learn to make one...or a cat...or maybe a bear."

Chuckling softly, pleased by her eagerness, and recalling the woobie lamb that he made Baelfire when he was a toddler and how for years he would always sleep with it, Rumplestiltskin says, "We can work together and make a whole zoo full of animals.", and a moment later, she propels herself at him wrapping her arms around his neck, making him feel a bit like her woobie. Wrapping his arms around her, that is a role he is more than willing to fill for his lovely Belle. More and more lately, Belle notices how much she enjoys the feel of his hair against her cheek and the smell of his skin. Sometimes she wonders about nibbling his neck.

She blushes, feeling odd about the thoughts she is having. Pulling away with her hands lingering on his shoulders a moment before reaching down to pick up the small box beside her.

"Um, I got something for you, when Emma and I were out yesterday." Her brow furrows recalling the shopping trip, "Oh, and I'm not sure Emma is going to want to see me for a while. I think I may have worn out her patience going from place to place...with me not making up my mind...but nothing seemed quite right." Looking at the paper with the red foil hearts on a pearlized white background, and pointing to the discarded paper from the scarf, "I like that paper better...but with yesterday being the day before Valentine's Day, I didn't have much choice. It was either this or paper with a cartoon black and white dog, and a boy with no hair except for a scribble at the top of his head."

He smiles, with a hint of a laugh rumbling through his body, and he says, "You chose well." He takes the small boxed present that she hands him. Carefully, removing the wrapping to reveal a black velvet box. The hinge emits a small creak as he opens it. Nestled within the padded lining of the box is small iolite tiepin with a rose gold spinning wheel mounted upon it.

He admires the purplish blue gem and gold spinning wheel with the slightest hint of rum pink in the metal. He realizes that it must have taken quite an effort to find such a unique piece in this town, as most unique pieces are housed within his shop.

Belle fidgets nervously, mindlessly biting the tip of her finger, concentrating and hoping he likes it.

"Thank you. You have superb taste, my dear."

Belle is happy that she found a gift that is truly from her, which hopefully he'll cherish, just as he has made her cherish many things that remind her of him...but nothing more than the child growing inside her. She shrugs shyly, "I just remember you saying once that iolite blue is your favorite color."

"Indeed it is...and do you know why?" She shakes her head in response. Taking her hands in his own, with his warm chocolate brown eyes filling her with a sense of security, he says, "Because it reminds me of the color of your eyes...and your eyes give me strength."

He leans in kissing the corner of her mouth, then the other corner, and she feels her heart flutter has he moves to the center and holds his mouth upon hers in a kiss that speaks to every part of her being.

His kisses having taken Belle's breath way in the moment, she blushes and tries to get her bearings. Recalling the project that she wanted to work on today, she says with a lilting, "Remember the other night, when you said we could do anything I wanted today?"

He feels a gnawing sensation as he recognizes the look in her eyes. It's the look she gets when she tries to convince him to do something he doesn't want to do. He's seen it countless times both during their time here in Storybrooke, as well as in the Enchanted Forest. He would have thought that her memory loss would have spared him that look which always convinces him to do things he'd rather not.

"Yes?", he says with reservation.

"I want you to help me with a surprise for somebody...well, actually two, somebodies."

He notices how she coyly dances around the subject, and thinks, "Oh, I'm really not going to want to do this.", and narrowing his gaze he asks, "And who pray tell is this surprise for."

Hearing his resistance, she forges ahead with a determined tone, "Leroy and Nova. And remember you did say we could do whatever I wanted today."

"I don't surprise fairies...well, I did once, but you don't want to hear about that. Let's just say, we have an unpleasant history."

Folding her arms in front of her, and straightening her back to bring her to her full five foot, two inches of height, she stares him down, "Really? Well, did this fairy ever do anything to you?"

"No, but..."

"But nothing. I seem to recall you don't break deals."

"It wasn't a deal per se."

She reaches for the scarf with which she had presented him and drapes it around his neck in a nurturing way, but he can see from the fire in her eyes that he has lost this battle.

"Look, I want to help them reconnect. You said that Nova is Leroy's love, and everybody should get to be with the one they love on Valentine's Day. We'll have most of the day and all of the evening together, I just want them to have special lunch. We've got each other, they should have that too.", and she tugs slightly on the scarf, raising to her tip toes and gives him a loving kiss that dissolves his last bit of resistance.

Pulling away slowly, she smiles demurely, and then strides to the door while saying, "Finish getting ready. I'll meet you down stairs."

Knowing he'd been bested, he grumbles, "Bossy woman.", and then a grin pulls its way across his lips, realizing that he can never win with her, yet doesn't mind. Seconds later, his mind thinks back to her words about Valentine's Day and being with loved ones, and her assessment that he and Belle have each other. He wonders about the significance of her words to their current situation and his heart becomes lighter.

Downstairs, Belle also thinks about her impromptu lecture and wonders about the meaning of the words that flowed without barrier off her tongue. She swallows hard as her palms sweat and her heart flutters, wishing she knew more about what to do in relationships. Having no memory for reference, learning as she goes, is frustrating, but then licking her lips that suddenly seem to notice the absence of his upon them, she decides it's also a bit of an adventure too.

At the library, Belle arranges the a table with sandwiches, fruit, slices of red velvet cake and sparkling grape juice. The table is positioned where a gentle stream of sunlight cascades upon it, negating the need to have any of the overhead lights on.

She looks up to see Rumple enter from the office where he called Nova. "Is she coming?"

"Yes, I made it quite clear she was to get her fairy fanny to the library."

"Did you threaten her?"

He hedges, "Not threaten...persuaded. You wanted her here after all. I'm just the messenger."

Leroy enters from the front looking warily at the pair. "Gold? Uh, I didn't know the three of us were having lunch."

"We're not." both Rumple and Belle say in unison.

Though Leroy admires Belle, he smells a rat...something is not right here.

Before he can question further, Belle says, "I'm standing you up, in a manner of speaking. It's Valentine's Day, and I want to spend it with Rumple...and you should spend it with Nova."

Putting his hands up, Leroy says gruffly, "Hold it right there, sister."

"Careful, dwarf!", Rumple says in a warning tone.

"Both of you, settle down. Leroy, tell me that you don't have feelings for Nova, and I'll call the whole thing off.", and she stares him down.

Turning to the only other male in the room, Leroy implores, "Gold, talk some sense into her."

"If I could say 'no' to her, do you think I'd be here right now?"

Belle folds her arms in front of her and tilts her head, "I'm waiting."

Leroy continues to avoid her gaze, instead muttering to Gold, "Can she turn water to ice with that stare?"

He smirks, "I'm beginning to think she can."

"If you two boys are done your male bonding moment, it appears there are no valid objections to this lunch with Nova."

Beseechingly, Leroy looks at the petite brunette, "Belle, I've barely even talked to her in the last year since the curse broke. I wanted to, but I didn't know how after the way I treated her...now too much time has passed. I won't know what to say."

Belle reaches down under the table and says, "Start by giving her this and go from there.", producing a bouquet of yellow roses with red tipped petals.

"Uh, that's really not my style."

She says dryly, "Wooed a lot of women?"

"Well no..."

"I didn't think so. Look, it's not like the flowers scream marry me and have my children", as Leroy's face reddens at the implication, Belle continues, "...they just say, 'I like you...in a more than a friend kind of way. I think you can handle that."

"But there were reasons why we didn't end up together in the first place. She's a fairy, I'm a dwarf, she had a destiny to fulfill and there are rules."

"Well, some rules need to be changed. Be a trend setter...and stop trying to choose Nova's fate for her. She can decide for herself."

Gold leans over and says, "She's in a very pushy mood today...you're not getting out of this."

"I heard that."

"Good. Then I don't have to repeat myself, Miss Bossy Boots.", and Belle squints at him in mock irritation. The truth is she is beginning to feel more sure of herself as the days go by.

Wishing he could extricate himself from this odd situation, Leroy says, "Look, you two...can you stop whatever it is you're doing. I can't do this."

The door opens and a tall, slender, dark haired woman enters, as the trio turns to see her.

Belle leans over to Leroy and whispers, "Too late to back out now. She's here. Just be true to what's in your heart, and the rest will work itself out."

Nova uneasily walks over to them, "Mr. Gold, you said there was something urgent you needed my assistance with?"

Belle says, "Yes, Nova,", gesturing towards Leroy, "This lovely gentleman is in need of a lunch partner...and you would be perfect for the job."

Nova feels happy and nervous at the same time as she gives a flitting glance and a sweet smile to Leroy, and then, Belle answers an unasked question, "Now, Rumple and I must be off. We're having lunch at his shop...just close the doors behind you when you leave, and they'll lock automatically."

Rumple then adds, "And one more thing.", snapping his fingers causing red and white twinkle lights to illuminate the library."

Raising an eyebrow, Belle says, "You know, you could have just flipped the switch."

"What's the fun in that? I put the blasted things up manually...I wanted to at least finish with flair."

Belle giggles, and he offers her his arm. She obligingly links hers with his, and they exit the library.

Leroy stands for a moment like a deer in headlights, then his mind catches up to the situation, and he says, "It's really good to see you, Nova.", and with a sigh, he adds, "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too Dreamy...I mean Leroy."

"No, it's okay. You can call me Dreamy...if you want."

"That is the way I think of you."

Suddenly noticing the bouquet still sitting on the table, Leroy says, "These are for you. Happy Valentine's Day."

Grasping the bouquet in one hand while pensively tracing her figures along the red tipped petals with her other hand, she says with a slight emotional catch to her voice, "They're so pretty. They remind me of Summer even though it's Winter. Thank you...I really love them."

Feeling a bit guilty not having gotten them himself, somewhere in his heart he promises himself that he will figure out a gift that will make her even happier next year. He swallows hard and says, "I like you Nova...I always have...and as more than a friend...and um, really I more than like you. I'm sorry for lying to you...for saying it wasn't love."

She smiles at his awkward attempt to tell her how he feels, and knows she's not any better at expressing such things with their complicated past. Not wanting to rush the moment and possibly lose what has been gained, Nova replies, "I've always more than liked you too...and I'm glad we're together on Valentine's Day."

Taking his hat off and twisting the edge with his fingers, Leroy says, "Me too, Nova...me too. So uh, would you like to eat?"

"Yes, that would be wonderful."

An hour later at Rumple's shop, they finish eating at the display counter where Belle has a view of the library doors. He can't hide his mirth as throughout their lunch he has caught her eyes glancing over at the library.

As Leroy and Nova exit, Belle's eyes grow with excitement, "They're holding hands!"

Rumple sips his tea while his eyes seem to smile at her, while she is oblivious to him, cooing, "Awwww, Rumple, she kissed him on the cheek. They look so happy!"

He shakes his head and chuckles. "In this realm, there's a word for women like you...", and she looks at him as she arches her eyebrow in question, and he finishes, "...yenta."

She purses out her bottom lip in a fake pout, and then grins.

He leans across the counter and kisses her, hesitating a moment to nibble her bottom lip. Sitting back he announces, "I'm amending our so called deal for today. The rest of the day, we do what I want."

With her elbow on the counter, cupping her chin, she asks, "And what would that be?"

"To get you home. So you have time to rest and get ready for the evening that I have planned."

"Far be it from me to argue...", she says, and he chokes slightly in response, and she shakes her head and continues, "Alright. Let's go."

Most of the rest of the day is spent reading to each other from favorite books and discussing the stories, while they snuggle in front of the fire. As evening approaches, Rumplestiltskin requests that Belle go get ready for their date by putting on the dress and jewelry he gave her, while he makes preparations.

Realizing that he wants her to wear the formal gown with which he gifted her on her birthday set Belle's nerves on edge. While she is awed by the beauty of the gown, going out in public typically makes her tense, and she'd rather be alone with him. Rumplestiltskin had gotten the oriental blue silk sheath dress weeks prior, along with other items she might need. She is pleased that he thought to get her coordinating formal low heel shoes, as she has avoided the high heels that she wore prior to the shooting, not wishing to topple over in her condition. However, he forgot to factor her changing body into his calculations. The light weight silk is form fitting, not so much to be scandalous or tacky, but far more than to which she is accustomed, given her habit of wearing layers most days. The gown has a low back with iridescent chiffon draped down framing her back. She's seen the style in magazines and thought is looked quite elegant on other women...indeed, she cringes recalling commenting on the beauty of it to him. She hadn't thought of herself ever wearing such a design, rather she thought it was generally lovely with an artistic flare as worn by the model. It's a beautiful gown and she loves it, especially since he had paid attention to her mindless rambling about the design, however it presents some problems.

If someone is observant, they will likely notice slight plumping of her abdomen. As they are trying to keep her pregnancy a secret a while longer, this display is not optimal for that goal, although she figures it would be passed off as simple weight gain. The real problem, or problems, are higher up. The low back brassiere that came with the dress is approximately a cup size too small, putting her chest on display in a very obvious fashion. She has other under garments that fit better, but the strap would show in the back, making such and elegant design appear trashy. She feels she would die of embarrassment if she had to go downstairs and inform Rumplestiltskin of the need for a larger brassiere size. Her palms sweat, her heart sinks and her stomach flops realizing that she would be less conspicuous not wearing a brassiere at all. She is aware that some women go without such a garment with the dress requires a sleeker appearance, but she never imagined she'd go without it. She is thankful that the gown comes with a shawl which should hide her chest and help camouflage her belly. She just prays that once her winter coat is off, it is not cold in the restaurant, because even with the shawl, she'd be embarrassed merely to know herself how much detail the dress would show.

She removes the brassiere, and eyes herself in the full length mirror. Though she is not accustomed to revealing this much of herself, she actually can appreciate the beauty of it. Her hair flows down in soft curls with the front held in place with butterfly hairpins of blue aurora borealis crystal. The gown caresses her curves delicately making her appear to be a fairytale princess. She knows that they come from a land where fairytales are real, though she was never a princess, but it as never felt more real as looking at herself in this dress accented by matching antique drop earrings and necklace, as well as a bracelet with which he had presented her, upon returning home from lunch. The bracelet has charms representing various aspects of their relationship, including an aster flower charm with a small sapphire in the center meant to represent their unborn child who is expected in September.

Just before seven o'clock, Rumplestiltskin paces in the parlor, hoping he has made everything perfect for Belle's first Valentine's Day. He tries to calm himself, fearing that if he lets his nerves get the best of him, he's liable to spill a drink on Belle. He reminds himself that they've had many meals together, shared countless conversations, and indeed sleep in the same bed. It's not as though she will judge or ridicule him...that's not Belle. That was Milah's standard practice, however Belle has a true and accepting heart. Still, he wants every detail handled to perfection for her, because she deserves no less. To distract himself from his anxious thoughts, he opens the glass on the grandfather clock, adjusting it to the correct time.

Belle makes her way down the stairs with one hand on the railing and one hand holding her shawl closed. As she arrives at the landing, she notices him tinkering with the clock. He sees her reflection in the glass of the clock and turns to her. He is clad in a designer black tuxedo, making his usual dapper appearance even more handsome. In her admiration of him, she looses her grip on her shawl.

The moment that Rumplestiltskin sees her, she takes his breath away, and he wonders how it is possible for her to seem more beautiful every time he sees her. A moment later, her shawl slides off her shoulders and comes to rest in the crook of her elbows. The effect causes his jaw to involuntarily clench, biting his tongue. His eyes feast on her curvacious figure. He notices the slightest hint of the swelled home of their unborn child. The sight fills him with various emotions; joy, admiration and desire. As his eyes glide up her body, he observes another change. In that moment, he is suddenly brought back to reality and jolts his eyes up to Belle's. He can see her blush and knows why. "Idiot!", he chastises himself, "Of course her body has changed, you should have thought of that!"

He sits on the horns of a dilemma. He could magically make the dress larger, even possibly conjuring the appropriate undergarment to appear on her form beneath the gown, but doing so might make her more uncomfortable, making it blatantly obvious that he notices that part of her body. Additionally, though he knows it is not how she would typically dress, he doesn't really want to change it, as he is enjoying seeing her body in a more natural state. It is that realization that gives him a twinge of guilt, as she must be uneasy being displayed in such a way.

He decides that if the situation seems to bother her, he will make the adjustment, but first he tries to put her at ease, saying in a sincere warm tone, "You look stunning, sweetheart."

Her blush becomes a bit deeper, yet she gives him a dazzling smile, saying "Why thank you. You're looking particularly handsome yourself tonight. I hadn't expected you to be wearing a tuxedo." As the words leave her mouth her expression changes to awkwardness and she pulls her shawl around her.

Sensing what her concern is, he says, "Shall we go to dinner now?"

"Uh, yes, I'll get my coat."

"No need.", he responds, eliciting a look of confusion from Belle. "We don't have far to travel. Come right this way, my dear." He leads her down the hall, passed his study to the formal dining room that is typically cluttered with a myriad of antiques he seems to be hording. As they reach the door, he says, "I thought we'd have a much more enjoyable time at home without the town folk watching our every move."

She let's out a relieved giggle and says, "Yes, that's a splendid idea! Thank you!"

Opening the door, she is dumbstruck by the sight before her. Where just days before there had been antiques piled every which way, now is void of the clutter, replaced with an intimate rosewood table and two chairs, and stereo softly playing music...but the most stunning is sight was fourteen lit candles accompanied by most of the plants from the greenhouse, including several different species of roses, arranged throughout the grand dining room.

Belle is too overwhelmed to speak as tears fill her eyes. Quickly ushering her inside with his hand at the curve of her back, he closes the door and says, "I invited a guest...I hope you don't mind."

Her brow furrows as it appears that they are the only ones in the room. She looks around trying to process the beauty meeting her gaze, when her eye is drawn to something moving. It's the blue and black Monarch butterfly which he conjured her first day here, after leaving the hospital. She looks at him tilting her head, opening her mouth, yet no words come as she is completely bemused by his efforts. Suddenly, she launches herself at him, hugging him firmly as a tearful giggle spills from her lips.

As they pull away, finally finding her voice, she says in astonishment, "I can't believe you did all this for me."

Stroking her cheek with his thumb he says, "It's nothing more than you deserve, my darling."

Barely able to comprehend that he treats her in such a reverent way, she says with her voice cracking from sentiment, "You're the most wonderful man."

"I wouldn't go that far...", as he sees her about to argue the point, he cuts her off says, "...but for you, I make the effort...because you're worth it."

She shakes her head and says, "The words 'thank you' hardly seem enough...but...but thank you for this...and so much more."

He places a tender kiss on her slightly parted lips, and then playing with a curled tendril of hair at the side of her face he says, "You being here is all the thanks I need."

He guides her to the table, pulling out her chair for her, inspiring her to curtsey, and once seated, he slides the chair into position. He takes his seat at the table. The table is laden with two servings of salads made with fresh herbs and greens from the greenhouse, Pasta with Pumpkin-Sage Cream Sauce and Chocolate-Raspberry Turnovers with dark chocolate sauce drizzled over the plates. Two fluted crystal glasses and a chilled bottle of Kristian Regále Swedish Sparkling Pear Cider complete the menu.

"When?...How did you do all this?"

"I have my ways.", he says slyly.

In the center of the table is a fine crystal vase containing rose with magenta-crimson outer petals which transition into a pale pink center, and a rose of a mystical shade of periwinkle blue.

Looking at the blooms in the vase, she says dreamily, "They're so beautiful."

He gives her a lopsided smile, and says, "Of all the roses in my collection, I chose these two as the center piece because of their qualities that are most like you."

"Really? How so?"

"Well my dearest...", he says, as his eyes twinkle with a bit of mischief that makes her skin tingle, "...the crimson rose is called Archduke Charles and is known to change through the seasons starting as the bi-color bloom you see now, then as it ages becoming a richer, deeper hue, eventually evolving into a solid deep red rose. So this rose reminds me of your constant beauty that grows and evolves in its radiance over time. As for the other rose known as Blue For You, as pedestrian as the logic may be, it simply reminds me of your eyes, and it's intoxicating fragrance is befitting someone as enthralling as you". Then he mutters a bit sheepishly, "...and I might have sniffed your hair a few times at the castle and thought of this rose."

She chuckles at the thought and wishes she could remember what he was like during that time.

They enjoy their sumptuous meal, relishing the sensuous flavors as the talk, flirt and laugh together, while sultry music cascades over them, occasionally punctuated by the sight of the butterfly seemingly performing its own aerial ballet.

They take to feeding each other the Chocolate-Raspberry Turnovers, occasionally licking and nibbling the delicious filling from each other's lips. Belle experimentally dips her finger into the dark chocolate sauce, reaches over painting her finger along the side of his neck. He looks at her with both surprise and intrigue in his eyes, as she scoots her chair closer and dares to taste the dessert she has created of him. She is not sure from where this boldness is coming, but it feels right, and it is not the first time she has wondered what it would be like to nibble his neck. It's a curious experience to taste the savory dark chocolate mixed with the slightly salty taste of his skin feeling the traces of whisker stubble on her lips and tongue. She finds this interesting and exceptionally enjoyable...a notion which until recently wouldn't have occurred to her.

His eyes flutter shut, as his hands grip the arms of his chair. It's been so long since Belle has touched him like this. This kind of intimate gesture is quite different from the typical prefatory snuggling and kissing in which they have been engaging. He finds himself holding his breath, afraid to let go...worried that he will push Belle further than she's ready to go at this point in their renewed relationship.

When Belle pulls away, he opens his eyes to meet her intense gaze that seems to be waiting for his approval of her experiment. Unsure what to say that won't be very provocative, he takes her hand, kissing her palm while keeping his eyes locked on hers and says, "I would very much like the honor of this dance with you."

In truth, he is not comfortable with dancing, given is injury. He knows the pain will haunt him, however it is the one way he can have his arms around her at the moment and not give in to the desire to hoist her on to the table and feast upon all her womanly delights.

She replies nervously, "I'd like that, but I'm not sure I know how."

"You've been doing quite well at things that are new to you...what say you give it a whirl? It's just you and I here, no need to fret."

She nods and stands, abandoning her shawl on the chair. He swallows hard at the sight of how the blue silk dress flows over her womanly form. They move a couple of paces from the table where there is room to dance. He takes one of her hands in his own, while placing the other hand on her back...her bare back, and her other hand reaches for his shoulder. The stereo plays Ella Fitzgerald's version of Gershwin's "Someone To Watch Over Me" as mellow piano permeates the air.

He loves touching the bare skin of her back. Though she is the one with amnesia, he wonders if he had forgot just how amazing it feels to touch her. It seems like the expedience is more heightened than before...perhaps because he almost lost her to Hook's bullet. Belle finds it difficult to concentrate how to hold herself properly, feeling his warm hand firmly on her back, giving her a sensation unlike anything she remembers. Within the first few bars of the song, she has stepped on his feet twice.

"I'm sorry...I told you I wouldn't be any good at this."

"Nonsense, darling, you just need to relax and enjoy the music.", and with a smirk, he adds, "...and my feet are at your service anytime you need to step on them."

She gives him a glare of annoyance, but then is pulled from that emotion as he gently pushes her backwards, lifting his hand holding hers, and twirling her, eliciting a giggle of delight, and then pulls her securely to him, breaking all pretense of proper dance form.

For some reason, she is no longer frustratedly trying to figure out where to put her feet, instead feeling the contours of his body against hers. She is fascinated how the peaks and valleys of each other's physical forms seem to merge. She starts to realize that her body is reacting to this closeness in a way she never recalls feeling, and indeed, she notices his body seems to be reacting to her as well. She is both embarrassed and pleased by this, hiding her face against his shoulder.

The singer vocalizes:

"...I'm a little lamb who's lost in the wood

I know I could, always be good

To one who'll watch over me..."

Rumplestiltskin aflame, with the sensation of her body covered only by a thin layer of silk, grants himself one indulgence, dipping his head to kiss and nibble her neck. He knows he will be incredibly aroused by this, with no intention of following through tonight, but the porcelain skin of her neck as been calling to him for quite sometime, and he aches to feel his lips upon her neck. Belle inhales sharply at the sensation. She doesn't know why a kiss on her neck should feel so different from a kiss on her lips, cheeks or hands, but it does feel quite different. She wonders whether this is what it is like to be a teenager discovering their sensuality. There are so many curious things to explore. It seems so odd to have what would be an adolescent experience in her thirties, yet she can't help being fascinated. It's a little bit scary and incredibly exciting to her...and she can't imagine ever wanting to have this experience with anyone other than Rumple.

The song continues,

"...Although he may not be the man some

Girls think of as handsome

To my heart he carries the key

Won't you tell him please to put on some speed

Follow my lead, oh, how I need

Someone to watch over me"

Once the song ends, they sit, drink some more pear cider, as well as talk and flirt some more. After a few more dances, they decided to go to bed. Both inwardly questioning their ability to sleep tonight, not yet ready to take their relationship to the next level, yet feeling a certain longing for each other in a new way. Eventually, after some tossing and turning, both Rumplestiltskin and Belle fall asleep with her lying on her side and him behind her with his hand on her burgeoning belly. As there physical forms lie in peaceful slumber, Belle's essence sits up turning to face Rumple. As always dressed as she was the moment of the shooting, Belle smiles at Rumple, instinctively reaching to brush a strand of hair from in front of his eyes, then realizing that the draw back of not controlling an actual body is not being able to initiate touch. It is a bittersweet thing to realize that for now, she is in the role of passenger, until her consciousness reconnects with her memories...yet she can't say she hasn't enjoyed the ride. Indeed, it's been a lovely day. Feeling Rumple kiss her neck for the first time all over again certainly has it's perks. She supposes that having first experiences, twice is simply another unique layer to her and Rumple's relationship. She leans down and kisses his lips, and though she has no physical form with which to do this, she sees him smile.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Rumple", she says, and he mumbles something utterly unintelligible in response. Belle smiles and shakes her head, beginning to hum, "Someone To Watch Over Me", and then slowly turns and lies down dissolving into her already sleeping physical form.

Author's Note: About "The Philadelphia Story", though Cary Grant is definitely swoon worthy, Jimmy Stewart's character always had my heart in that movie...BTW, Stewart's inebriated character sings, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" in the movie, which came out the same year as "The Wizard of Oz." Here's the clip on YouTube: /watch?v=wZGFthZLznk

So Rumple and Belle are definitely becoming closer. :) Rumple shouldn't toy with a woman brandishing a spatula...and Belle is a yenta. LOL! I could totally see Belle doing some matchmaking between Leroy and Nova. Looks like Rumple will need to update Belle's wardobe with some proper fitting clothes, but for now, he enjoyed the view. If you need some more RumBelle love in light of current OUAT writing, check out "The Gift of Love is Hope" /s/10250566/1/The-Gift-of-Love-is-Hope It has angst, but everybody gets happy endings, except Zelena who gets what she deserves.

Please review this fic...guest reviews are fine. You don't need a FFnet account; I just like to read people's thoughts on my stories.

And I hope Robert Carlyle is having a fantastic birthday, wherever he is. :)