Quasi had been gone from the castle for almost three months. He and Rose wrote letters back and forth almost everyday. Every few weeks, Quasi was in a new place and learning what he could about them. He would tell her little facts about each place that he never knew before. As he said, he also sent her little souvenirs in the form of charms for a bracelet he sent her from his first destination in a place called Arendale. The queen there was known for having magical ice powers, so the first charm was a snowflake. He sent her a charm for each new place and she now had a total of five. Rose was just happy that Quasi was happy. He finally had the freedom to do what he wanted without anyone holding him back. With each letter, she knew just how happy he was.

Over the months, Rumple and Belle were still sorting out details of their wedding. Rumple wanted to be married before the curse hit, so he knew they needed to have it as soon as possible. Of course, he told Belle nothing of the curse. He knew she would want him to stop Regina from casting it and scold him for creating it in the first place. He didn't want her to worry about a thing. He only wanted her to be happy. He knew she wanted a spring wedding and he would give her that. He knew the curse wouldn't be cast until closer to autumn. If they had the wedding at the beginning of spring, they would have a few months before the curse. Rose and Belle would lose their memories, but he wouldn't and he wanted to have something good to remember of his marriage before his life was suppose to go to hell with the curse.

"Rumple? Are you listening?" He was pulled from his thoughts by Belle's voice. They were in her library discussing more of the wedding.

"I'm sorry, darling. What was that?" She playfully rolled her eyes at him.

"Rumpelstiltskin, we are trying to plan our wedding right now. If you still wish me to be your wife, I suggest you pay attention." He softly chuckled.

"I apologize, my dear. It is rather late, after all. Even Rose is out." He gestured to the small child asleep in his lap. They had been in the library since they finished dinner and Rose was passed out. Belle giggled at the sight of the sleeping girl.

"I suppose it is rather late. We could finish up later. And we should probably put her to bed." Before either of them moved, a messenger bird flew in through the window and landed on the side table.

"What's this, now?" Rumple picked up the bird and removed the letter from it's leg.

"It's a bit late for Quasi to be sending a letter." Rumple unfolded the letter and read it.

"It's not from the hunchback."

"It's for you, then."

"Yes. It appears a young lady that made a deal with me sometime ago wishes to see me. Says it's urgent and she wishes to meet me immediately."

"It's a bit late. What could she possibly want from you that's so important?"

"I don't know, but I guess there's only one way to find out. I shall meet with her, but first, I must get my daughter to bed." He carefully lifted Rose to his shoulder as he stood from the sofa. Belle was right behind him.

"You know, as long as I've been here, it's still a bit...odd to know that the big and bad Dark One has a sweet little daughter at home." He chuckled as they descended the stairs.

"Well, it appears that the big and bad Dark One isn't as bad as some believe, but no one must know that. I am still to be feared." She smirked. She may be the only person in the realms that will ever know of the Dark One's tenderness and soft spot.

"And, of course, I won't breathe a word of it to another living person."

"I know you won't. I'd have to skin you alive if you did." She giggled at his quip. She knew he would never harm her. He loved her too much and she loved him. It wasn't easy to love someone like him, but Belle was able to as if it was as easy as breathing. Rumple knew he would never find anyone else like her. He couldn't and wouldn't lose her. They entered Rose's room and Rumple gently laid her in her bed. He tucked her in with her rose blanket and stuffed unicorn. They both kissed her and told her goodnight and that they loved her. They quietly left and closed the door behind them.

"So, I suppose you'll be leaving now? You need to see what that poor girl wants."

"Yes, yes. She probably wishes to re-negotiate the deal. She wouldn't be the first and she probably won't be the last."

"Will you re-negotiate with her?"

"Of course not. All deals are final. No re-negotiations. Everyone knows that. That's how you got here, remember?" She giggled.

"Of course I remember. You wanted me instead of gold."

"Yes, because you are much more precious than gold." She blushed.

"You really think that?" He wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Of course I do, Belle. Ever since the moment I saw you, I knew you were special. Granted, I didn't know you would be my daughter's perfect mother or my future wife, but I knew that you were something I couldn't be without. I had to have you. I didn't know why at the time, but now I do. You were what I needed to be complete. You were what Rose needed to be happy. The circumstances of how and why we met may not have been the most desirable, but I wouldn't change a thing. Everything worked out how it should have. There were rough patches along the way, but we got passed them. If you hadn't come along, I don't know what I would do. I need you more than you realize. I love you and I will never let you go." Belle was almost in tears. Of all the love and affection he'd showered her with in the past, that was the sweetest and most beautiful thing she'd ever heard from his lips. She smiled up at him.

"That was wonderful, Rumple. Were those going to be your vows?" He smiled.

"Something like that. I may have to change some things now that you've heard them." She shook her head and kissed his cheek.

"No. Don't change a word. It was perfect just the way it was and I loved it. And I love you." He kissed her forehead and held her close. They stayed where they were for a few moments. Neither of them wanted to move. They wanted to stay in each other's arms forever. After a while, it was Belle that broke the silence. "I...I believe you have a young woman waiting for you, Rumple."

"You're the only young woman I wish to be with right now." She couldn't help the blush across her cheeks.

"I know, but...you still have a duty as the Dark One. You should probably go." He looked down at her.

"Do you really want me gone that bad after that moment we had?" She giggled.

"Of course not, but you have a job to do. The quicker you finish with that, the quicker you can come home and we can continue for as long as we wish." He chuckled.

"You make quite the argument, my dear. Alright, I shall go, but I won't like it." She kissed his cheek again.

"Don't worry. You take care of your business and I'll be in your room waiting for your return." He smirked.

"And I look forward to it." He kissed her forehead one last time before finally releasing her. He took a step back and disappeared in a purple smoke cloud. Once he was gone, she went back to her library and retrieved the latest book she was reading. She didn't know how long he would be gone, so she needed to keep herself occupied until his return. She grabbed the book and went to Rumple's room. She had the castle light the fireplace as she removed her shoes and stockings and climbed into the large plush bed. It felt odd being in his bed without him, or should she say their bed. After one restless night, Belle slipped into Rumple's bed while he was still awake. They talked and talked until they fell asleep in each other's arms. It was the best night sleep she'd had in a long time. Rumple felt the same. He enjoyed sleeping with a warm body next to him. They still had their own separate rooms, but at night, they would sleep together in his bed.

They had slept together in the same bed for months now, but there was one night in particular that Belle would always remember. It was the first time they made love. The night started off innocent enough. They were laying together just talking. Belle's curiosity was unusually peaked that night in regards to Rumple's appearance. She always thought his skin was fascinating. It was rough and coarse, but he had the softest touch. She wanted to see more of him. She wanted to feel more of him. He was hesitant, but she was able to convince him to remove his shirt. She loved the feel of his chest and arms. He thought himself a monster, but she thought he was beautiful. She felt that since he showed her, she should show him. Rumple was still very hesitant, but eventually one thing led to another. They next thing they knew, they were both naked and sweaty under the silky covers. It was Belle's first time and it was amazing. She knew it wasn't proper to have sex before marriage, but she didn't care. She loved Rumple. She wanted to be her first and only. After that night, they were only for each other.

Furiously blushing at the memory, she pushed those thoughts aside and opened her book. She read and read until she lost track of time and fell asleep. Next thing she knew, it was morning. She awoke to the sun shining in her face. She sat up and stretched out her arms. She looked down beside her and saw the bed was empty. Rumple wasn't there with her. Did he come home while she was sleeping and left her alone? Did he have work to do after his meeting with that woman that summoned him? She got up and went to Rose's room. She saw that the child wasn't there and figured she was on her hill. The sun was already up and she should be be coming back inside any moment. She went up to Rumple's tower to see if he was there. She knocked on the door.

"Rumple? Rumple, are you in there?" There was no reply. No a single sound. She slowly opened the door and saw the room was empty. He wasn't there either. Belle tried to keep calm. Perhaps he's on the hill with Rose, she thought. She went downstairs and saw Rose entering from outside. Belle's heart stopped as she saw the girl was alone. Rumple wasn't with her either. Where could he be? She remained calm and smiled at Rose. "Good morning, Rose."

"Morning, Mama. Where's Papa? I went to his room, but I just saw you."

"And why didn't you wake me? I could've watched the sunrise with you."

"Papa said that if I see you sleeping with a book, I should leave you alone because you probably didn't get enough sleep." She giggled. That sounded like something Rumple would say. She still wondered where he was. Maybe his meeting took longer than they expected. She didn't want to fear the worst just yet.

"Typical Rumple. Well, he might still be out. He had to meet someone last night for a deal. I'm sure he'll be back soon. Until then, why don't we start on breakfast."