A Christmas Rose- Chapter Two

Rumpelstiltskin had to put some distance between them before he either embarrassed himself or completely terrified Belle. Just one kiss had made him want more and more and if he didn't step away he knew the Dark One inside of him would get carried away. It had taken months to gain her trust and he would not break it now.

"It is a tad late for a Christmas breakfast, but would like care to join me for a holiday brunch?" he asked with a low bow.

Feeling slightly disappointed that he had pulled away from her embrace, she quickly schooled her features and returned a playful curtsy. It was hard for Belle to eat while her head was still reeling from their earlier kiss. She had often wondered what it would feel like and had read about the act in countless stories, but it had been even better than one could describe within the pages of a novel. How could she even focus on trivial things such as eating when they could be exploring this newly found pleasure instead?

Rumpelstiltskin watched a myriad of emotions play across Belle's face. Had he displeased her? Perhaps she was having second thoughts after their heated kiss? He needed to run damage control quickly or this Christmas would surely be ruined. As soon as the final bite was taken of their meal, he quickly vanished their dishes and jumped to his feet. With a characteristic flourish of his arms, he gestured for her to follow him. "Another surprise, perhaps?"

"But you have already done so much," she said with a smile. However, curiosity quickly won out and she followed quietly behind him. Thinking they would retreat to a usual room such as the library or sunroom, she was quite perplexed when he stopped right in front of the entrance doors. "We're going outside?" she asked, looking shocked and slightly wary.

"Into the snow we go!" he said in his singsong voice. "Afraid are we, dearie? Are you scared that I will let you lose your way in the snow or that monster even worse then I will gobble you up?"

"Oh stop it, you silly man. I am afraid of no such thing. It has just been awhile since I've been outside."

Rumpelstiltskin flinched as the feeling of guilt suddenly overwhelmed him. It was his fault she had not been outside in months. His reasons of keeping her locked up had originally been the fear that she would run away but that had quickly progressed into a sense of possessiveness and not wanting anyone to get to her. He had not realized until this moment how his own personal insecurities had affected her. "Well, I do hope you decide to spend more time outside from now on. You have been looking a little pale. Can't have you looking unwell, can we, dearie," he quipped, doing his best to cover up the fact that he was now feeling extremely uncomfortable. In all honesty, he had no idea how to treat a lady and was now worried that what he had planned for them would be deemed as silly. This thought quickly vanished when he saw her smile grow as she stepped out into the snow.

"It is beautiful out today," she said softly, tilting her face up to the sky to absorb the sunlight that was reflecting its way across the snow-laden grounds.

"Indeed."

With another swirl of magic Belle was suddenly covered by a green, floral printed cloak. "Can't have you catch a cold," he murmured as he guided her the gates.

"So what are we doing out here?" she asked, still smiling as she fought to keep from slipping on the frozen ground.

"This," he said with a flourish, opening up the large, intimidating looking gates of his property. "Your carriage awaits, milady."

Standing proudly before her was an ornately decorated sleigh harnessed to two white horses. The sleigh its self looked like it was made out of a rich mahogany with bits of gold here and there making the whole thing shimmer under the afternoon sun. The horses were so creamy white that one could probably walk right by them and not notice their presence in the snow-covered ground. "Oh," she exclaimed, taking a step closer. "Where did you find such a thing?"

"Oh a deal here and a deal there. You would be surprised what people are willing to part with for a price."

"Yes, I suppose," she said with a genuine smile, thinking that above anyone else she would truly understand what someone would willingly part with.

Rumpelstiltskin cleared his throat and offered her his hand so that she could climb into the slay. The seat was plusher then the carriages she was used to riding in back home and was lined in a warm, blue velvet casing that seemed to warm on contact. She wondered what kingdom would give up such a treasure and what Rumpelstiltskin had given them in return.

"Best not to dwell on that, dearie. Deals are deals and are like tiny grains of sand to me," he said, reading her thoughts from the curious look on her face.

"Is that how you view me?" she asked with a nervous smile.

The smile slipped from Rumpelstiltskin's face at her words. "Of course not, Belle. You are much more than a passing deal…you…you're forever."

"I'm only teasing you," she said, still looking someone relieved. She couldn't help but feel nervous around him now. The kiss had changed everything and nothing all at the same time.

Suddenly she felt very warm as he settled in next to her. The seat felt small and she could feel every muscle and curve of his leg and arm that was pressed against her. Her face flushed as she glanced down to his leather-clad trousers, noticing for the first time just how skin tight they actually were. A lady should not be noticing things like that, but she couldn't help herself.

Without even grabbing the reins, the sleigh took off down the snow covered road setting a nice, even pace. "I've never been on a sleigh ride before," she commented, snuggling up closer to him to ward off the chill. "It doesn't usually snow back home. Too close to the ocean I suppose."

Rumpelstiltskin only nodded that he was listening for he was also distracted by their closeness and by the rising color in Belle's wind kissed cheeks. Did he dare kiss her again? Perhaps the one had pushed his luck and he should just count his blessings?

They road along in comfortable silence for a good while until the horses stopped, seemingly for a little rest just at the edge of a hill. The tree line had opened up to reveal a beautiful snow covered meadow below. It was the ideal spot for a break but neither one of them seemed to notice anything further then what was right next to them.

Taking a deep breath Belle finally worked up the courage to speak her mind. "Rumpelstiltskin, do you plan on kissing me again?"

He nearly chocked on the very air he was breathing. He had heard her say many brazen things during his time in her presence but this came as a complete surprise. "Ummm, well that all depends."

"On what?"

"On if you want me to again."

Not really in the mood to play games she instead decided to take matters into her own hands. Pressing her body as close as she could against his, she leaned in a planted a timid kiss to his lips. After recovering from the initial surprise of the kiss Rumpelstiltskin immediately responded. How could he not? This kiss was deeper, longer, more familiar than their first. Gone was the initial surprise. Only a more powerful longing remained and with each touch and caress that longing intensified. Belle opened immediately for him this time and moaned deeply as he used his teeth to nibble on her bottom lip. He couldn't handle her little noises. They literally drove him crazy and each time she did it, he wrapped his arms tighter around soft body. "Belle, we…we have to slow down," he murmured against her mouth. His self-control was hanging by a thread and it wouldn't be long before he had her stripped down and pinned beneath him.

"Why?" she asked as she tried to catch her breath.

"I don't have the control of a normal man, dearie. You are much too delicious for me to stop and I don't want to push you too far."

Belle ran his fingers slowly through his windswept hair and leaned in to give him another kiss. "Rumpelstiltskin, I have told you before that no one decides my fate but me. You are what I want."

"Belle, you would be branded forever as the woman who gave herself to a monster. I can't let you do that to yourself."

Belle's eyes flashed with something atune to anger as she roughly pushed herself away from him. "I have never cared what others have thought about me and I wont start now. Besides, what does it matter? Am I not already your property or have you already grown tired of me? Our deal was forever, Rumpelstiltskin. Don't you think that people have already assumed that you have made me yours in every way possible?"

"I…I would never do that to you. I admit that I have done a lot of unsavory things in my deals but never that. You are a lady and I am monster. It just wouldn't be right."

Belle turned her head and continued to sit silently as Rumpelstiltskin wrestled with what to say next. He was a coward, he had always known that, but nothing had ever gotten him quite so flustered as the brown haired beauty seated silently beside him. Hoping to smooth things over, he abruptly changed the subject. "It is growing colder. Shall we return to the castle?"

"Yes, I think that would be for the best," she said quietly, trying to her best to hide her disappointment.

The ride back to the Dark Castle was strained and silent. The wintery days were short and the sun was already beginning to set as the sleigh pulled into the gates. "I shall have your dinner brought up to your room where it is warmer."

"Oh," she said, crestfallen. "Do you have something you have to do this evening?"

Struggling to come up with an excuse, he merely nodded and murmured something about a potion he needed to brew before the night was over. The truth was, he was horribly embarrassed for his actions and wanted nothing more than to put some distance between them before he did something that she would enviably regret in the morning. One night of perfect pleasure would ruin her for a lifetime and he couldn't do that to her. He had destroyed his own marriage, his relationship with his child, but he would not destroy Belle.

Their feet had barely crossed over the threshold when he disappeared, leaving Belle dismayed and alone. Instead of reappearing in his tower laboratory or at his spinning wheel, he choice to confined himself in his bedroom. Reaching for the nearest object within reach, which happened to be a book, he flung it across the room with a low, angry growl. He had finally done the right thing and put someone else before himself, so why did he feel so miserable?

He would let her go. He had known since the moment he had kissed her that he cared too much for her to keep her locked up in his dark and depressing castle. He would let her decide. He was sick of being a monster and for her he would try to do something he had never been successful in doing before. For once he would be a man.

What felt like house later a tiny, nervous sounding knock echoed from his bedroom door. Rumpelstiltskin had been pacing in front of his window and was startled when he heard the little noise. "Come in, dearie," he said softly, knowing perfectly well that it had to be Belle.

Belle peaked her head inside and gave him a small smile before stepping all the way inside. "Before you tell me to leave…let me say my peace and then I wont bother you any longer." Rum nodded his head and held his breath for the words to come. This would be where she told him that she had come to her senses and would like to take their relationship back to the way it used to be when she was merely a caretaker. It was best that way, but he knew the words would still sting.

"I have been ordered around my whole life. From the time I was a little girl I was told what to wear, what to say, how to walk, who to be friends with, when to eat, where to sit, what to do with my free time and finally who to marry. Once I was to marry Gaston the cycle would once again continue. My life was planned out for me since birth and I hated it. Then you came into my life. For the first time someone else actually gave me a choice and listened to what I had to say," she said, her voice growing stronger with each word. She began making her way across the room until she was standing right in front of him. "Please do not be like all the others. When I speak all I ask is that you listen to me and respect my wishes. Please…please let me be brave."

Rumpelstiltskin stared back at her with something akin to wonder in his eyes at the woman looking back it him. He had never met anyone else like her before. So sure, so confident and so very brave. He was so caught up in his own thoughts that he forgot to voice them to her and when he didn't respond her confidence began to wane.

"I should leave."

He quickly reached out and grabbed her arm. "No."

She hesitated for a long moment, then slowly lifted her eyes to meet his. "I want you to stay," he said. "I want you, Belle."

Searching her gaze, he saw a reflection of his own inner emotions. Angst, uncertainty, desire, and determination were all mirrored in her eyes. But as she had bravely taken the first step in coming to him, it was now up to him to make the next move. He bent and lifted her into his arms. Even that small act brought him pleasure. The weight of her against his body, her slight gasp of surprise as he lifted her, her small embarrassed smile, and the way she locked her arms around his neck and nuzzled her head against his chest. He seemed to glide across the room in the manor that was purely Rumpelstiltskin. Sitting down on his oversized bed, he positioned her so that she was seated comfortable on his lap. With his hands he traced the soft swell of her breasts, then down to her narrow waist.

Tension filled Belle's face as she jolted at his touch. Clearly embarrassed by her lack of control of her reactions, she sent him a taut, brave smile. Rumpelstiltskin misunderstood her naivety and nervousness for second thoughts. He wouldn't blame her. This picture was that of storybook. Beauty succumbing to the Beast. Any second now a prince in shinning amour should burst into the room and save his princess from being ravaged by the monster. Although the thought sickened him, he understood it. "Do I frighten you?"

"No," she said quickly without bating an eye. "It's just that I've never…"

Color stained her cheeks as her words trailed to a halting stop. She looked away, then took a deep breath and bravely returned her gaze to his. "I don't exactly have a great deal of experience in these matters." That was the understatement of the century. The truth was that at age four and twenty she had no more experience then she'd had at her coming out party at age sixteen. The Ogre Wars had immediately put a halt on trivial matters like courting. If it had not been for the agreement with a neighboring kingdom she would have never met Gaston and would have surely lived the rest of her days as an old maid, not that idea had ever bothered her. However, this life of duty to her people had sheltered her in the ways of love and seduction.

Rumpelstiltskin studied her for a long moment, then lifted his hand and softly stroked her hair. "You do me great honor." Her admission came as no surprise to him. She was a lady of noble birth whose virginity was seen as a priceless gem, but he found himself somewhat at a loss as to how to proceed. Throughout his long, miserable life he had know scores of men who preferred to bed virgins, he had never been granted that opportunity. It was no secret that his late wife had been very popular with the village boys before their parents had arranged their marriage. The few times he had bedded a women since becoming the Dark One had been with ones experienced in the ways of sex and pleasure and had willing looked passed his haggard appearance for a few gold coins.

He strove to find words to lessen the fear and anxiety he read in her eyes, but nothing seemed adequate. In the end, he realized that delaying the moment further would only prolong her sense of panic. That resolved, he drew her more tightly against him. Their bodies met and molded, her soft curves yielding to the greater firmness of his lean muscles. He lowered his head, pressing his lips against hers. He waited until she had accepted the feel of his mouth, then delved deeper, using the gentle pressure of his jaw to coax her lips apart. He swept his tongue inside her mouth, savoring the sweetness of her lips and the faint flavor of tea on her tongue.

They began to establish a delicious rhythm of slow and steady movements as they continued their sweet exploration. After a moment Belle shifted slightly and locked her arms around his neck. Her hips rocked against his in time to their embrace. Rum felt his erection; already wakened by their kiss, now leapt to life, straining against the unrelenting fabric of his leather trousers. Their tender kisses began to grow urgent and sloppy. Belle's hands mimicked the pattern of his own, moving with an almost frantic urgency over his shoulders, his back, his thick mane of wavy hair, and his thighs, as though driven by the same raw hunger, the same aching need.

Without warning a sense of burning dissatisfaction took root within him. The taste of Belle's lips and tongue, as truly sweet as they were, were no longer enough to satisfy him. He wanted…needed more. He was suddenly overcome with a reckless eagerness to see her…all of her. He attacked the cords of her corset, seized by a carnal yearning he couldn't contain. Frustrated by the clumsiness of his hands, he battled an almost adolescent urge to simply rip the garment off her back. To his surprise and pleasure, Belle once again mimicked his touch, pulling at his clothing. Together they moved with wanton, unorganized urgency, fumbling with eagerness and giddy, almost intoxicated with desire.

Nervous smiles appeared on both of their faces as they continued on their game. Her hair ribbons and pins clattered to the ground. His golden shirt studs followed. Simple magic would retrieve it all tomorrow. He pulled the bodice of her gown past her shoulders. She unfastened his breeches. He removed her underskirts. She tugged off his jacket and tossed it on the floor. What a merry game it turned out to be.

Not being one to finish last, Rumpelstiltskin completed his task first. Having removed the last of her clothing from the dazzling cranberry satin of her gown to the soft white cotton and lace of her underthings. He eased her off his lap and onto her back so his eyes could feast more full on her flesh. She was neither a large women nor exceptionally scrawny. To his delight he realized instead that she fell perfectly in between.

As the silvery light from the moon peaking its way through the window bathed her skin, he drank in every detail of her form. Her hair fail in glossy, chocolate richness against the stark white sheets. Her breasts were round, twin globes of soft ivory peaked by the deep rosy hue of her nipples. Her hips were full and lush, her legs, although not very long, where smooth and shapely.

Lovely. So very lovely.

He must have actually spoken the words aloud, for Belle's expression shifted from worry and nervous uncertainty into a smile of embarrassed pleasure. "Lovely," he said, tracing his hand from her breasts to her ribs and belly. "So very lovely," he repeated.

Perhaps emboldened by his words, or merely succumbing to her own curiosity, Belle reached up and parted his shirt, attempting to draw the garment off his back. Instinctively he tensed, clasping her hand to stop the motion. "I'll leave it on. I don't mind." He would spare her that much.

She studied him with a small, confused frown, then understanding showed in her eyes. She lifted her hand and ran it lightly over his cheek. "I mind." She reached for his silken shirt again. This time he didn't stop her as she drew it off. He held himself rigidly still and watched her face as she scanned his oddly colored skin. But rather than react with revulsion or disgust, Belle simply leaned toward him, gracing him with a shy kiss. It was a kiss of reverence and understanding and Rum almost groaned aloud. Her sweet, unabashed touch was nearly his undoing. Overwhelmed by a driving need to feel his skin against hers, he drew off his boots and socks, his skintight pants and finally his underclothes.

As her gaze moved over his scaly body, her attention was diverted not by the odd color but by the sight of his engorged member. A deep blush formed on her cheeks, and she quickly averted her eyes, as though embarrassed by her overt display of curiosity. She suddenly longed for a book on the matter so that she could study up on what was being displayed before her. Rumpelstiltskin gently took her hand in his.

"Touch me, Belle."

He placed her palm on his chest, encouraging her to explore his flesh, giving her the time to accustom herself to the sight and feel of a naked man…if that was what he truly was. After a moment he guided her hand toward the area that wanted her most, intent on dispelling any fear she might harbor at the very foreignness of that member. At first her grasp was soft and tentative, merely a feather touch. Then she moved her fingers up and down his shaft in an experimental motion that nearly drove him to his knees. A groan of hoarse pleasure tore from his lips as he shifted reluctantly out of her grasp. It wouldn't do for their first time of lovemaking to end too quickly.

He braced himself on his forearms above her and explored every curve of her body. His hands greedily skimmed her hips, her belly, her thighs. He traced a path of fiery kisses from the nape of her neck to her collarbone, then across her ribs, her belly, and the slender arc of her hip. He did his best to go slowly, but he couldn't force himself to do it. The beast within him was just barely being kept at bay and he was almost frantic in his desire. He cupped her breast in his hands and heard her startled gasp as he rubbed her nipples lightly with his fingertips, gently teasing them. When he brushed his lips over her breasts and drew the tip into his mouth, she let out a low moan and arched her back, pressing herself into him. After doing the same to the opposite breast, his hands followed the path his lips had taken, heating and caressing her flesh, doing his best to keep his claw like fingernails from marring her skin.

Feeling her body relaxed he once again captured her mouth with his own, restoring the mindless rhythm of passion they had enjoyed only moments earlier. As he caressed her breast with one hand, he lowered the other to the juncture of her thighs. He cupped her lightly in his palm, letting her adjust to the feel of his hand, then he used his finger to gently part her innermost folds. Belle instantly stiffened in shock and clamped her knees together. "Shhh, it's alright, dearie," he said. "I'm not going to hurt you."

He felt like an idiot as soon as he uttered the words. Of course he would hurt her. There was no way to avoid it and he wasn't going to risk using magic to ease the pain. All magic comes with a price. Doing his best to push aside his folly he simply moved on, continuing his loving ministrations. Finding the tiny nub at the entrance to her sex, he teased it with his calloused fingers until she was writhing underneath him, her breath coming in deep pants. Her initial shyness was transformed into glorious eagerness as she dug her nails into his shoulders and opened her legs to allow him better access.

"Are you sure, Belle? This is what you really want? It's forever, dearie…no going back."

Not being able to form words she merely nodded and sent him a sweet smile. He continued to rub her sensitive area in a circular motion, mindful to start slow and increase the pressure and speed. Her moans grew louder, and she murmured for him to keep going as her hips rocked in rhythm with his caress. He continued stroking her until she let out a sharp cry and stilled in his arms. Withdrawing his hand and adjusting his position until he was bracing himself on his elbows above her, he couldn't wait any longer. Primitive understanding showed on her features as she watched him with an expression of wariness and need. Rumpelstiltskin let out a low groan as he slowly guided himself into her. He could have found his release that very instant, but gritted his sharp teeth and willed himself to hold back. He pulled out slightly and eased himself more deeply inside until he met a thin layer of resistance. Not wanting to prolong the moment any longer he gave one sharp thrust of his hip. He studied her face and noticed with great relief that she merely grimaced, but no tears formed in her blue eyes.

After a couple seconds, she moved her hips, giving him the silent assurance he needed in order to continue. The experience was more heavenly than he imagined. He moved inside her, aware of the way she clenched around him. She wrapped her legs around his waist, an action which served to pull him deeper into her. Soon she began to thrust her hips upward to meet his strokes, urging him on. Her breath fell against his neck, hot and shallow. He met her fervent pace, driving deep and hard into the woman that had consumed his life for the past six months. The moment felt surreal, he couldn't believe she was actually there beneath him. He pushed harder until he felt Belle once again stiffen. She let out another glorious cry of release that sounded like music to his ears. He looked down only to find her eyes large and round with wonder. They worked together, and his thrusting increased until he couldn't hold back from the inevitable anymore and he released with a low growl.

The moment seemed to be suspended in time as he savored the pleasure of finding fulfillment inside her. His strength weakening, he collapsed on top of her, breathing hard. He was not a large man and for that Belle was thankful making her welcome his weight. Stroking his back as he continued to breath heavily against her neck as she contemplated their actions. That was not just an act of lust, for that she could be sure. There was much more to what they had done. She recalled a conversation they'd had months before when he confided in her about the wife he had once had years before. He had stated that he was not worthy of love.

For who could ever love a beast? He had said.

That was an easy one for her to answer and if she had been honest with herself she could have answered it long before this Christmas night.

"I love you, Rumpelstiltskin," she whispered, gently running her fingers through his hair. But all she was granted with in return was the low hum of his even breathing, showing that he was already deep in sleep. She silently giggled to herself. Perhaps for now it was for the best. There was always New Years.

"Merry Christmas, my beast."


A/N: Thank you so much for reading my very first Rum/Belle story. I typically write Harry Potter related fiction so this is something new and exciting for me.

Merry Christmas! Don't forget to review!

I am trying to find some Rumbelle fanfic facebook groups to join. Does anyone know of any? This is very popular in the HP community but I wasn't sure it was in the OUAT world. Just send me a PM if you know!