*TWO*

Belle couldn't hide the smile that nearly split her face in two. He'd kissed her! Yes it had been to seal the newest deal between them, but it had been a kiss regardless. And what a kiss it had been, she thought, feeling the heat rise steadily up her neck and the little tingles along her nerve endings brought on from the memory. They'd been dancing around their feelings for months…Rumpelstiltskin in complete denial that he even had any and her afraid to do anything to disturb the fragile friendship they had between them. If she'd but known that he would be so receptive to her…well, she would have suggested a new deal at the very least. She loved him with so much of her heart there was no room left for protests…his to be specific. He'd been hurt too much in the past to take her at her word. Just because he hadn't confided in her, she could tell. And it had to have been something horrible to scar him so deeply. She would have to show him in small ways, over time, the true depth of her feelings and then only if he failed to see what was in her heart when he claimed his price in their deal. She was actually quite looking forward to that. Maybe then he would stop letting panic overtake him every time she touched him. If she was to share his bed, she thought, her blush deepening, that could be quite awkward. Yes, he'd definitely have to get over that little fear of his.

"Belle, dearie," Rumpelstiltskin said, drawing her from her reverie as he led her to stand before the prince. "May I introduce you to James…er, David…"

"Well, which is it? James or David?" she asked.

Charming stepped forward and bowed to her, taking her hand and dropping a kiss to her knuckles, his smile bright as he ignored the slight growl coming from the imp. "My fiancé calls me Charming if that makes it easier, milady."

Rumpelstiltskin snatched Belle's hand away from Charming as Belle raised a dubious brow. "Is he serious?" she asked.

"I'm afraid so, dearie," he replied. He turned back to the prince, his expression warning to keep his hands to himself. "Shepherd, my lady Belle of the Dark Castle formerly high princess of Avonlea."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Belle," Charming said solicitously.

"Belle has convinced me that we should help you," Rumpelstiltskin said, irritably. "And since she will be paying the price of the magic I will be casting, it is she you will be indebted to." Belle opened her mouth to protest and the imp was quick to gently slap a hand over her lips. "Do NOT say it!"

"Say what?" Charming asked, his brow furrowed in a puzzled frown.

"If I know her…and I assure you I do…she was going to say," his voice reached a new level of shrillness, "'oh that's not necessary'." Belle elbowed him in the ribs, gaining her release.

She glared at him through narrowed eyes. "I do NOT sound like that!"

"All magic comes with a price, dearie. I don't want you waiving the fees." He danced out of her reach and moved to the table to study the list of ingredients and supplies he'd need for the spell.

Charming took the opportunity to get to know the Dark One's lady, following her over to the settee and sitting beside her. "If you don't mind my asking, how did you come to…ah…be living here?"

Belle folded her hands in her lap and met the prince's gaze with a straightforward one of her own. "He made a deal with me, naturally. Rumpel saved my kingdom from the ogres and I came to live with him as his caretaker."

Charming gaped at her and Belle was reminded of Gaston and that clueless expression he sometimes wore when she tried to have a conversation with him about literature or politics. "Caretaker?" he asked, looking between her and the Dark One.

"Of course. What did you think?"

Rumpelstiltskin snorted as he perused the list. "Oh, I can assure you it was nothing pleasant, dear," he said, his eyes shooting daggers at the self-righteous prince.

Belle tsked as she turned back to Charming. "Shame on you, to think the worst of him. He doesn't have to help you with your little problem, you know. Are you always so quick to judge?" She rose to her feet and moved to stand beside the sorcerer, whispering in his ear loud enough for Charming to hear. "I don't think I like him, Rumpel."

Charming bounded to his feet, a shameful blush tinging his cheeks. "I meant no offense, milady."

Belle ignored him and Rumpelstiltskin smirked with smug satisfaction. "Shall I go start dinner? I'm not overly fond of remaining in the hall to make small talk with your guest."

Rumpelstiltskin giggled as he took in the prince's crestfallen expression, but his lips were curved in a warm smile as he gazed at Belle. "No, dearie, I'm afraid I need to visit the apothecary if we're to do this tomorrow. If you like we can have dinner at the inn?"

Belle smiled softly up at him. "Yes, I would like that very much. Shall I fetch my cloak?"

"Please, and mine as well if you will?"

Belle nodded and then cast a disdainful glance in the prince's direction. "Your highness," she said coldly, her manners so inbred in her she couldn't just leave the room without acknowledging the royal, and then swept from the room.

"I didn't mean to offend her," Charming said, sighing and raking a hand through his hair. "She's quite defensive of you."

Rumpelstiltskin shrugged and shook his head at the prince. Charming was famous for stating the obvious. "Belle sees something in me that others don't. Don't try to figure her out; we don't have that much time."

"So, is there anything I can do?" Charming asked, gesturing to the scroll and ignoring the imp's cutting remark.

"As a matter of fact, yes. I will need you to clear out a room in the dungeon of your castle." Thankfully, the White forces had been able to lay claim to George's castle on the lake while the king had been on the battlefield. Snow and Red had pulled that coup, much to Charming's surprise. But then King George had never been the most brilliant strategist. "Do you have one with windows?"

"There's bars on them, but yes I think we do," Charming murmured as he delved into the few memories he had of the lower levels.

"Yes, Genius, I would suppose so. Otherwise, I would expect your prisoners wouldn't remain your guests for long," Rumpelstiltskin said dryly, rolling his eyes. "Regardless, I need you to clear the room; have your people scrub it from top to bottom. I want no contaminants that might render the spell useless. And I need it done by the time the moon reaches its zenith tomorrow evening."

"Anything else?"

"No. Run along and prepare for our arrival. Gather your forces and prepare to do what you do best…"

Charming's brows drew together over his clear blue eyes. "What's that?"

An impish giggle sounded in the Great Hall as the mage pointed one long finger at the shepherd-turned-prince. "You know, dearie, I'm still trying to figure that one out myself."

X*X*X*X*X

Rumpelstiltskin's eyes widened as Belle rose from her seat and swiftly planted herself on the cushioned bench next to him. "What are you doing?" he asked in alarm as she smoothed her skirts and pulled the carriage blanket across their laps before casting a gamine-like grin in his direction. The late summer weather so far up in the mountains as they were seemed more like late autumn and the added warmth of the blanket was a welcome comfort. Her hip pressed so intimately next to his, however; was not.

They were trundling down the mountain pass on their way to the village, the carriage pulled by a pair of matched grays Belle had dubbed Demon and Devil…names she'd chosen to tease her formidable master when she'd first come to live at the Dark Castle and discovered that the Dark One hadn't bothered to name the beasts. All living creatures were deserving of a name, she'd reasoned. She arched a perfectly plucked brow at him, her smile never faltering. "I was cold," she lied, using the excuse to curl up next to him. "I didn't think you would mind."

"Um…no, no…course not," he stammered, reaching up to adjust his cravat to stop it from choking him only to remember he wasn't wearing one. It didn't help that he couldn't seem to get that kiss they'd shared out of his mind. He wanted so badly to do it again, but couldn't screw up the courage to try. What if it had only been to seal the bargain between them, he thought morosely, turning his gaze to the passing scenery. What if she never had any desire to kiss him again? She could have been thinking of someone else when she'd been kissing him. Her eyes had been closed, so it was entirely possible.

Her quiet statement startled him out of his thoughts and his gaze swung down to meet hers, her face entirely too close to his for him to feel comfortable. "Taking the carriage is much nicer than walking, don't you think?" she asked, peeking up at him from beneath her long lashes. "The time you sent me into the village was a nice walk, don't get me wrong, but I had blisters for a week because of those shoes."

The unease caused by her close proximity drained away as he focused on what she'd said. "What do you mean you had blisters? Why didn't you tell me? I could have healed your feet, Belle."

She lifted her hand and ran her fingertips over the wrinkles his frown made on his brow, biting down on her lip as he captured her hand and held it in his own for a moment before returning it to her lap. What is it with her always touching me now? How can she be so comfortable touching a beast? Is it because of the deal she made with me? He shook his head to clear it.

Belle watched the range of emotions that crossed his weathered features and sighed. She wondered how long it would take for him to accept her innocent little touches. She'd always been a rather tactile person and now that he'd let her in…even if it was just one foot in the door of his heart…she wasn't going to shy away from him any longer. "It was nothing, just a few blisters. They healed on their own."

"They could have become infected."

"But they didn't."

"They could have."

"They didn't."

"Belle!"

She raised a brow at him, trying to make him see that he was being silly. "Rumpel, are we really arguing about my shoes?"

"No, technically we're arguing about your feet."

"Why?" she asked reasonably, wanting to know what was really bothering him. "This was months ago."

He looked down at his hands folded atop the blanket in his lap, his hair falling forward to conceal his eyes and the shame hidden within. "I have been lax when it comes to your needs. I should have provided better for you."

Belle pulled his hand into her lap and twined her fingers with his, admiring the contrast between them. She held her silence for just a moment, trying to gather her thoughts. "You've always provided everything I need, Rumpel. My shoes were just fine for my work in the castle and," she held up her hand to forestall his protests, "I wasn't allowed outdoors, so why would I need sturdier footwear? Besides, you weren't exactly expecting me to return."

It was true, he'd sent her away with no expectations of her return and to this day it plagued him as to why she had. He'd never asked her in all the months that had followed and his curiosity was nearly unbearable. In that moment, he forgot his fear, his doubts and the possible rejection he'd receive at her hands and turned to face her, cupping her face in his palms. His eyes were wide as he searched her face, hoping that he'd be able to glean the answers from her open expression so he wouldn't have to put voice to his question. But it was not to be and he'd have to ask.

"Why did you come back?" he asked, his voice no more than a whisper, all traces of the infamous Dark One absent in the husky timbre.

Belle forgot to breathe as his callused fingers brushed softly over her cheeks, wishing with all she was that he'd close the distance between them and kiss her again, but he held her in check, refusing to let that small gap be breached by either of them. Unable to have what she wanted, she leaned into his right hand, closing her eyes and reveling in the pleasure of his touch. She lifted her hands and placed them over his where they rested against her face, not wanting his insecurities to resurface and have him pull away from her…not when he was finally touching her without her having made the first move.

"I-I can't tell you," she began, her nails digging into his hands as he tried to move away from her, refusing to let him retreat. "No, Rumpel, I'm not rejecting you," she murmured, scooting closer to him on the padded carriage seat so the heat of her thigh pressed into his. "I just don't think you are ready to hear it. After the spell, when you claim your price and can see into my heart…then all will be clear to you and you will accept my words without fear and without any doubt. Won't you please, just this once, trust me?"

He closed his eyes for a moment and clenched his teeth so hard he felt they were in danger or cracking as he fought against the little voice in the back of his mind screaming that no woman was ever to be trusted, that any woman fool enough to become involved with him only wanted what he could give them…that he wasn't good enough to deserve Belle's love.

Rumpelstiltskin rested his brow to hers, removing his hands from her face, trailing them lightly over the rapidly beating pulse point beneath her jaw to then settle them on her shoulders, giving her ample opportunity to pull away from him. "That wasn't part of our deal…"

She let her lids fall closed over her eyes, fighting back the stinging of unshed tears. "It's alright, Rumpel, I understand."

"…but I will try…for you, Belle." His thumb brushed away the tear that escaped her closed lid and he pulled her to lie against his chest, tucking her head beneath his chin. They rode in silence the last two miles to the village, enjoying the closeness of their embrace without unnecessary chatter getting in the way, both of them lost in their own thoughts of the future. They had promised one another forever. There would be more than enough time to voice their fears, their hopes and their dreams in the months to come.

When they arrived at the village at the bottom of the mountain, he hopped down and let down the step to assist her from the conveyance, smiling as she slid her hand into his, her palm warm against his own and the light touch sending tingles of awareness up his arm. He settled her hand in the crook of his arm and set off down the main cobbled path through the village, ignoring the many stares from the townsfolk.

Belle's brows lifted as they passed the apothecary. "I thought the whole reason for this trip was to visit the apothecary, Rumpel."

"Oh, and I shall, dearie, but first…" He stopped before a shop window and flourished a hand. "I think first we should see to what you need."

Belle looked longingly at the lovely teal gown displayed in the window of the dressmaker's shop, but shook her head. "I don't need new clothes. And that is much too fine to wear while I'm scrubbing the floors."

"And as I've told you more than once in the last several months, you are no longer my caretaker, but my companion. You aren't required to clean my home any longer." He tutted his tongue against the roof of his mouth and laid a finger to her lips when she opened her mouth to protest. "No arguments, dear. The new deal has elevated your status once again…this time to the Lady of the Dark Castle. I will not have you carrying about dressed in rags. I have more respect for you than that."

Belle huffed indignantly. "I have never run about in rags and you know it."

"Regardless…new clothes!" he said happily, opening the door to the shop and ushering her inside.

Belle bit down on her lip to hide her pleased smile. She knew by now that she could protest until the sky turned green and it would do her no good. He would do what he liked and she'd just have to be happy with the results. Rumpelstiltskin stepped up to the counter and let his palm fall against the bell, keeping Belle's hand captive in his left. The shop owner, a diminutive woman with ash blond hair and a plump frame stepped from the back and blanched, her pale blue eyes widening in alarm.

"M-M-Milord! W-What brings you here t-today?"

The sorcerer arched a brow at the woman and tossed a pouch of gold coins onto the counter. "Good day, Mrs. Hanson," he said pleasantly, trying to be on his best behavior with Belle there at his side. "I wish you to help my lady choose a new wardrobe. Dresses, underthings, accessories, shoes…whatever she may desire. Preferably something you have readily made already."

The woman's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates at the coins that had spilled out over the counter. It would easily feed her children for the next six months and she'd be hard pressed to refuse no matter how distasteful she found her customer. She rushed around to the front of the counter, the tape measure swinging about her neck, to greet the fine lady that accompanied the Dark One.

"Milady, please come with me. I have several things that you might find to your liking…"

Belle turned to the imp and laid her hand on his arm. "Rumpel, really, this isn't necessary," she protested.

The amber of his eyes darkened as he gazed down at her and brushed a stray curl behind her ear, his voice losing all trace of the Dark One. "And if I wish it, my Belle? Would you deny me such a small favor?" he asked, the tip of his tongue darting out to wet his suddenly parched lips. "Would you deny me the pleasure of seeing to your comfort?"

Belle gave him a sideways glance which clearly stated that she wasn't buying anything he was selling. "You are such a tease, Rumpel. Very well," she agreed with a grudging smile. "If you insist."

"I'll leave you to it then, dearie. I have some purchases of my own to make, but I will return for you in a while." He hesitated only a moment before he pressed a light kiss to her brow and quickly exited the shop. Belle sighed sadly. At least he was trying, but how long would it take him to completely let her in? She turned to the woman waiting patiently and smiled, following her into the back of the shop to begin her fitting.

X*X*X*X*X

Belle was exhausted by the time Rumpelstiltskin had come to fetch her from the dress shop, but she now had four new day dresses, two formal gowns Mrs. Hanson had encouraged her to purchase, three night gowns, undergarments, shoes, stockings, laces and ribbons and numerous other things the woman insisted she would need. Rumpelstiltskin had been pleased by the amount of wrapped packages he'd sent off to the Dark Castle with a wave of his elegant hand.

Now they were seated in a secluded corner of the common room of the only inn the village boasted, waiting for their barmaid to bring their dinner. She hid a yawn behind her hand before asking, "Were you able to procure what we need for the spell from the apothecary?"

"Yes. I just have to pack everything together. You might want to pack most of what you bought today to bring with us. I don't know how the spell is going to affect me and it's possible we may have to remain with Snow and Charming for a while. I don't want you to be without the necessities," he said, sitting back in his chair as the barmaid placed a basket of bread and two steaming bowls of lamb stew on the table before them. He slipped several gold pieces onto the tray she carried and she scurried off hurriedly, hoping they wouldn't need anything else for the remainder of the evening.

Belle frowned into her stew worriedly. "What exactly could happen to you…if you had to make a calculated guess, I mean? Could it incapacitate you as badly as it did Merlin when he cast it for King Uther?"

He watched her curiously as he slowly chewed and swallowed. His voice was low, to avoid being overheard or just because he couldn't help but show a bit of his true self to her, he wasn't certain. "The worst thing I can imagine happening would be the Dark One gaining complete control of me. You wouldn't like that, I fear. He's not quite as amiable as I am, dearie. Or I could sleep indefinitely, simply never wake. Because I'm immortal, I couldn't die, but if my magic is drained enough, the Dark One could drag me into the abyss with him…to forever sleep. Wouldn't that be convenient," he murmured sadly. "You wouldn't have to worry about the price you owe me. You'd be free of me."

Belle set her spoon down and reached for his hand. "Don't talk like that. Merlin was powerful, but I have my doubts that he could compare to you. You will come through this, Rumpelstiltskin, and I will be waiting for you when you do…at your side."

"Such an odd girl. Anyone else would use my weakness to their advantage and escape," he said, lifting his spoon to his lips.

"I refuse to debate this with you. Besides, had I been a normal ordinary girl, you would have been bored within a week and sent me home to my father," she retorted.

They ate in silence, reluctant to speak of the spell or the deal they'd made, no matter how heavily it weighed upon their minds. It was nearing sunset when they returned to the carriage to make their way back to the Dark Castle. Belle once again curled up against Rumpelstiltskin's side and pulled the blanket securely over their legs, but this time she pulled his arm to rest about her shoulders. He might be waiting to fulfill their deal until the deal with the prince was concluded, but…she wasn't.

X*X*X*X*X

Belle tossed the covers back and swung her legs over the side of the bed. It was no use…she couldn't sleep. Too much of her future hinged upon the events of the next day and her mind just wouldn't let her rest. Everything was packed and ready to go in a small trunk which seemingly had no bottom that Rumpelstiltskin had provided, ensuring that they'd be able to travel light. She rose from the bed and poured herself a glass of water from the pitcher on her dresser, sighing with delight as the cool water quenched her parched thirst. She couldn't seem to get his words out of her mind. Forever sleep.

Perhaps she was being selfish for asking him to aid the royals with such a complex piece of magic. He was putting himself at risk and he wouldn't even tell her of the risks pertaining to her own self. Her bare feet were silent on the plush rug that covered the hardwood floor before the hearth as she paced. The thought of losing him was just as painful as if someone had slipped a knife between her ribs. It was the reason she'd returned to him when he'd sent her to town that fateful day. It wasn't because the queen had filled her head with nonsense about breaking curses and true love's kiss. True love's kiss wouldn't break the dark one curse anyway, she thought with a snort. Nothing short of his dagger was going to break that and she found she didn't want to break it anyway. She'd fallen in love with the man he was now and didn't have any desire to change him. She'd rushed home that day determined to spend as much time in the library as necessary to see if what the queen said was true. As much as she wanted to share her newfound feelings with Rumpelstiltskin, she wouldn't take the chance that the queen was right and take away his curse. He would have been beyond furious and she didn't even want to think about his reaction to such an occurrence

She raked a hand through her long chestnut tresses and sighed, leaning her forearm against the mantelpiece of the cold hearth. She couldn't bear the thought of losing him then and now that her love for him had grown, she wouldn't allow him to be taken from her now. But there were no books in the library on the Charm of Making for her to study. There were only mild references to it in the stories of Arthur and his knights that she so enjoyed reading.

Belle moved back to the bed and retrieved the silk robe that matched the ivory nightdress she wore, thrusting her arms impatiently into the long sleeves and belting it at her waist. She glanced at the timepiece on her nightstand, groaning as she noticed the time…half past three. They were to leave after breakfast and she was going to feel wretched with having had no sleep. She was almost as nervous about having to pay the price of the magic to Rumpelstiltskin as she was about the actual spell and the repercussions to follow. What if when he looked into her mind, into her heart, he still didn't believe her?

Not for the first time, she wondered if sleep eluded him as well.

Squaring her shoulders with determination, she turned on her heel and threw the door open, shivering slightly as she padded out into the corridor. The torches flared to life, lighting her way to the little used path that would take her to Rumpelstiltskin's bedroom. She convinced herself she wasn't doing anything wrong. After tomorrow, she would forever be his, to share his life and home and bed. The deal had been struck, so why should she be forced to wait? Her thoughts were a tumult of emotion as she padded along on the crimson carpet runner, her feet taking her to a part of the castle she'd never been allowed before until she was standing before the oak double doors with their ornate gold handles that led into her former master's bedchamber.

Belle stared at the doors, her fingers twisting nervously and her bottom lip firmly clamped between her teeth. What in hades am I doing? Coming to his bedchamber in the middle of the night? What if he's asleep? What if he scolds me for disturbing to him? What if he sends me away? What if…Oh for the love of the gods, Belle, suck it up! She gave herself a firm mental shake and knocked so lightly on the door, she was certain there was no way he could have heard it. When he didn't answer, she turned the door handle, praying the hinges wouldn't squeak as she pushed the heavy door inward, and poked her head into the darkness. The only light in the room was the glow of the fire and she used it to guide her to the massive four poster set under a bank of heavily curtained windows.

Rumpelstiltskin watched his girl…and she was his as unbelievable as that may seem to him…pause just inside the door of his bedchamber and he forgot how to breathe. She was draped in an ivory robe that hugged her curves, her chestnut hair a riot of curls cascading down her back and over her shoulders. She looked like a siren, come to call him forward to meet his doom. He couldn't speak and he certainly couldn't find the strength to move. All he could do was lie there and watch her as she moved to stand beside the bed, wringing her hands and chewing on that luscious lower lip that he longed to capture between his own.

"Belle, what are you going in here?" he asked softly. She gasped, startled, her eyes searching for his in the darkness. She had little difficulty, the light from the fire reflecting from his luminous orbs.

"I can't sleep," she said, reaching for the belted tie of her robe and slipping the garment from her shoulders. She tossed it over the foot of the bed and reached to pull the duvet back to slide between the cool sheets.

He scooted all the way to the edge of the bed, clutching the duvet to his bare chest as he looked at her with wide eyes. "I suppose there's no cocoa in the kitchen and you thought crawling into to bed with me would be the next best thing?" he asked, his voice a bit shriller than usual in his panic.

She propped herself on an elbow and fluffed the pillows beneath her head. His eyes followed her every movement as she laid down and wiggled around, seeking a comfortable position, finally settling on her right side to face him, the duvet tucked under her left arm and her knees bent at a childlike angle beneath the covers. "I couldn't sleep so…" she huffed a curl off her brow. "I thought I would see if you were still awake. You couldn't sleep either, huh?" she asked with a perfectly innocent smile.

"Belle, that doesn't explain what you are doing in my bed!"

"Well, if we're both awake I didn't see why we couldn't be awake together," she reasoned.

His nose crinkled on the bridge as his lips pulled back over his teeth in the semblance of a snarl. "And neither of us are going to get any sleep now."

Belle yawned and snuggled down into her pillow, thinking his bed was much more comfortable than her own. "You'll never know until you try." She patted the mattress next to her invitingly. "Come on, Rumpel, lie down. I promise not to bite."

He snorted and remained where he was on the edge.

She lifted the duvet up and peered beneath. "You don't have a stitch on, do you? Is that what's troubling you?"

Rumpelstiltskin leapt from the bed, dragging the crimson silk duvet with him and wrapping it about himself, leaving on arm free so he could point a long blackened talon at her. "What's troubling me, dearie," he said in a condescending tone. "Is that you're in my bed when you should be several doors down tucked into your own."

She propped herself up on her elbows and arched a brow at him, covered now only by the gold sheet. "We made a deal today," she said calmly, meeting his wary gaze with a steady one of her own.

"I realize that seeing as I was there," he snarked. A wisp of crimson smoke escaped from beneath the duvet and a moment later he tossed it back over the bed, not wanting her to catch a chill. At least that was what he told himself. Of course it had nothing to do with her scantily clad form lounging so seductively against his pillows. Her gaze traveled over the cotton sleeping pants slung low on his hips and he had to suppress the shiver that crept over his spine. Who knew her eyes on him could be just as powerful as her touch. Gods!

"You made a deal with me to have me in your home, your life and…"

"My bed." He gulped around the knot that formed in his throat, his Adam's apple bobbing steadily as he swallowed.

"So come to bed," she purred, turning once again on her side to face him.

He giggled, this one more out of nervousness that his clever wit. "Oh no, dearie, that part of the deal isn't mine until after we help the Charmings. So run along now back to your room."

Her eyes filled with hurt and her lower lip trembled. "Y-You really don't want me t-to sleep next to you?" she asked, a painful lump forming in her chest, threatening to crush the air from her lungs. "Or was I wrong and you simply want me to share your bed when it's convenient for you?"

Rumpelstiltskin took a tentative step towards the bed, his hand held out to her, feeling like an ass for the misunderstanding. "No, Belle, no!"

"I know you want me, Rumpelstiltskin. I felt just how much when you kissed me, so don't even bother denying it. That's not what I'm asking for, not what I want…yet," she explained.

"It's not?" he asked, confused, then snapped back to himself and waved a dismissive hand. "No, of course it's not."

Belle narrowed her eyes on him. "And just what is that supposed to mean?"

He raked a frustrated hand through his hair, pulling out several strands in his haste and then gestured to his bare chest. "What do I mean? Look at me, Belle! How could you want this?"

She sighed deeply, her heart breaking a little more as his insecurities reared their ugly head. "I do want you. But tonight I just need…" her voice broke and she drew in a shaky breath. "I'm frightened. I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow and I just need you. I want to sleep in your arms and feel your heartbeat beneath my ear because I don't know if I'll ever have that again." She lowered her head, wiping furiously at the tears that coursed over her ashen cheeks, her hair falling about her to form a curtain where he could no longer see her face.

She felt the mattress dip beneath his weight and then she was enveloped in his arms, her face pressed to his chest as he scooted in close to her and simply held her as she'd wished. "Please don't cry, Belle," he whispered, shushing her, his hands tracing the curve of her spine as he tried to comfort her. "Don't be frightened. I will always protect you."

She slipped her arm around his waist, her hand splaying against the warm skin of his back and tangled her legs with his, pressing as close to him as possible. Eventually her soft sobs subsided and she stilled, comforted by the steady beat of his heart beneath her ear. She was still for so long, Rumpelstiltskin thought she'd fallen asleep, but her soft words disabused him of that notion. "Don't leave me, ok? Don't break your promise," she whispered sleepily.

"I won't. Go to sleep," he murmured, fighting slumber now that he was so relaxed and content with his girl wrapped so securely around him.

"Why do you need me to help you tomorrow?" she asked, her heavy-lidded eyes looking up at him to search his face.

"Because you will keep me grounded."

"Why?"

He held his tongue, not wanting to reveal the depths of his emotions for her. But Belle was the most persistent woman he'd ever met and he should have known she wouldn't simply give up.

"Rumpel, why?"

He sighed, cracking one eye open to gaze down at her upturned face. "Because you are the only person in this realm that I have an emotional bond with, Belle. Once the spell is cast, our blood intermingled in the casting, we will be well and truly bound. There is nowhere you will be able to hide from me that I won't find you. You will be a part of me. That is one of the reasons I told Charming no. I didn't think it would be something you would want. I had no idea you'd be so accepting of it when you offered your deal."

"I chose to be with you when I returned to you. It is only fitting that I bind myself to you. When you claim your price I'm hoping you can see for yourself just how much I want this, how much I want you…" Her voice trailed off as sleep finally claimed her, but it eluded him for a while longer as he pondered her words. He wondered if he would ever uncover the mystery that was Belle. And he'd never understand how she could claim to care for the monster he viewed himself as.

A/N: I know you were expecting the spell to be cast in this chapter, and I'm sorry to disappoint you, but this is a romantic AU for our beloved OTP and it is first and foremost about them and the journey they're traveling on the path to true love. There are so many possibilities for them stuck together up in that drafty old castle, and I just thought I would share a few before we got into the drama of helping Charming and Snow.

For the guest who was concerned about Lancelot and how his part of the story was going to be explained…next chapter, love.

Thank you all so much for reading and reviewing. It pleases me greatly that I've been able to develop another fic to entertain you all. I will continue to try as long as there are lovely readers like you to read and enjoy them.

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