Chapter Two: A Whole New World
The warmth of the morning sun streaming through her window gave Belle a reason to open her eyes. Her whole body jerked as she rolled over finding Rumple was still there sleeping beside her, but sighing memories of yesterday came to mind. She snuggled closer to him and smiled up at his face while he still slept. Just as she closed her eyes they instantly shot open as she realized this was the first time they had shared a bed and if they were back in there old world, rumors would have spread that they did more than sleep. Was this world like that as well? She gently brushed aside the strand of hair that had fallen front of his eyes and placed a light kiss on his brow. Her sweet lips on his forehead woke Rumple up.
"Good morning," he spoke his lip curling into a warm smile.
"Morning, you do know you stayed with me all night?" She asked.
"I did. Had you wanted me to leave?" He asked opening his eyes feeling hurt that she possibly hadn't wanted him to stay all night.
"No, I mean I didn't want you to leave," she replied, "Having you hold me kept the nightmares at bay. I was just surprised. I remember you told me that you preferred not sharing a bed with anyone."
Rumple's cheeks flushed. "I didn't usually, but you helped me sleep better as well." He kissed her tenderly on the lips guiding her body closer to his. Sighing deeply, she rested her forehead against his.
"I'm guessing we have to get up now," she said.
"Yes, we probably should," he said, chuckling, "Why don't I make you breakfast?"
"You don't have," Belle insisted.
"I ken, but I want to sweetheart," he said.
~Page Break~
While Rumple was downstairs making them breakfast, Belle opened the doors of the wardrobe in her room finding several beautiful dresses, blouses, skirts, and many pairs of shoes. Admiring everything in the wardrobe, Belle couldn't decide what she wanted to wear as everything was appealing, but she finally picked out an olive green dress that was made to look like a material called denim with a skinny brown belt just like with yesterday's outfit. She slipped her feet into some brown flats. She had always hated heels, but was told that it made a woman more attractive to a man, and for a long time she did what her maid servant had suggested. Though, as she grew older, Belle would sneak off to her room to replace her heels with flats. She spun around as she looked herself over in the mirror and feeling satisfied left the room.
Coming downstairs the aroma of eggs, sausage, grits, and toast with butter filled her nostrils, and as if on cue her tummy began to grumble.
"Mmmm, smells good," she said.
"I hope you like it. It's something I tend to cook for myself every morning," he said filling up a plate and offering it to her. "With added additions."
"Thank you and this is very sweet of you," she said.
"After what you've been through and what I put you through, I think you deserve to be spoiled and treated like a queen," he said.
Saying what he put through upset her as she didn't like it when Rumple put the guilt on himself, blaming himself for her pain. She set the plate down on the kitchen table. "Rumple, please promise me you won't blame yourself for what happened to me. I made a choice, several choicest, that weren't the best choicest like trying to break your curse, so I could play hero, but I also don't regret going with that night. I knew what I was getting into when I fell in love with you and I don't regret that either. You didn't force or make me do those things I did."
"But if I hadn't let my fear or pride gets in the way then Regina wouldn't have known about you or kidnapped you. You were also my prisoner," Rumple argued.
"My father was the one who told Regina that I was there, because he was trying to 'rescue' me. I wasn't always your prisoner," Belle insisted.
"Some would argue that you have Stockholm syndrome," he replied.
She cocked her head to side furrowing her brow at this term she had never heard of and turned on heal. "Where are you going?" He asked.
"You have a library right? I think I saw "one," she replied.
"Uh yes," he said.
"I'm going to look it up," she said.
Rumple cringed having not gotten a dictionary definition of the term, only brief explanations, he was anxious about hearing the dictionary definition to be true.
Rumple lingered in the doorway while Belle searched the shelves found a book on diseases and disorders. She flipped through the pages, everything made easy by being in alphabetical order, and found the word and definition for Stockholm syndrome.
Putting her finger on the page she read the definition precisely. "It says the person is abused, threatened, harassed, or intimidated and if memory serves me right, the worse you did was yell and throw me in the dungeon. I also never defended your cruel actions to me or to anyone, but I won't ask you be something you're not either. I know you're no prince charming or white knight, but that's not what I want. I love you," she said, and put the book back in its slot on the shelf.
"If I recall, you yelled and lectured me on how I should have let the thief, Robin Hood, go," he said smiling lightly as he recalled the memory. "There were few times were you lectured me on my behavior as well."
"See, I don't defend you for your behavior," Belle said approaching him and wrapping her arms around him. "I also chose to go with you for my family. I wasn't kidnapped." She laid her head against his chest sighing contentedly as he held her tightly still not believing she was here in his arms. He kept thinking he was going to wake up any minute alone in his bed with her still dead.
"Now, I want to try this wonderful breakfast you made before it gets cold," she said. With his arm still around her, Rumple led Belle into the kitchen and pulled out her chair. "Why thank you sir," she said.
As soon Belle took her first bite she savored the taste of each of food item, enjoying all the flavors, because the food at the asylum was dry and bland. There was a variety of spices and veggies mixed in the eggs and it created a burst a flavor inside mouth. After that first bite, she began to shovel it down as if she hadn't eaten a good meal in days.
"Slow down sweetheart," he chuckled, but frowned when she almost choked.
"I'm sorry," she said still coughing, "it's just my stomach feels like it has eaten in a week. The food they gave us tasted rancid." She grimaced recalling the taste that would linger in her mouth for hours.
"Well I don't know how good of a cook I am, but I do hope this tastes better," he said.
"So far it does, but I'm not surprised," she replied, "I remembered tasting some of your cooking once before."
In comfortable silence the couple ate their breakfast together, but Rumple kept glancing at Belle concerned at how she was doing. He wondered if having nightmares was a regular thing for her having recalled having nightmares himself after he came back from the Ogre Wars. How could she be okay after being held prisoner and captured by Regina and then finding out her father had something to do with it?
"So what are going to do today? Will you show me around town?" She asked wiping her mouth with her napkin. As she waited for his answer, Belle put her plate and started to rinse her plate.
"We can do that if you want," he agreed, "and I'll show you the library."
"Oh good, I look forward to it," she said, kissing him on the lips and she hurried upstairs to brush her teeth.
Rumple took care of his dishes and cleaned up the kitchen, then went upstairs to get ready for the day as well.
~Page Break~
They day after the curse was broken the sun had emerged which seemed fitting as it reflected the moods of everyone in Storybrooke with the exception of certain people, mainly Regina, who now sat in cell, being forced to discuss the case against her with the former King George. He was the only other lawyer, besides Rumple, in this damned town who would alley himself with her, and she guessed it was only an excuse for George for whatever plan he had for himself. He was no different than herself and Rumple, and always considered the benefits to him when had to choose who to ally with.
"It's good to see you again Regina," George greeted formerly, but with a sly sneer that made Regina roll her eyes.
Damn Rumple for turning his back on her when she needed him most, and why the hell would he refuse to help when he his hands weren't clean either. The town would go after him as well, even if he won the case against her, but why was there a case in the first place. She had made him the wealthiest citizen in town as he requested, so what was his motive for not helping her?
George had borrowed Emma's chair and sat down across from Regina outside of her cell. "Let us discuss the allegations against shall we?" Spencer spoke, flipping open a vanilla folder and looking over a piece of paper with the list of allegations against her.
"I don't care about any list," Regina snapped, "I just want to know why Gold won't defend, but will prosecute me! I gave him ownership of this damned town, if anything he owes me!"
George folded his arms on the desk. "From what I gather from Miss Swan and David is it has nothing to do with the curse, but with a more personal matter."
Regina arched her brow. "Personal?"
"Yes, you're imprisoning of a female companion of his," he replied.
"What female companion—damn it! Jefferson," she muttered.
"Ah, I see it's all becoming clear now Ms. Mills," he said.
"Yes," she said through gritted teeth, "I should have used her when I had the chance. You realize we have no chance in hell winning this case against Gold."
"Well it's too late for that now. You got yourself into this mess with the sorcerer and on top of that you have upset a lot of people, so I suggest you accept that and let me do my job Ms. Mills. I also suggest you don't provoke or interact with Mr. Gold and his companion until the trial," Spencer said.
"He was the one who gave me this damned curse and if the bitch had just done what she was told and broken his curse right then and there I wouldn't have had to capture her and used her as leverage," Regina snapped.
"I would be careful Ms. Mills, because I doubt that defense would work in a court room," he reminded her warningly, "Now, instead of discussing what you wanted to happen I suggest we discuss defensive strategies instead."
~Page Break~
Belle stared, her eyes sparkling with excitement and eagerness to explore the town, as they passed through passing by the shops. She kept running up to shop windows staring all items on display with curiosity and amazement. Some things she recognized like food and toys, but there also unfamiliar things such as computers, simpler styled clothing, and the different recreational items such as a bikes and sporting equipment. She dragged him over to a pet shop where four beagles resided in the window. Two of them were running back and forth in small space chasing each other and one another was sitting on his hind legs wagging his tail while his tongue lulled outside his mouth. He jumped up and pressed his paws against the glass and stared at Belle and Rumple looking as if he were smiling. The other two had choose to pause their activity and their heads cocked at the same time and mimicked there brother's action, but the one that got her attention was a smaller puppy sitting in corner. She wasn't sure, but the puppy seemed to be shaking and looked sad.
"Do you mind if we go in? I think these little guys could use attention," she said, looking at Rumple.
"Of course, but I think they could do with a bit more than attention," said Rumple as he pushed open the door for Belle. A bell jingled above as they walked in to the little shop. An elderly woman with white hair was sitting at cashier desk.
"Welcome to Peep's Pet store," she greeted with a thick southern drawl.
Belle smiled. "Thank you. I was wondering if we could hold some of your puppies in the window display."
"Of course you can darling," she said, "Sally can you come on out here and help me with the beagles in the window?" Bo, the elderly woman at the cash register returned her attention to her customers, recognizing Mr. Gold as one of them, and smiled. "They could probably use the chance to stretch their tiny paws." Taking the keys off her belt she unlocked the display. "Which one would like to hold?" She asked.
"Can I see the one in the corner," Belle said pointing to the puppy.
Bo nodded. "Would you like to hold one, Mr. Gold?"
"Sure," he said shrugging and she handed a puppy after handing Belle the one she had asked for.
Bo loved it when people wanted to hold the animals and play with them as it either meant they would take one home or at least give them someone to play with for a while. It broke her heart seeing animals being left and not taken home by someone, though; she understood why they wouldn't always be able to, because taking care of an animal was a lot of responsibility for both a child and an adult.
Both puppies squirmed in the hands of the person holding them and the one that Belle had was smothering her with kisses. She couldn't stop smiling and wanted to ask Rumple if they could take the little one home, but she didn't know how he would feel about it. He did seem to be getting along quite nicely with the other puppy as it ravished his face with kisses.
Another girl came bounding out with her blond curls bouncing. "Yes gran," she said impatiently.
"Sally, why don't you take these other two out for a walk," Bo said to girl, who rolled her eyes. Sally hated working at the pet store with her grandmother, but in this world this was the only way she could make money.
"Thank you sweetie," Bo called to her granddaughter. "Did you two see what happened with Mayor Mills? There was a lynch mob at her house," Bo said, to Rumple and Belle conversationally, "Mr. Nolan and Ms. Blanchard showed up just in time though, unfortunately."
Rumple smirked as heard the bitterness in the older woman's tone. "We weren't able to see it dearie, but I wish we had."
"Well it was quite the display. I saw them running passed and would have joined the lynch mob, but it was too much having all my memories coming back. I had a headache and these old legs are not as strong as they use to be," she said.
"I'm sorry to hear that. Have you tried magic to heal your bones?" Rumple suggested, "Maybe I can heal your leg?"
"Sorry if I offend you, but you can do that?" She asked.
He shrugged. "I'm used to it dearie, but yes I have healing abilities."
"I would appreciate it, but it wouldn't be fair as having old bones is part of life," she said giving Rumple a reassuring smile. "Thank you though."
Rumple nodded and looked at Belle as she giggled while the beagle continued to lick her face. He liked seeing her smile after what she had been through and looking down into the shining black eyes staring up at him. The puppy barked and cocked his head to the side.
"He seems to like you, Rumple," Belle said.
He nodded. "And she likes you. How much are two of these little guys?" Rumple asked. Bo. Belle gasped excitedly when she realized he was going to buy them for her.
Bo gave him the price and offered supplies for free, and five minutes later they were walking out with the two puppies, a boy and a girl.
"I can't believe you bought them," Belle exclaimed.
"Well I saw how happy they made you, and they looked like they could use a home," he said shrugging.
She kissed his cheek. "Thank you. We will have to pick out names for them." She held the little girl who was licking her face, and Rumple had the boy on leash. He was sniffing the ground vigorously and enthusiastically, and when he spotted a bird, the beagle started barking at the bird, dragging Rumple along. Rumple dug his heals into the pavement, but his new four legged friend was pretty determined.
Belle ran after them trying to catch up and not drop the girl puppy, and bumped into someone as she ran passed. "Oh sorry, excuse me."
"Slow down Miss. Are you okay," the person asked.
"Yeah I'm just trying to catch uh…I actually don't know what he would be to me except, Rumple," Belle admitted as she realized she didn't work for Rumple anymore. Were they courting?
The man chuckled. He was about her height with slightly curly ginger hair and he had pretty, kind blue eyes that made her feel comfortable, unlike when she met Regina.
"I take it you're a friend of Rumplestiltskin's?" He asked.
"Um yes, I'm Belle," Belle replied introducing herself.
"Archie Hopper, in this world, but in the other it was Jiminy," Archie said smiling, "I take it that was Rumplestiltskin being dragged by the puppy?"
Belle nodded.
"I don't think you have to worry about him getting hurt, because the puppy wouldn't be strong enough, but if you need any help I have a dog myself," Archie said offering his assistance. He let the female beagle sniff and lick his fingers before he gently pet her.
"Thank you so much. Well I better go, it was nice to meet you Archie, and I hope to see you around town," she said waving goodbye and hurrying to catch up to Rumple.
Belle found Rumple watching the boy beagle as he barked at the bird that flown up in a tree. "Rumple, are you okay?"
He nodded looking at her. "He was just doing was dogs and he's not the strong."
"Rumple, what are we?" She asked.
"What do you mean?" He asked, feeling nervous.
"I mean, I don't know what we are to each other in this world," she said.
"Well, in this world the term, I believe is, were boyfriend and girlfriend," he said. "If that's what you want."
"If it's the same thing as courting than yes," she said taking his free hand, gently squeezing it.
"C'mon boy, ye're never going to get that bird," Rumple said scooping up the puppy.
"What are we going to call these little ones?" Belle asked.
Rumple's brow creased as he contemplated the question. "Well I will have to think about that one. Why don't we drop off the supplies and I can give you more of a tour of town."
~Page Break~
After dropping off the free supplies Mrs. Peep gave them to start with, Rumple returned to escorting Belle around Storybrooke. Not wanting to leave their new puppies, they put them both on leashes and the couple had five minutes so the dogs could either just sniff or pee. Belle held the female puppy's leash securely in her hand as stared wide eyed at everything around her with fascination and giddiness.
"What's that?" She asked pointing to an electronic shop.
"It's a shop for devices that creates energy for music, images, heating, and other things that need energy," Rumple explained.
"So it's like magic?" She asked.
He nodded. "I'll show you," he offered.
"Actually, I'm kind of hungry so maybe later," Belle admitted.
"I know the perfect place, but I don't think we can bring these two in," he said nodding to the two puppies.
~Page Break~
The diner wasn't getting much business today since the curse had been broken, and people were still struggling with the idea that they had been trapped in this world with no memories of who they truly were. Some chose to get back to their lives here since they couldn't strike the witch that cursed them in first place and Ruby and her grandmother had been part of that group of people.
Mr. Gold rarely came into the diner during the curse, except to collect the rent, but imagine Ruby's surprise when he walked into the diner.
"You're still coming to collect rent?" Ruby questioned, raising her brow.
"No, I've to come for lunch dearie," he said.
"Um, okay," she said shrugging, "What would like?"
"Actually Dearie, I'm not sure. I have a new houseguest and she hasn't been able to try any of the food here yet," Rumple said.
Ruby narrowed her brows in suspicion.
"Don't worry she's not prisoner," Rumple said, rolling his eyes. "If you want proof you can see her standing outside." Rumple gestured out the window to where Belle was waiting holding both puppies by the leash.
"I don't want to keep her waiting, so what do you recommend?"
"Well the burgers are pretty good," Ruby replied, after glancing out the window seeing a pretty brunette with two dogs. She was still uncertain and planned on introducing herself once she got their order taken care of.
"Fine, I'll take two cheese burgers," he said, as he turned to stare out the window.
Ruby came out with a bag for him. "Thank you dearie and how much is it?" Gold asked.
"I would like to meet your new friend," she said, and without waiting for his response Ruby brushed passed Mr. Gold, ignoring his glare.
"Hi, you must be Mr. Gold's friend," Ruby said, tapping Belle on the shoulder.
"Oh hi, yes, I'm Belle. I'm his girlfriend," she said, happily liking the sound of the term, but also thinking it didn't cover how she felt. The two beagles immediately jumped up on Ruby, their tongues lulling and barking excitedly at her. Ruby got down on the ground and pets them both giving them great pleasure.
This woman that approached had long, dark brown hair that flowed down her back with streaks of red. Belle had never seen a woman with streaks of such an exotic color in her hair, let alone a woman with such revealing garments, unless she was a whore, but Belle's mother had always told her never to judge anyone by their clothing. Those dressed in the finest could be the most wicked person, and those who were considered ugly could have the purest heart.
"His girlfriend?" Ruby questioned, as the boy puppy started sniffing her leg.
"Does that surprise?" Rumple asked, crossing his arms over his chest and accepted the leash from Belle.
Ruby blushed but glared at Mr. Gold. "So she's not a prisoner?"
"Excuse me, I was never his prisoner! I was his caretaker, not a prisoner," Belle said defensively.
"Forgive me, but I know Rumplestiltskin and he's dangerous," she warned.
"You seem like a nice person and I hope we can be friends, but I think I know Rumple better than you think. I am well aware of his reputation and what cruel things he has done to people, but I have seen worse, like Regina. I have also seen Rumple at his best, but to be fair you probably haven't gotten a chance to see his best," Belle said defensively but politely.
While she did Rumple's cheeks were turning crimson as the only person who ever defended him so passionately was his son, before Bae hadn't given up hope, and it overwhelmed him. He didn't deserve it.
Ruby didn't know how to respond as she wasn't used to people defending this man, and wasn't sure maybe Rumplestiltskin used magic on here, if he had something on this woman, or if she truly believed her words. Possibly she had seen a different side to Mr. Gold that the others hadn't, but Ruby was still debating.
Just as they were about to leave the couple came face to face with the Albert Spencer formerly known as King George in their old land. Belle had met King George when she was 10, and her parents were discussing a peace treaty between the two kingdoms. Belle was frightened by the king and found both him and his son to be arrogant bastards. She had encountered James yesterday, but James acted as if he didn't know Belle, which was bewildering, but his father obviously recognized her.
George was a tall, a well-built man with thinning white hair, and held himself pompously. "Mr. Gold, just the man I was looking for. I was just speaking with my client and I would like to discuss the case with you."
The two puppies growled at Albert Spencer, though it didn't sound as threatening as the puppies intended, and if they weren't interacting with this particular man, who terrified Belle, and then it would have been amusing.
"Yes, why don't we schedule an appointment for later this week," Rumple suggested speaking formerly. The two stared at each other, the tension growing, as if sizing up the enemy and trying to figure out their opponent's weakness.
"How about next Thursday at noon," Rumple suggested.
The two shook hands as they agreed on the time and date they would meet to discuss the case: Regina verses the people of Storybrooke.
Belle sighed with relief once King George was gone. "I never liked that man," Belle said, her whole body shivered.
"I take it you've met him?" Rumple questioned, squeezing Belle's hand.
She nodded. "Our kingdoms have formed treaties together, but my parents only allied with his kingdom for political purposes. My mother didn't like him either."
"I promise you won't have to deal with him," Rumple said, turning to face her. He rubbed her arms and kissed her brow.
She smiled. "I wish you could guarantee that, but right now I'm sure I'll have to deal with him again."