Some lovely fluff for you, my dearies. Enjoy. Thanks to all who review. I'm glad you enjoy it. It's very fun to write.
Belle was fully aware that he was standing behind her, no doubt leaning against the bookcase with affected patience. The corner of her mouth twitched into a wider smile as she finished filing the last of the books in her arms. Turning carefully, she gave him her sunniest of smiles. "A gentleman caller, what will Storybrooke say?"
His free hand lifted up, almost in supplication, and when she took it, he guided her easily down the two steps to the solid ground. "They'll not say a word if they know what's good for them."
"Rumple," she scolded playfully. Her fingers tangled with his as they made a leisurely route to the circulation desk.
"And what's good for you is sitting right there at your desk," Rumplestiltskin nodded, indicating the brown paper bag waiting for them.
She did her best to give him a leveling glare, but he simply stared down at her with perfect calm. "Rumple."
"Belle," he countered simply.
"I ate a very lovely snack of strawberries late this morning, compliments of Ruby. And Granny is sending over all sorts of goodies almost daily. Yesterday she sent over so many cookies that I had to give most of them away at story hour. At this rate, you'll have to widen the library doors so I can roll through."
They rounded the counter, and he ushered her into a seat at the small worktable. He handed over her bottle of water first, then carefully set out the plasticware and napkin in a formal place setting. "I'll have you know that I did not say a single word when you were standing on the ladder."
Belle lifted the napkin, unfolding it and draping across her lap. "It was two steps high, and I'm in perfectly sensible flats. Even if we both know I'm not clumsy on my feet." It was true. She might have fumbled a cup or two, but she wasn't one to go tripping all over herself.
"And I didn't say a word of protest that you continue to keep full library hours, despite numerous offers to hire an assistant for you," he countered, opening a fresh salad and placing it before her, a little cup of dressing nested beside it.
She poured the mixture over the greens and speared a bite. "I honestly like the work. Once it was cleaned and opened, it's actually been very easy to maintain."
He shook his head ever so slightly. "And I haven't mentioned my objections to the work of shelving books, despite the fact that Henry and Grace are to be student assistants and are more than suited to the task."
The corner of her mouth twitched as she enjoyed a few bites, surprised to note the time on the clock. It was nearly two in the afternoon. Her student assistants would be here soon. Belle chased down the bite with a drink of her water. "They keep the children's section, which is all low shelves and forever a mess." It was the hardest area for her access, and even her preference for skirts made it a challenge, much less the changes these days. It was all crouching and bending. Admittedly, her help was keeping the young adult and media sections as well.
He easily drew out a final container from the bag. One long finger slid under the catch, releasing the lid on the styrafoam box containing a single cheeseburger, medium-well, with the works. He was indulging her in a favorite today. After he slid it into place, he looked her over, the corner of his mouth turning into an affectionate grin. Reaching forward, he caught a stray curl, tucking it behind her ear. "And despite all the things I don't mention," Rumplestiltskin paused a half moment for the irony, "I will always insist on bringing you a proper lunch. You're eating for two now."
Her fingers caught his, turning his palm up and pressing a warm kiss into it. The dear, dear man. And she smiled. Because she couldn't and wouldn't counter that.