A Note from Serade Black: Yeah, so long for an update, I know... But, at least this is the chapter where my M-rating comes in!
Ch. 4
The library was quiet and still. Like a big empty warehouse, every small sound echoed off the walls creating a hollow and very lonely place to be. No children laughed in the play area where stacks of blocks had been erected or trains stood patiently to be pulled into their stations. Just the wind whistling through the trees outside, finding tree limbs to bump against windows or small cracks in the old foundations to create drafts in random areas where one would walk. It was a haunting sound outside, like quiet wolves howling in the distance, but it was only the wind.
Still and silent, Belle sat at her circulation desk surrounded by books that waited to be checked back in and put back onto their shelves. What was once a perfect romantic day had turned as gloomy as the turning weather outside. Her father had really shaken her, his words hurting the worst. He still saw her as his little girl, the young woman he could tell what to do, or how to think, or how to act. Though he was loving and supportive, he still kept her within arms' length, not to allow her to have those adventures she dreamed of or be with the person she truly loved. The man she called father had shaken her up enough that she was thinking long and hard about her relationship, the meaning behind it, the reasons why Gaston was not a matched suitor to her personality and how the feared Dark One became the love of her life. Proven a hero to her village, forbidden by her father, she made a deal with Rumplestiltskin that sealed her fate, but it was a fate she chose. Little did she know that the bravery that followed would be down a bumpy path for the man she'd fallen in love with, because of his faults, his poor choices and overall bad judgment, because she saw the spark of a humble man that yearned for his son and happiness he couldn't quite place.
Enter Belle.
Her life had meaning from the second she walked out of that castle, leaving both her father and Gaston behind. The life as a pampered princess was to be over. No more handmaidens, no more galas or events, no more guards hanging around or chaperones escorting her on evenings out of the castle. Ahead of her had been a long road of heartbreak, adventure, meeting new friends, being imprisoned and rescued by the man most people feared. She would always love her father, for he was her first everything, but Rumplestiltskin had been her destiny and she regretted nothing.
Belle wiped away the few tears that had managed to escape, dabbing her cheeks with a tissue pulled from within her desk. Keeping a strong composure, she managed to freshen herself up just in time to be met by the friendly face of Dr. Hopper.
"Hello Anna!" he greeted with an excited cheer, always pleasantly pleased. "Getting a bit thick out there."
Balling up the tissue, she sniffed and pasted a half smile over her lips, "Hi Archie." She busied herself with a nearby stack of books, trying to occupy her mind with work, once again. "Is that the storm?"
He was already looking at the books in the self-help section of the library, conversing with her between the rows, "Yes, it's going to be quite something according to the newscasters. They said at least eight inches." She could hear him sliding books in and then out on the shelf, forcing them to thump against their back barrier. "Make sure you bundle up and get a few supplies for the next few days. You never know if this could be a serious one."
Archie Hopper always had a calming voice, no matter what the conversation was about. It was a nice tone, friendly and slow, but concentrated and well spoken. No longer allowing the deafening silence to consume her, she welcomed his conversation. "I'll keep that in mind."
After small chit-chat and some direction of the newest releases in the science fiction department, which seemed to be so ironic in their cases, Belle walked alongside of him to the circulation desk to process him. Sliding the books her way, careful not to confuse them with any others from her nearby mountains of reads, she remained abnormally quiet, piquing the doctor's interest.
"The storm is the reason I'm stocking up on a few reads," he started, trying to read her. "They say it might be enough to close the roads, so who would want to be out in that?" Belle nodded, typing the titles into the computer and issuing them a return by card. Archie felt compelled to pursue the normally radiant girl, so he focused on an obvious piece, "Quite an admirer, I see."
Finally, a spark, and he mention of the breathtaking bouquets on her desk was enough to whisper the hint of a smile. "They are a bit much, aren't they?"
"Depends," he smiled, pleased he had found a segue into deeper examination, "are they an apology or a gesture for the special day?"
"Gesture," she said quietly, glancing fondly at the pretty blooms. They symbolized so much between them, it was hard not to look at them and immediately feel a warming sensation flow through her veins. "He's done apologizing."
Archie smiled and stacked his own books as she finished processing them. With a slight tilt of his head like he had found the initiated spark to a happier Anna, he chuckled knowingly. "Then, it sounds like you've got the person that is going to keep you warm in this storm for the next couple of days."
Belle jerked her head sharply back towards the former grasshopper as if he had said something so profound, she had to allow his words to set in completely, before speaking. Something inside of her clicked, as if gears shifted right into place and he had put her entire train of thought into vast perspective. Her heart soared, knowing that her path chosen was the right one for her. Archie had allowed her to see what she'd always been looking at and it made her realize that she was the one that made that decision, not her father, she had. Archie just smiled back, watching her fire ignite and the smile to return to her lips fully. The shining Anna that he knew was back and as she blinked furiously, she nearly chuckled herself.
"I think, Archie that is my grand scheme." With an extra wave and nibble of her lower lip, she watched as the good doctor left the library, leaving Belle alone with her thoughts once again. At least in this moment, they were on an upbeat notion.
Deep in her thoughts of the day, her little hunt in the morning and her scuffle with her father, Belle had worked through the six o'clock hour. She hadn't bothered to keep an eye on the time, once she had found the steam to clear at least one shelf of her circulation desk. It was beginning to get backed up and as much as she loved sorting through the various titles, curious to what people had enjoyed, she looked forward to calling it quits for the day and allowing her evening to play out. She had a little mischief on her mind, something the good psychiatrist had sparked, and she wondered if she had the courage to pursue what her heart desperately yearned.
Her silence was broken by the sound of the front door opening and the soft thud of a cane on the floor. Immediately, her stomach tumbled and her heart skipped a few extra thumps. The slight frown was slowly turning into a half smile as she sensed his presence. Her Dark One was there to brighten her up and as she peeked around from behind a bookshelf, she saw him adjusting his tie and fixing his pocket square.
"Hello," she said, coming out from behind her hiding spot. He immediately gave her all of his attention, as if waiting for inspection, but really just not wanting to miss a moment of her. He met her with similar pleasantries. "So, they're saying that this coming storm is going to be a rather serious one."
"That's what I heard on the radio. Apparently, Boston is really up in arms about this. Supposed to be one of the biggest storms they've had in years," he replied, making idle conversation.
"And then there's us in little Storybrooke that no one knows a thing about," Belle smiled, restacking a few books from a smaller pile on her circulation desk. Her movements were sluggish, her mind heavy.
"Is everything okay, dearie?" he asked, taking a few steps closer. He placed a hand against the small of her back as he neared, cautious not to interrupt her business if she was focused on her task. "You seem a little distant."
She sighed under her breath, doing her best to compose herself and put on a stronger exterior, but he knew her. He studied carefully and could tell that her little light was flickering, albeit it was there, just dim. "My father came to see me and he saw your roses," she explained. "He's having a difficult time dealing with-"
"Us," he finished for her. He took his hand away and returned it to the top of his cane where he leaned heavily on it. "I'm certainly not surprised."
"He has a hard time letting me go," she said quietly, turning towards him and resting a hand over his on top of his cane.
"I remember. But, what he doesn't remember was that you were a hero that saved your village, because of a deal you struck. The old Lord would be very proud of his daughter, if he could remember what you did."
She offered a small smile, touched by his sincere words. She squeezed his hand and leaned in to kiss his cheek. "Of course, what happened after is none of his concern. But, he did raise a rather silly girl that believes a monster can change."
Her eyes met his and she lifted a hand to his cheek, feeling the slight stubble along his chin. "I fell in love with a good man, not a monster. Stubborn as hell, though and a mean streak for the weak ones now and then, but a man that loves his son to create an entire curse in order to find him. To me, you are incredible."
Gold was touched with her kind words, though undeserved and hard to believe, he still found himself undeserving of such a beautiful heart. He would offer her the moon, could he contain it, or catch a falling star if it was possible. She was his hope, his redemption and when he found his son, he would finally be complete.
"Hey," he started, lifting her chin with the tip of his finger, "it's our day. Let's not dwell on the things we cannot change."
Putting on a steel face, she grinned and nodded. Their day was to be spent together, even if it did get a late start and her father had put a damper on her mood. It wasn't enough to keep her down. She kissed him quick and slid her arms around him tightly, pushing her body close against him so that he'd pull her in. He rested a hand on her back, sliding his hand over her ribs and squeezing her slightly.
Together they left the library and walked to his car, trying to not let the chilly wind take them away. The flurries were beginning to fall, but nothing heavy or threatening. The windshield wipers managed to keep it clear for the short ride. After two unsuccessful stops at restaurants, they were turned away seeing as the storm was on their heels and workers wanted to get home and prepare. This left a romantic dinner out a little unattainable.
"You're kidding, right?" he asked, with one hand on the steering wheel and the other clutching Belle's hand tightly in the space between them. They sat together as the car idled outside the same French restaurant where they saw both Mary Margaret and Regina. The sign said closed and the suggestion that Belle made had rendered Mr. Gold catatonic. "Please tell me you're pulling my leg."
"Rumple, it's the only option, unless you plan on making me dinner at your house."
"Granny's? Sweetheart, it's not exactly where I wanted to dine you on this night of all nights," he said with the conviction of a very annoyed man. Not annoyed at Belle, but at the paranoid little town itself. He would be sure to amend both establishments' rental contracts to be open, even in torrential weather.
"Well," she said with a sly half grin, "might I remind you that it's not where we go, it's the company we keep? I wouldn't care if you took me to a cabin in the woods and we ate marshmallows from the fireplace, as long as we were together."
"Well, when you turn it around to make me look like a true arse, Granny's it is," he said as he put the car back into drive. "Coincidentally," he started as he made a right turn at the stop sign to head back down the familiar road beyond his own shop, "I happen to have just such a cabin in the woods."
"Well then, maybe we make plans for next Valentine's Day to spend it there," she said, reaching for his hand again, once it was free and resting on the armrest between them. Without looking at her, she caught him smiling to himself, hiding the hue in his cheeks. It was evident that a secluded cabin the woods conjured up some very elicit ideas.
As late as it was, far beyond the normal dinner hour, there still remained a few late night diners in the family-owned establishment. Belle stepped inside shaking herself out of the snow flurries that had landed on her coat and in her hair. As Mr. Gold pressed himself up behind her, he quickly closed the door as the wind fought against him, bumping Belle and creating a quick comical entrance for the unlikely pair.
"I'd say 'look what the cat dragged in', but Anna always remains the pretty one, even when she's been dragged out in a blizzard," Granny said with a snarky tone towards Mr. Gold, but offering a slick wink to the young woman standing in front of him.
Belle smiled, fluffing her hair out and unbuttoning her jacket, "Table for two, Granny?"
"Sit anywhere you like," Granny said with a much softer voice. "Not like we're taking reservations."
Mr. Gold helped Belle out of her coat and hung both his and hers up on a nearby rack. He followed Belle through the diner, after getting another snarky glare from the old woman, and took a seat at the same booth they had dined together in.
"I take it you're all ready for the storm that's out there brewing?" Granny asked with mild concern, sounding like a bit of an old school teacher. She slid menus in front of them and crossed her arms, waiting for an answer. She rather enjoyed putting Mr. Gold on the spot, once she had discovered he actually had a soft spot for someone. Granted, that person was her own granddaughter's best friend, so it made it equally as appealing to sort him out at every chance she got.
"You know, we didn't know it was as serious as they're saying," Belle replied, glancing at the menu and then up towards Granny. Her eyes were as friendly as the lyrical sound of her voice. Granny couldn't help but offer a small smirk for her.
"What's the matter? Doesn't Mr. Gold's shop have a radio?"
"I heard of the storm just fine. I'm aware of its severity," he replied with a sarcastic tone, not bothering to look up at the woman and continued to peruse the menu.
"And yet, you still drag this poor girl out in it?"
"We wanted to go out for Valentine's Day, Granny. Our plans for the evening didn't go quite as planned." Belle replied before Mr. Gold could, knowing that a slur against Granny's Diner was on the tip of his tongue and she merely diffused the conversation. "We'll need a few minutes, if that's all right?" Granny nodded and left the two of them alone.
"It's been awhile since I've raised her rent," Mr. Gold said under his breath, his eyes peeking up from hanging wisps of brown hair.
"You will not, Ruby is my best friend," Belle said opposite him, not even meeting his glare.
"Yes, but Granny's not."
"She's part of the territory. Now, Mr. Grump, pick out what you want to eat."
"Should I even bother to ask her for a wine menu?" he said, setting his menu down on top of her folded one. He couldn't help but get in one more jab at the old woman's expense.
Belle pursed her lips and lowered her eyes nervously as she reached out to hold his hand across the table. "How about we save the wine for back at your house?"
Her mention of a location change immediately curved his negative demeanor and instantly focused any and all of his attention on the young woman who was currently holding his rough and calloused left hand in between her two soft ones. "My house? Now that, sounds like a much better plan."
Her eyes remained fixated on their hands touching, trying not to show the blush that warmed her cheeks.
"Well, if I'm going to get snowed in someplace, I'd rather it be with you." After a few seconds of silence from him, she mustered the courage to meet his eyes and see if he was on the same page as she. His look was a combination of surprise and comprehension. Where one would believe him intimidating, she saw as alluring and by the ever so slight smirk at the right corner of his mouth, she knew he was catching her drift.
"Have we decided?" Granny's voice interrupted their moment like a chaperone about to separate them with a nun's ruler. She tapped her notepad on the back of her wrist, her pen dangling between her fingers.
Belle looked up and smiled, still clutching his hand between hers and said, "I'll have a hamburger and an iced tea, please."
"Iced tea? It's snowing outside and you're having iced tea?" Mr. Gold questioned, wondering if his girl was all right. Belle shrugged, her hands never leaving his and with a silent surrender, he replied, "I'll have what Miss French is having, but with hot tea." As Granny wrote it down, Belle gave his hand a gentle insistent squeeze and a piqued eyebrow. Taking the hint, he grimaced and forced a thank you to complete his request.
Their meal came at minimal time and though small talk was made, they were more interested in how few diners there were. Several folks popped in for last minute meals on the go or for the sweet desserts that Granny was giving away at half price, but otherwise the place was near empty. With a heavy gust, the front door blew closed as Ruby was thrust through and near swatted on the rear upon entry. She wore a huge thick winter jacket over skin tight red pants and heels, while her hair was wild around her shoulders. She checked in with Granny, assuring her that the inn was well stocked with extra blankets from the basement, but as soon as she spotted her friend, she shuffled over to their table.
"Hey," she said a little concerned, "you guys better get going. It's getting really bad out there. They're talking about closing the roads tonight."
"Really?" Belle asked, giving Mr. Gold a quick look to see if he was ready. "Perhaps, we should think about going?"
"I'll go get our coats," Mr. Gold replied, reaching for his cane and excusing himself from the women's' company.
Once out of earshot, Ruby leaned in close. "So, this is where he took you for Valentine's Day?" The wolf-like woman with the wide smile gave a bored disgusted glance towards Mr. Gold while his back was turned and he was settling the bill with Granny.
"Oh, Ruby, you just don't know what he did for me today," Belle smiled, thinking of the little hunt he put her on that morning, complete with jewelry. "This was not the initial plan for dinner. Granny's was just the only thing still open."
"Fine, I'll give him that one. So, what now?"
"So, now we're going to go back to his house and have some wine and ride this storm out," she said coy and as aloof as she could, knowing that her close friend would catch her innuendo.
Like an eager gossip, her eyes bright and her teeth white in her very wide smile, Ruby grabbed her friend's upper arm and demanded to know, "Are you planning on spending the night with him?"
Nearly blushing and nibbling her lip nervously, Belle glanced towards her date that was now coming back and presenting her coat open for her. She gave Ruby a subtle wink and replied, "That's my plan." Ruby's smile was enough to give anything away and it was all she could do to contain a devious dirty little giggle.
Ruby watched as Mr. Gold was ever the gentleman and assisted Belle with her coat, offering her scarf and waiting for her to walk ahead of him, so that he followed closely behind. As he escorted her to the door, Belle gave another wave to her friend, where Ruby gave a proper, "Have fun you two!" Granny quickly scolded her for her outburst.
Mr. Gold returned her to her apartment in order to retrieve a few things in the event she would be stranded at his house for a few days, as well as her own car. She didn't want anyone to check up on her at the apartment over the library if her car was there, but she wasn't answering. The last thing she needed was for her own father to worry that after Valentine's Day, she would have been left to a cold apartment and not answering her own door. Only a handful of people had the number to her mobile phone and she didn't need to alert anyone to any misconceptions.
She followed Mr. Gold to his home, parking her little Toyota Corolla next to his Cadillac, and then hurried out of the car to meet him at the sidewalk. Together they huddled close, bracing themselves against the gusting winds as a single unit. She hugged his arm tightly, cowering close against him and allowing the wool of his jacket to rub against her cheek. They navigated the front steps and pushed through into the foyer, sighing in great relief as they were met with somewhat warmer temperatures.
"It's brutal out there. They weren't kidding." Belle spun around and removed her scarf, watching him do the same. The two undressed from their warm outerwear and once freed, she stepped in and rested her arms around his neck. "Thank you for dinner," she said with a sultry voice. His hands ran up and down her waist, feeling the contours of her body under the dress she wore. They shared a single long kiss before Belle pulled away and began walking into the kitchen.
She spun around and walked backwards, as if luring him in after her with an invisible rope, "So, red or white?" She bit her tongue, trying her best to play coy.
Appreciating her playfulness, Gold followed after, allowing a safe space to remain between them as they walked around his kitchen counter island. "Red, sweetheart," he answered, feeling that the harsher wine might enhance their evening, wherever it may lead.
She spun around once again, her heels clicking swiftly on the hardwood floor as she walked to his modest liquor cabinet to help herself. Taking out a new bottle, she took the liberty of retrieving a corkscrew from the small wooden drawer nearby and prepared two glasses.
Gold carried on into the living room to turn on the television, changing it over to the weather channel to see what the current status of the storm was. As he stood in front of the couch, watching the newscaster describe the snow prediction, Belle watched him carefully as she set down the bottle of wine to breathe a few minutes. He stood straight backed and proud, relaxing a little as he leaned his cane against the couch in order to unbutton his jacket and slide it down his arms. She admired his physique beneath a fitted shirt and vest and though he wasn't a particularly larger man, she still enjoyed his lean form that suited her own small shape.
After a few minutes of studying the quirky weatherman on the television, he turned and laid down the remote on the nearby coffee table. "It's not going to be pretty," he said, walking over to the fireplace to set a log alight. By the time the fire was beginning to work itself through the logs, warming each small branch throughout and catching a good burn, Belle had just poured wine into a second glass. She stood poised and ready, handing him a glass as he joined her in the kitchen. He took it politely, nodding his head in appreciation.
"To our first official Valentine's Day, Rumple?" she said sweetly, her blue eyes twinkling brightly.
"To the beautiful woman who fell in love with a monster," he quipped and quickly held a finger to her lips, before she could interrupt, "and makes me want to go back to the best version of me." He removed his finger and lifted her chin, "Thank you, sweetheart."
She lowered her eyes and clinked her glass with the toast. As her lips touched the rim, tasting the cabernet, she turned away from him and walked towards the end of the kitchen counter. With a careful grace, she hoisted herself up on the marble countertop and crossed her ankles as her legs dangled over the edge. While leaning back on one arm, her body relaxed and calm, she sipped her wine slowly and glanced his way.
His eyes never left her, watching her movement like a skilled hunter and basking in the sight of her long pale legs as they were displayed for his viewing pleasure. Her dress rose above her knees and her slender angles crossed and swayed comfortably as she sipped her wine like a Grecian Goddess upon her pedestal. Her hair fell romantically over her shoulders where her eyes snuck flirtatious glances his way.
Smiling to himself, Gold prepared himself to seize the opportunity to corner her where she sat. He set his cane alongside the lower cabinets and slowly began to close the distance she put between them, sauntering up to her like he was sizing up his prey caught in a trap. Her eyes were half lidded as she sensed his game.
"You know, if you're going to sit on my counters, dearie," he said with a sultry low voice, "I have certain rules.
His voice was low and mischievous, like it did when he was offering a deal to some desperate victim. However, a part of her worried that she may have crossed a line with her liberties in his kitchen and asked, "Do you not want me up here?
He chuckled quietly to himself and positioned himself directly before her. Her ankles still folded and her legs acted as a barrier between them. "My only rule is that if you insist on sitting atop my counters," he set his wine glass down next to her and reached for her ankles, "is that you remove your shoes."
Very slowly, he reached for her ankles as if touching fragile glass and uncrossed them. Very delicately, as if savoring something decadent, he slid off each high heel and let them fall to the floor. "Remove my shoes?" she asked. "But, why?"
He made a mental note that she wore no stockings and her toes were painted a pretty baby pink. With a very agonizing performance where his concentration never deterred, he finally answered, "Because," he smiled to himself, letting his finger run along her instep, "I want to look at your pretty feet."
In a fashion she was not familiar with, Belle watched in awe as he handled her toes, heels and ankles as if they were as valuable as freshly spun gold. Her suitor magician took it upon himself to gently massage each foot with delicate care, firmly pressing into the tender spots. Belle leaned her head back and let a quiet, barely audible moan leave her lips where her eyes slowly slid shut from the enchantment.
The mewling sounds that his beautiful Belle released from her perfect rose colored lips were enough to feel the beginning stirrings of tightness in his groin. Though he had done enough until now to suppress such physical displays of attraction, he didn't wish to embarrass himself so early in the evening. He worked her foot down, allowing his fingers to steal a caress along her calf, and eased her back into the present.
Upon waking, his ministrations earned him a far more relaxed Belle, as well a small pout of her lower lip. "A girl could get used to that," she said with low lidded eyes, "why did you stop?" Sipping her wine, her bare foot slid along his left leg.
The energy between them was beginning to heat up, creating a very slow seductive game of cat and mouse. The answer he wanted to say did not quite meet his lips, so he settled on something lighter. With a slight smirk, he replied, "Because, it looked like you were about to slide right off my counter."
She giggled, the few sips of wine offering her courage. "Would you catch me, Rumple?"
"Every time."
Smiling coy, she averted her eyes towards the television to break up the moment temporarily. Though she played cool and calm rather well, inside her heart was fluttering like a canary and he was the cat that was ready to devour the little bird. The wine calmed her nerves, thankfully, and her bare foot seemed to have a mind of its own, but her beau didn't seem to mind in the least. Belle was not the vixen, nor was she one to seduce a man. Most what she knew, she learned from reading and all what she had experienced came from a narrow minded, one-shot beefy guy that took no time for romance. Belle had never been romanced, never been wooed and never felt the allure in being with someone, until she met Rumplestiltskin. As unconventional as their relationship was in the beginning, it matured to something much greater and much more intimate than she ever could have expected. Being with Rumple in Storybrooke brought out another side of her. It helped her realize who she was and what she wanted. The proof stood before her, dressed in fine threads of this world, sharing a bottle of wine and allowing her to set the course of their intimacy. He had been the man she wanted, he had wooed her, he had pursued her, he was courting her and he was gentle with her. Which was why when he turned his head to look at the television to see the latest weather update, she never wanted to tear his clothes off and force him to make-love to her right there on the counter top so badly in her life!
"Looks like we're going to get it pretty hard all night and throughout the day tomorrow-" he was cut off immediately by a yank of his red silk tie.
Belle caught him off guard, bringing him close and spreading her legs to let him step between them. She locked her ankles behind his thighs, pulling him tight against the counter and grinning wickedly at him, making his pulse quicken with the newfound desire that settled within her. "Then, it looks like you're going to have to be the one that keeps me warm," she cooed, still holding his tie like a leash.
He let out a slight gasp as she beckoned him like a Siren, never believing that this gentle creature could harbor the feelings she did towards him. Worlds apart, two souls were reunited and now currently as close as two could be in the confines of his big pink house. Her lips called to him, glistening sweetly in the low lighting of the room, as her chestnut curls fell around her shoulders like a curtain revealing a brilliant performance. He reached to stroke her soft cheek, prolonging the impending kiss and taking a last moment to contemplate the consequences of what all of this was leading to.
The moment was fleeting and he finally closed his mouth over hers, savoring her swollen nibbled lips and tasting the remnants of the cabernet they shared. Starting out slow, he slid his lips over hers, sucking her lower one softly, intensifying the pressure, and following it up with a gentle nip. She moaned quietly against his mouth, meeting his tongue suckle for suckle, and then pulling apart to sigh contently.
She finally released his tie, but did not release the grip her ankles had around his waist. Keeping him close, and solidifying the message she was sending, Belle slowly eased herself to the edge of the counter. No longer as protective of her modesty hidden by the skirt of her dress, her juncture pressed against his belt, sheathed only by thin lacy fabric he had yet to see. As she slid her hands up along his waistcoat, over the lapels of his buttoned shirt and around his neck, her fingers slid into his hair. She looked up to see a man who cherished the closeness, not the cruel eyes of a predator. His eyes were gentle, loving and as they basked in the tranquility of their newfound proximity, Belle gave a subtle thrust of her hips to slide against his rather noticeable bulge.
Rendering him weak in the knees momentarily, he pulled her close and buried his face in her hair, allowing the scent of her arousal fill all of his senses. He repositioned himself to allow some relief to the firmness in his trousers, resulting in better positioning to press against her center and feeling the warmth through the fabric. She clung to him tighter, grinding once again, eliciting a rather innocent moan from her that was unexpected.
Rumple pulled back, holding her face between his hands, searching for a plea, an out, anything to tell him not to continue. What he found was a yearning, a begging, a desperation of desire that she wanted from him. Eyes of love spoke to him silently, willing him to continue, and nothing about them said he needed to stop.
He leaned in and kissed her softly as he cradled her face, burying his hand into her soft waves while his other hand reached behind him to cradle her calf that tensed around him at his touch. Very slowly, he began to caress the soft skin behind her knee, allowing his fingers to gently tease its way upward. Not wanting to push her, he was cautious when he reached the top of her knee, hesitating only a second before gliding along the outside of her thigh. He waited for a protest, but instead felt her nibble his lower lip in a way to encourage his exploration. His fingers met the bottom hem of her dress skirt and she mewled against his mouth when he met the lower seam of her panties along her hip.
She ran her fingers to the tips of his hair, gently pulling and tugging with the same level of intensity that was slowly beginning to burn warmer and warmer, like the log he put on the fire. His left hand mirrored his right and both were placed under her skirt, now gently kneading her outer thighs, offering pressure that insinuated his growing passion for the young woman spread on his counter. He slowly slid his hands under her thighs, circling around her rear where he gave a firm thrust. She only clutched to him tighter and her hands scratched at the back of his scalp encouraging more. Just shy of dry humping, he made very small thrusts against her so that their clothed parts met and felt heat of the pleasant pressure.
Tearing his lips from hers as he started to grind a little harder against her on the counter, he wanted to see the pleasure on her face, hoping it was as well received from her as it was for him. Practically drunk on lust, she looked up at him, her lips swollen and her breath panting, she nodded her head for him to proceed. Needing to taste her flesh, he trailed his lips along her jaw, running his tongue along her neck. He nipped harder, marking her for his own preservation and if anyone saw them, they would know that she belonged to him. As she threw her head back, allowing him easier access to run his tongue over the smooth flesh, she pressed the back of his head against her, wanting him to bite her harder. His teeth teased along her tender areas, laving her with kisses as he worked his way back up along her ear lobe where he growled his arousal.
She balanced herself on his counter using him as her ground, welcoming his advances and moaning in absolute glee that he was tasting and touching her. His hands were hot against her skin and his gentle teases at her waist were about to be her undoing, for the very way he slid his fingers along the waist band of her panties, coming oh so close to her apex, was making her incredibly wet. His subtle thrusts continued, forcing her to acknowledge the harder length of him that was practically bursting from his pants, tethered back by a zipper.
To an outside eye, should a voyeur look in on them, their positioning was one that should have been painted. The maiden was presented before her beloved, limbs wrapped around each other protectively, and doing their best to keep the outside world at bay. Together they shared their moments and their whispers, while the sound of breathing was their only company. Their unity together, even clothed, made them believe that they were the only people in the world to feel as right as they did.
Feeling the courage to enhance their stimulation, nimble fingers busied themselves with loosening his tie. The ends fell around his shoulders as she moved to the buttons on his waistcoat. Her initiated undressing was received by harder, faster kissing that built up the passion so quickly that she needed to pull away for breath, but also with a whisper of his name. He had been worked up by the sensation of her fingers unbuttoning halfway down his chest, that the sound of a small growl was an indication of the inner beast he claimed to be. He repeated her name with an equally breathy passion as plundered her mouth greedily with his tongue. Affections were a part of breathing, both mutually repeating what the other had said.
Tasting the slight salt of her skin, inhaling the fragrance of her perfume and having her within his grasp were more than he could comprehend. This incredible woman that was as beautiful as the sun was bright, both inside and out, illuminated like a beacon of light in a long tunnel of darkness. His lips slid against her skin easily, mechanically, like he had done this many times before. He felt like he needed to make up for the lost time with her, make it up to her, make it up to himself and try to look forward. She made his heart soar to new levels, higher than the moon above them, to the deepest depth of the oceans surrounding them. She was his.
Softer kisses of praise followed harder panting ones and she paused to cradle his face between her palms in order to slow down and press her forehead against his. Her words needed to be heard and not over hasty kisses or passionate love bites. "Rumple, I want to give you everything that I am."
The air between them was thick, heavy, passionate and he replied almost desperately, like he'd run a marathon, "I don't deserve that."
"I want to be with you," she added with a slow hard grind, emphasizing her point.
Nervous that they had finally reached the breaking point, but heated with heavy desire for the woman who wanted him so freely, he answered, "I definitely don't deserve that."
Her fingers feathered his hair and offered him a reassuring smile. A warm sensation filled her stomach, thrilling her that their relationship was about to advance in their romantic endeavors. "Happy Valentine's Day, Rumple," she said with a sweet simple kiss.
He was quietly stunned, wondering what he had done in his very long life to deserve such an incredible creature that seemed to love him unconditionally. It was difficult to comprehend the magnitude of the "gift" she was offering him, never believing for one second that he would ever take her for granted again. He could not speak, he could only listen.
He kissed her again, wanting to heat up the kiss, but she pulled away pressing a hand against his chest. "But, I need to tell you," she swallowed nervously, proceeding with her secret, "I'm no longer a maiden."
"I'm not either," he teased, his gold tooth peeking from his grin. He quickly leaned in to leave a trail of wet passionate kisses along her neck, tasting every bit of her now that he was granted absolute permission. He couldn't get enough of her!
Her giggle made his heart flutter and he proceeded to cross under her neck to the other side. Like a race car slowly revving up his engine, he pushed against her, only to settle down again. His lips yearned to taste every bit of exposed skin above her chest. He nibbled for her jugular, nipped her earlobe and growled in her ear while he used his best practices to tame the inner beast from ripping her dress off and taking her unceremoniously on his kitchen counter. He felt her fingers unbuttoning his waistcoat, freeing him of at least one piece of clothing by pushing it off his shoulders to the floor. His mind was reeling from the reality of their situation and what was happening.
"Was it Leo," he asked in a low husky voice, sighing against her skin. The idea of another man partaking in this luscious dessert of his was nothing he could argue, for he had not staked a claim in her life, yet. At least, he hoped it wasn't when he was in her life.
"Gaston," she answered in a very breathy tone, distracted by his touch. This jarred him enough to immediately cease his ministrations and pull back to look at her. His eyes searched her face for further explanation, trying to read if it was a good or bad experience. However, it made him very curious for it was not common for a knight to deflower a Lady before her wedding night in their land if she was unwilling. Plagued by haunted thoughts of dishonor to his princess, Rumplestiltskin ran a single finger along her flushed cheek, wondering why it had happened before its time. Not so much that she wasn't a maiden for him, those things weren't as valued in this world, but this confession rendered him quite curious. Belle sensed his concern and she put him at ease. "It wasn't a particularly nice experience," she explained, unable to meet his eyes. "He figured since we were to be married anyway, he didn't find it necessary to wait. It wasn't a time I would note as special."
Rumplestiltskin ran his fingertips along her cheek and under her chin, wishing he could take those memories away from her mind. Disgusted that such a horrible man would take her unwillingly, he found the word, "monster" coming easily off his lips.
"In that case, yes he was," she said quietly, letting him caress her features in such a delicate manner that it gave her the courage to forget about it in order to create better memories with said act. Her secret weighed her down and telling it to him only strengthened their relationship more, allowing her to let him into her heart even deeper than he already resided. She finally met his eyes again and finished, "Leo just followed in this world."
"My darling, Belle," he consoled, offering the gentlest of chaste kisses, "I promise not to be a beast like that."
Their kiss was slow starting, but progressed rather quickly as he consumed her mouth, feeling her tongue slide freely against his. Doing his best to convey his passion for her, she responded with equal attempts to dominate their kiss. He felt her fingers begin the path down his shirt, undoing each button with skill and precision that he started to feel a slight draft; she was already halfway down pulling his shirt open to expose his chest. His hands slipped back under her dress, caressing her thighs while letting his thumbs just barely graze the juncture between her legs.
She cooed against his mouth, urging him to tease her more, hoping for a much more intimate touch. She gripped the ends of his tie, pulling him closer like the reins on a horse and nudging herself even harder against him. She practically panted against his mouth as the friction of his thrusts and the tease of his thumbs made her more and more moist.
One of his hands slid out from under the hem of the dress and around to her rear in order to slide his fingers up along her zipper. Finding the metal tab, he began to pull it down very slowly, as if waiting for any kind of protest. The anticipation of undressing her was burning hard into him, wanting to see and taste every supple curve she had, starting from her neck and down to her toes, possibly stopping somewhere in the middle.
Her hands roamed freely along his bare chest, feeling the contours of his slim, but muscular physique. Sparse hair lay between his smooth pecks leading a light trail down his stomach and disappearing somewhere below his belly button. She licked her lips as her eyes feasted upon him, memorizing every inch of him when the urge to lick his chest overcame her. She felt him shudder beneath her touch the second her lips touched his skin. She kissed where her hands caressed, giving grateful attention to each of his own nipples, nipping those with her teeth. She heard him hiss through his teeth.
His fingers trembled on her zipper as her tongue grazed his nipple, executing a very audible gasp from the sensation. His cock twitched as it was tightly confined in his pants while his greatest desire was for her to do nothing more than to bite him as hard as she wanted.
He managed to get her zipper down all the way with some kind of hidden will he mustered from the only notion that she would be out of the dress soon. No sooner had he impressed himself with this skills was she leaning up and taking her arms out of it. The fabric of the flimsy gown fell forward, exposing a black and pink lace bra that left very little to the imagination.
Basking at her beauty as it heaved before him, he managed to whisper, "Beautiful."
Pleased that her recent purchase had not disappointed, she whispered in his ear, "It's all for you."
The most powerful man in all the realms swallowed nervously, his mouth now going dry, and placed his hands gently beneath her lifted bosoms. She all but shoved her chest further into his palms, wanting him to touch and feel her as he intended. Her nipples peaked through the fabric, urging him to fondle her properly and with very little encouragement, he tested her tender points by running his thumbs over them.
She held her breath as he touched freely now, biting her lip and watching his eyes devour her like a hungry wolf. His hands were firm, but gentle; her panties dripped due to the proper groping. It was hard to contain the emotions welling up inside of her. It felt like some cosmic force was pulling her towards him as the two of them remained in the kitchen half dressed and horny. Though no magic existed in this world, by the time the evening ended, there would be.
Watching him fondle her chest with his sexy chest exposed created a different thirst in her that needed quenching. The dominating urge overcame her and she pulled him back to her in order to press their bodies together, not allowing any space between them above or below. Words were not necessary to tell him she was seeking some kind of release. Obviously a physical one, she forced her ankles to pull him tighter against her, eliciting a groan from both parties at the harder friction. Their skin tingled with the sensations as they drew out the inevitable and explored each others' mouths like it was their last night in this world. Becoming one was necessary and though they truly needed to pull apart and completely undress in order to find such a release, neither one of them budged. They just pawed one another like animals hard in heat, wanting to prolong the moment.
Sensing a need, Rumple snuck a hand between them and found her inhibited spot. She purred loudly that further sensation was given at his hand, though only a light tough to feel the wetness of her panties, that it was enough to cause a sighing cry. The brief touch of his fingers erupted a new volcano of lust and soon both of them were hard at meeting their most sensitive parts with clothed thrusts. She with only lace protecting her and him with an expensive pair of Armani pants he was sure to ruin if he allowed it. Instead, he suppressed the urge to spend himself and allowed her to enjoy their proper humping. With the freedom to do so, she started to grind harder against him, feeling his stiffness with every stimulating pulse. Rumplestiltskin could only watch as his wanton beauty rocked her hips against his, clinging desperately to him as she proceeded to take her pleasure from him. Nearing her first climax, she quickened her pace, closing her eyes and throwing her head back as the power took her. He could only hold her, letting her drive herself against him, watching her take certain liberties and tremble in its wake as she cried out in pleasure...
His trance was jarred as a very loud and abrupt knock was heard on his front door. Her eyes flew open, looking to him as she continued to grind, not wanting to terminate the pleasure before its undoing.
He gripped her waist tighter, thrusting against her harder, not breaking their connection, "Don't stop, darling! Take your pleasure, my love!" She nodded, throwing her head back in ecstasy as they ignored the second knock. After a few more seconds, Belle's body trembled, meeting its release and mouthing a cry as she clutched his body like a lifeline after coming apart by the mere sensation of his cock in his pants pressed up against her panties.
There wasn't enough time given for the bliss afterwards that Belle was gently nudging Rumple backwards in order to slip off the counter onto weak legs. They smiled at one another, knowing that they weren't truly alone, but that their evening was also not over. Proving so, she slipped her arms back into dress and buttoned a few buttons on his open dress shirt. Rumple watched on as she dressed both him and herself, before leaving feather-like kisses on his cheek.
"Why don't you see who is at the door, send them off and then come find me upstairs?" she asked, leaving the top two buttons undone.
With a slow smile he said, "I can do that."
She spun around where she stood and went around the kitchen counter, grabbing her little overnight bag on the way up the staircase. Rumple watched her until she disappeared upstairs before starting to walk towards the front door. He adjusted himself, knowing that there was only so much he could do after dry fucking a beautiful woman on his kitchen counter, so instead he just prepared a nasty greeting once he reached the door. He rounded the corner towards the foyer and saw a shadow of someone bobbing nervously behind his stained glass front door. Wishing he still had magic in order to turn this person into a snail and then crush him with his boot, he swung the front door open.
"Sir, I am here to make sure Miss Anna gets home safely," said Leo.