Summary: Mr. Gold is freed like he knew he would be and he as drawn to the hospital, down to the basement where he found her.

Disclaimer: I own nothing of the show or the characters.

Rating: T+

Pairing: Belle/Rumpelstiltskin

FINDING BELLE:

In the Fairy Tale world Rumpelstiltskin walked through the enchanted doors of his castle to utter silence. He could tell that all the chores were done; there was even fresh straw at the wheel, but Belle was no where to be found. "Belle!" Rumpelstiltskin called out feeling a bit nervous that she had taken this time to run away. The last time he had come home to find the castle empty Belle had been out on the grounds lying in the sun. He waited for her to answer and heard nothing. Moving through another set of doors he set off to look for her.

Down in the lower part of the Dark Castle, Rumpelstiltskin heard the hiss of hot coals being dropped into water. What was going on? He wondered. Making a motion, one of the gossamer curtains moved aside revealing Belle wrapped in a thin black cloth, her right shoulder marred black and blue. She was dropping reddened coals into the deep stone tub. Putting out of his mind that she was half-naked his eyes went back to the bruise covering her whole right shoulder. "What happened?" he asked sharply making her jump.

Belle had felt his eyes on her, knew he was watching her. She would wait for him to say something. Right now all she could focus on was the searing pain in her shoulder. Belle had been going through her chores; dusting his collection. Today she decided to polish one of the suits of armor he had in the North wing. Something had come loose, falling back against her, pinning her sharply to the wall. It was a half an hour before she was able to squeeze free. The armor was heavy. Belle turned to him unconcerned with her appearance, "I got stuck." She said.

"Got stuck where?" As far as he knew there was no where in his castle that someone could get stuck.

"Between a rock and a hard place," Belle snapped. It was the pain more than anything that had her acting this way, "I'm sorry." She hurriedly added.

"I understand." Rumpelstiltskin inclined his head. Motioning to the ledge he muttered, "Sit on the ledge and let me take a look."

"It's not bad. I just need a hot bath and I'll be fine." Belle reasoned. The warm water would soothe away the pain and allow her some measure of relief.

"Belle," Rumpelstiltskin made his tone soft, gentle. Just knowing that she was hurt pushed him to be gentle with her. "Please?"

Belle relented. Using her left hand she slid up on the ledge to sit while she gingerly kept her right arm wrapped over her stomach. Rumpelstiltskin stepped closer to her. He hadn't been that close since he caught her when she fell off the ladder. Belle rested her hand in her lap trying not to move too fast for fear more pain would over take her senses. His palm, as warm as it was, touched her shoulder and pain prickled under her skin. Instantly her left hand gripped the first thing it could; his hip.

Rumpelstiltskin grit his teeth at the feeling of her fingers on his hip, "Belle, how much pain are you in?" He asked with a smile tugging at his lips, begging to shine through. She was touching him.

"Not much," Belle answered lying through her teeth. As soon as he touched her pain exploded. It took all of her will power not to yelp in pain. He was offering to help her.

"Really dearie? Cause your fingers are digging into my hip." He pointed out. Her hand dropped, instead fisting in the black wrap around cloth she wore. Rumpelstiltskin took her hand and put it back where it had been, and patted it gently. He didn't mind so much, there was no pain in her touch. "I'll try to be as gentle as I can."

"It's not so bad," Belle mumbled once again digging her fingers in his leather clad hip. He was only trying to help her; that warmed her heart. Perhaps he wasn't as evil as he seemed to be.

"What happened?" He asked again. As far as he could tell she only had a deep bruise. Dropping his hand he waited for her to answer him.

"It was stupid." Belle looked away from him. "I was in the north wing tending to your collection when I noticed one of the suits of armor looked a little tarnished." She bit her bottom lip recalling how foolish she had been. Couldn't she see how wobbly it was? She couldn't leave well enough alone. "In what seemed like a good idea at the time, I thought would restore some of the gleam to the metal. Big mistake as it turned out."

Rumpelstiltskin tipped her head back so she looked at him, "As long as you're alright." The bruise on her shoulder tore at him. She was supposed to be safe here. There was nothing in his home that could possibly cause her harm, or so he had thought. Later he would take care of the armor. "I have a salve that will help with the pain, if you…"

"Please…"Belle said dropping her hand. The pain had passed. Rumpelstiltskin stepped from her passing through the curtain and out of the room. She rested her left hand on the stone and leaned craning her neck to try and see him again. But it was no use, he was gone. Belle took this chance to slip into the hot water. A deep sigh of relief escaped her when the water enveloped her sore shoulder. Sinking down further in the water, Belle went under. Even under the water she could hear her name being called. Coming back up she wiped the water out of her eyes and said, "I'm here."

Rumpelstiltskin had gone to the tower of his Castle where all of his ingredients were kept for making his various potions when he wanted to muddle around. When he had been human he had been afflicted with severe pain in his leg from a bygone injury he had suffered. He had learned quickly how to make a salve that dulled the pain and soothed while aided in healing. Gathering what he needed Rumpelstiltskin used his magic to combine everything into a healing salve. With just a snap of his fingers the ingredients turned into whatever he wanted. Sometimes there were advantages to being the Dark One.

Back down in the lower part of the Castle, he called out to her and then heard the tell tale sound of water lapping at stone. Belle rose out of the water like a water nymph but the bruise on her shoulder drew his attention. "Here, this should help." He spoke.

Belle blinked water out of her eyes seeing the hesitation in his stance. She moved to the edge careful to keep her right arm tucked against her. "Could you…" Motioning to the bruise with her left hand. Belle liked the feeling of his hand on her shoulder. It had soothed the pain.

Rumpelstiltskin should have handed her the salve and left her to soak in the water in peace. Yet, his feet walked of their own accord over to her, to where she sat on the ledge. Water droplets dripped from her hair down her supple soft flesh and soaked into the black cloth she wore around her. What was left of his heart nearly beat out of his chest at the thought of touching her again. Belle moved aside her wet hair revealing more of her back to him. Rumpelstiltskin actually felt his hand start to shake. He was trembling. The Dark One. If it wasn't so laughable he might have been worried. She was only a woman.

Belle waited with bated breath. He hadn't touched her yet and it only made the anticipation all the more palpable. What had possessed her to ask him to help? He was Rumpelstiltskin; the most powerful man in their world. She had to be out of her mind. Then his fingers touched her shoulder lightly spreading an icy salve on her skin that smelled of roses. "It's cold."

"I know," he muttered gently rubbing the balm into her skin. "Soon it will be as warm as the water you're sitting in." Rumpelstiltskin stepped closer to her trying not to be intoxicated by her. Angling his head he worked more of the salve into the bruise that ad spread to just under her collar bone. Her skin was so supple, so soft; it yielded under his hand, warmed to his touch. It was drawing him in, taking his mind down roads he would rather not travel. Belle could make him think of things long put out of his mind. She took up too many of his thoughts, but he would not banish them.

A moan sounded in the silence between them. Belle was so relaxed as he rubbed the gently warming salve in her bruised flesh; all the pain had fled. His fingers were so strong, yet gentle and tender as her injured skin started to heal. She had almost leaned her head back to rest against his chest. When they realized, both froze. He took his hand from her shoulder and Belle sank back down into the warm water. Hurriedly she said, "Thank you, that feels much better."

"Of course," Rumpelstiltskin vanished appearing in the main hall right at the edge of the table. He started to pace a furious line up and down the length of the table wondering what had possibly motivated him to remain with her, helping to heal her pain. What had gotten into him? Looking over at his wheel he couldn't even bring himself to spin, to try and forget. He wanted to have the memory of her skin burned into his finger tips. Rumpelstiltskin lifted his right hand, drawing the tips down his cheek feeling what it had been like to touch her, smelling the scent of roses. It was heaven. It was happiness. She made him happy.

Belle sat in the bath thinking about him, about the feel of his hand on her. It had been the most exquisite experience of her young life. He had demanded nothing of her. He had only offered to help soothe her pain. What was happening between them? Her time here so saw him as a man even though he projected to everyone that he was a monster. There was this mask he liked to wear, a mask of cruelty and indifference. All he cared about was the deals he could make; the lessons that he could teach. "All magic comes with a price." She smiled. He said that all the time. Belle lifted her left hand lightly touching her collar bone. Rumpelstiltskin had been so tender when he touched her. Could her heart get so entangled with him? Belle was afraid he was already too engrained on her.

For what seemed like hours Rumpelstiltskin stood at one of the windows resting his head against the cool glass looking out at his frozen realm, his arms were crossed over his chest. He lived in the mountains where it was isolated; no one came here unless they needed something. He was left in peace. Or at least he was until he had wanted Belle in payment. She was special, precious even. He knew this. It was plain to see. Anyone who gazed upon Belle for more than a second knew she was a shining light; more precious than gold or silver. What was he doing keeping her here? She belonged with her family. Even though he knew that, Rumpelstiltskin would still keep her here with him. Sending her away now would only serve to distract him. It was better that she was here. But for how long could he keep her here before the Queen found some way to use her against him. It was coming. He knew this for a fact. The Queen hated to see anyone happy.

As if on cue the doors magically opened and in swept the Queen in one of her elaborate outfits with leather encasing her body. Rumpelstiltskin turned, keeping his arms crossed; he angled his head, "Your majesty, to what do I owe this unexpected visit?" He emphasized the word unexpected.

"Rumpel," The Queen smiled evilly, "I was hoping to catch you at home."

"Where else would I be?" He asked thanking whatever Gods were listening that Belle was still in the lower levels of the castle soaking in the bath. This mask he hated the most, being friendly with her, or at least conveying a mild dislike. Even the Queen had to bend to make a deal with him. He was the one with the greater power between them.

"Oh, I don't know. Out and about making your little deals." The Queen strode to the table where a pot of tea rested empty cups waiting to be filled with tea. She made a move to pour tea into the one with a chipped edge when it vanished from the tray. Looking back at the Dark One it was in his hand well out of her reach. His look was unfriendly at best, almost chilly. "You're touchy today Rumpel. It's only a cup," She snickered.

"Is there something that I can do for you dearie?" He had to hurry her along.

"I need something from you with a payment of your choice." The Queen said reaching for another cup and pouring herself some tea. "Snow White has become a nuisance again. Her and those rabble of dwarfs she cavorts around with."

"Have you tried poison?" He inquired snidely outwardly appearing bored with her while inside he counted the minutes until she would get on with why she was here. The faster she got to the point the faster she would leave and Belle would be safe from her for one more day.

"To try poison, I would need to know where she is… and I don't." The Queen snapped turning her angry gaze on Rumpelstiltskin who stood by the window looking like he didn't care. Though, she could tell something was on his mind by the way he was holding the chipped tea cup. What or who could make the Dark one so preoccupied? "I want to know where she is."

"Why come to me?" Rumpelstiltskin stepped away from the window pinning his glare on her, "Certainly you have spies that could tell you her whereabouts."

"Do you not want to help me? Are you other wise occupied?" The Queen suggested looking around for some sign that another person was here.

"I'm not in the mood to deal today." He made sure to keep the madness in his voice. "Go away, but…" Rumpelstiltskin made a parchment, "So you don't leave empty handed. Here," He came to her showing her what was on it. "This is how you can find her for one week."

The Queen took the parchment, "Well, I'll take what I can get. When you're ready to collect your payment, you'll know where you can find me." Rather than deal with his touchy mood today she swept out through the main hall and back out to her carriage.

"Bye-bye dearie," he mocked waving at her. Inside he was snarling and growling at her to leave quicker. The Queen was the last person he had wanted to see today.

Belle had stopped mere inches from the door, the voice of Rumpelstiltskin reaching her. His tone told her that she should stay where she was and wait until it was clear for her to walk in. She listened as a woman spoke in a round about way of brokering a deal with him. He only sounded bored. During the many chores she had been doing around the Dark Castle, she had come across a small culvert where she could wedge herself in and see into the main hall without being seen in return. Belle made quick work of it; she slid easily enough into the crevice where she saw him in all his glory. Moments ago, or what seemed like moments, Rumpelstiltskin had been rubbing her shoulder. Time just stopped with him so close to her.

With the aid of the candle light she could see him and he was holding the cup she had chipped. Emotion tugged at her heart. He favored that cup more and more. Rumpelstiltskin made something appear, a map of sorts; she could see really well from this far away, but the woman in black didn't seem disappointed. Belle could read her body language, the woman was thrilled. The crackle of the fire in the hearth kept her from hearing what was being said between them. She should have stayed out in the hall then she could have heard everything but she wouldn't have been able to see him. The mask he wore when dealing with the woman confused Belle. When he was with her alone, he was gentle and playful. Here, before the woman in black, Rumpelstiltskin was who he was; a man of great power. Was her time with him alone another of his mask's as well? Belle hoped not. It would mean that he her life here was a lie.

From her hiding spot she could hear the doors open and the click of heals on the floor moving away. It was quiet in the hall. Belle would have to be even quieter as she slipped out of the culvert. There was a piece of stone sticking out that she forgot to avoid that caught her in her right shoulder. Before she could bite her lip to keep the yelp of pain quiet, Belle gave herself away. She squeezed out of the crevice coming face to face with Rumpelstiltskin. Right now Belle felt like a child getting caught being naughty.

He knew the instant she had started watching him. There was no sense in giving the game away while the Queen had still been in front of him. She would have latched on to any sign he was starting to care for the girl no living in his castle. Though, the way he moved the cup Belle had chipped from the tray might have betrayed him already. The Queen was gone and mere seconds after that he heard her yelp in pain. Then he knew she was in the tiny culvert that he had never been able to seal, just conceal with magic. Striding out the door he leaned against the wall with his arms crossed just as she squeezed free of the small space. "What are you doing?" He asked playfully when she turned to him.

Belle blushed, "Getting caught apparently." She brought her hand up and brushed aside of lock her hair that had fallen in her face. "I'm sorry."

Giving in just this once, he reached out to her drawing the backs of his fingers lightly up her jaw to caress her cheek, "No matter." His words were as soft as his touch. Then he saw the bruise again. "Does it still hurt?"

"Not so much anymore," Belle shook her head hoping he could keep his hand against her cheek. "Whatever you gave me really worked." She added suddenly feeling nervous in front of him.

Rumpelstiltskin stepped back clearing his throat, the spell she could cast over him broken. He tugged at the bottom of his vest noticing that Belle was still wrapped in the black cloth that was whispering provocatively around her knees. He was trying not to notice, not to yearn to feel her skin again. "When you're dressed we can dine in the main hall." Rumpelstiltskin strode away from her trying to still the savage beating of his heart.

Belle wasn't going to let him get away that easy. She followed him. Protocol dictated that she go to her room, get dressed, and then confront him. But she wasn't going to take the time. Belle followed on bare feet into the main hall where Rumpelstiltskin rested his forearm against the mantle of the hearth. With purpose she strode to him, standing in front of the powerful Dark One as if he was just a man. Belle would have to do this before she lost her nerve. He had helped her, not it was her turn to help him. "Take your vest off."

"What are you doing?" Rumpelstiltskin tried not to let his nervousness show, tried not to let her see that he wanted her touch more than anything. Belle reached for the top button of his vest but he caught her wrists in his hands. "Belle…"

"Let me show you the kindness you showed me." Belle bit her bottom lip taking her wrists from his grasp. She felt him inhale sharply, his chest jerked when she slipped the first button free and then the next, and the next, until she was pushing it off his shoulders and down his shoulders. Taking the crimson vest she walked over to the table in the center of the hall so she could set it on the top. Looking back at him Belle could see him frozen by the fire place. He looked like a mouse caught in a cage terror stricken in his eyes. Belle slowly walked to him to stand before him again.

Rumpelstiltskin had never had another human being touch in him in a very long time. He was a monster only interested in making deals. No one wanted him around for longer than they had to have him. But here was Belle, a beauty with a generous heart who saw beyond the skin, beyond the eyes of his persona of the Dark One. She saw him, saw into his heart. Belle took his hands in hers to pull him towards the table. Against his better judgment he went willingly, each step he took he was sure he would stumble into her, but he never faltered. With the last shred of concentration he could muster Rumpelstiltskin mentally, magically, sealed the doors to his Castle and to the gates. No one would get in until he wanted them to.

Belle stopped when she felt the edge of the table hit her. She let go of his hands to sit on the edge like she had done many times before while she watched him drink his tea. "Turn around," Her words were no more than a whisper dancing on the air. He actually obeyed her, turning, showing her his back clad in the copper colored silk shirt tucked into his leather pants feeding into his over the knee boots. Belle had actually marveled at him a time or two as he walked away from her. With a shaky breath she set her hands on his shoulders, lightly digging her fingers into his muscles for the first time. There was so much tension in him. He carried the weight of people's desires on his shoulders.

Inside he was shaking terribly at her light touch. She willingly was touching him, trying to ease the tension in his body. But she was only making it worse, causing his eyes to roll back in his head from the feeling of her fingers kneading his shoulders finding knots he never knew he had. Belle leaned into him; put all her strength into her touch. All of the stress the Queen had caused him from her short visit vanished. She was taking him away on the wings of pleasure. His skin tingled, his heart raced, and his breathing grew labored. Rumpelstiltskin had to stop her, had to put a stop to this. Only, he couldn't, Belle felt too good rubbing his shoulders. He moaned at the simple pleasure of it all that he had never experienced before until Belle.

The instant she touched him, he started to shake, "Why are you shaking?" Belled asked taking her hands from him. Rumpelstiltskin turned to her taking her hands and putting them back on his shoulders while staring directly into her eyes.

"Believe it or not dearie, no one has ever done this for me before." He said closing his eyes. Her hands came up to cup his face. Giving in just once, and only once, Rumpelstiltskin leaned into her touch taking as much comfort from her as he could. B morning his walls would e back in place and she would once again be at arms length. At least, until the next time his human side bled through breaking through all his defenses.

"I don't understand why." There was nothing wrong with him that she could see. He had a beauty all his own, from the fierceness of his eyes, to the hue of his skin, and the lean build of his body. Belle was drawn in by him the more she stayed with him. If she remained longer her she might actually fall in love with him…

MR. GOLD'S SHOP:

In Storybrooke, in Gold's pawn shop, the only sounds to be heard were that of heavy breathing. Back in the work room, with his renewed powers, his renewed strength Gold held Belle against him, in his arms. His hands grasped the back of her jean clad thighs allowing him to pick her up, walk with her in his arms to the work bench sitting near by. He set her down none too gracefully, Belle never noticed. Her fingers were in his hair, her lips ravishing his mouth. They were pure raging power fed only by the other. As she breathed in, he could feel it, feel every inhale she took. It was intoxicating.

Belle was drowning in sensations from him. She could feel almost everything he was feeling; the beat of his heart like it was her own, the feeling of his lips as she kissed him. It was addictive. He was addictive. This power they had together was seductive. With just a thought she made his vest disappear. Belle stopped to look at what she had done. "Did I just do that?" she asked elation lighting her voice. Rumpelstiltskin stood before her without the vest. Said vest was behind her hanging patiently on the coat rack.

"You did that on instinct." Gold smiled with pride. "Think of what you could do when you master all of the magic coursing through you." Oh, the day that happened, she would be a force to be reckoned with. He angled his head sinking his teeth playfully into her pulse point. In exactly the same place on his neck, a transference of feeling tingled along his neck.

Belle moaned loudly, "I felt you feeling that." There were so many conflicting feelings, his and hers. She could feel it, feel him in a way she hadn't thought possible. "So many conflicting signals…" Belle licked her lips.

"That's a binding spell for you dearie," Gold kissed the underside of her chin, "We exist together. One heart, one soul," He breathed her in, filled his lungs with the scent of her. Using a small flick of his fingers, the buttons of her white blouse slipped free. "Just takes finesse." He moved his hand down her shoulders without touching her. The shirt followed as if on puppet strings revealing the sun gold camisole she was wearing. Belle pulled her arms free.

"Cute…" She sighed giving her powers another try. Something simple and easy. Belle crooked her finger trying to untie his purple tie. At first nothing happened making her frown. Gold only smiled at her and nodded for her to try again. Belle breathed in and felt something she hadn't felt before; a new line of power inside of her. The power was uniquely Rumpelstiltskin. It was his indelible mark on her soul. Tapping into that power, Belle let is flow through her. Everything seemed to glow when she opened her eyes. Again she crooked her finger and the tie slipped free of the neat knot.

"There you go dearie, I knew you could do it." Pride swelled within him. She was a natural at using magic. This, them together, was always where they were meant to end up. Belle was safe now, she was with him, and they were powerful together. In here eyes he saw a playfulness that mirrored his own. Then he felt his belt move. A wicked smile played over his lips. Gold leaned into her again, taking her lips in a fiery passionate kiss.

SHERIFF'S STATION:

Regina sat in her cell tapping the heel of her shoe on the floor trying in vain to keep her temper from exploding. Emma should have been here already letting her out of the cell, and yet, here she still sat waiting around like a common low life. This was the worst moment in her life. As more time slipped by Regina finally heard the tell tale sound of Emma walking down the hall. The foot falls were unmistakable. "It's about time you showed up." Regina called out when Emma walked in taking a sip of coffee. That was one thing she was in desperate need of.

"Well, I could have been here sooner, but..." Emma shrugged "I decided to sleep in on this fine Sunday morning." It wasn't good to gloat, Emma just couldn't help it. "Though, cheer up Regina, I'll be letting you out in a little while." With that said she strode to her office and started the paperwork to release Regina. Emma was going to take her sweet time with it.

"I will make you regret doing this to me, Ms. Swan." Regina promised going to stand at the door much like Rumpelstiltskin had days ago when they had had their little chat. His words rattled in her mind. He would make sure she suffered she was any where near his precious Belle. Would it be worth the risk to tempt discord and wrath from him? The up side she would have satisfaction of making him hurt. Then on the other he could do something drastic. 'Like take your son away.' A niggling little voice whispered in the back of Regina's mind. Gold would go as far as he had to just to ensure that she suffered. Henry would certainly fit the bill for hurting her. If Regina was to strike back then she would have to be careful about it, even more so than before. She was going to have to reposition all of her pawns to pull of the plan forming in her head.

Emma sat at her desk listening to the loud grinding wheels turn in Regina's head. She knew the mayor was planning something drastic. It wouldn't end well for someone once Regina was released and Emma had a feeling she knew who the target of Regina's rage was going to be. Pulling her cell phone from her pocket, Emma shot off a text message while under the guise of filling out paper work. She just hoped that her text was enough advanced warning.