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Ever since the Queen's visit, Rumpelstiltskin had been on edge. Belle had told him what had happened in the woods, and he immediately wanted to go kill the witch. Belle had stopped him by pointing out that she probably expected him to do that.

"Besides,"she'd said."She was obviously shocked to see you still the Dark One with me in your lap. So, I either hadn't kissed you yet, or it must not be True Love. Given the rumors, she probably believes the latter, but both are true as of now."

Again, she had been right. This gave them an edge, but it didn't stop him from being nervous. He began triple checking the spells he had laid out around the castle to protect her. However, all magic came at a price. Belle could see that he was practically dead on his feet and sighed. She didn't want to do this, but he left her no alternative. Removing his dagger from its sheath, Belle went to his room and called him. As she expected, he was there in a flash and confused.

"Belle. What are you doing?"

"What I should have done sooner."She raised the dagger for him to see."Rumpelstiltskin, strip."

"WHAT?"He then began fighting to keep his arms at his sides.

Belle could help it then. She had to laugh at the look on his face."I've already seen you naked. You don't have to be embarrassed."He was blushing now, she was sure.

"That...That was an accident."

"I know, but I still remember it fondly. If it'll make you feel better, I settle for just your shirt and boots."

Good. He was already tired, and fighting the dagger wasn't easy. After complying, he spread his arms out."Satisfied?"

"Almost. Now, into bed with you."He teleported there against his will and landed on the soft mattress. When was the last time he'd come to bed? He didn't remember it being so nice. Belle came and stood over him with a smile."Comfy?"

He stretched like a cat, and they both heard several of his bones pop."Ooh. Better than my chair. If you wanted to get me into bed, dearie, all you had to do was ask."

"I know but keeping you there would have been a problem without this. Now, roll over."

He did as he was told but grumbled,"I'm not a dog, love."

He heard her laugh before he felt a weight on his back. Belle was straddled him easily and held down his shoulder when he tried to move. When he stopped struggling, she began massaging him."I know, but you've been working yourself like one. You need a break, Rum."

Damn that felt good. Where had she learned that? Rumpelstiltskin felt his body relax of its own accord."Can't. Gotta protect you."

"I'm fine. I have the Dark One and a dragon guarding me in this castle. I know you'll keep me safe. Now try and relax, please?"

He sighed but it sounded more like a moan."Alright. I'll stop working so late and try to relax."

"Good. You can start by not leaving this bed for a while and getting some sleep."

He adjusted his shoulders on the pillows."Can you finish the massage first?"

She laughed again."Of course, Rum."

He was tenser than he'd been when the Queen visited, but Belle's hands seemed to work magic on the knots. After a few minutes, he felt himself relax completely and began dozing off. Belle noticed him and stopped. She got off of him and was about to leave when he grabbed her wrist.

"Don't leave."

"Wouldn't dream of it."

He smiled a bit and rolled over to face her. After stripping down enough to be comfortable, Belle crawled into bed next to him. Rumpel's arm wrapped around her, pulled her back to his chest. She didn't mind even when her buried his nose in her hair. She smelled heavenly and allowed him to have a moment of peace. It wasn't long before he began to snore softly, completely asleep. Belle smiled to herself and ran her fingers along his arm. Beauty had tamed the Beast after all.

TBC