Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
"You need a haircut."
Mr. Gold opened his eyes and lifted his head to look up at Belle."You can give me one when we get back. I'm just happy it's not completely gray yet."
She laughed and ran her hand through his hair again. He smiled and dropped his head back onto her lap once again."You can hardly notice it, and I like it."
He let out a content sigh."And I love that you like it."
"I'm not sure who likes to be petted more, you or Draco."
Gold tilted his head and looked at the dog currently chasing the squirrels in the park."Definitely me. I'm not leaving this spot for a while."
"You sure you're not just lazy?"
"If I am, it's your fault. Your food puts me to sleep."
His wife placed her hands on his shoulders and looked down at him."Maybe I should just stop cooking then."
He took her hand and kissed it."I'll be quiet now."
Belle leaned back and opened her book again. Gold sighed and felt her use his head as a rest for it. He didn't mind. A soft breeze blew over them bringing the scent of flowers from nearby over to them. He was now glad that Belle had made him take the day off. Too relaxed to get up, he used his cane to pull the basket Belle had brought towards him. After a moment of rummaging through it, Gold finally pulled out one of the cookies Belle had made. Above him, Belle felt her husband shift and looked up from her book.
"Rum! This is your sixth one today. I swear you're addicted to them."
Gold ate half of the cookie in one bite before answering,"Maybe I am, but they're good!"
"You're hopeless,"Belle said, shaking her head.
"Yes. Hopelessly in love with you and your baking,"he replied before polishing off the rest of the cookie."What book are you reading today?"
Belle knew that he was trying to change to the subject but answered anyway."A collection of Greek myths I found in the library."
"Ah. Sounds cheerful,"he said sarcastically.
"Don't laugh. Some of them are pretty good, and they all teach you a valuable lesson."
"Such as?"
She thought for a moment."Like the story of Narcissus. If he hadn't been so vain and in love with himself, he wouldn't have died the way he did."
"You have a point. Which one is your favorite so far?"
"The story of Persephone."
Mr. Gold smiled at her choice. He knew the story and was not surprised that it was Belle's favorite."A young girl is taken from her home with her single parent to live forever in a dark castle far away with a man who is feared far and wide. Sounds rather familiar, doesn't it?"
Belle smiled and rested her hands on his shoulders again."You know it does sound a bit like a couple I know."
"Oh?"
"Yes."She gave his shoulders a light squeeze."Though not exactly tall and dark, the man is as handsome as they describe Hades to be, and he can still be scary if he were to try hard enough."
"Must you insult my height? I was this size even before was I crippled."
"Sorry. At least you're taller than Leroy and the other dwarfs,"She said with a laugh."Besides, your size makes people underestimate you. I know I did when first saw you."
"You did?"
"Yes, I did. I'd heard stories of the feared Dark One, but when you appeared, my first thought was 'I thought he'd be bigger'."
"I'm guessing Gaston did as well since he ended up like Pirithous as decoration in a castle."
"That boy is still slightly terrified of you because of it, love."
Gold smiled evilly."Good."
"You are a very twisted individual."
"You love me regardless."
"That I do. It's also one of the many reasons people question my sanity."
He patted her hand sympathetically."Don't worry, dearie. They question mine as well."
"I know. I question it sometimes. Your little mood swings terrified me when I first moved in with you."
Gold smiled once again and chuckled."I know."
Belle glared down at him."You did it on purpose, didn't you?"He said nothing but didn't stop smiling. She smacked his shoulder."You're an ass, Rum."
"You were the first person to live with me in years. I wanted to have my fun. Can you really blame me?"
Her glare remained for a moment before a small smile formed."No. You enjoy messing with people far too much, and I was the perfect target."
"I knew you'd see things my way."
"You're still an ass."
"I know, but I'm your ass."
Belle simply laughed at him and picked up her book again. Mr. Gold settled his head on her lap once more and closed his eyes. Yes. A day off was just what he needed.
TBC