The next day, Belle insisted on Rumplestiltskin joining her for a swim in the pool. No matter how hard she tried to convince him it would be fun, he wouldn't have it. He detested water.

Giving up on him, Belle walked over and placed her feet in the water. The temperature was so perfect that she felt a shame he wouldn't join her for a dip. Glancing over at Rumplestiltskin, who wasn't looking at her at the moment, she knew she was never going to convince him to get in the water. She sighed heavily deciding she was going to by herself then. Belle refused to leave without trying out the water, even if she had to do so alone.

Rumplestiltskin had a seat by the tree to watch Belle as she enjoyed the water before they left to continue on their journey. Thinking she was going to just sit and put her feet in the water, he sat up intrigued when he saw her shedding her dress and undergarments. The sight of her bare still made him nervous and excited even though they had been together many times.

Belle stepped into the clear crystal water, and sighed happily. It felt wonderful. She waded in until the water came just below her shoulders. She chose not to go any further because she didn't know how to swim. Crouching down so only her head was above water, she leaned back to enjoy it. She closed her eyes as she basked in the morning sun, and let her body relax. After a few minutes she decided to rinse herself off some since she didn't know how long it would be before they would come upon a bath again.

The water was so clean and clear, that she didn't feel dirty at all bathing in it. Once she was finished washing herself, she made her way back to the rock where she had left her clothes only to find they were no longer there. Confused for a split second she stared at the spot she had left them, but then it occurred to her what happened. She looked around to find her husband no longer where she left him. He wasn't in sight at all.

She rolled her eyes and called out, "Rumplestiltskin! Give me back my clothes right now!"

"Now why would I do a thing like that?"

She turned around and jumped because she was nose to nose with him. He was crouched down on the rock smirking at her impishly. She closed her eyes to catch her breath, "You startled me…" She was cut off because when she opened her eyes he wasn't there anymore. She looked around but he was gone again, "Rum?" There were no noises except for sounds of the woods: birds chirping, and the rustling of the leaves in the wind. "Rum?" She started to grow worried when he wouldn't answer her. "Rum, please don't leave me out here alone…"

Belle was frightened for a second when she felt a pair of hands grab her from behind, "I would never leave you alone." She relaxed after hearing her Rum's voice. He wrapped his arms around her and twirled her to where she was facing him, "Especially when I have you like this." He looked down, drinking in her beauty, then back at her face in time to notice a blush grace her features.

She looked him over to see he was completely nude shoulder deep in the water with her. She giggled, "I thought you loathed the water and didn't like getting wet?"

"Well when you said you were going to put your feet in the water, I didn't know feet meant your entire body, unclothed. I didn't realize what seeing you like this would do to me. I'm always willing to make an exception."

She looked at him teasingly, "For a price."

"And what do you suppose my price shall be?"

"I can only guess!"

Belle beamed at him as he let out a low rumble and crashed his lips against hers. She let the kiss go on for a moment, before giggling and trying to playfully pull away from him. He tightened his grip on her, and she rebuked by grabbing a handful of water and splashing him in the face.

Rumplestiltskin was stunned when the water hit him. He wasn't lying earlier when he said he didn't like water, so when he saw her looking at him coy and proud of herself, he grimaced. "Oh now you'll pay for that one dearest," he said as he lunged toward her, pulling her down into the deeper part of the spring where they could no longer touch bottom. Belle's head went slightly under the water, which caused her to panic, "Rum, stop! I can't swim!"

Rumplestiltskin pulled her closer to him, "Do you honestly think I'll let you drown?"

"No…but…"

"So you can calm down. I'll protect you."

Belle's tension faded slightly. Wrapping her arms around his neck as he held them afloat, she looked Rum in the eyes, and they met again for another kiss, this one sweet and slow, with all the emotion they felt for one another put into it. As they continued to explore each other, Rum led them closer to the waterfall.

Belle broke away from him to look up at the splendor, "It's so beautiful. I never thought I'd see anything like this."

"I'm glad you like it." As he drew them nearer to the cascading water, Belle tensed. "Don't be afraid," he reassured.

Belle sighed in an attempt to relax as they both came right underneath the falls, letting the water trickle over them. As they ducked in further, Belle noticed there were rocks hidden behind the falls, where someone could easily conceal themselves. Rumplestiltskin helped Belle up out of the water onto the rocks before climbing out himself. She looked around at the hiding place in awe, "Thank you again for bringing me here. It's just...I...In all the books I've ever read, none of them described a place as beautiful as this."

Rumplestiltskin reached over and pulled her into his lap, "Well you can't have read very many books then," he bantered, giving her a knowing smile.

She peered at him and shook her head, "You honestly think there are places more wonderful then this one?"

"I've seen many places in my lifetime, dearest, and I'm bound to see many more. This place is superb, but you may find another that appeals to you more."

"Well, we'll just have to see then won't we?" Belle said as she leaned in for a kiss.

Their kiss started out sweet and slow, but eventually evolved into one of passion and longing. Belle gave Rumplestiltskin a gentle push, causing him to fall backwards with her in tow, without ever breaking the kiss. The kiss became more urgent and needy, and unable to handle it anymore, Rumplestiltskin grabbed Belle by the waist, swiftly flipping her over to where he was on top, causing her to relinquish control.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Rumplestiltskin and Belle had ended up back in the water after their escapade under the waterfall. They were both sated, but still found themselves in each other's arms, unwilling to break apart.

Eventually they waded into a part of the spring where they could just touch. Rumplestiltskin kept Belle close, gently stroking her back and leaving a trail of kisses from her jaw line to her collarbone. Belle could feel his eagerness as he ravished her with his lips.

"Again?" Belle questioned as she pulled back to look at him.

Rumplestiltskin broke away long enough to answer her, "Well we are newlyweds."

Belle chuckled, rolling her eyes playfully, but didn't object when Rumplestiltskin moved in and began gently sucking on her neck. Belle failed to contain a moan as she tilted her head sideways to allow him better access. As he marked what was his he gently pushed Belle backwards so that she was pinned against the rock that slanted down into the water.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mulan slashed and tore at the shrubberies and trees as she tried to make a pathway to walk through in the forest. She had been traveling for a few days now, trying to track the Yaoguai with no luck. After being cast out from the imperial army when she was exposed as a woman, she discovered the Yaoguai was still alive, even after they thought it was defeated. Her patience was growing short and the throbbing in her side from her injury from fighting it once before was not helping. However, she was unwilling to give up. Even though her people didn't believe in her, she was not going to let them suffer. She was determined to prove to them that she was capable, by killing the Yaoguai in hopes of bringing honor to her family. Being the only child, it was her duty as a daughter, but after failing miserably with the matchmaker, she knew this was her last chance.

She paused to catch her breath, and give the pain in her side a moment to subside. Taking a swig of water from her canteen, she was alerted when she heard someone in distress just ahead. Grabbing her sword at the ready, she rushed as fast as she could to the rescue.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Belle tightened her grip around Rumplestiltskin's neck as he canted his hips into hers sending them both near the brink of pleasure. They were deeply engrossed in their activity when suddenly a voice rang out from above, "Release her demon!"
Belle and Rumplestiltskin stopped what they were doing, confused for a moment about what was happening. They both looked up to find a soldier standing there with a sword drawn, pointed directly at Rumplestiltskin's head.

At first when Belle looked up, she thought a man was standing in front of her, but when she looked closer, she realized it was actually a woman. The woman was slender, with black hair pulled back into a tight bun. She was dressed completely in black and silver armor holding her sword at the ready.

Rumplestiltskin pulled Belle closer to his chest to keep her from being exposed, "If you know what's good for you dearie, I suggest you continue on your way," he said through gritted teeth, without making eye contact with the woman, so as to keep his temper under control.

The woman had a very determined look on her face, "I will not leave this poor woman helpless, forced to receive your attentions against her will."

Belle grew angry at that remark, "He's not forcing me, he's my husband!"

The woman narrowed her eyes glancing at Belle then Rumplestiltskin, "Husband? This monster?"

"And he's not a monster, nor a demon. Now if you'll excuse us." Belle shot her a dirty look that told her to go away.

The woman glanced back and forth between the two, and then deciding Belle was telling the truth, she chose not to push the issue further. She nodded, put her sword away, and walked away.

Once the woman was out of hearing range, Belle turned her attention back to Rumplestiltskin, "I thought you said it was impossible for anyone to get here without magic!"

"I said it was difficult not impossible," he shrugged.

Belle rolled her eyes, but didn't say anything.

Rumplestiltskin glanced behind Belle to see if the woman was gone, but he noticed she had stopped for some reason. He looked back at Belle, "Well I believe our romantic moment has been ruined."

"Funny how that keeps happening," Belle shook her head in annoyance.

"I'd say it's the price you have to pay for being with the Dark One."

Belle sighed, and the two made their way out of the water to put their clothes back on.

The black haired woman was intent on leaving as soon as possible once she realized she had made a mistake. She had apparently interrupted them in an intimate moment. As she walked by the couple's things, a book lying casually on the ground caught her eye. Recognizing it immediately, she spun around to address Belle, who was still dressing. Not wanting to intrude anymore than she already had, she turned away to wait patiently for the two to become decent.

Rumplestiltskin took no time putting his clothes back on, using magic to do most of the work. As he was helping Belle with her corset, she noticed he was intently watching something behind her. Belle glanced over and saw the woman was still there. She was standing patiently at the water, examining her reflection.

After a minute, the woman glimpsed up to see Belle and Rum watching her. "Where did you get this book?" the woman asked, pointing to where it still lay on the ground.

Belle walked over to see what she was talking about, and looked down to see the book Rum had given her as a wedding present. She picked it up and stroked the spine lovingly, "My husband gave it to me. He bought it at a market."

The woman held out her hand, "May I?"

Belle was reluctant at first. She was still slightly angry with her for interrupting, but she knew it was just a misunderstanding. As she stood there and examined the woman something about her told Belle that she could be trusted. She nodded and handed the book over.

The woman flipped through the pages then looked back at Belle, "Can you read this?"

Belle nodded, unsure why it was such a big deal. She assumed many people could read the language in that book.

The woman looked at her in awe, and then glanced down at the book. "This is an ancient language...There are very few of my people, if any, that can still translate."

Belle watched as the woman glanced at the book once more, before handing it back to her.

"I'm sorry about what happened...I didn't mean..."

Belle smiled, "It's quite alright."

"It may be with you dearest, but not me." Belle jumped as she realized Rumplestiltskin had walked up behind her without her knowing.

Mulan looked up at Rumplestiltskin, genuinely worried he was about to do something. Belle reached out and placed a hand on Mulan's arm, "Pay him no mind, he can be grouchy sometimes, especially when he doesn't get his way."

Belle cast a side-glance at him in time to see him look at her quizzically, in disbelief that she had so easily dismissed him. Turning back to the woman, Belle asked, "What's your name?"

"My name is Mulan."

"Mulan, It's nice to meet you. I'm Belle, and this is Rumplestiltskin."

Recognition flashed across Mulan's face, "Rumplestiltskin? The Dark One?"

"The one and only," he took a bow with his arms outstretched to his sides.

Mulan's eyes roamed over Rum in concern, then spoke to Belle, "You're married to the Dark One?"

Belle nodded then fumbled with her words as she tried to explain herself, "I know what it sounds like, what you think, but there's good in his heart, and..."

Rumplestiltskin interrupted her by stepping between the two women, "Now dearest, wouldn't want you ruining my reputation by spreading lies."

Belle huffed, "They're not lies!" His eyes bore down into hers as she spoke. She could tell if she continued he would be very angry, and she did not want to fight, especially over something so trivial.

Thinking for a moment at how she could change the subject, Belle picked up her satchel. "You must be hungry, here have something to eat," Belle offered generously to Mulan as she pulled some bread and cheese from the bag.

Mulan nodded accepting the offer, "Thank you, you are very kind."

Rumplestiltskin was never ceased to be amazed with how kind hearted his Belle was. Unlike her, he would never give anything away, especially to a stranger who had so rudely interrupted them at the worst of all moments. However, he let it go because he was more concerned with how this woman arrived at their location in the first place. "How per say did you manage to find this place?" Rumplestiltskin asked genuinely intrigued. The woman didn't appear to have any magic, and although she was dressed as a soldier, he still couldn't fathom that she had just stumbled upon it.

"I was...separated from my group. I traveled for days and eventually found myself here."

Rumplestiltskin scrutinized her. He could tell she was hiding something, but she wasn't letting on. From the way she was dressed he was pretty sure he knew. "Where are you going? Your village is no where near here."

Mulan furrowed her brow, "How do you know where I'm from?"

"I know much of your people and many others, not too hard to guess dearie."

"Well, if you must know. I am not looking for my village. I'm trying to track the Yaoguai. It is an enormous beast that has been attacking my village. The army thought they had defeated it, but they were wrong."

"And how did you come across this information?" Rumplestiltskin inquired, "Surely your people wouldn't let a woman into their army."

Mulan looked at Rumplestiltskin long and hard. She could tell he knew something from both his words and his facial expressions. "Only fools think we have no business holding a sword."

"Do not take offense to me dearie, I never said I was against a woman soldier, only your people."

"And the Yaoguai 's trail led you here?" Belle asked, genuinely curious now. The little she had read in her new book spoke of the Yaoguai.

"Actually no, I've been having trouble tracking it."

"Ahhhh..." Rumplestiltskin cooed, "So you've come to make a deal."

"I've heard of you and your deals, Rumplestiltskin. And I want nothing to do with them."

"You say that dearie, but perhaps your ancestors led you here to seek my help."

"I doubt my ancestors would send a lizard to help me."

"Dark One, dearie. I don't do that tongue thing." Rumplestiltskin gave Belle a fleeting glance and waggled his eyebrows at her.

Belle blushed at his hidden meaning. She hoped Mulan didn't catch it.

Mulan would have slapped him if he had made a comment like that to her in front of someone else, but she did not voice her opinion. She looked at Belle and pointed to the book, "Do you think you could translate this for me? I know of this book and it would be very helpful on my quest for the Yaoguai. I must find the beast before it attacks my village again."

Before Belle could answer, Rum leaned over and whispered in Belle's ear, "Dearest I believe we have more pressing matters to attend to...like finding my son. She can fend for herself. Best let her take her little drag show on the road."

Belle turned to Rumple and took his hands in hers, "I know we need to find your son. And I don't want to put that off any longer. But something tells me Mulan was led here for a reason. I believe we are meant to help her."

Rumplestiltskin thought for a moment. He chose to turn away from Belle's pleading eyes. He had a hard time denying her when she looked at him like that. Yes, the most important thing was his son, but if Belle felt this was something they had to do then he would trust her. Defeated he let her know that they could help, "As you wish. But this is quest will be in your hands dearest, not mine. I'm only tagging along to keep you safe."

Belle beamed and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. She turned back to Mulan, "We'd be honored to help you."

Thanks to The Auburn Girl for betaing this for me :)