Chapter 10: Happy

Rumplestiltskin woke groggily as the bright rays of sun shone in through the small window above him. He kept his eyes shut, wanting nothing more than to drift back to sleep and enjoy the pleasant dreams that awaited him there. He was almost asleep again when he felt something stir beside him. He cracked one eyelid open to see Belle lying next to him, her eyes open and bright. She smiled when she realized he was awake and leaned up to kiss him quickly. Rumple moved his arm and wound it around her shoulders, pulling her to closer to him as she settled contentedly against him and he smiled down at her.

"So it wasn't a dream," he mused aloud, causing her to giggle.

"No," she said, "It was definitely not a dream."

He sighed happily. This was perfection, he thought idly to himself as he began to stroke Belle's hair, which lay in tangled curls around her shoulders. He had no desire to move, and a happy laziness settled over him as he relished lying in bed with his wife. She seemed just as pleased and moved to tuck her head in the junction where Rumple's neck and shoulder met. Her arm slid over his chest, and she squeezed him tightly. Closing her eyes, she whispered sleepily, "Let's just stay here all day."

"The wool won't spin itself," he informed her, though he had no intention of moving. She squeezed him again and shook her head, her hair tickling his cheek.

"I'm not worried about the wool," she grumbled, "It's the morning after our wedding. We should take the day off."

"I suppose I can be lazy for one day," he agreed after a moment. She lifted her head long enough to press a kiss to his lips, before snuggling into him again.

"Good."

They remained in bed for a long time, relaxing together quietly. After a while they began to talk softly about the day before and about the excitement of their future; which eventually led to gentle, languid kisses and tender caresses. It was a pleasure in itself to know they had this freedom. They were wed, and nothing anyone said could prevent them from bestowing affection upon each other.

Rumple's hands began to roam and, encouraged by Belle's sighs, he moved so that he hovered above her. He leaned down to kiss her once more, but her hand on his chest stopped him. She was blushing furiously, her cheeks a deep red and she did not meet his eyes.

"I-I'm…sore…"

She was embarrassed and Rumple immediately rolled away. He pulled her close to hold her and whispered apologizes into her ear.

"I'm the one who should be sorry," she whispered.

"Nonsense," Rumple chided, propping himself up on his elbow so that he could look down at her, "I'm the one who should be sorry."

She smiled sheepishly at him and leaned up to press a quick kiss to his lips. "It's no matter."

Rumple's stomach grumbled, causing Belle to giggle. She pushed the sheet back and sat up, only stopping when Rumple grabbed at her.

"Where are you going?" He asked worriedly.

Belle smacked at his hands and stood, "To prepare us some breakfast," she informed him as she bent down to pull her nightgown from her bag, "It seems we worked up an appitite-"

She stopped and Rumple glanced at her with concern before following her gaze down to the sheets. There were spots of blood where she had laid the night before. He glanced back up at Belle, who quickly pulled on her nightgown, her cheeks once again flushed.

"I'm sorry," she whispred as she jerked the cover back over to hide the offending stain, "I'll wash them after we eat." She turned away but Rumple was quick and met her.

"I'm not worried about the sheets," he said dismissively, pulling her into a hug, "I'm worried about you. Are you all right? Did I hurt you greatly?"

She leaned her head against his chest, "It's not as bad as I thought it might be. More embarrassing than anything, really."

Rumple rubbed her back soothingly and pressed a kiss to her temple. Belle sighed once more then pulled away, smiling at him brightly. "But I should get started on breakfast." She turned and maneuvered to the kitchen, and Rumplestiltskin followed, amazed at how cheerful she could be no matter the situation. She pulled out a small loaf of bread and began to slice it. It occurred to Rumple that he'd never shown her where everything was, but that didn't seem to affect her. Belle bustled around the small kitchen humming softly to herself as if this were not a new occurrence for them both. She'd situated herself into his life and his home seamlessly, and Rumple watched her work, certain that he was the luckiest man alive.

She placed a plate of bread and cheese on the table and looked up, blinking in surprise when she noticed Rumple staring at her. Her eyes flickered back and forth, and she frowned. "What?"

He shook his head and stepped toward her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and smiled affectionately, "Nothing. I just can't believe you're my wife."

She smiled and rested her hands on his chest, "Well I am. And you're my husband." She leaned over and picked up a slice of bread and stuffed it in his mouth, "Now eat," she giggled as she slipped out of his embrace and grabbed a piece of bread for herself.

"Yes, ma'am."

She made a face at him and smacked at his arm lightly. He caught her hand and pulled her to him once more for another kiss. She complied happily and wrapped her arms around his shoulders as they kissed deeply.

Breakfast was soon forgotten.

~000~

Once Belle finally managed to get Rumple to eat, she dressed and pulled the sheet off the bed so that she could wash it. Rumple had saved some water from when he'd bathed the day before, so Belle dipped the sheet in the bucket and grabbed the lye soap that was left and began to scrub. She scrubbed for a long time, sighing in relief when the material finally came clean. She took it outside and hung it on the line to dry, glad to have the embarrassing task over with.

She entered the house to see Rumple lounging by the small fire he'd made. They'd agreed not to work today, but Belle wasn't sure what they would do. It was still mid-morning, and she was at a loss for how they would spend their time if not working.

She joined Rumple by the fire and curled into his embrace. He kissed her again, something she would never tire of. They sat in silence for a while, watching the crackling of the fire. Rumple glanced down at Belle and smiled. "I believe I owe you your dress," he whispered, and she glanced up excitedly to face him, her eyes sparkling.

"Ifinally get it?" She exclaimed happily, and Rumplestiltskin laughed in amusement.

"I'd say now is as good a time as any," he said as he stood and led her over to his spinning wheel, where all his tools lay. He pulled out the dress and instructed her to put it on. She stepped into it and looked down in amusement. One side was sewn, but the other hung open, leaving her shift exposed. It sat oddly on her frame and she thought back to the day before when she'd stood in her wedding dress, frantic and crying because it did not fit. Rumple had worked a miracle when he'd altered her dress; now he was making her a new one. Rumple was a master of fabric and needle and thread, and it seemed there was nothing he could not do.

He began to work, sticking the threaded needle between his teeth as he began to pull on the unsewn side of the dress. He cut and sewed and pulled at the fabric as Belle watched in fascination. He chided her frequently, telling her to stand up straight and look ahead; he needed her to remain still so the dress did not end up uneven. But she was curious about his work so she found herself shifting subtly, hoping to watch him for a while.

Finally, he looked at her firmly and said, "I'll have to tie you up if you don't stop moving." He winked at her, and she giggled, moving to stand straight again.

"I'm sorry," she apologized with a chuckle.

"It's all right my dear. But I'm almost done so you won't have to- Ow!"

He jerked his hands away from her dress, the needle falling away to the floor. He lifted his finger to see a that small droplet of blood had formed. He grimaced, and stuck his finger into his mouth in an effort to relieve some of the pain. Belle moved forward, careful of the abandoned needle somewhere at her feet and gently tugged his finger out of his mouth. She glanced down at it, and ran her hand gently over the spot that was still bleeding slightly.

"Are you all right?"

He used his thumb to wipe at the small droplet, smearing the blood instead of wiping it up and laid his free hand on top of their joined ones. "I'm fine," he laughed, "This isn't the first time I've stuck myself. Still stings, though."

She giggled. "I'm sure."

He wiped at the blood again, then grabbed a handkerchief to dab at the spot. He put pressure on his finger for a moment, then checked it again. The bleeding seemed to stop as quickly as it started. He tucked the handkerchief away and raised his eyebrows at Belle.

"At least I didn't get any blood on your dress."

She chuckled and allowed Rumple to move her back to the position he needed her in. He glanced at his finger to make sure the blood was gone. When he saw no evidence of blood he knelt down and found the needle. He picked it back up, staying on his knees so that he could sew up the lower side of the dress. Belle stayed perfectly still, much to his amusement and relief. Before long he was sliding the leather laces through the small eyelets up the front of the bodice, tying the ends into a small bow and stepping away dramatically.

"There! As beautiful as I imagined."

Belle looked down at herself to admire his work. She smiled and spun, turning her head to try to see as much of the dress as she could. It was a lovely shade of blue; the hem stopping at her ankles. The bodice was modest but sensible for her to work in without getting too hot. The fabric was light and cool and well fitted at the top. She moved her arms in experimentation, pleased to see that she could do so without any trouble. It was a beautiful dress, pretty and practical, and she spun around again, grinning as the skirt billowed out. She stopped spinning and turned to wrap her arms around her husband in thanks.

"You are wonderful," she declared, planting a happy kiss on his cheek. He smiled as she stepped away to spin once more. She lost her footing and tripped, laughing as her husband stepped forward to steady her.

"And you're clumsy," he teased, and she stuck out her tongue at him. He reached out quickly to playfully grab at it, but she giggled and turned away, glancing back at him coyly over her shoulder. "Be nice," he warned, "Or I'll make you mend it if you rip it."

She narrowed her eyes at him playfully, both of them in good spirits. "Perhaps it would be best if I learned anyway," she mused with a shrug. "You've sewn me into two dresses in two days, and I want to be useful. Teach me how to sew and mend, and I'll happily do it."

He nodded. "I think that would be best," he agreed. "But that can wait until later. Now that I've gotten you properly into that dress," he took a sly step toward her, "I'd like to get you out of it."

She smiled and wrapped her arms around him and pressing up against him. "Well, what are you waiting for?"

~000~

Over the next few days, Rumplestiltskin and Belle began settling into their new routines. They would wake and spend time together in bed. When they finally left the comfort and warmth of their bed, and each other's arms, Rumple would spin or travel to the market to sell wool while Belle prepared a small breakfast. After they ate they would go about their day cleaning and working, with frequent breaks throughout to tease and kiss each other. At night they would sit by the fire and read together. It was a simple routine, but a pleasant one, and it filled them both with contentment.

Belle also visited her father in order to ensure that he was doing fine without her. She told him of her days with Rumple, and how much she enjoyed being a wife. Her father was pleased to see her so happy and in an effort to keep her smile bright, he said nothing of the harsh words that were said about her in the village. People were offended at being slighted, and even worse, they were horrified that Rumplestiltskin had managed to land the prettiest, if not strangest, girl in the village. Maurice hoped such talk would die down soon, so he spoke to Belle about anything else, and indulged in Belle as she fretted over him.

"I just don't like you being alone, Papa," she said on one visit. Maurice chuckled and patted her on the head like a child.

"I'm fine, my dear," he assured her, "I promise."

It was a subject she brought up frequently, and on one visit she was even so bold as to suggest that her father consider marrying again, just so he would not be alone. Maurice laughed deeply, and wiped a tear away as he explained that he'd loved all he could. He teased he was saving his heart for his grandchildren, which caused Belle to blush furiously.

"There will be grandchildren, won't there?" He asked, and Belle shrugged, not sure what to say. It was not something they had ever discussed and she wondered if a child would come soon. She and her husband had made good use of their marriage bed. It was possible she could be with child; it was not a thought that had ever crossed her mind until then. She thought of seeking out the midwife for advice but quickly pushed that thought away. They'd barely been married a fortnight now and she would not fret over the possibility of a child. If she were to bear a child, she would. It was the way things were, after all, and a small part of her did wish to bear Rumplestiltskin's child. And yet, ever practical, a large part of her hoped a child did not come. Not yet. The war with the Ogres was growing worse, and the king had already begun drafting men from the innermost villages. It would only be a matter of time before the men of this village would be called to serve now. She had not spoken about it to Rumplestiltskin, but the thought of her husband going off to war and leaving her alone with a child frightened her.

But she steeled herself and pushed those fears away. If her husband were drafted, he would have to fight, and she would not express her fears of going through a potential pregnancy alone while he faced much greater dangers. Many women had brought forth and raised children while their men fought in faraway lands. If she were dealt that same fate, she knew she would face it as best she could, and until that time came, she would enjoy her time with her husband and not let thoughts of children or wars occupy her thoughts. Instead, Belle decided to put her thoughts to good use. Curious thing that she was, she began to talk to Rumplestiltskin about spinning, and about where he got his wool. He revealed that he traveled to a nearby farm, and purchased the freshly sheared wool from a sheep farmer, but that he desired to have a sheep of his own.

"I think that would be wonderful," she declared, laying her hand gently on his thigh. "We should have enough money from my dowry to buy a sheep. That would help quite a bit."

Rumplestiltskin nodded in agreement. "I'd like to have more than one," he said. "We'll have to see what I can afford. I'll talk to Hagan soon and see if he'd be willing to sell me a lamb or two. It'll be a small start, but at least it's something."

"It is. And once I get better at sewing I can help more. You can take me on as your apprentice," she said with a wink. Rumplestiltskin laughed and squeezed her hand.

"I think that sounds like a wonderful plan."

Belle was silent for a few moments, clearly thinking, and finally she glanced back to her husband and asked, "Do you think, when we can afford it, we could perhaps get some chickens too? A couple hens to lay eggs, maybe?" It would be the start of a small farm. There would be extra chores added to their routine, but the thought was pleasant. There would be sheep to shear for wool; chickens to lay eggs for them to eat. It was an exciting thought, to suddenly have such a plan for themselves. "If my wife wants a couple hens, then she shall have hens."

Giggling, Belle wrapped her arms around his middle. "You're too good to me," she declared, "You'll spoil me before the end."

Returning her embrace, Rumplestiltskin kissed her temple and whispered into her hair, "If I could, I'd give you the world." And he vowed that someday he would.

~000~

"I'll never get this," Belle declared in defeat. She was sitting in between Rumplestiltskin's legs on the small bench, their backs to the spinning wheel, holding a tambour in one hand and a needle in the other. She growled in frustration and sat the frame in her lap with a huff.

Rumplestiltskin lifted his hands and ran them gently up and down her arms. "You'll get it, dearest," he told her. "It just takes practice. I didn't learn to read in one sitting, and you won't learn to sew in one either."

Sighing with resignation, she grumpily picked up the frame and began to try to sew the simple straight line Rumplestiltskin had instructed her to make. When she finished the line was there, but it was uneven and quite ugly. She leaned her head back to rest against his shoulder.

"I suppose I'm not meant to know how to do everything," she said with a slight chuckle. Rumplestiltskin took the frame from her hands and, after fixing the thread, he began to sew a straight line underneath the one she had attempted. It only took him a few minutes, his hands skilled with needle and thread, and when he finished, his line straight and perfect. She playfully jabbed his stomach with her elbow, laughing. "Show off."

He chuckled and deposited the frame on the floor next to his feet. Wrapping his arms around her waist and leaning so that his chin rested against her shoulder and whispered, "You'll get it. You may not make brilliant tapestries, but as long as you can make a straight line, that's all that matters. And I'll help you as much as you helped me."

He knew she was smiling though he could not see her, and she turned her head back to look at him. Lifting his head, he met her gaze and was astounded by the love he saw directed at him. She pressed a kiss to his lips and whispered, "Thank you."

He said nothing, merely pressed her against him and glanced down at the tambour on the floor. The line she had sewn was not done well, but he adored the little piece of brown string that swiveled and swerved on the cloth. It was a symbol of a pleasant evening spent together, with his love in his arms, teaching her his occupation. It was a simple moment, but he treasured it deeply. He eagerly looked forward to a lifetime of moments like this, where he held his wife close and simply enjoyed being with her.

Reaching down, he picked up the frame, caressing her line as he did so. He gently dropped it back in her lap and reached up to take the needle and carefully re-thread it. "Want to try again?"

His hands slipped down to rest on her hips, tickling her slightly and she giggled. "I'll never get it if you distract me like that," she said.

Defiantly, he continued to run his fingers over her sides. "Yes, but distractions are a part of life. You'll have to learn to tune out distractions if you want to get better." With that he pressed a kiss to her neck, causing her to sigh contentedly. He continued to kiss her, but after a few minutes she tilted her head out of reach and swatted at his hands.

"If you want me to become good at this, then you'll go away and let me practice!" She was smiling as she chided him, and after reaching forward to plant one last kiss on her cheek, he stood and slipped away from her. She gave him a humored look then picked up the frame and held it close to her face, eying it carefully as she stuck the needle in and then out, trying her best to stay steady and straight.

Rumplestiltskin picked up a bundle of spun wool to bundle together to take to market the next day. They both worked in a compainable silence until the hour grew late. Belle went to bed satisfied, finally managing to sew what looked passable as a straight line. Rumple smiled as he watched his wife celebrate her success and thanked the gods his fortune had turned.

~000~

Belle awoke in the middle of the night to the sensation of fingers trailing down her sides in a gentle caress. She did not move; the feeling was too pleasant to interrupt. She would have been content to lay there forever. Her relaxation snapped away, however when a pair of lips begin trailing a path down her arm. She shivered in delight and turned her head back toward her husband.

She smiled sleepily. "What are you doing?"

He remained quiet for a few moments, content to kiss her instead. She sighed, the feeling kindling a soft pleasure within her. She felt torn between rolling closer to him or drifting back to sleep.

"Sometimes I can't believe it."

She blinked herself awake and looked at him, making out his outline in the darkness.

"What can't you believe?"

There was another kiss. And another. "That you're here. That you're with me. My wife."

She hummed in delight and rolled into her other side to face him. Cupping his cheek in her hand she said, "Well believe it. I'm here to stay." His mouth met hers, and they lost themselves in their love for each other.

The next morning they rose, and Belle set to work on her sewing. She was determined to improve and Rumpletiltskin admired her dedication. She worked all day, her focus completely on her task and by the early evening she had improved significantly. She was brought out of her work-induced trance by Rumplestiltskin's hands resting lightly on her shoulders. "Why don't you take a break?" He encouraged. "It's a beautiful evening. Perhaps we could take a walk?"

She smiled up at him and set aside her sewing. Rumplestiltskin grabbed her cloak, and Belle flushed as he wrapped it around her shoulders and secured it. They smiled affectionately at each other, and Belle offered him a kiss as thanks.

Much later they emerged from their home, Belle's cheeks flushed and lips swollen. They followed the path leading away from the market place, intent on just strolling together for a while. It was nice to get out of the house, Belle thought as they walked arm-in-arm together. It was also nice to walk with her husband, with whom she could hold onto without any shame. It was a small kind of power, to know no one could stop her from showing her husband affection, and she relished it. She knew many frowned upon their union. Her father tried to hide the truth, but she was aware nonetheless. And yet it did not bother her. Let them wallow in their petty jealousy and callousness. She was in love and she was happy.

And judging by the way Rumplestiltskin looked at her, so was he.

Author's Notes:

Hope you enjoyed! Thank you again for all your kind words! They are much appreciated.

Chapter 11 will be posted on December 27! I hope all of you have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! If you don't celebrate anything, I hope you have a wonderful week!