Now it was clear to Belle. After listening to Rumple's story she couldn't blame him for wanting to keep his power. It wasn't a simple matter of choosing it over her. He had also been choosing his son.
She also was beginning to get an idea of why he was so determined to believe himself unlovable. He'd been abandoned first by his parent the person meant to unconditionally care for you, and then his wife who had pledged fidelity in their wedding vows. No wonder he questioned her love.
She also suspected there was probably more to it but she wasn't going to press him further on the subject now. He'd revealed enough for one day.
Belle also hoped that Rumple was correct. She loved him and if not kissing him was the price to pay for helping him find his son so be it but she'd rather be able to do both.
Ever so gently their lips met. She felt a spark between them but this time made sure her mind was set on NOT breaking his curse. They pulled apart and she found herself looking up into the slightly sparkling face of her true love. She smiled and caressed his cheek.
"My Rumple."
"It seems we can kiss."
"Well thank goodness for that. I was rather concerned about my self control." she said teasingly.
"I don't think I'll ever understand how you can love this." He said gesturing towards his appearance.
"Well, I've always been considered a woman of strange tastes." giggled Belle.
"And now it's time for said woman to rest some more. You can tell me your tale later." Belle pouted slightly but didn't fight him on it and laid back on his chest finding sleep easily.
OUAT
The next several days consisted of Rumple fussing over her with a variety of potions and much bed rest.
Eventually it came time for her to tell her story.
"Well, it isn't all that long. I travelled for a while after I left here. Gave some advice for a dwarf to go be with his true love a fairy."
"How unusual. I bet the Blue bug didn't take that one well," said Rumple with a smirk.
"I'm not sure. I do hope they're happy. Anyway, I joined a party hunting a Yaoguai but they kicked me out for being female."
"Idiotic on their part," snorted Rumple.
"I teamed up with a warrior named Mulan to find it. Only it turned out it was a Prince named Phillip who was cursed by Maleficent so he couldn't find his true love." At this Rumple burst out laughing.
"So YOU were the one behind that! Maleficent was raging and came to me furious because Aurora's Prince had awoken her from her sleeping curse! Quite the revenge for that stunt she pulled with you!" Belle joined his laughter.
"I was happy to help him. But I do find it ironic. Well, after that I realized I needed to come home and work things out with you rather than running from my troubles so I began to head back only to be captured by Regina."
Rumple's mirth disappeared.
"She'll pay for that one."
"Don't kill her Rumple please. Although I won't deny I'm surprised you haven't gone after her already."
"I won't kill her, unfortunately she's a necessary evil at the moment. Something I'll explain later. Do continue." Belle had noticed his slight avoidance but as he had promised to explain fully later, she let it drop.
"I'd rather not go into her exact methods. I know you healed my wounds so you have an idea of what she did. She was trying to get me to reveal your weakness's." Belle glanced down feeling guilty.
"She forced me to take truth serum and I ended up mentioning your son. Although I did manage to give the impression, he was dead." she explained praying Rumple wouldn't be angry. She felt him brush back a piece of stray hair, turning her face to look at him.
"Belle, you stood up to torture for me. I can hardly blame you for something you couldn't control. Especially when it's my fault you were in the position in the first place."
"I thought we agreed not to keep blaming ourselves for the past," said Belle.
"Then don't blame yourself for letting slip about Bae. Especially since she thinks he's dead." retorted Rumple and Belle nodded in resignation.
"How did you escape though? I told the Hatter and Pip you were dead," said Rumple. "Confirmed by your dear father mind you," he growled.
"I won't deny that's probably the blow that hurts the most. But Regina was manipulating him."
"Belle he made his own choices," snapped Rumple.
"Yes, he did and the consequence is our estrangement. I don't want him harmed for this."
"Only because it would be an inconvenience to the innocent denizens of Avalonea," said Rumple shortly and Belle accepted that was probably the best she'd get. After all Rumple did have good reason to be upset with her Papa.
"Well, I was lucky in that I found an ally in my imprisonment. He's known as the Huntsman. The Evil Queen holds his heart hostage but I was able to use loopholes in the instructions he was given to get a message to Alice."
"My clever girl," said Rumple kissing her temple.
"I don't suppose there's anything we could do for him?" asked Belle. "I mean I hate to think how she's probably punishing him for helping me."
"Possibly. I admit it would be a nice little bit of revenge to remove her pet." said Rumple sounding thoughtful.
"Let me know what you come up with. We're in this together now remember." said Belle. The previous day she'd pledged to help him find his son. Rumple's response had been to kiss her and tell her she really was the "the most wonderful woman he ever met."
I will. I promise.
OUAT
She didn't hate him. She was still here. And she wanted to help him find his son. Rumple truly didn't think he could get any luckier. Of course there was one final hurdle which would be telling her about the curse. Knowing Belle's compassionate disposition, it was possible that would be a breaking point. He could only hope for the best when he told her about it. For he was resolved to do so.
Belle was finally allowed out of bed after a week and even then, had to be escorted by Rumple. The two were sitting eating breakfast when the doors to the Great Hall opened and in walked Pip and the Hatter both smiling.
"Well, I see you two have kissed and made up," said Jefferson taking a seat and pouring himself tea while propping his feet up on the table.
"Did no one teach you manners Hatter?" said Rumple.
"If they did, he probably lost them along with his mind long ago." joked Pip.
"Around the time I married you dearest?" quipped the Hatter and Pip wacked his shoulder before taking her own seat.
"I'm glad to see you're doing better Belle. And that you've made this old imp see sense."
"Do you come here simply to vex me?" grumbled Rumple.
"No, that's just an added benefit. We came to make sure you didn't bollox things up again and to check in on Belle."
"I appreciate the thought and both of your help. I do understand the risk you've taken betraying Regina," said Belle.
"Yes, what's the price for your help?" asked Rumple and he saw the husband and wife exchange a look.
"Nothing," said the Hatter.
"Nothing?" replied Rumple in surprise. It wasn't that the pair ever tried to take advantage of him but they were undoubtably practical. Particularly Pip. They essentially had an anything deal in front of them right now and were turning it down.
"You two are our friends. We helped Belle because we care about the two of you. We wanted you to be reunited and we certainly weren't going to leave Belle to the mercy of that witch. Our little errands may come at a cost Rum. But friendship doesn't." said Pip primly.
It took Rumple a minute to fully process what Pip had said. He had always considered them to be the closest thing to a friend he'd had but he'd never said it aloud. Hearing Pip openly acknowledge it with a significant gesture was quite something.
"With that said, as your friend we'd appreciate it if you could perhaps add some wards around our house. I doubt the dear Queen is going to be too happy with Alice's betrayal." said the Hatter his face turning serious.
"Decidedly not," agreed Pip. "Have you come up with a fitting punishment Rum?"
"I do have an idea yes." He said.
"Oh?" said Belle looking up at him.
"I need Regina alive. Yet I can't let her go unpunished. I'll threaten her life and offer her only option for survival be for her to trade the Huntsman's heart over to me."
"She'll do it," said Pip immediately.
"Oh I'm quite certain," said Rumple with a smirk. He glanced at Belle for approval and she nodded slowly.
"It seems fitting enough."
"I think I'll skip this one Rum. It's best if Hattie and I lay low for now. That said do give her hell for me," said Pip a dark smile twisting her lips.
"When did listening to those two plot become my normal?" Belle asked the Hatter conversationally and Jefferson chuckled and toasted her with his tea cup
"Welcome to the Your-true-love-has-a-dark-and-violent-side club." Rumple merely rolled his eyes.
OUAT
Rumple appeared on the Queen's balcony that night as she was staring in the mirror. The look of terror on her face as she whipped around was actually quite priceless.
"Well, well, well dearie," he began with a high-pitched giggle. "It seems you've been lying to me." To her credit Regina tried to remain calm.
"You were the one that told me to strike at the heart of matters. I simply followed your instructions."
"Yes...yes...I suppose that's true. But here's the thing dearie. I don't really care." He used magic to shove her against the wall before stalking forward.
"You hurt Belle and now you'll pay." He forced a green potion into the Queen's mouth. She gagged and gasped as it took effect beginning to scream.
"It feels like you're on fire doesn't it? Like every part of you is slowly burning up. THAT is only a fraction of the pain you've caused my Belle. The Queen was writhing in pain.
"But here's the thing. Belle would prefer you didn't die. Sweet, compassionate creature that she is. So here's my deal. I'll give you the antidote if you give me the heart of your huntsman intact."
"Yes! YES!" cried the Queen. She struggled over to her wall where she kept her hearts and pulled one out. Rumple picked it up wanting to make sure it was the real one.
"Huntsman, come!" a few moments late the huntsman strode through the door. He looked at Rumple and then the writhing Queen in shock. "I believe this is yours," said Rumple shoving the heart back in the man's chest. Then he crouched down next to the queen who had collapsed again.
"Cross me again dearie and you'll regret it." Then he shoved the vial of antidote into her hand and magicked himself and the huntsman out of the palace. They reappeared in a forest.
"Where...are we?" asked the Huntsman who seemed to still be getting accustomed to getting his heart back.
"Very near Snow White and her rebellion's camp. Now I'll make this short." Rumple waved a hand over the huntsman's heart casting a spell so it could never be pulled from his chest again.
"I don't like being in people's debt. You helped my Belle and now I've helped you. We're even. So I don't want you coming to me trying to claim any favors." The Huntsman stared at him.
"She was right you really do love her." Rumple sighed his face softening slightly.
"I am grateful for the kindness that you showed her and the fact that you helped her when I couldn't. That said if I hear you repeat that you'll be skinned alive are we clear?" The Huntsman smirked slightly in a way that annoyed Rumple.
"Understood. Say hello to Belle for me and take care of her." With that the Huntsman began to make his way towards the lights of Snow White's camp and Rumple with a roll of his amber eyes returned home to his true love.
Author's Note: SOOO the Huntsman is saved. We shall see what sort of ramifications that has later. Also more Pip and Hatter which is always fun. Thanks to all that have commented if you like the story or even have suggestions on what you'd like to see/feedback please let me know your thoughts in the comments! I like to hear what I'm doing right and how I can make things better for my readers! Until next time!