Belle woke to find the place next to her empty. She glanced at the clock and saw it was just past midnight. They'd disappeared from the shop and returned home to make love after which she'd fallen asleep in his arms. Getting up and wrapping Rumple's robe around her she made her way downstairs.

When she didn't find anything there, she decided to try the cellar. Creeping down she saw her husband spinning at the wheel but he seemed to be creating a glowing purple substance.

"Rumple?" she asked. He looked up.

"Belle. Did I wake you?"

"No, I woke up to find myself alone." She stepped closer and took a seat next to him.

"Darling, I know you are eager to find our boy but you needn't spend the nights working up magic. Particularly when we've just found each other." Rumple gave her an apologetic look.

"I can't sleep anymore," Belle blinked and realized he meant that aspects of his curse had returned. Apparently including the fact that he didn't sleep.

"I think we'll need to go over the side effects of your curse in the morning."

"I have something for you," said Rumple and he reached for a small box. Belle was puzzled until Rumple held out her wedding ring. "Fortunately, it seems this made its way over." Belle beamed.

"Thank goodness for that," she placed it on her finger admiring the glint of the crimson stone. "I suppose I'm Mrs. Gold now."

"That would be the term in this world should you wish it." said Rumple. Belle cupped his cheek.

"I'd be more than happy to share your name. For now, though will you come back to bed with me?" She stood holding out her hand. Rumple gave her a small smile. And took it.

"I can deny my lady nothing." Belle giggled as she led him back upstairs.

"I should think not."

OUAT

Breakfast the following morning was a rather pleasant affair. They'd lain in for quite a while before at last getting up and Rumple had made them pancakes.

"I must say it's a bit surreal finally being here," she said. Rumple nodded.

"After all my planning I'd have to agree. It's certainly very different than the enchanted forest."

"Yes, the technology is rather strange. It's almost a good thing the curse gave us fake identities with working knowledge of this world." said Belle thoughtfully.

"I still wouldn't trust you with this realm's stove, let alone a barbecue," scoffed Rumple and Belle laughed.

"I'm not THAT bad." Rumple made a non-committal noise as he sat down across from her.

"So how are things in terms of your curse?" she asked. "The physical manifestation isn't here but you said you don't sleep anymore." Rumple nodded.

"Correct. I can't sleep and unfortunately the tenants in my head have decided to make a reappearance. Slightly muted but most definitely there," Belle sighed. She'd hoped perhaps the land without magic might mitigate the effects of his curse. Muted was better than nothing she supposed.

"And the dagger does it still control you?"

"You tell me,"replied Rumple and Belle winced. She hated the idea of ever commanding him to do something. But she supposed she needed to know.

"Apparentem," The dagger appeared in her hand it's weight heavy.

"Pass me the butter," she ordered. She watched as for a moment her husband appeared to attempt to resist the order but then complied handing over the butter tray.

"Well, that answers that," said Belle. "Reditus." The dagger returned to her neck.

"Unfortunate," sighed Rumple. "But unsurprising."

"Well, I suppose we'll simply continue to be careful. I think Blue is the only one we need to be concerned about but that's nothing new."

"Apparently, Pinocchio also knows but considering he appeared to be turning back to wood rather quickly I'm not sure how much a threat he's going to be." Belle's brow furrowed.

"Pinocchio?"

"Oh yes it seems the boy was sent through with the savior and if I were to guess abandoned her. He then came and tried to get the dagger by pretending to be Bae." Any pity Belle might have felt for the man disappeared in a flash.

"He pretended to be BAE?" she demanded.

"And I was foolish enough to let myself be tricked," replied Rumple with a nod. Anger coursed through Belle. If this man had pretended to be Bae then he obviously knew how much regret Rumple felt and had chosen to take advantage of it. The idea was despicable.

"Perhaps he best not show his face," Belle muttered.

"With the broken nose the Hatter gave him I'd agree," replied Rumple with a snicker.

"You know one other thing is going to be changing now," said Belle quietly. Rumple nodded solemnly.

"I won't be able to hide you away in the safety of the castle anymore. People know about you now. They'll know about my weakness."

"I'm not wholly defenseless. I'll simply need to be on my guard. Although truth be told it will be nice it interact with more people." Her husband gave her a small smile.

"I cannot fault you for that sweetheart."

OUAT

Rumple sighed he was nervous. The smaller town and Belle having been around during the curse meant that people would know about her and eventually her connection to him. She'd be a target and a much easier one in some ways.

But he couldn't keep her locked up in his house. His wife wasn't the sort of person that thrived that way and he'd never force her to do something. He supposed he'd just have to try and tamp down his worry. He felt a hand on his and looked down to see that Belle had reached across the table.

"We'll work something out to help reassure you of my safety."

"I appreciate it Belle," he replied and they shared a smile.

OUAT

Rumple said goodbye to Belle went into the shop midway through the day. He was in the back room when he heard the door slam and someone begin to rummage around inside the shop, he stepped out to see Regina frantically looking at all his various books.

"Generally, it's better manners to ask for the proprietor dearie." Regina ignored him instead demanding.

"I need the book. I need to get my son back."

"Which book?" asked Rumple then when laughed when Regina glared at him. "Oh. So it's come down to that, eh? You need your mommy's help."

"Give me the book."

"Do you really need the smell of the written word to get the magic flowing again, love? Maybe if you relaxed, it would just happen." he said limping forward to lean over the counter.

"I don't have time. It worked once. I know I can do it. I just... I just need a shortcut back."

"Yeah, well, I don't have time. Leave. Please." Unfortunately, as he'd suspected with the curse gone so was his ability to bend her majesty with a single word.

"Well... How about that? Your "pleases" have lost their punch." Regina sneered.

"Well, the fact remains jump-starting your magic is not in my best interests."

"What do you want?" demanded Regina. Rumple paused thoughtfully. Regina would get her magic back eventually even if he didn't help her. And then she might come for his family.

"I'll give it to you on a single condition. When you get your magic back you shall not use it against my family including but not limited to Belle, Jefferson, Piper, and Grace."

"Done." said Regina. Rumple waved his hand and a book with a heart on the cover appeared.

"Careful, dearie. These are straight-up spells. Rough on the system." Regina scoffed snatching the book.

"I don't care if they turn me green. I'm getting my son back." Rumple smirked at the irony his mind briefly slipping back to a certain green witch. He shook his head Regina's attitude reminded him all too well of himself once upon a time. Not exactly the same but similar. He didn't think Henry was going to like Regina's usage of magic anymore, than Bae had liked Rumple's.

"Oh, my." he chuckled as she made to leave.

"What?" asked Regina turning back.

"It's just holding that... I told you once you didn't look like her, but now... Now I can see it." Regina gasped and then stormed out. Evidently even now she didn't want to be compared to her dear old mum.

HL

Rumple went into the shop that day while Belle went about rearranging her things in their now shared home. Rumple had magicked all her clothes and other items from her flat above the library to the house and she took the day making the pink house "theirs".

By evening everything was largely transferred over and in its place. She heard the door open and didn't bother calling for who it was. Before he left for the day Rumple had placed a large number of magical safety measures around the house.

Rumple limped into the living room and she smiled gesturing for him to join her.

"Good evening. Busy day?" Rumple shrugged.

"Not yet. Though given quite a few objects seem to have found their way over into my shop I suspect some people may come looking soon. Only one of note."

"Oh?" asked Belle.

"Yes, Regina. She came looking for Cora's spell book to see if she could get her magic going."

"Did you give it to her?" asked Belle who didn't think an Evil Queen with magic was in their best interest. Rumple sighed.

"Unfortunately, yes. She's going to get it back eventually so if she's going to do it it'll be on my terms. I made her the deal if I gave it to her she wouldn't use her magic on you or the Hatters." Belle gave a small smile at her husband's protective nature.

"Well, I appreciate the extra layer of protection."

"I'll always do all I can to take care of you," replied Rumple taking her hand and kissing it. "Which now I believe includes making dinner." Belle laughed.

"Indeed, it does."

OUAT

The third day of the broken curse dawned and Belle and Rumple both decided to go into work that day. Nobody seemed to interested in the library at the moment, probably too busy trying to find the loved ones they'd been separated from.

Belle truthfully was only concerned over people knowing her relationship to Rumple in so much as it put Rumple in danger. Even under the curse she'd had a few friends. Now Red had still proven friendly, she of course knew she could rely on Alice, and Emma, well that one she might need to work out once the woman hopefully got back.

She did feel rather awful about Snow and Emma disappearing into the hat. A fact Rumple had filled her in on. She hoped they could be gotten back. Henry didn't deserve to lose his family and it was partially Rumple's fault for bringing the wraith in the first place.

That said she and Rumple had their own search and despite organizing the rest of the library Belle also was looking up books on the world outside of Storybrooke.

Lunchtime came and she headed to Granny's where Rumple had said he would meet her. Spying an empty booth, she slipped inside and ordered an iced tea. Suddenly a familiar face slid across from her.

"Lady Belle."

"Victor!" she said with a smile at the man from The Land Without Color. "I'm so sorry I never came back for a return visit. We lost Jefferson for a while soon after our visit to you."

"Not at all. I should be apologizing to you. The way Dr. Whale acted under the curse..." the man appeared to cringe. "I was an utter sleezebag and I'm sorry."

"Apology accepted. We can't be held accountable for the things we did while we were cursed. It wasn't our true selves after all."

"Still, it needed to be said. And not just so your husband doesn't murder me." Belle laughed.

"You needn't fear that. By the way we never did properly thank you for the phonograph it was a wonderful gift."

"Compared to the CD's of today's it's not much but I'm glad it brought you joy."

"I hope we'll be able to get together now we live in the same town," said Belle cheerfully.

"That would be nice. Though its rough being the only genuinely qualified doctor in the entire bloody town. Still at least this place has actual science."

"And magic now. So you and my husband can continue your on going debate should you ever meet up."

"Debating the Dark One. Yes, that sounds like a smart idea," scoffed Victor with a chuckle.

"He's not so bad when you get to know him."

"Hopefully people will remember that when interacting with me," muttered Victor.

"I'm sure you'll be able to prove yourself for the wonderful individual you are soon enough."

"I think I got brownie points for helping lead the lynch mob against Regina," snorted Victor and Belle merely rolled her eyes.

"She's certainly got a target on her back."

"As do you," pointed out Victor and Belle tilted her head in acknowledgement. "If you ever need a hand let me know. And I mean that in the most platonic and none creepy of ways. I'm not stupid enough to go after the Dark One's wife."

"Well, isn't that a good thing to hear dearie." They both looked up to see Rumple standing at their table.

"Dark One." said Victor with a nod of his head. He glanced back at Belle. "I'll take that as my cue to depart."

"It was lovely speaking with you Victor," replied Belle as the man slid out of the booth and Rumple took his place staring a hole in the man's back as the doctor left.

"No need to get jealous we were just catching up," said Belle with a smirk.

"I'm not jealous," said Rumple.

"Right," said a disbelieving voice and Red stepped up to set down their menu's.

"Something to say Miss Lucas?" asked Rumple. Red smirked.

"Nothing at all," replied the woman. "Hamburger's sound good?" suggested Rumple and Belle nodded it was one thing she'd not tried yet on the menu. Red took the order and left.

"So, everything going well at the shop?"

"All quiet so far," replied Rumple. Belle made to reply when a snide voice broke into their conversation.

"Really? Him?" Belle looked up to see a man she didn't recognize looking down at them derisively.

"Got a problem?" she asked.

"Yeah, what's a cute thing like you doing with him? Surely you could do better? Well unless he's forcing you in which case I could lend a hand."

"A hand you'll be missing if you don't bugger off right now dearie," said Rumple sharply.

"Ah come on I'm just saying what everyone else is thinking wondering what that beauty is doing with you," sneered the man. Suddenly a new but familiar voice cut in.

"Oi buddy!" Dreamy the dwarf had stood up from the bar and come marching over. "Why don't ya piss off you're making the rest of us lose our appetites."

"You're defending them?" scoffed the man.

"Belle's free to be with whoever she god damn pleases. You're just annoyed your pathetic drunk self couldn't get a woman of her caliber if you paid for it. Now like I said mind your own business and piss of before I get my pick axe."

"Why I ought to..."

"Really?" said Belle. "Threatening the Dark One and one of the King and Queen's most trusted guards? Are you going for idiot of the year? I'd really suggest you listen. I'd rather my husband not turn you into anything regrettable but you are becoming something of a nuisance and he is fond of snails." she gave the man a faux smile. It was a, likely, empty threat on her end but the man needn't know that. He glanced between Dreamy, Rumplestiltskin, and then Granny at the bar and scowled.

"Fine. I'll take my money somewhere with better clientele."

"While you have money," said Rumple. "Your rent just went up Mr. Horner." Horner's eyes flashed and then he stormed away slamming the diner door behind him.

"Unpleasant fellow," said Belle. "Thank you for the support Dreamy."

"No problem sister. So this is the fella you were going on about in the tavern?" Belle laughed.

"That he is. Rumple this is Dreamy."

"We've met before. Under less pleasant circumstances. Nonetheless I appreciate you supporting my wife." Dreamy scratched the back of his head.

"Yeah well, she gave me some good advice a while back."

"How are things with you and your fairy love?" asked Belle. "Last I heard you'd gotten together." Dreamy nodded.

"We did. We actually found each other yesterday." he didn't look thrilled.

"What's wrong?" asked Belle as Rumple took the drinks menu and busied himself pointedly looking at it.

"Blue said she's gonna kick Nova out of the convent if she gets back together with me and Nova doesn't have anywhere to stay. My place sure ain't big enough." Belle tried to think of something that could help when Rumple spoke up.

OUAT

Rumple really had wanted to turn Jack Horner into a snail but at the warning look in Belle's eyes had held back. He'd actually not expected the interference of the dwarf and while unnecessary considering it seemed to be out of friendship, he supposed it was a good thing. Belle needed all the genuine friends she could find.

He began tuning out the rest of the conversation wondering if they would ever get to eat their lunch in peace. When the dwarf mentioned the Blue Fairy trying to break up him and his fairy true love. Presumably taking advantage of Charming's distraction trying to find his family and Snow White's absence.

"There does happen to be a property of mine for rent on the waterfront. Not large mind you more of a loft, but it's big enough for two." Dreamy narrowed his eyes.

"What's the price?" Rumple put down the menu smirking.

"The same as your current rent for one."

"What's with the discount? There's gotta be a catch," said Dreamy still sounding suspicious. Rumple chuckled.

"The annoyance that it will cause the Blue Bug by thwarting her attempted blackmail more than makes up for the difference monetarily." Dreamy glanced at Belle who smiled.

"He's genuine Dreamy. Rumple will keep to his word," the dwarf nodded.

"I'll talk it over with Nova and if she agrees I'll drop by your shop."

"Splendid now if you'll excuse us," Rumple said pointedly. Fortunately, the dwarf was not totally dense and took the hint departing with a final goodbye to Belle.

Granny Lucas came out to deliver their order and put the two plates of burgers and fries on the table.

"They look delicious Granny." said Belle.

"They are, and it didn't take any dark magic either." she glared at Rumple who rolled his eyes. "Oh, and I charge extra for the pickles."

"Right," he said and the woman walked away. He turned back to Belle. "I've a complicated relationship with that woman. As I do with most people."

"Well, it did take me a while to get to know you. Perhaps they will too with time," responded his wife with a small smile that Rumple returned, despite doubting her words, before picking up the ketchup bottle.

"You know you should try it with ketchup. Condiments are this world's most powerful magic." Belle let out a peel of laughter that made his smile become a grin.

OUAT

The burgers were excellent. Rumple had been quite right about the condiments. They paid for their meal, or more accurately Rumple paid by beating her to the check while she was in the restroom and couldn't object, and began to leave. As they did so Belle heard a few murmurs.

She knew that even though they'd sent Horner packing people at large would still question her willingness to be with Rumple. Unless...She paused at the door turning to face Rumple who had also stopped looking at her questioningly. Then she took his collar and pulled him down so that she could kiss him deeply and passionately. It took a second but he soon returned it finally pulling away looking both smug and surprised. She glanced back and saw to her satisfaction that the action had certainly made an impact. The entire diner had gone silent with people staring in shock. Ruby was smirking from behind the counter.

They stepped outside and Rumple asked.

"Not that I'm complaining but..."

"With any luck I'm made enough of an impression that word will get round of exactly HOW willing I am to be in this relationship." Rumple let out a bark of laughter. Then kissed the crown of her head.

"Oh, my brilliant Belle."

Author's Note: So sorry to say not a lot happening in this chapter though I hope you still like it. But we do get an update on Dreamy and Nova (who will both get a bit more screen time in this fic)! Who I think if they got back together would be less picky about the Dark One in comparison to Blue given what Blue did. The break into the next chapter just didn't feel natural combining them. But I promise things get more exciting soon! Also this Belle would obviously not get pissed off about Rumple practicing magic since they have no secrets, so that plot thread is getting altered. Until next week!