Chapter 25

Rumpel walked through the main hall and met Tacey coming up from the kitchen. Rumpel was taken aback at the look on his face.

"Is everything alright Tacey?"

"No, where's Belle?"

Just then Belle came into the main hall, and she had heard their exchange.

"Is Bae okay?" Belle asked frantically.

"He's fine." Tacey ground out.

"Tacey your voice is much stronger."

"My throat is bloody killing me, but I've learned that anger does wonders for it. I need to talk to the both of you. I'm going to need your help, but you are going to have to settle for some writing, I need a break." At the last his voice cracked making an awful sound.

"I'll go and make you a potion for your throat, you two go on down to the kitchen, and I'll be down in a few minutes." Belle told them, and walked away.

Tacey watched her as she left and realized she was using her glamour spell, and that concerned him. He hoped it was not at Rumpel's request, the man needed to accept her for who she was, and he thought Rumpel already had. He turned and looked at Rumpel, and motioned to Belle. Tacey waved his hand over his body to indicate her appearance.

"Belle has magic, but the curse is gone. True love's kiss was all it took."

Rumpel smiled brightly, happy that in some small way he'd given her a gift that no one else could. She had given him so much.

Tacey walked up to him, and placed his hand on the smaller man's shoulder, proud of him. He had let his heart make that leap and it had paid off, for the both of them. Tacey knew they loved each other, even if it had been a bumpy start. He hoped his own life would be as fortunate.

"I asked her to marry me, and she has said yes, and I hope when the time comes you will stand with me and bear witness." Tacey beamed at Rumpel.

"I would be honored." Tacey told him.

Rumpel turned and started down to the kitchen while Tacey followed. Rumpel saw Bae seated at the table with a girl around his age, and he assumed this was Joan's sister. Joan was steeping a pot of tea.

"Cass this is my Papa, Rumpelstiltskin, and this is Cass, Joan's sister." Bae introduced them as Rumpel extended his hand to her.

"You can just call me Rumpel, everyone else does." He smiled at her and she shook his hand. She didn't say anything, and he got the impression she was shy.

Bae got up, and asked Joan if he could take Cass outside to see Nero. Joan said he could, and he waved for Cass to come with him and the two went out the kitchen door.

Tacey watched Joan's back as she stretched her neck, bending her head to right and then to the left. He came up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders, kneading them firmly, but not too hard. He pulled her hair aside as his magic fingers made their way to the back of her neck. She leaned her head forward with a heavy sigh, enjoying the attention. No one ever cared enough to touch her this way.

"Are you alright?" He asked her softly. She nodded her head.

"I know you are hurting, and you have every right to, but let me shoulder the burden. It will be alright, honey. I'll take care of all of us." He whispered. Joan just nodded her head, afraid to speak, that she might end up crying. He moved his hand down her back and rubbed it, and she turned and wrapped her arms around him. He brought his arms around her and just held her tightly.

Belle came into the kitchen, and she could feel a thickness in the air as if not all was right. Tacey had Joan in his arms, and Rumpel sat at the table, apparently deep in thought. Belle put her hand on Rumpel's shoulder and he looked up at her. She leaned down and brushed her lips against his, briefly. She whispered softly to him.

"I'm sorry, I love you." She looked into his beautiful brown eyes, and stroked his cheek with her hand. He felt his heart thud in his chest, as she brushed his hair back from his forehead, her eyes never leaving his. She then stood up and moved to Tacey.

"This should help you Tacey, but it may make your vocal cords feel a little strange." Tacey took the potion she offered him, popping the cork with his thumb, and downed it contents. Joan stepped out of his embrace and took the tea tray to the table. She stopped suddenly when she noticed Belle's appearance.

"Belle, what happened? You're…you're beautiful." Joan stammered.

Belle blushed and then giggled.

"Thank you, Joan. Rumpel broke my curse. We shared true love's kiss." Joan reached out and hugged Belle.

They all took a seat at the table, and Tacey motioned to write. Belle conjured quill and parchment and he wrote while everyone helped themselves to tea. Joan made his cup and slid it to him. He glanced up at her and smiled.

After what seemed forever, Tacey slid the parchment to Belle.

'The trip to town was not a good one, and as far as I'm concerned I have no desire to go back. Long story short, Joan and Cass are now my responsibility. I see one of two possibilities. One is that Rumpel and I try to make my cottage livable for the three of us, but I really do not want to be that close to town any longer. The second is a much more difficult endeavor, but one that I think will benefit us both. Spring is coming, so the timing is perfect. Belle, you have more than enough land here, and you and I can always come to terms with some sort of payment. I want Rumpel to help me construct a new cottage on the northern side of your property, near the stream. Rumpel I know you raised sheep, but we need livestock. I have plenty of gold saved for purchase of stock to get us started, but we are no longer going to be able to depend on the village to supply meat. We need to be self sustaining. We need to raise our meat, chickens, cattle, pigs, and sheep if you wish. We also need to plant some crops, or at the least a very extensive garden. I get the impression from Joan's father that we are no longer welcome in town. The next nearest village is 20 miles away, and next winter we all know that that will not be feasible, so we need to prepare. Joan's reputation is probably ruined, due to her association with us, but until her and I can be married, I would ask that you allow her and Cass to stay here.'

Tacey looked at Joan, he had not asked her, and was afraid she would not want him like that, as her husband. She looked over at him and smiled a beautiful smile that lit up her face, and she nodded her head, as if reading his fears. She took his hand in hers and squeezed it, and at that point in time, he didn't care who was at the table. He leaned over and kissed her, softly brushing his lips against hers.

Belle and Rumpel sat and watched the two, happy for them both, as Rumpel took Belle's hand and intertwined their fingers together. He looked at her softly, and she smiled at him.

Tacey looked up at Belle and Rumpel.

"I had not asked her yet." Tacey said.

Belle giggled and looked at Joan.

"Is that a 'Yes' then?" She asked her.

Joan looked at Tacey, her eyes shining brightly. "Aye, that's a 'yes'."

Tacey's smile was so big, it almost looked sinister, and everyone laughed.

There was a comfort between the four of them. All had been hurt in one way or another. Friendships building, love growing, and the promise of happiness in a dark world, made the puzzle pieces of their lives fit together. Fate had a way of intertwining the lives of people, and destiny the cement to bind them with trust, faith, and hope.

Belle looked back down at the parchment and continued reading on, while Rumpel got up to turn the ham on the spit, listening.

You and Rumpel may have a problem. I ran into Regina today in town, and Bae unfortunately gave out a little two much information. I think she is well aware of your relationship, and that he is your son, and Belle's friend. You know this will put all three of you in danger. She is the most twisted and evil woman I know. I am afraid for all of you.

Belle took in the information, and by then Rumpel stood by the table.

"I'm not going to let us live our life in fear of her. We must carry on, but Bae needs to be warned about her, and what she is capable of. It has been a day for all of us, but it is Bae's birthday. Let's forget about life for tonight, and enjoy a good meal, and celebrate. I think it is a better idea for you to move here on the property, and I love your ideas Tacey, but we can discuss all of this tomorrow. I want us to have a wonderful evening." Belle told them all.

Everyone agree that things could wait to be decided, and Rumpel and Joan pulled together to start the fixings for the rest of the meal.

"Rumpel do you want to tell Bae about us, or can I?" Belle asked.

He looked at her for a moment.

"I'd like to if you don't mind?" He told her.

"Of course not, Rumpel, I understand." She said softly.

Tacey went into the pantry and got the gifts for Bae, and motioned for Belle to follow him, as he started up the stairs. Belle followed him and they made their way to the library. He laid the stuff into the desk, and looked at Belle intently.

"Are you alright, is the beast really gone for good?"

Belle nodded on the verge of tears, she loved Rumpel, but it would be very hard for him to really fathom all she had been through. Tacey had been her friend through it all, good and bad, and when he asked from his own mouth, she felt herself crumble. He reached out and took her in his arms as she cried and let it all out.

"He showed himself to me, and said goodbye. His gift to me was the magic. I can't explain it Tacey, but I miss him being there. I feel so alone and cold inside, and it's going to take some time to get used to that again." Belle half sobbed.

"You are a strong woman, if anyone can do this, you can. You will find yourself again, I have no doubt about it." Tacey spoke softly, and just tried to be there to support her. Belle pulled away wiping her tears away.

"I know you are right, it is just going to take some time. I'm not alone anymore. I have Rumpel and Bae, and a chance at a real family and happiness. He asked me to marry him." Belle smiled to herself.

"I know I love him Tacey, but a part of me is terrified to love anything, that Regina might try to use against me."

"You can't live your life in fear of her, and I wish there was something you could do to just get rid of her forever. I'm not afraid of the woman, but I worry for the three of you. We both know what she is capable of."

"I've been thinking of that Tacey, but I don't think I could manage a curse that would bind her for all eternity on my own, and the price would be dear. I have considered asking Snow for her assistance, she would have as much to gain as I. Regina's vengeance could be her weakness. Snow would have put her life on the line also, for the curse I have in mind. If it was successful, Regina would lose her power, but hopefully gain back her heart. I have no desire to take her life. This isn't even feasible at this point, I'd have to comb my tombs, and craft the curse from scratch."

Rumpel and Joan prepared the fixings for the meal, but unfortunately Joan had left the spice she needed for a special cake behind. She settled for a vanilla cream cake, with a rich whipped frosting. Rumpel stood back and admired her work.

"Bae will appreciate your efforts. He's never had a real birthday cake." Rumpel complimented.

"Rumpel, I know that with what Tacey has in mind, will mean heavy labor for the both of you for the next few months. I'm sorry if us being here has caused a problem. I don't want to intrude."

Rumpel met her gaze, and could see the trepidation and worry written across her face. He wanted to try his best to ease her mind, and he knew Belle felt the same way, even if it hadn't been said aloud.

"Joan, Tacey is our friend, to me like a brother I never had, which makes you and Cass family. You are not a burden, simply welcome additions. I have never seen Tacey happier. He is a good man with a good heart, and he will make a fine husband and father figure. We will all pitch in to do what needs to be done, gladly. You have friends here. Please don't worry yourself, dearie. It will all work out in the end, you'll see." Rumpel smiled at her as he saw her tear up.

"Thank you," she said in barley a whisper as she tried to hold back the tears.

They finished the meal, and started filling the table with serving dishes. The ham was succulent, and the aroma filled the kitchen. They had made fried potatoes and apples. Rumpel had baked fresh rolls and prepared a side of corn. Joan had made a dish of glazed carrots. They carried the dishes to the main hall and set the table for all as Rumpel looked around with a 'hump', and laughed.

"Belle is either going to have to produce some chairs, or we are going to have to search the castle."

Belle and Tacey came into the main hall, their arms full of gifts wrapped in various shades of cloth. Tacey's stomach growled like a bear, loud enough for everyone to hear, as he smelled the ham and smiled patting his belly, and rubbing his hands together greedily. Everyone laughed, and Rumpel asked Belle about the seating. With a wave of her hand, everyone now had a chair at the table. They set the gifts for Bae over by the hearth, and Belle withdrew a small flask from her pocket.

"I think we should get this celebration underway, and I have something sure to make Bae smile." Belle lighted all of the candles in the room, as well as the two large candle and crystal chandeliers above them, with a wave of her hand. The hall flooded with light, and an array of diamond shapes covered the walls and floor from the prism like crystals as they caught the candlelight. Belle walked up to face Joan.

"Hold out your hand, and after I place a drop of this potion into it, close your hand and eyes, and imagine your very favorite color."

"No," Tacey said, and he shook his head vigorously.

"Yes Tacey and you're going to participate also, or is your favorite color pink?" Belle chided and she giggled at the expression on his face.

Rumpel stepped up to Belle and held out his hand, as she placed a drop in it, her smiling eyes met his soft caramel orbs. He closed his eyes as his skin turned to a brilliant shade of deep scarlet. He opened them and she leaned in to kiss his cheek.

"Very handsome," she told him. He felt himself blush but no one could tell.

"My turn," Joan said anxiously, hoping this wouldn't be permanent.

Belle placed a drop in her palm, and she closed it and her eyes turning into a dark shade of green. She opened them and looked down at her skin with a giggle.

Tacey gave a heavy sigh, and shook his head as he stepped forward and opened his hand. He opened his eyes when he heard the roar of laughter around him. He opened one eye slowly and looked at his hand, then made a fist and shook it at all of them.

"Well Tacey, I was only teasing about the pink." Belle chuckled. Tacey stood a very bright shade of hot pink.

"When the sun sets in the clouds, in the evening, it's my favorite." Tacey said.

"I'll go get Bae and Cass." Belle told them.

Belle vanished to materialize outside, where she could see Bae and Cass sitting on part of an old rock wall, Nero playing at their feet. She yelled for them and the three came running.

"Dinner is ready." Belle told them. Bae scooped up Nero and they followed Belle into the kitchen.

"Wash up," she told them. The two scrubbed their hands, and then Belle held out the flask for Bae to see.

"Do you remember this potion?" She asked him as a smile spread out across his face.

"Any color I want, right?" Belle nodded and she placed a drop in his palm.

Bae envisioned the deep purple reflected off the dragon's scales when it caught the light, as he turned a glorious shade of purple. Cass stood in awe.

"Can Cass do it too?" Bae asked excitedly. Belle smiled softly at him.

"Of course she can."

Cass held out her hand as Belle placed a drop of potion in it. Cass closed her eyes and imagined the tiger lilies that bloomed in the summer sun. She open her eyes to see her hands bright orange. She looked up at Bae and giggled.

"How long will it last?" Cass asked.

"Several hours," Belle said to her."

Belle motioned for them to go up the stairs, and dropped a dab of potion in her own hand as they went. By the time they had emerged into the main hall Belle was a beautiful shade of sea blue. Bae laughed and howled at the rainbow of friends that surrounded him, especially the ever so pink Tacey. Dinner was excellent. Everyone enjoyed the flow of conversation, and the delicious food.

The group took tea by the fire, and watched as Bae opened his gifts. Rumpel sat in one of the leather chairs with Belle at his feet, as he toyed with a silky lock of her hair. Tacey sat in the other chair with Joan perched on his lap trying his best to concentrate on the boy, and not Joan's buttocks pressed against his thigh. Bae was pleased with the art supplies and easel, and told Cass about making the dungeon into his art studio. Cass seemed unnerved by the fact that there was an actual dungeon in the castle, but Bae reassured her it wasn't that scary, and offered to show her. As they left Joan reminded them not to be long there was still cake to be served, and Tacey groaned. He stomach hurt, he'd actually eaten too much this time. The adults sat in comfortable silence, listening to the crackle of the fire.

"Joan, could you and Cass share a room for tonight? Tomorrow I will show the three of you to the south wing. You can make yourselves at home there for the duration of your stay here, and it will give the three of you a bit more privacy. There are three bedrooms, a sitting room, and even a very small kitchen."

"Thank you Belle, we will be fine tonight. Cass and I are not used to such grand accommodations. You do not have to open up another wing just for us."

"I'd like to. I think it will give the three of you a chance to become closer as a family."

Bae and Cass came back upstairs, and the cake was served. It was getting late, well past midnight, when Rumpel started to clear the table as Joan, Cass, and Tacey headed up to bed. Joan had offered to help, but he told her he would take care of it. Belle and Bae sat by the fire talking too softly for Rumpel to make out what was being said. He saw Bae wrap his arms around her tightly, and hug her close, as she kissed the top of his head. Rumpel smiled to himself, she would make a wonderful mother for Bae, and her love for the boy was evident. He sighed and shook his head. How had he gotten so lucky? At that moment Belle looked over at him and smiled softly. He gave her his crooked grin with a deep dimple, and felt his heart flutter as if it had wings.

"Bae it's been a long day. You need to head off to bed now." Rumpel stated leaving no room for argument.

"Rumpel so do you. You have done enough for today." Belle said in a mock parental voice, and with a wave of her hand everything from the table disappeared. Rumpel laughed.

"Please tell me the dishes are also done, love."

"They are, now let's go to bed." Belle stood up and held out her hand to Rumpel and he came to her. He took her hand, and brought it to his lips, to kiss the inside of her wrist, then pulled her to him and kissed her gently. They followed Bae upstairs, and Belle placed a kiss on Rumpel's cheek as she said goodnight. He watched her walk away to her own chamber, and he had to stop himself from following her. Once inside his room he called to Bae, and he appeared in the bathroom doorway.

"Come and sit with me for a minute, I want to talk to you. I have one more birthday present for you."

"Papa you have given me enough, this has been the best birthday." Rumpel smiled, happy with his omission.

"Bae do you love Belle?"

'Yes, of course I do. She is my friend. She listens to me, and she cares about me."

"Yes she does. I love Belle, Bae. More than I have ever loved any woman. I should have asked you first, and I'm for that I am sorry, but I have asked Belle to marry me."

"Really," Bae exclaimed! Rumpel laughed and nodded.

"Well, what did she say?"

"She said yes, Bae. She is going to be apart of our family, my wonderful wife, and your loving mother. I hope that makes you as happy as it makes me."

Bae almost knocked Rumpel back unto the bed as he threw his arms around him, and hugged him tightly. When Bae pulled away there were tears in his eyes. Rumpel's smile faltered.

"What's wrong?" He asked Bae very seriously.

"Nothing, I'm happy, happy for you, happy for her, and happy for me." He watched Bae choke up, and realized just how much his son really cared.

Rumpel fluffed his son's hair with his hand.

"I wouldn't have had the courage to do it without you Bae. I am so proud of you. You are growing up so fast. I love you, son." Rumpel looked at him with a tight grin his lip quivered trying not to cry.

"I love you too, Papa, and I am so proud of you." That did it for Rumpel as a tear rolled down his cheek. He couldn't recall Bae ever saying he was proud of him.

"Goodnight Bae."

Bae got up off of the bed and headed to his own room.

"Goodnight Papa."

Rumpel went into the bathroom and washed up, and undressed. He climbed under the covers and immediately his mind went to Belle. His arms tucked behind his head, he lay there staring at the ceiling for the longest time missing her. He missed the sound of her voice, the smell of her skin, the softness of her touch. He sighed heavily and turned to his side looking at the door. He threw back the covers, went to the wardrobe, retrieved a black robe, and then left his room for Belle's.

Belle had tried to sleep, but couldn't. Her mind kept drifting to Rumpel. He was probably fast asleep by now, she thought to herself. She sat in the chair at her bedside staring out at the moon, when she heard a soft knock at her door. She got up and quickly went to answer it. Rumpel stood in the doorway, his arm braced on the molding.

"Is something wrong?" She whispered.

"Yes, I miss you." He gazed into her blue eyes, trying to convey just how he was feeling. She looked into his eyes, and smiled at him shyly. She raised her hand and cupped his cheek, as he slowly closed his eyes, nuzzling her hand. He felt her take his hand, and he opened his eyes as she pulled him into the room. He let his arm fall from the doorframe and followed her, closing the door behind him.