A/N: And here we are. The final chapter. This was the first Rumbelle AU I've ever written, and it's sad to see it end. I hope you all enjoy!

Chapter 12: The First Dinner

Nick lifted the silver door knocker, and banged it against the wood. He took a step back and waited for her to answer, his gift securly hidden behind his back. This was the first time he'd ever been to Regina's apartment building. He found the address on an old business card she gave him when they first met.

It was a very nice building on the outside with big windows. The inside was just as nice with cream white walls, wooden doors, and beautiful paintings in every hallway. He never imagined living in such an extravagant place such as this. He was very low maintenance and preferred the simple kind of life. It was one of the reasons Granny Lucas' apartment building appealed to him so. It was very old fashioned and small, and didn't even have an elevator. Walking up and down those stairs was probably why he was so slim in the first place.

The door opened and Regina stood in the doorway. She was wearing a slim, knee high, black dress with short sleeves and a collar. She looked like she was about to leave. The surprise on her face was obvious. "Nick? What are you doing here?"

"I came to see you," he answered, trying to keep any mocking out of his voice. "Is Daniel here?"

She shook her head. "He had a meeting this morning."

"Good," he said. "I wouldn't want to put a damper on your relationship by being here."

Before he could say anything else, Regina leaned in and whispered, "Gold, you know we had an agreement about meeting places. Either at your apartment, hotel rooms, or during parties."

He laughed. "I'm not here for that, Mrs. Mills."

"Then what do I owe this visit?"

He knew this could go one or two ways, and he was determined to not let it go the way it did last time. Taking a deep breath, he said, "I don't want to see you anymore."

Her reaction was the same as before; the fake mask of indifference. She let out a laugh, shaking her head. "Very funny, Nick."

"I'm not joking," he said calmly. "Just like I wasn't joking last time."

She had the slightest frown, her eyes looking darker if possible. "I thought we went over this," she said.

"No, you went over this," he pointed out, an edge to his voice. "You decided for me to still be your little 'lapdog' every time you felt lonely. Well, I don't want to be your lapdog anymore."

She narrowed her eyes. "Do you really think it's wise to say this to someone who has control over your job?"

"Not really," he admitted, then smirked. "But you're not my boss anymore."

The mask finally slipped away, showing Regina's surprise. "What?" was all she could say.

"I spoke with Archie Hopper last night, and he agreed to be my new agent," he explained. "The papers have already been signed. I just stopped by to tell you that."

She stood up straighter, forcing herself to remin calm, it seemed. "I would have loved to been informed of this before you made your decision."

Nick arched an eyebrow. "So you could trick me into doing whatever you wanted? I don't think so," he sneered. "Despite what you like to think, you don't have control over my life. I can make choices for myself."

"Don't you dare turn this around on me," she scolded. "You had the choice to say no to me on numerous occasions, and you never refused me."

He thought it over, thinking of their last encounter. "You're right," he decided. "I could've said no to you; even if it would've costed me my job," he said the last part with disdain. "And now I am."

She frowned at him. "So you're really sure about this." it wasn't a question.

"Yes, I am."

She looked away from him for a moment. "No one has ever said no to me before," she said bitterly.

Nick didn't say anything to that.

She then looked back at him, very coy. "How about you give me a proper goodbye?" She started to lean toward him.

Nick was prepared for that response. He took a step back and held what he was hiding behind his back between them.

Regina looked at the wrapped box confused. "What is this?"

"Just a little parting gift," he said. "Something that will get you through Daniel's regular absenses."

Regina arched an eyebrow. He didn't wait for her to open it as he walked across the hall where the elevator was. When the doors opened, he heard her gasp. "Did you just give me a vibrator?!" she said angrily.

Nick smirked as he walked into the elevator, turning in time to see Regina's angry face. His only reply was, "Do me a favor and go fuck yourself."

He was lucky the elevator doors closed in time.

...

Belle held the door open for Jefferson as he hobbled through the entryway on his crutches. "Wow," he said. "This place sure looks nicer on this side of the laptop."

"It took a while to organize it," she said, closing the door behind her and setting his suitcase down. "You can sleep in my room, and I'll take the couch."

"Well, that's very hospitable of you," he said, "but I'm okay with the couch."

"Don't be ridiculous," she told him, dragging a chair towards the couch. "You have to keep that leg elevated, and my bed will be better for your back."

He didn't argue any further as he eased himself onto the couch. Belle grabbed some throw pillows to put in the chair. Once Jefferson was settled, she went to the kitchen. "Is there anything you would like to drink?"

"A water," he replied. "Going up those stairs on crutches was hell!"

"I'm sorry," she told him truthfully. "This was the only apartment I could afford..." she paused in grabbing his glass when she spotted something on the counter.

Next to her coffee machine was a folded piece of paper with her name scribbled on it. Curiously, she opened it. She frowned when she recognized the handwriting. "He was here," she spoke out loud.

"Who was?" Jeff asked.

"Nick, of course," she groaned. "He snuck into this apartment and left a note. Through the window, no doubt."

"What does it say?"

Belle walked into the living room, and read the note outloud:

Dear Belle,

Your trust and opinion of me is one thing I value most. I have been an idiot, and I apologize for it. If you would like, I would be grateful for you to meet me at my apartment door at seven-thirty tonight. I want the chance to talk to you before we go our separate ways.

Love always, Rumford

She looked at her brother. "Is he kidding me?"

"I thought you agreed you were going to talk to him anyway."

"No, you did," she replied. "Even if I wanted to, I can't leave you here by yourself. You need rest and food."

"I can get around on crutches just as easily I can with both feet," he shot back. "This isn't the first time I had a broken leg. Also, there's hamburgers for me in the fridge."

Belle's eyebrows rose. "No there isn't."

"Look for yourself," he challenged.

Confused, Belle walked back to the kitchen and opened the refridgerator. Sure enough, there was a Burger King bag on the top shelf with a note attached to the top: Jeff's Dinner. Belle was speechless. How was it Nick had thought of everything?

Wait, her thought. Jeff knew there was hamburgers in here.

She shot a glare at him. "You and Nick planned this, didn't you?"

He smiled sheepishly. "He might've called your phone a couple of times when you were out of the room."

"Jeff-"

"Belle," he interrupted. "Just let him talk to you. He went through all this trouble, and all he wants is for you to hear him out."

She stood there, glaring at him. All she wanted was for this whole Nick Gold ordeal to be swept under the rug and forgotten about. She wanted to move on. She looked down at the note again, rereading what he wanted. What caught her eye was he had signed it Rumford instead of Nick. Why would he use his real name instead of the name she was so used to calling him? Maybe things would be different.

Belle sighed as she grabbed the Burger King bag and shut the refridgerator door. He dropped the bag onto Jeff's lap before stalking off to the hallway.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"I'm getting dressed," she replied. She figured if she planned on getting over him and on with her life, she would have to face this dinner with him.

...

There was a knock on the door. Rumford checked to make sure everything looked nice enough for her before he answered the door. He was thankful that luck was on his side when he saw Belle.

"Hello, Belle," he smiled.

She gave a polite smile, although it didn't reach her eyes. "Hello, Nick."

"I'm going by Rumford now," he said as he stepped aside for her to come in. She looked so beautiful in her long sleeved gray dress and black tight. "You look nice."

"You do, too," she nodded at his black button-up shirt and dark pants.

Silence quickly followed, with Rumford trying to think of the right thing to say. He gestured towards the bar. "Please, have a seat."

She silently went to the bar stool and sat at the place he meant for her. Her presence made him nervous. She was being far too quiet then he had expected. He figured he deserved it. As we walked to his seat, he noticed her hands were cupped around a small object he could barely see. "What's that?" he pointed to her hands.

Realizing she was hiding something, she quickly placed it on the table. It was one of his teacups. When he saw the tiny chip, he remembered the night at the party when she saved it from being broken when Mal passed out. Realization dawned on him when he thought back to all those breakfasts they shared together. He had been drinking his tea out of it everytime they had breakfast in her apartment. "You still have it," he simply said. "I'm surprised you didn't throw it against the wall."

"I was tempted," she chuckled. It was a lovely sound to him. "Nick- I mean Rumford," she said uneasily, "I don't want to waste any time here. Can you please say whatever it is you want to say so we can get this over with?"

An ache went through his heart hearing her say that. "I made us dinner," he said sheepishly, pointing at the meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans in front of them. He also had sparkling grape juice in wine glasses.

Belle shook her head. "I'm sorry," she apologized as if remembering what else was going on. "I shouldn't be rude..."

"No," he stopped her. "Don't apologize." He looked away from her, gaining whatever courage he had in him before he continued. "You have every right to leave and not come back."

The room went into silence again. He waited to hear for the sound of foot steps and door slamming at any moment. Instead, he heard metal scraping glass. He looked up to see her cutting a small piece of meatloaf and placing it on his own plate. this surprised him.

"I'm not letting this food go to waste," she concluded, the hint of a grin on her face.

He smiled, helping in putting food on each other's plates. "How is Jeff doing?" he asked as he scooped up some green beans.

"You should know," she replied, "You've been talking to him these past couple of days."

She gave him a look. She didn't look angry, thankfully. She looked annoyed. "In my defense," he countered, "I was trying to call you. He answered and said it'd be better if I talked to you in person."

"Did he now," she picked up her fork and began cutting her meatloaf into tiny squares.

"Aye," he nodded. "Is there any place you'd like me to start?"

She waited to swallow her food before she asked anything. "What's the update on you and Regina?" He could see she looked nervous.

"It's over with," he said quickly. It felt good to say, too. "She's no longer my agent. I work for Archie Hopper now."

"Archie?" her eyes brightened. "The man who made out with Ruby at your party?"

"Yeah, him," he laughed. "He called this morning and got me work at one of the small theatres near Broadway."

Belle smiled, this time her eyes smiled with her. "That's amazing, Rumford! Congrats!"

"Thank you," he was happy that she was happy for him. For a moment, it felt like what it used to be; the two of them chatting over tea and being friends. He looked down at his plate. "I'm really sorry for what I did. I should've known better."

"Why did you sleep with her if you didn't like her?" she asked softly.

He shook his head. "When Regina and I first met, I was in an emotional state," he explained. "It was right after I ran away from home, and she was there to lead me through the business. She convinced me that I needed her to survive this city, and lured me to her bed. And since then, I haven't had the courage to tell her no." He looked back at her. "I know it isn't much of an excuse, but it's the truth."

Her face stayed blank as she tried to process through what he had said. "And the night you and I made love?"

He sighed. "It meant everything."

She looked uncertain. "Then why?"

"You were right about what you said," he replied, "about me being a coward. I had tried to break it off with her, and she played on my doubts."

"You're doubts? About what?"

He answered, "My feelings for you." When she didn't say anything in return, he continued, "The last time I felt anything deeper than physical attraction was with my ex-wife. It had been so long since I felt that way about anyone. I was confused and she took advantage.

"I know that doesn't excuse it, and that I acted stupidly," he stressed. "I'm sorry I wasn't thinking about what you would think of this."

Once again, the room went silent. Rumford was too nervous to touch what was on his plate, waiting for her to say anything; even if she was going to say something mean.

Finally, she said, "I'm still angry at you."

He nodded. "I know."

She made no move to leave. She took a sip of her drink and changed the subject. "How was Bae's wedding?"

"It was great," he replied. "His bride is a very lovely woman."

"You think they'll be happy together?"

He nodded. "I think so."

He started to eat the food in front of him, finally. The air around him felt more calm. "How is your book coming along?"

"I finished it a few nights ago," she said.

"Really? That's good," he grinned. "Any chance I'll get to read it again before you send it to your agent?"

"Too late," she smirked. "I'll be sure you get a signed copy though."

After that, the conversation was very light, and the dinner was really good. It was very comfortable for both of them. Still, Rumford was looking for the chance to say what he wanted to tell her. He was still having a hard time bringing himself to say what he had already said to Milah and Jefferson. After they finished eating, Belle helped him with the dishes and putting the leftovers away.

"Tonight was nice," she admitted.

"It was." Belle started towards the door, but he quickly got in her way. "Belle, can I ask you something?"

She hesitated, then nodded. "What is it?"

"I would like for us to start over," he began. "I don't want us to go on and never see each other again. I love spending time with you, and talking about books. I love being near you and holding you in my arms," he gently placed a hand on each shoulder to emphasize his point. "I don't want to lose you Belle," he looked into her big blue eyes. "I love you."

...

Her breath caught in her throat for a moment. Did he just say what I think he just said?

Here she was, staring into his dark brown eyes. The night had been pleasant for her, if slightly stressful just being in the same room as him after what had happened. After he had explained his side of the story, she was starting to forgive him. She was still angry about Regina, but she didn't want to be angry with him for long.

Now, he had told her how he felt. He loved her. A part of her had thought that, and hoped for it, but hearing it was something else. The sensible side of her wanted to leave and not give in to any desire. But her heart didn't want that. As angry as she was, she wanted to be here with him; to spend more time with him and to hold him.

She smiled at him, and she said, "I love you too, Rum..." she wrapped her arms around him.

He smiled, no sign of stopping anytime soon. "So," he began hopeful, "We're starting over?"

She leaned in close, her forehead touching his. "I want nothing more than to be with you."

He quickly closed the distance between them. His kiss still tasted as sweet as it did that first time. She wanted more than anything for this moment to last.

He was her inspiration, and she was his everything.

The End

I want to thank you guys for your support and patience with this story. The amount of reviews I have received is astounding! I never expected this story to take off like it did, and you guys are the reason for it! *gives everyone cookies*