It's Not Puppy Love 5

Ruby came out with both of their plates. She sat Belle's down first and then Mr. Gold's. "Granny says she charges extra for pickles."

"Yes. Yes. Fine. Thank you." Mr. Gold said as graciously as he could but still dismissively.

"Thank you, Ruby," Belle said smiling gently. "It smells delicious."

"Enjoy," Ruby said smiling back. Then she turned on her heel and went back inside.

"You should try it with ketchup, especially the fries. Condiments are this world's best magic." Gold grinned as she listened to him. He passed it to her and she put a little on her plate to try it. Gold watched her for a moment before drinking some of his coffee.

They ate peacefully and quietly until Belle eared her throat. "You have dog food with you. How come?" She asked softly with curiosity.

"As you have a new companion, ironically, so do I." Mr. Gold said lightly. "A stray about town, apparently we took a liking to each other. We made a deal, but he's being difficult on his end."

Belle laughed lightly. "What kind of deal did you make with a dog?"

"A simple one," he replied with a grin, realizing how silly it all sounded. "He merely needs to let me give him a bath before he can come into the house. However the mutt keeps running off, and I can't chase him down." As if on cue, Tramp trotted into Granny's outside settings. "Speak of the devil," he said as Tramp stopped and sat down beside the table.

"Oh. He's a handsome one," Belle stated with her lips curling into her beautiful smile. "Like his owner." Tramp came over and sniffed Belle over. "Hello sweetheart," she said sweetly, and Tramp excitedly wagged his tail. "Why don't we give them both a bath today? Lady needs one too since I bought her at the pound today." Belle suggested with a smile. "The library is closed today and besides -- it could be fun." She giggled looking back at Gold.

"Yes, sooner is better than later," Gold agreed with a smile. He was excited, under his skin, because he had been wanting to spend some real time with the woman he loved so much! For a moment he tried to imagine what it might be like, having found his Bae, and the three of them living peacefully with the dogs. It would be his happily ever after for sure. Gold made a few clicking sounds, and Tramp immediately came over eagerly. He tore a bit off of his hamburger off and tossed it to Tramp. He caught it with ease and wolfed it down. That's when Tramp noticed Lady and went over to check her out. Lady wasn't all too happy to meet this scruffy, strange dog. He sniffed at her, and Lady moved from beside Belle to beneath Gold. Tramp then walked behind Belle and stood there watching Lady. "It seems my Tramp is intrigued by your Lady."

"My Lady seems rather unsure of your Tramp. Perhaps she just needs to get to know him better." Belle said smiling gently and lovingly at him.

"Well, I imagine you were more than unsure when we first met." Gold said with a mischievous smirk.

"Given the circumstance, I'd say you're close to right." Belle said lowly and thoughtfully. "I was sad and worried because of missing my father, but you had me curious."

"Really? What made you curious?" Gold asked now curious himself. He knew all about Belle's thirst for knowledge and craving for adventure.

"You. I heard all the rumors but seeing you and being with you; you were more than that cut and dry as you were perceived." Belle whispered as she remembered. "Then there was the façade. It didn't work on me."

"Indeed it did not. You saw through me like an open window." He stated in defeat as he took her hand in his. "You always seem to do so. My dearest Belle, you are definitely a precious light in my life. Hopefully, he'll be as blessed and lucky as I am." Gold said tenderly as he brought her hand up to gently kiss the top. Belle smiled lovingly at him.

They took their time finishing up; while Lady rested beneath him, and Tramp laid beside Belle. Tramp watched Lady with a fixated stare. Mr. Gold carefully stood up out of his seat, wary of Lady.

"I'll be back in a moment," he said calmly. Belle merely nodded and smiled sweetly.

"Thank you," she said gently with some of that flirty appreciation.

"Of course, dearest. A gentleman always handles the bill." He grinned and did his best to perform one of his old bows. Belle smiled and giggled just as she did when he gave her the rose. He smiled back happily and then went to pay.