More Than You Know 6

Belle blinked in surprise. "You didn't have to." Rumple said gently and shyly.

Belle walked up slowly with her hands in front of her. "You're welcome. I felt comfortable - making tea. It makes me feel at home and like nothing's changed."

"Belle," he sighed and caressed her cheek. "You are no servant."

"I know but I wanted to do this for you." Belle said taking hold of his hand and smiling gently.

Rumple gave a small smile. "My dear you are heaven-sent and infinitely more than I deserve." He collected a lock of her hair, hanging limply, and held it to his lips.

Belle gave a small, short laugh and caressed the side of his brow down to his cheek. "Yet I returned then, and I'm here now. I could have taken your kindness and left." Belle said causing Rumple to stare at her. "Above all others - above everything, I choose you, Rumplestiltskin." She said lacing her arms around his neck. Rumple tensed with surprise and nervousness. In response to his reaction, Belle pressed her body against his as she embraced him. "So please allow me to stay by your side." She whispered gently in his ear. He hesitated a moment and then gently wrapped his arms around her. It became a solemn moment for him.

"Yes, my dearest Belle, please stay." Rumple whispered hugging a little tighter. The next moment he was gently pushing her back from him. He made a long exhale and turned away from her.

"Please," Belle said softly wrapping her arms around his chest and resting her head between his shoulder blades. "I have missed you so very much." She said burying her face deeper and holding tighter. "Don't run or hide away from me." Rumple was silent but placed his hand on hers. "Your burdens are great but I'm here. I'm not going anywhere! I want to share your burdens. I -"

"They are not yours to bear! I'll not have you worn by my dark deeds!" Rumple said tearing away from her and stepping back. He was upset but not harsh. His tone was more of concern and sorrow. "These are my sins."

Belle stepped closer and claimed his hands with hers. "Rumplestiltskin, I love you and taking on your burdens is natural. We work together to make them lighter." She said gently and sincerely as she blushed and gave a smile.

"Easier said than done my dear." Rumple said solemnly looking away from her.

Belle merely sighed with frustration.

"Why are you so stubborn with me of all people?" She asked placing her hands on her hips, still red in the face.

"You'll find that my nature keeps me from divulging secrets and trusting others." He whispered lowly. "You are the first I've let in at all." He continued looking up at her sheepishly.

"I'll get you to open up more and trust me to carry your burdens." She gently declared.

"I don't mean to be stubborn with you dearest. It's hard to override considering how long I have been guarding myself." Rumple sighed. This confession meant that she'd still have to work for the burdens as he tried to trust her with them. He took one of her hands, releasing the other, and brought it to his lips, kissing gently. "You look weary my dear. Please rest and fear not."

"Perhaps you're right, I feel a bit tired. Being unconscious is not the same as actually resting the mind and body." Belle said with a small squeeze of his hand.

"I don't believe your mind ever rests, dearest. Ever curious and inquisitive." Rumple said a smirk about his lips. Belle smiled back and gave him a playfully shoved at his shoulder before turning to leave. He did his best to surpress his laugh into a chuckle. Belle headed to the stone steps fanning herself with her hand, seeming unable to calm down. He watched her until she had vanished from sight.

Belle was more tired than she realized and practically collapsed on top of the bed. She did not even bother to get under the sheets. As soon as she was down, she was lost to sleep.

A few hours later passed and Rumplestiltskin decided to take a break and check on Belle. He ventured somberly down to her room and gave a gentle rap on the door. If she was awake, she'd provide entry upon her choosing. If not, he'd merely pop his head in to make sure all was well.

There was no reply to his knock, so Rumple carefully cracked the door open and poked his head inside. Belle lay there asleep, upon the bed dressings. At first he believed her to be that tired, for she certainly seemed so in his turret. He turned to leave and then noticed how tense she was and heavy her breathing. Immediately, Rumple took long strides to her bedside and gently pressed the back of his hand to her forehead. She felt as though she held the fires of hell themselves. With a snap of his fingers, a basin with cold water and a cloth appeared on her dresser, where the cleansing basin and pitcher was.