More than you know chap 4

"Yes, with some time," Belle answered lowly. In all honesty she couldn't stay mad at him for too long; she never really could because her anger usually turned to sadness or forgiveness. She decided to remain silent for a bit to let him stew and then tell him how she felt. Belle moved to turn and face him, coming to rest on her shins. Rumple looked as though someone tore out his heart and seeing him broken tossed her resolve into the pit. "Yes, I forgive you." She sighed in defeat. Her words were met with disbelief and skepticism. Belle took his hands up in hers and looked him square in the eye. "I see the good in you - even if you do not." Rumplestiltskin couldn't think of anything to say. He was simply dumbfounded. Rumple returned her gaze with a searching one of his own. Belle gently rubbed her thumb over his hands and could feel the blush rise in her cheeks due to his held attention to her. "Belle you are far too kind to this monstrous fool." He said gently withdrawing his hands from hers and looking away. His aura had become dark and sullen.

"Stop it!" Belle snapped fighting the tears back from her eyes. Rumple responded with alarm as he looked back at her, surprised by her outburst. "Stop calling yourself a monster! You are not a monster." Belle said trying to make him see.

"You simply do not know the extent of my crimes," Rumple said lowly.

"It's the past. You learn, carry on, and try your hardest to keep from doing it again." Belle said trying to make him understand. "Monsters, real monsters, do not remorse, grieve, or lament. You do - I've seen it many times in your eyes and in the furrow of your brow." She said sadly, cupping his cheek in her right hand and firmly holding his hand in her spare. He looked up at her with aching eyes. Her kindness and care always moved him, made him love and want her more.

"Belle. My dear, sweet, lovely Belle." Rumple said taking her hand from his cheek. He held them both in hand and remained silent for a moment. "You perpetually keep me in awe of you, my dear."

"Rumple," she said softly as she played with a lock of his wavy hair. Belle gazed into his serpentine eyes, which were so unique and frightful, but they reflected his emotions as easily as her own. Now they betrayed his contentment to being in her presence once more, yet there was more: guilt, longing, gratitude, possessiveness, protectiveness, and something small burning behind it all. It was wavering but unyielding; it was hope.

Rumple brought her out of the trance that his gaze had enveloped her into by gently running the back of his fingers down her cheek. "Belle?" He said now with concern. She captured his hand and held it there. She smiled and released a soft sigh. "I'm alright. I have no fear when you're near."

"Nor will you ever have to fear. You are safe, and I'll never let anyone hurt you." He said seriously, taking her other hand and kissing it gently. Their gazes locked as he rose back up. Breath was caught as hearts began racing at mere thoughts. The distance between closed, with caution, as they each moved to the same desired goal. Belle desired him so much that she could already feel his lips upon her, in more than just one place. His gaze checked hers nervously as she focused on their meeting. Belle could feel his nervous, shallow breath on her lips. Suddenly, Rumple released a loud exasperated sigh and rested his brow upon her collar. Belle was confused and worried as to what could have happened. "Now of all times," Rumplestiltskin muttered, clearly irked.

"Is there something wrong?" Belle asked softly, running her fingers through his hair.

"No," he replied, sitting up. "We have a guest." Belle looked both curious and nervous. Rumple got up, leaving her to watch him from her bed. "Don't fret, dearest. Our guest is of no threat." He then offered her his hand, and she calmly placed her hand into his. Rumple gently brought it up to his lips, kissing it once more. "You will find that all that is yours has remained in its proper place. Rest if you like, dearest, just do not leave the castle." He was sincere but his tone was more of a command than a warning. Belle blinked a little startled by the tone he took. When he saw her reaction to him, Rumple softened and ran his fingers down her cheek again. "I merely do not wish to risk anything when it comes to you, sweetheart. I have lost far too much in my time, and you will not be added to that list." Now he spoke with the earnest desire to keep her safe, there with him.

"I understand," Belle said gently with a smile. She stood up and went to her wardrobe. He at watched her go and felt another surge in his pants, due to the low tear of her dress.

"Um, your dress - I can mend it, magically, of course. If you still wish to keep it - I'll mend it." Rumple said scratching his cheek and averting his stare when she looked back at him.

"I do love it so. Yes, I would much appreciate that." Belle said with a gracious smile.

"Yes. Leave it out, and I will see to it." He turned and headed to the door. Once Rumple was outside the room, Belle let loose the giggles she had been holding in for the last moment. To her, his behavior - his nervousness around her was adorable. Rumple was blushing, and even though she acted none-the-wiser, she did notice his arousal. Belle quite enjoyed being near him once more.

The one thing that puzzled her was that sensation that coursed through her body as he healed her. For some reason it gave her pleasure. It felt good but wrong, enough to not want pleasure that way again. She decided right then and there that she didn't want any pleasure unless it came from Rumple's body with his loving intentions.