Part 1: First Snow

Belle was so happy to have Rumpel back. The trip to Neverland had lasted longer than she ever would have imagined. He left in the spring and didn't come back until mid winter. She could still remember how tired and ragged he looked when he came through the portal with an unconscious Henry in his arms. Somehow, the group became separated during the journey due to a number of obstacles both magical and non-magical. Rumpel was the one to actually rescue Henry when the time came. He used a magical sphere, he had acquired from an old wizard friend, who happened to settle down on one of the islands of Neverland. The Charming family, Regina, and Hook all came back by using another portal jumper's hat, but that was another long story.

Belle came to the docks every day at around four in the afternoon after her town council meetings let out. During the day, she asked the dwarves to take shifts around the docks as look outs for the ship. It was on a bitterly cold winter day in the first week of December when Belle finally saw her Rumpel come home. The wind was harsh and the sky was dark with the threat of rain. She was about to stand up from the nearby bench and leave for home (Rumpel's home), when she saw a huge flash of light open up on the dock. The next moment Rumpel appeared with Henry in his arms. She ran over to him in an instant ready to embrace him, but once she grew closer she saw how weak he looked and slowly placed a hand on his cheek instead.

"Sweetheart, you're here." He said with surprise.

"I'm always here waiting and hoping…Rumpel you're finally home."

He leaned into her hand and closed his eyes in relief. When he opened his eyes she could see the fresh tears ready to fall.

"Come with me. We need to get Henry in the car. Then I'll drive us home."

Rumpel smiled. "You're driving now?"

She grinned proudly. "Ruby taught me. I've been using your car…I hope you don't mind"

He laughed and shook his head. "Sweetheart, everything I have is yours. Of course, I don't mind."

She smiled happily at him and leaned forward to give him a chaste kiss. They couldn't stay out much longer with Henry knocked out.

Later that night, after giving Henry some healing herbs and getting him to eat two bowls of chicken stew, the three were able to finally relax. Henry was able to tell about his experiences with Peter Pan and the Lost Boys and all the scary adventures he found himself experiencing. Rumpel also talked of his voyage with the group and when they would expect the rest of them to get back. Belle listened with rapt attention as she drank her rosehip tea. After what seemed like hours of tales, Henry went to sleep in the guest room and Belle and Rumpel were left alone.

He was exhausted from his travels. Belle guided him up into their room.

"You need a warm bath."

"Aye, but I fear once I get in the tub I won't be able to get out. My leg is killing me."

She came up behind him and whispered in his ear, "Who said you would be bathing alone."

He turned to face her and smirked.

"I don't know if I'm exactly 'up' for anything tonight, Sweetheart."

She put her arms around his neck and leaned her face close to his own.

"I used to be your caretaker. Let me take care of you."

He kissed her then long and slow.

"Maybe a bath would do me some good." He said when he finally broke from the kiss.

An hour later, the two made it to the bedroom wearing matching white robes and sly grins adorning their faces.

"That soak definitely loosened my muscles." He said with a silly grin as he pulled her close.

"Mine as well. There will be more of that later…but now we should get some rest. I can see the day catching up with you." Belle said as she traced a finger against his brow.

"I think you're right. I'll get my black pajamas."
"Oh, um I kind of have been wearing those the last few months."

His eyes softened at her admission and he kissed her on the cheek.

"You really missed this old monster huh."

She rolled her eyes and grabbed his hands. "Of course I missed you, and you were never a monster, Love."

It was around midnight when Belle felt Rumpel tap on her shoulder trying to wake her up.

"Sweetheart, wake up. I've something magical to show you."

Belle slowly opened her eyes. She looked to find Rumpel standing near her side of the bed wearing his coat and slippers.

"What is it? Is something wrong?" She asked as she got up to meet him. He snapped his fingers and suddenly her coat appeared in his hands.

"Here put this on. Your slippers are underneath the bed. Meet me in the library." He told her without much explanation.

"But Rumpel what is-"

"I promise my Darling Belle, you'll love it." He said as he limped from the room down the hall to the library.

She shook her head in amusement but did as he asked. She wore her dark blue winter pea coat and her comfy fuzzy yellow slippers.

When she got to the library she realized that he had kept all the lights off save for a few candles near the balcony, which was now open.

Belle walked over to stand with him outside.

"It's freezing Rumpel. What did you want to show me?"

He pulled her closer to him and wrapped his arms around her.

"Wait for it. It'll happen in just…one…second."

Suddenly white flakes started to fall from the sky as if he commanded them to do so.

"Wow. This is so beautiful. Are you doing this?"

"No. I just always can smell when snow is coming. This is the first of the season."

She leaned her head against his chest and watched wide-eyed at the beautiful winter scene before her.

"This is lovely. I think this is the first snow I have seen in Storybrooke. I was locked up during all the other times."

He leaned down to kiss her forehead. "I thought as much. Let's make this a tradition, Sweetheart. I'll wake you for the first snow of the season and we'll stand on the balcony here and just savor the natural magical that this non-magical land offers. Would you like that?"

She leaned up to gently kiss his lips. "You're the kindest man I've ever known. You just came back from a harrowing experience and all you can think about is my happiness. I love you with all my heart."

"And I love you with all of mine."