He's Not Always A Beast (Rumplestiltskin x Reader)

Chapter 21: A Long Awaited Date

I'm back, hopefully, I think that this book will have about 30 chapters, and I'm unsure on a sequel. It depends on how this one ends if i can have a second one or not. So we'll see. 

(2180 words)

Gold's POV

Waking up the same way as I always have, I got out of bed and prepared the shop for the day, walking by a jewelry display case a glint of a pendant caught my eye. Turning to look into it there was a light blue jewel on a silver chain. A diamond in the shape of a heart above it. Blinking as I felt my breath get caught in my throat. Remembering the necklace as (y/n)'s  I fumbled with the keys as I opened the case. Grabbing the necklace that I had given her long ago. 

Touching it gently a purple glow swirled inside the main jewel. Something I had casted on it a long time ago was still in effect. But this is supposed to be a land without magic. Hearing the bell to my shop I blinked gently before turning slightly, my eyes on the necklace in my hands. 

"We're closed." 

"I-I'm sorry, I just wanted to apologize for running into you again, I saw you standing in here and thought you were open. I wasn't even looking at the sign." 

Putting the necklace back into the case I closed it, the lock clicking closed. Grabbing my cane and turning around to see her. The girl I've longed for, for what's felt like eternity. Stepping closer to her I smiled gently. She looked exactly the same. 

"It was an accident, Dearie. Nothing to worry about." 

She looked up at me slightly, her (e/c) eyes glimmering at me for a second, my heart pounding in my chest as I forgot what it felt like to be watched by them. "Are you sure? I can be pretty clumsy and oblivious most times." 

Smiling as I nod, humming gently looking at a few other things before turning to her. "I'll make you a deal, let me take you on a date and I'll consider us even." watching her for a second after she processed my words, she blushed, a smile coming on along with it. God, how I've missed it. 

"A- a date? Why would you want a date with me?" 

Turning to walk back to the counter as I glanced at the necklace again, swallowing slightly as I pulled myself together. "You did practically run me over, I'm kinda old." Turning as i smile at my joke to see her reaction, she covers her face as she tries not to laugh. 

"I- I don't mean to laugh, I just wasn't expecting a joke from you Mr. Gold." catching her breath she relaxes again, more than she was before. 

"That's quite all right. Most people in this town are on high guard when I'm around. It's good to have at least one person at ease with me, so what'll it be?" 

She smiles as she looks at her shoes for a moment. "It's a deal." Smiling at her answer, relief washing over me as it felt I was finally able to release the breath I was holding for so long. 

"I'm glad, I wasn't sure if you would agree. I'll pick you up tonight." 

"Tonight? That's kind of soon don't you think?" she asked as she tilted her head. 

"The sooner the better, don't you think?" I asked as she nodded gently after thinking about it. "I'll be at your place tonight at 7, we can go to Granny's. The food there is always good." 

Stopping at the door, my hand on her lower back as we stood there she smiles at me, me knees feeling as if they'll buckle from under my weight. "It just so happens I love Granny's Diner." Nodding and saying our short goodbyes for the mean time, watching her leave and resume her morning deliveries. Leaning on the door of the shop and sighing heavily as I felt my hands shake.