Birthday Girl

Belle's surprise

Bell's father had never remembered the exact date of his daughter's birthday, so when Rumplestiltskin wanted to celebrate her birthday, he had to pick a day. They had their wedding anniversary, and the anniversary of when Belle came to live in the Dark Castle, but they had never celebrated her birthday. 

Finally Mr. Gold decided on a day: the day the first curse broke and Belle came back into his life after 28 years. He didn't want her birthday to be a town town-wide celebration, but he wanted to make it special. Magical even, but, to please Belle, without actual magic.

"Good afternoon, Granny." 

The old lady looked up to the man sitting at her counter. Something about him seemed off to her.  He's in a good mood.

"What can I do for you, Mr. Gold?" 

"I need your help. Tomorrow is Belle's birthday and I would like an empty diner and the best dinner you can make," he explained. "And, before you ask, in return, next month's rent is on the house." 

Granny smiled and extended her hand, "Deal." 

Mr. Gold smiled. This would be the best birthday Belle ever had. 

The next day

Belle closed the library at 6, like she did every day. Today had been a rough day: a couple of kids had drawn in the books they had taken home, someone else spilled coffee on their book, and three people were late to return books. How she wished that other people loved their books like she did. She drove home in silence, just wanting to relax. 

"Rumple?" she called out as she entered their house, dropping her purse and kicking off her shoes before the door had even closed behind her. No response. It was dead quiet. Belle poked her head in his study, the basement and the kitchen. He wasn't downstairs. She went upstairs to their bedroom. He wasn't there now, but he certainly had been earlier. Laid out on the bed was a slim yellow dress, a new necklace, and a note. My darling Belle, put this on and be at Granny's by 7:30. Yours, R. 

Belle arrived a couple minutes early and ventured inside the diner. A small gasp escaped her as she looked around. All but one table had been pushed out of sight, only a few lights were on, classical music was playing, and the diner smelled of Belle's favorite dinner. Rumple appeared from the back of the restaurant, dressed in his usual suit, but with a royal blue shirt, his hands behind his back.

"You are most beautiful tonight, Mrs. Gold," he complimented. She blushed as she approached him, put her arms around his neck, and kissed him.

"Why, thank you, Mr. Gold." Rumple slipped out of her arms and presented her with a rose.

"Happy birthday, Belle." She gave him a confused look and he proceeded to explain why today was the day he picked to be her birthday. Rumplestiltskin went to the jukebox in the corner and selected a song. A slower version of "Maybe I'm Amazed" began to play as Rumple took Belle in his arms and began to dance. 

"Don't you want to eat first, Rumple? It'll get cold," Belle insisted. Rumple's response was only to pull her closer.

"All I want is you, Belle," he whispered to her. It may have been simple and quiet, but Belle couldn't have asked for a better birthday.