𝑶𝑪𝑬𝑨𝑵 𝑬𝒀𝑬𝑺 - Rumplestiltskin [1]

THIRTY

30|COFFEE DATES AND SECOND CHANCES

"Am I disturbing anything?" Bella asked loudly as she knocked on the large door and pushed it open, finding the person she was looking for putting her phone down.

"Not at all, Dr. Richards. How may I help you?" The town Mayor smiled at the doctor as she walked further into the office, two take away coffees in her hands.

"I come baring the gift of coffee." She said playfully, smiling widely as she passed one of the cups to Regina. "I don't care how mean people tell me you are, everyone deserves a coffee."

"Mean?" Regina chuckled, gesturing for the woman to sit on the sofa with her.

"Exactly, you're not mean just trying to do your job and be a perfect mother." Bella shrugged, taking a sip of her coffee and flinching when the hot liquid burnt her lip.

"It's nice to have someone who understands." The older woman smiled at the joyful doctor, a slight pang in her heart as she thought about how she tortured her in her enchanted life. "How are you and Mr. Gold?"

"I had a go at him while he was in jail and we haven't spoke since." She flinched at the memory, hating how she spoke to the one man she had actually loved. "I regret it so much but what is the point in our relationship if he won't love me back?"

"I've known Mr. Gold for a long time, the way he looks at you is with love. He might not be vocal about it but he does truly love you." Regina informed her, grabbing her hand and squeezing it reassuringly. "And I know he is broken about this as much as you are, no matter how well he can hide it."

"Thank you, Regina." Bella smiled back at the mayor, suddenly knowing what she had to do after their small coffee date. "I really am thankful."

"Just don't ruin this second chance."

~•~

"Bella?" A familiar voice called her name, an underlying tone of confusion as he walked closer to her. Bella lifted her head from looking at her feet, suddenly feeling anxious as she locked eyes with the man before her.

"Mr. Gold." She greeted, giving him an awkward smile as she stepped aside to let him walk into his store. "I came to talk."

"Take a seat, I'll put the kettle on." He gestured to the makeshift chair in the back of the shop as he limped over to the kettle.

"Only tea please, I've already had three cups of coffee today." Bella quickly stated, nervously playing with her hands.

"Did you sleep well last night, dearie?" He placed her favourite mug down beside her and sat across from her.

"Somewhat, the nightmares are back and I've been drinking a lot. I think my tolerance has gone up." She joked, sipping the black tea and humming contently. "I'm sorry, for what I said. A friend of mine made me open my eyes and realise that although you might not say you love me, you definitely care about me and that's honestly enough for me."

"Bella." Mr. Gold sighed. He shuffled to sit beside her to wrap an arm around her body and pull her in close. "I'm sorry."

"Does this mean you'll come to the Miners Day event with me?" Her ocean blue eyes stared up at him, mesmerising him as he leaned in closer.

"Of course, love." He whispered, his minty breath against her skin as he buried his head in her neck, smelling the sweet scent of vanilla and black coffee. His mind began to wander back to their life in the Enchanted Forest, her naked body beneath his, sweet moans escaping her lips.

"Are you okay?" She raised her hand and stroked his hair, enjoying this closeness and comfort. Bella felt safe in his arms, never wanting to leave.

"Sorry, yes." He pulled back to look at her, wishing he could kiss her plump pink lips but not wanting to scare her away after only just making up. "If you wait for me outside, I just need to close up the shop."

"Of course." Bella downed the rest of the contents of her mug and wandered outside, pulling her coat closer as an autumn breeze brushed through her long dark brown hair. She thought about how close he was just then, his hand resting on her hip, stroking her skin from under her jumper. His breath on her neck and other hand sliding up her thigh. She imagined his lips on hers, bruising them with passion.

"Love?" Mr. Gold asked as he joined her outside, the dim lighting of the street light showing off her bright red cheeks.

"Sorry, let's go." She linked her arm in his and slowly walked down the street the the town hall. Bella spotted Regina in the crowd and smiled gratefully when their eyes met before they both went back to the event.

The lights flickered as they browsed the stalls before fully turning off, the entire area going dark. One by one, everyone bought a candle including Mr. Gold. Bella stole it off him so he could still hold his walking stick and her hand.

"Are you cold?" He let go of her hand and draped his scarf over her neck, tying it tightly to keep her warm.

"Thank you." Bella blushed, smiling up at him as the candle lit her face. Even with the small amount of light she was beautiful to him, his heart skipping a beat as she stared at him.

Note:
I changed the face claim to Monica Bellucci, I feel like she fits Celeste/Bella better!