A Single Step: Part 2
Part 2: Above and Below
"Rumpel, this was such a wonderful surprise. How did you do all this?" Belle asked she leaned against him to look out the ferris wheel window. The city of Vienna was below them and beautifully lit up.
"Well, I read about this attraction. As long as you can afford it, then you can reserve the ferris wheel wagon for you and your love. The meal is part of the experience. I thought it would be special, just you and me, overlooking the city, and eating some great food."
Belle leaned forward and kissed him gently on the lips.
"I'm glad you surprised me. I know I've been a bit controlling with the travel plans..."
"Sweetheart, it's fine. I want you to be happy. I know how much this world trip means to you. But I also know that sometimes it's good to be thrown off course. I mean, I never foresaw you in any vision, and now my life if so much better." He kissed her cheek and brought her hand to rest within his own.
"This is so romantic. I'm so glad to be here with you, and I can't wait to get back to the hotel." She said with a wicked smile that most certainly held sinful promises. Rumpel pulled her close and grinned.
"Well, that was another goal of this particular, outing."
Back in Storybrooke
"Neal, could you go to sleep already. All the tossing and turning you're doing is keeping me up." Emma said as she pulled the covers up around her.
"I can't sleep. I mean it's stupid, really stupid. I can't help but wonder why they haven't written in weeks."
Emma smiled fondly at him and then took her pillow and hit him in the face.
"Ow! What the hell was that for?"
"That was for keeping me up for the last hour and a half because you miss your daddy. Just admit it and we can finally get some rest."
Neal sat up and glared at his fiance.
"Sometimes it would be nice if you could be a little more understanding instead of a hard ass."
Emma turned her back on him.
"Look, I can be more understanding in the morning. Now unless you're gonna do something fun to help me get to sleep, would you just go to the couch."
Neal shook his head in amazement and stood from the bed.
"I am so pissed at you right now, Emma Swan."
Emma sighed in frustration.
"Neal, I'm sorry if I'm not being all supportive. You know how I feel about your dad situation. I have told you that it's time to make a decision about having him in your life. I love you with all my heart but only you can fix this problem. Now, as I said, could you please go sleep on the couch?"
"Fine. See you in the morning. Maybe." He said in a huff as he walked out of the room.
Nighttime is the Right Time
"Gods! Belle, what have you been reading?" Rumpel asked as he fell onto the king-sized bed. Bell crawled up from under the sheets and lay next to him.
"Ruby lent me some books, and I did some research on the internet. Why? Did you not enjoy it?"
Rumpel turned to stare at her and started to laugh. "Sweetheart, that move you just pulled was very much appreciated. In fact, I'd like to counter with a move of my own." He said as he moved above her and pressed his chest against her bare breasts.
Belle giggled and ran her hands through his hair.
"You know, I love the idea, but there is one thing I have to do first."
"What could possibly be more important than this?" He said as he leaned down to kiss her neck and collar bone.
"Uh, I thought I should get that postcard ready to mail for the morning... It's been four weeks and... Gods, Rumpel!" Belle gave into the kiss for a minute before gently pushing her love away.
"It'll only take a minute."
Rumpel groaned in protest.
"Belle, I thought I told you to let that scheme go. He won't care." Rumpel said as he propped up a few pillows and leaned against the headboard.
Belle got up from the bed and threw on her silk robe.
"Rumpel, have faith...and a little patience. We both know that the minute I'm done writing a few words to Emma, that you'll pounce on me with renewed vigor."
Rumpel grinned sheepishly.
"True, but I still don't see the point." Rumpel said with gloomy resignation
Belle pulled out her Vienna postcard with the ferris wheel illustration on the front.
"Rumpel, I know you hurt but don't let that deter your heart. At least, let me hope enough for both of us." She said as she walked back over to the bed and sat next to him.
"Do you want to write this one?" She asked as she held the card out to him.
Rumpel shook his head in defeat.
"Give it here, Sweetheart. You know I have trouble saying no to you."
Belle kissed him on the cheek and started toward the bathroom.
"Just say hi and tell him that you hope he's doing well. It will be enough for now."
'I hope you're right."