Once Upon a Time 1. Belle

**Hey everyone! I'****ve had this idea for a while and finally decided to write it. This story will have some of the major events from the show but I have put my own kind of twist to it. As always, I do not own Once Upon A Time, I can only dream. I hope you enjoy!**

The night was unseasonably cool, even for autumn. A brisk wet wind was swirling through the sullen old trees, stirring around decayed branches and brown leaves. Princess Belle pulled up her dark hood to cover her pale face. It would not be in her best interest to be recognized, especially out of the protection of her castle.

She saw her breathe with each exhale, while she examined the forest around her. In the dark of the night, the endless woods seemed to go on forever, it was peaceful and quiet while she listened to the soft sound of gentle raindrops falling on the branches of the trees.

These woods were far from ordinary, the essence of magic was all around, these trees were very old, they had witness things beyond anyone's imagination. There were even tales, horror stories for children, about what imaginative terrors resided within the darkness.

But Belle knew no such things about darkness, being born a princess, she was a treasured gem, a sparkling light of the Avonlean Kingdom. She was an extraordinary beauty born of high grace and nobility, whose only crime was disobeying her father by being out of her chambers this late at night.

Ever since the passing of her mother, her father, King Maurice, had been very strict on his commands for his only beloved daughter. She knew very little of the world outside her glassed castle window, and Maurice intended to keep it that way. Even in her own castle, Belle could feel the weight of other's eyes upon her everywhere she went, watching her with a protective guard, making sure she did not stray too far away.

However, the princess was stubborn and strong willed, determined to explore the world, and adventure the lands that lay beyond Avonlea. Once whenever the opportunity would arise, when the night sky was clear and full of stars, Belle would grab her black peasant cloak and sneak out of the castle, indulging herself in everything the outside world had to offer.

The forest was her favorite place, she came to realize. The pictures and imagery she read in her books were not satisfactory to the real thing. The fresh smell of the forest pines and recent rainfall filled her nose, while she sat against one of the trees and gazed up at the stars, making the same wish she always did in a gentle lullaby:

_By day I'm stuck within castle walls,_

_while adventure screams and the forest calls,_

_My wish is pure, just like a dove,_

_ I wish to find my one true love._

_Stars so bright, and stars so clear,_

_Please let someone take me away from here._

As always, her gentle song was heard by no one but the trees and the crickets. Eventually, when she became tired, the beauty would gather her things and return towards the path towards the castle.

As she walked along on the gravel trail, the chirping sounds of crickets drifted along in the wind, while somewhere in the distance, Belle heard the howl of a lone wolf.

The pathway towards the castle opened suddenly into a beautiful moonlit courtyard. Belle slipped through the heavy protective gates, carefully taking her skirts in hand, careful not to snag the golden fabric on the rusted sharp metal.

She then climbed the worn stone steps to a tiny side window, open just enough to squeeze herself back inside. She found herself in a dim room with a low ceiling, lit by a pair of scented candles that flickered against the decorative thick walls. She recognized the familiar tapestries she had been surrounded by her entire life, the patterned carpets and most importantly, Belle recognized the sounds of her father's guards approaching.

Her heart raced in her cheat as she tried to find a way to hide herself. "My Lady?" A voice called from down the hall, and Belle immediately knew had been caught. She felt he entire body freeze, as if the spoken words of the guards forced her to remain hopelessly in one pathetic spot.

"Where are you?" He called, his voice coming closer, while the dim light of the fire lit the dark walls, casting out his shadow. It would only be seconds until he saw her, standing there, dressed in peasant clothes, caught red handed breaking her father's rules. When the footsteps of the kings guard were undeniably close, Belle stepped out from the shadows behind the door, defeated, accepting the fat that she had been caught.

"I suppose you're going to tell my father about this?" The beauty attempted to throw her womanly charm into her sentence, but the guards were loyal servants to her father, and her attempt of appeal had failed miserably.

"As usual, my Lady, you are correct, please come with me. Your father is in the throne room."

The walk down the main hallway gave Belle plenty of time to arrange what she was going to say to her father. She walked behind the guard, lost in thought, dwelling on the punishments the King would give to her for disobeying him. Belle dreaded the sound of the large door opening, creaking with a low squeak as the guard led the beauty before her father.

"My Lord" the guard entered the room, following by the beauty, whose head hung low, formed in a respective bow. "I found Princess Belle lurking around the first floor, a window was also found open near her whereabouts"

Belle didn't even bother to glance up, she didn't need the disapproving stare to know that he already knew what she was up to.

"Leave us" Maurice ordered the obedient guards, who immediately exited, while the sound of the heavy door slammed shut, leaving Belle and Maurice alone.

"Father, I can explain-" Belle began.

"Explain?" Maurice repeated, "You were out gallivanting in the middle of the night for Gods sake, explain why you broke my one rule about going outside the castle walls."

"I just wanted to see the full moon.. Up close for once" she spoke, innocently. "Books can only take my imagination so far"

Maurice shook his head back and forth so much that Belle thought that his golden jeweled crown would fall off his head. He ignored any pleas or explanations his daughter had proposed, "Belle do you have any idea was kind of monsters lurk in the forests, especially on a full moon?"

She wanted to continue to protest, to fight for what she wanted, but her words came out stuttered, like a frightened child who had just gotten in trouble, "I just thought-"

"You thought nothing!" Maurice retorted, "you must do as your told and serve your duty to the court and the realm as my daughter!"

"But you never let me do anything!" Belle hissed angrily, unable to keep her anger boiled inside any longer. "And for very good reason", Maurice argued back, "I only want to keep you safe from those who would do you harm"

"You barely even let me leave the castle!" she exclaimed, frustrated on where the conversation was heading, "It's more like a prison than a home! I can barely call it a life! I'm not a child any longer!"

"This castle is no prison!" He protested feebly. "A prison does not have servants, fine clothes or fine dining. You must remember your place young lady, you have responsibilities, you're a princess."

"I wish I wasn't sometimes" she mumbled under her breath. She heard him let out a defeated sigh as she ran out of the room, holding back her irritated tears until she reached the comforts of her chambers, slamming the door violently as she went.

The king sighed deeply, slouching back into the comfort of his throne. He ran his fingers around his swollen temple as he turned to one of the guards, sighing, "war is easier than daughters"

* * *

Belle slept little as the small hours continued to creep towards dawn. She listened to the sounds of guards pacing outside her bedroom, and the noises of the animals which hummed and called from outside her window. Most hours of the nights, she would lay in her bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep. However, when the moment finally arrived that the beauty thought she might fall back asleep-

"Time to get up, m'lady" the sound of her handmaiden voiced throughout the room, as a groan of displeasure left Belle's lips the minute she was awoken. Her blue eyes still felt heavy as she forced herself to roll to the edge of the bed and eventually slide off.

The smells of a cooked breakfast filled her nose, causing her stomach to rumble desperately. She knew the dining room was going to be filled with royal servants and other soldiers, while the long polished table would be crowded with fresh breakfast. Her stomach grumbled again as Belle held onto part of the wall as her handmaiden tied up her corset. "It's too tight, Charlotte" the beauty complained, allowing herself to take in short breaths between each tight pull.

"This is the latest fashion, m'lady, it is said to be very popular- especially with the men," she continued, "they like a themselves a girl with a tiny waist"

"And apparently the ability to breathe without oxygen" Belle gasped, letting out growling noises with each pull and tug. Charlotte quickly tied the ribbons up with a perfect bow and helped the beauty with the rest of her dress.

Afterwards, the princess strolled into the main dining hall, searching for an open chair among the busy table. Belle took the seat across the table from her father and carefully placed the silk white napkin on her lap, cautious not to get any food on her new golden jeweled dress.

She noticed her father staring from across the table, surely he was conflicted on what to talk to her about, especially following the fight they had the night before. She raised an eyebrow at him as he continue to glance in her direction. In front of her lay a small ceramic bowl filled with steaming porridge, topped with plump purple blueberries.

"Belle-" he started, but he was interrupted by his daughter, who, as always, had a clever remark to make, still upset about the conversation they had last night.

"Oh, I'm sorry,' Belle stopped herself before she began eating, "I almost forgot, do you want to check this porridge? It could be dangerous you know-"

"Stop it, Belle" the King warned, "for God's sake lets not get in an argument this early in the morning"

"But I thought you wanted to stop harm from coming to me, father, I mean there is a slight chance I could choke on this steaming bowl of mush and die-"

"Enough" his voice became deeper, louder, and much more serious. His tone had startled his daughter, causing her to stare up and blink at him, swallowing a lump that had formed in her throat.

Belle placed the spoon down on the table with a large clunk and swallowed the spoonful of porridge in her mouth. "I'm going to go for a walk out in the gardens" the princess declared, turning to her father briefly, as he gave a slight head nod. Before she left, the beauty shoveled the rest of the porridge into her mouth and grabbed a shiny red apple to go.

"Do you want us to accompany the princess, my lord?" The guards turned towards Maurice, who watched his daughter while she independently strolled out of the dining hall.

"No, it's quite alright, she just needs time to breathe, heaven knows what she would do to any of us if she thought we were following her" Maurice responded, dismissing the guards to return to their duty. However, the King was unaware that his daughter wasn't going to a place so tranquil as the castle gardens, no, Belle had a much more exciting day planned, she was going into the village.

* * *

It was dark where he was crouched but the young boy did as he had been told. The lady had said to wait, it wasn't safe yet, they had to be as quiet as a mere mouse. It was just like a game, just like hide and seek. From behind the wooden barrels the little brown headed boy listened. He made a picture in his mind like his papa had told him to do when he was scared. Men, near and far, peasants and merchant farmers, shouted at one another. Rough and deep voices, full of the dry dirty air. In the distance he could hear the desperate sound of sheep and horses, while the footsteps of chickens frolicked around the empty barrels, hoping to find extra grain.

The lady would be back, she'd said so, but now, Baelfire was not sure. He had been waiting a long time, so long that the sun had drifted across the sky and was now warming the bottom of his knees rather than the top of his head of hair. He imagined that he could hear the sound of the lady's skirts, swishing against the wooden floor. Her footsteps quick and in a hurry, clacking towards him, but as much as Baelfire wished it, no such sounds came.

Carefully, he surfaced his head above the piles of wooden barrels to see what lay ahead of him. He saw nothing particularly dangerous, she men and women, strolling and busking around the scrambled village around them. Slowly and cautiously he emerged from the rubble and started to walk where most of the crowds had been walking. He found himself being pushed and shoved by the townspeople, pulling his shoulders back towards his body, timidly.

That's when he heard the sound of horses, neighing with protest as the crack of a whip sounded through the streets. He witnessed people moving quickly out of the way, holding their children back. Then he felt his heart drop down into his stomach. The horse cart raced towards him, pushing up the dry dust on the road. Baelfire felt as if his feet were rooted into the ground, his heart pounding rapidly in his chest. To his fright, the carriage did not slow down.

As the carriage came so close that Baelfire closed his eyes, he expected the painful hurt of the impact. Then something happened that the young boy did not expect, instead of feeling the brutality of a carriage, he felt warm arms around him, pushing him out of the way of the road and off to the side where he would be safe.

He landed on the side of the road, his eyes shut tightly the entire time. The horse carriage immediately came to a halt, skidding on the rough dirt, creating a gust of filthy dust.

He suddenly heard a soft gentle voice trying to ask him questions "Are you alright?" she questioned, "are you hurt?" The beauty examined the child, checking his arms for any sign of broken bones.

The brown eyed boy nodded, staring up into the big wide blue eyes of the beauty, reassuring that he was fine. While Belle took it upon herself to serve justice to the careless and reckless driver. The driver was a short fat man with overgrown stubble on his chin. His face turned into a scowl as he stepped down from the carriage, his face red with anger. "Look here you bastard brat!" He pointed at Baelfire "you almost caused this cart to crash!"

That's when Belle arose from her crouching postion and stood up. "Are you insane?!" The beautiful chestnut haired woman yelled, "how dare you yell at this child like that! You almost ran over him! Do you not have a brain in your skull?"

"How dare you speak to me like that!" The driver growled, and for a moment Belle feared he would approach closer and attack her, or worse, that he would attack the boy. "That is no way to speak to your Princess, I could get you hanged for that" Belle whipped off the top part of her hood, revealing her face. "I could dare say that could be accounted for as treason"

Then it was if the whole village stopped and stared at the event. Belle heard the people whispering, looking and pointing at her in awe, some even going so far to bow down on their knees. "M'lady.." The man was speechless, "please, you must forgive me" he bent down on his knees. "I'm a good person, honest!" He pleaded, "just don't tell the king about this"

"I will forgive you only because I wish to waste no more time on you" She spat, soothingly rubbing the tips of her fingers on Baelfire's shoulders. Through all the hysteria, Belle and all the villagers were unaware that close by, they were being observed and watched.

"Shh, it's alright, you're safe now" she reassured him, "what is your name? How old are you, love?" she asked, calmly.

"Baelfire" the boy responded, his voice remained a little shaky from the previous event, "My name is Baelfire, I'm eight"

"Why are you alone, Baelfire?" Belle questioned, "where are your parents?"

"I was with my maid, then she told me to wait in the barrels, and she just left" he stuttered, "she told me she would be back-" his big brown eyes searching hers for some sort of reassurance. "Your maid?" Belle repeated, "where did she go?" Belle's voice was soft and and soothing. "I don't know," he admitted, rather sadly, "she never came back to get me"

The beauty felt her heart sink in her chest. Surely, when the woman left this little boy alone, it was not by accident. Someone had carelessly left him here, abandoned all alone in the village. It took a couple of minutes for the little boy to calm down, but Belle brought him to one of the deserted side roads, one of the trails that was surrounded by foliage of the thick green forest. "Do you have any idea why she would want to run away?"

He sniffled. "She told me it was her only chance to escape, escape from my papa-"

"Who is your papa?" Belle asked, curiously, but before Bae had the chance to answer, the were interrupted by a sudden dark presence.

"That would be me" a voice answered. Belle turned around to face the sudden stranger, but when she did she tried not to let out a terrified gasp. "You're the-"

"The Dark one, yes, yes. I'm sure my reputation precedes me" he paused for a simple moment, fully taking in the presence of such a beauty before him, before his son ran into his arms.

"And you're the princess to this kingdom," his impish voice pitched higher, his tone becoming amused at the sight before him, "I suppose you are the one they call _Belle_"

"Your assumption is correct" she stated, trying to sound as confident as she could.

"I knew I recognized you, my, my what are you doing away from all your servants, and perfect castle, your majesty?" He circled around her, mockingly, slowly observing her, and examining the simple commoner dress she tried to disguise herself in.

"That's none of your business," she spoke, "but the question brought to my attention is what are you doing leaving your child alone?!"

"It would seem that our housemaid and no longer wished to take up residence at the Dark Castle. It's no matter really, it should be easy enough to track down the wench and rip out her heart"

Belle remained frozen where she stood, swallowing a large lump that had formed in her throat. The beauty was unable to figure him out, she couldn't determine whether his last statement was a quip or if he was serious._ He is the Dark One, afterall, killing is in his nature._

"I saw what you did back there" He spoke, "It was quite brave"

"I seek justice whenever it can be delivered" Belle said, timid and intimidated by the mere presence of a man she knew could kill her in a second if he really desired.

"I suppose this means I owe you a favor, I am an honorable man after all. All you need to do is call my name and I will come."

"A favor?" Belle raised an eyebrow.

"Hmm, indeed, but I'll be off now," he gave her a slight bow, gesturing to his son, "come along Bae"

"Wait!" Belle called after them, "you never told me your name" she realized.

The Dark One stopped in his tracks, a smirking smile formed on his lips. He was a master manipulator, a trickster, and yet this small princess was able to realize his trick._  
_

"Clever girl," he cooed gently, "I suppose both beauty and intelligence can be acquired after all."

Belle scoffed at his words, "that all depends on what you consider intelligence, it is easy to see why you might think so, considering some of the low life's that live in this village."

The Dark One smirked, showing her parts of his somewhat golden and razor-like teeth. "Rumplestiltskin", he gave a low bow, stretching out his arms to his sides, courteously.

"What?"

"My name" he clarified with a short bow, "My name is Rumplestiltskin" he stated. While years of manners and proper etiquette forced Belle to grabbed the top of her skirts and return the lady-like curtsy. While Rumplestiltskin grabbed a hold of his son, like any caring father would.

It surprised Belle to see the tenderness and affection such a monster could display to another, the love that was so obviously observed. Perhaps the old tales and stories were wrong, was Rumplestiltskin really the monster every portrayed him to be? Belle was not sure, she doubted she would ever see him again. However, as much as Belle thought so, fate had much larger things planned.

**Next Chapter: A threat from the ogres threaten Avonlea's Kingdom, forcing a deal to be proposed, while Maurice encourages Belle to marry his loyal swordsman, Gaston.**

**I will try and update as frequently as I can, and as always, thanks for reading! Leave a review and let me know what you think!**


	2. Deal with the Devil

King Maurice stood before the window, pacing nervously as he watched the sun slowly start to vanish behind a row of sharp peaked mountaintops. Belle_ must be on her way back now,_ he thought anxiously. But as the mists of evening had begun to rise, it sent grey shadows up the walls of the castle, also sending up fear within the King. "Where on earth is that child?" Maurice growled to himself, not knowing whether to curse or yell at the servants.

"I am sure that the princess will be back, my Lord." One of the guards tried to reassure him, while he continued to gaze out the window, hoping to see his daughter come up through the marbled pathway, perhaps having picked some fresh azaleas from the gardens.

"Papa?" A feminine voice rang from behind him, causing him to whip around instantly. Maurice saw Belle standing there, no doubt curious to what he was doing, the bottom of her golden skirt dusted with mud. "Belle!" He was shocked to see her standing behind him. "Where have you been, it's nearly dark-"

"I was with Charlotte my handmaiden" Belle lied, "There was some gowns that needed to be fitted, I'm sorry if I worried you- I told Charlotte to send word to one of your guards to inform you on the matter."

"You have mud on your new dress" he pointed out, and that is when Belle sheepishly looked down and noticed the horrible stains, uncomfortably flustered, hoping that she wouldn't get caught in her devious lie.

"It must have been from walking through the rose bushes, it is quite muddy around there, but you do know how much I love roses." Belle slyly covered up her tracks. She knew that the mud on the bottom of her dress was not from the castle gardens, it was from the dusty village. Suddenly the beauty felt sick, if her father had ever found out she was in the village he would lock her up for good, just to make sure she never does something like that ever again.

"So, how was your stroll in the gardens, my darling?" He continued on the conversation.

"It was fine" she answered, "It was very peaceful, I was glad to get outside of the castle for once" she could not help but showing her pearly white teeth coming through her fake grin. When in reality, Belle was remembering herself back in the village, and most importantly, she was remembering every bit of scaly detail on the Dark One's face. Such a dominating powerful man, if you could call him that. He was someone everyone feared and even the name would force shivers down any peasants spine in the village. The Dark One- Rumplestiltskin, had stood so close to her, his presence creating a sense of plague on her body, even when recalling the memory, she could imagine his voice in her head as if he were speaking to her in that moment.

Belle stopped her curious mind from wandering the second she realized her father was speaking. "Belle, I've done some thinking, and you know I don't like fighting with you, and if it means your happiness, I will occasionally let you leave the castle, if that's what you truly wish-

"Oh it is, Papa!" The beauty could barely believe what she was hearing, and in return, she flung her arms around her fathers neck, letting out a small joyful giggle.

"However, there is something else" Maurice started, while Belle pulled back, pulling her arms back down by her sides with an attentive ear on what the king had to say. "Like what?" she questioned.

"I have made a little _arrangement."_

"Okay" Belle followed along, "what kind of _arrangement?_"

"The LaRoux family had agreed to join out houses together as one, you and Gaston are officially _engaged" _he finished, his grin and eyes were enough to show her that he truly wanted this, he truly wanted this union to be made. Maurice wanted an arranged marriage for his daughter.

The princess felt as if she were going to be sick, wishing she could shake his words out of her mind. _An arranged marriage? O_ne of the biggest burdens she bared was the single responsibility was to marry, to live in comfort, far from the violence of war and to bear heirs, and now, it was finally happening.

"Engaged?" she repeated, wishing she could turn her nose the other way and disobey this proposal. "Yes, betrothed to be married" Maurice confirmed, a happy glow beamed across his pink rosy cheeks.

"Betrothed." Belle's voice rang flat. "To Gaston. But, Papa… _why_?"

"Belle, surely this isn't a shock. You've two have been friends for years-"

"_Friends_?" Belle gave an un-ladylike snort. "We have nothing in common," she protested, imagining it now, Gaston would be off sword fighting while she would be left alone to raise the children. "He is a good man, Belle, I believe it is a good match, he will treat you well"

"Treating me well and loving me are two very different things. I want someone who will love me for _me._ Even when I try to show interest in his barbaric sword fighting, he insists I go find an activity more appropriate for _a woman._" She snarled, irritated.

"He also hates sharing conversations because they only prove I am far more intelligent than he is, and…and-"

"There are much worse things he could do. Gaston may not be the brightest man but he's strong, he can protect you, plus he hails from a loyal family, you will be surrounded in whatever you would like."

"But I don't love him!" Belle protested.

"Love can always grow" Maurice added, "when I first married your mother we couldn't be any more different, but eventually we grew to love one another, then we had you. There was not anything I would not have done for your mother, she truly was the love of my life"

"But I know for a fact that Gaston is not mine!"

"Time will change that, you must understand that it is for the duty of your kingdom to be married, this is not a time to be selfish and think about yourself." The king concluded, not allowing Belle to have another opportunity to fight back.

When Belle did not reply, Maurice approached her, grabbed a hold of her shoulders lovingly, following up and supporting his decision, "you are a strong beautiful woman, this marriage will only bring happiness into your life. In time your love towards Gaston will blossom."

But Belle really doubted it.

* * *

A couple days passed and Belle had a lot of time to think about the arranged marriage. Though she was immediately opposed to it before, time had given her a different lens of perspective. She let her father's words creep in to her mind, even managing to somewhat make sense now. Marrying Gaston would be a very smart match indeed, and perhaps it wasn't such a bad thing after all, it would please her father and maybe she would find a way to love Gaston.

Gaston would not make a bad husband, and maybe he would allow her to leave and explore other places than the castle- but Gaston was also traditional, he believed that the wife belonged at the homestead. However, she could no longer afford to be thinking about those things right now, not while the unimaginable was about to unfold.

A ragged soldier burst through the door, his breath panicked as he shouted out for the attention of the king. She listened, unseen from the corner where she sat with a book, the business too urgent for her father to remember to dismiss her before it was dealt with. Gaston was in the room as well, in a bundle with the other soldiers as the rogue man broke into the throne room, desperately. He was far too busy discussing his countless achievements with the other soldiers too notice her presence.

"The ogres-" the man gasped, "the ogres have returned, a war is upon us!"

"Oh my gods" Maurice stood out of his throne, countless furs of hunted animals wrapped around his neck, almost matching the golden crown upon his balding head. There was a small panic among the crowd of guards, shock mostly, the ogres were destroyed, the men never once thought they would ever return.

Neither Gaston or her father never spoke of war in her presence. War was something she read about, something she could only begin to understand. it was in the history of Avonlea, the ogres have attacked before.

"Send out more men to the battlefield" the king ordered the men in front of him, demandingly, no doubt feeling threatened by what he was hearing. "The ogres are too strong, our men are being slaughtered like pigs!" The ragged man responded. "Maybe there is still hope" the soldiers standing beside Gaston added.

"To have that thought in your head only proves you are a fool"

"What about magic?" Belle stared at no one but her father, "magic can do anything."

"Indeed my darling, but where could we get such power?" He pointed out.

"We could send for aid from the other kingdoms, we desperately need more men" Gaston pitched, gaining vocal support from many of the other men.

"We do not need more men." Belle snapped, opposing his idea, "why would we bring men all the way out here, just for them to be slaughtered? We do not need unnecessary bloodshed. These ogres are ruthless and will take down anything that stands in their path."

"So what would you suggest then, princess?" Gaston raised a critical brow at her, while dozens of pairs of eyes fixed on the petite girl. "What about the Dark One" the beauty bravely spoke, her words plaguing the room with a deathly silence.

"The Dark One would bring destruction, he is a manipulative imp who cannot be trusted." Gaston stated, giving her a look of inequality, which made the princess even angry.

"He's the only chance we've got!" Belle urged, wishing just one person was willing to listen to what she had to say, but as usual, her wishes were gone to waste.

"He's right," Maurice croaked, slugging back into his throne, "perhaps, Belle, you should return to your chambers. War is no place for a lady, let alone a princess." The King suggested as gently as he possibly could, which struck a nerve deep down within Belle.

The kingdom needed someone in this time of despair, and deep in her heart Belle knew exactly who must aide them. Then, not daring to speak any louder than a whisper, Belle called "Rumplestiltskin". When the attempt failed she called the name two more times, still leaning hopelessly over the balcony, her log brown hair being gently blown by the slight breeze.

"I knew it would never work" she growled, letting out a deep defeated sigh.

"Well, never say never, dearie." A voice came from behind her, causing her to become startled and frightened.

"How did you get in here?" Belle demanded, her head racing to keep ahead of her heart which had risen in her breast, driven by terror. "You called my name." His voice was strange and grating; mockery and a childish slyness that combined to chill her blood. "And here I am."

"I am aware that neighbouring kingdoms have been summoning you for weeks, yet you did not respond to them." She accused.

"I was waiting for just the right person to call me here" He answered, half of his body draped in the shadows of the walls.

"And that would be, who, me?" Her tone was almost sarcastic, she was obviously exhausted and tired from everything that was going on.

"Precisely." He put his hands together, making clicking sounds with his fingernails, slowly emerging himself from the darkness. Belle gulped as he approached her further, taking a deep breath in, turning around completely so she was face to face with the imp.

"The ogres are going to invade us." she spoke up, "you told me a few weeks ago that exchange for saving your son you would owe me a favour, unless you've forgotten-"

"Trust me dearie, I would never forget a face like yours"

"Then you will honour your favour? Will you help us?" She tried to ignore his comment.

"You are a feisty one aren't you" Rumple observed, "A stubborn princess, no doubt- I wonder what your father, the king, has to say about this. I would like to see his reaction from his own daughter summoning the darkest creature in the entire Enchanted Forest."

"I am sure he will be reasonable," she replied sheepishly, "he will respect the decision I have made, I just know it" she said, hoping her words to be true.

* * *

"Belle, what have you done?" Maurice bellowed, glaring at Rumplestiltskin, "how dare you bring him here."

She was wrong, her father was everything other than understanding. "Papa, I've done what should of been done a few hours ago." She informed, "I have called the Dark One and he has responded, he can help us!"

"He is dangerous, you disobeyed my orders by calling him here" Maurice kept looking at Rumplestiltskin with disgust and hatred.

"He has the power to do anything!" The beauty enthused, turning back briefly to look at Rumplestiltksin who met her gaze, ignoring any scoffs made in the crowd. "So, what do you say? Will you help us get rid of the ogres?"

"That's an awfully large favour your asking, Princess," he briefly paused for a moment, "how about we make a deal instead?"

"And what kind of deal would that be?" She question, skeptically.

"Well, all magic comes with a price"

"And what's your price?" Maurice stood up, "what is your price to save our kingdom from such a brutal fate?"

"My price," the Dark One began circling the room, "is her." His finger pointed to Belle, which aroused gasps of horror within the court around them. Gaston placed the beauty behind him, shielding her from the imp that demanded her. "The young lady is already engaged, to me" Gaston's deep voice stated.

"I wasn't asking if she was engaged- I'm not looking for _love," _Rumplestiltskin mocked him, "I am looking for a caretaker for my estate, and for my son."

"Get out" Maurice pointed towards the door after hearing what the monster had requested.

"As you wish" he obliged, a devilish smirk painted upon his lips. The silence took over once again and there were faint whispers among the crowd, worried whispers mostly, unsure what was to become of their beloved kingdom.

"No wait" Belle called out, wriggling herself out of Gaston's protective grasp. "Father, people are dying, innocent people and children too. If me going with him assures out people then it is my responsibility to protect them." She argued to the very reluctant king.

"But Belle, you can't go with this _beast_" Maurice blunted added, gaining a sarcastic and childish reaction from Rumplestiltskin. "It's been decided, this is what I must do"

"It's forever dearie." The Dark One interjected.

"My friends, family and my people will all be safe?" She questioned.

"You have my word" he gave a short gentleman-like bow towards her, never breaking eye contact from her. "Then you have mine." Belle agreed, "I will go with you, forever."

"Deal" he grinned, letting out a shrill of delight.

"Belle.." Her fathers pleas were nothing more than a faint whisper. "Papa, you raised me my whole life teaching me to do my duty, and now I am fulfilling it, I am saving our people."

Her father opened his mouth to speak but before she had the chance to hear what her Maurice had to say, she was surrounded by magic purple smoke, being taken away from everything she once knew. And before the eyes of the king, Gaston and all the other men, the princess of Avonlea was gone.

**Next Chapter: Belle has a rough first week at the Dark Castle, between dropping teacups and mood swings from Rumplestiltskin, she is able to find comfort in his nine year old son, Baelfire.**

**I want to thank everyone who left reviews and anyone who favourited/followed this story! You all rock and motivate me to post the next chapter and to keep this story going! I will try and update it ASAP! Thanks for reading! Leave another review and let me know what you think! :)**


	3. The Dark Castle

They called it the Dark Castle, Belle had heard the sinister name before, but at first sight it seemed more enchanting than evil. Rumplestiltskin gave her his hand to steady her as she found herself into ankle-deep snow, her slippers not suited to walk in such icy weather. She was damp and frozen after only a few steps on the straight path that took them to the castle's doors. There was a cold and biting wind and, retreating into her cloak and hood and scurrying to keep up with Rumplestiltskin, Belle saw very little of her new mysterious home.

The snowstorm had worsened gradually as they drew closer to the castle, the snow falling hard and thick and coating everything in moonlit white. Huge double doors opened at Rumplestiltskin's approach and he stopped to wait for her, his hand gesturing her to hurry her inside. Belle tried not to be afraid when, in a darkened hall of marble, she heard the doors slam closed again behind her. The place felt deserted and chilled from disuse, but that sensation eased a little when Rumpelstiltskin snapped his fingers and many candles burst into life in their heavy iron candelabra.

The inside of the castle proved to be even more beautiful. As she marched behind Rumplestiltskin through the many hallways, she admired all the fancy decor and displays which hung on each side of the wall. Most decor shimmered with gold and bright shiny silver, indicating Rumplestiltskin's infinite amount of wealth. They passed a glass case filled with antique items and inside lay two of the creepiest dolls Belle had ever seen, sending a harsh shiver down her spine.

"Come," Rumplestiltskin said, striding ahead of her towards a wide staircase, while Belle looked around her in an effort to get her bearings. She had never been inside so large a building, nor one so finely constructed. Ahead of Rumplestiltskin, candles and torches came to life to light as he passed. Glancing back, Belle saw that those left behind did not fade again.

"Where are you taking me?" She called out innocently, pacing a couple steps to catch up with him. When Rumplestiltskin stopped suddenly, causing Belle to clumsily bump into him, her mind still in an absent curious state. The Beast let out a slight hiss of annoyance at her touch. Belle backed off and sheepishly apologized, looking down at her feet, wanting to look anywhere except his face. Rumplestiltskin cleared his throat and gestured to his left hand side towards a wooden door. With the snap of his fingers, the doorway opened into an elegant and charming bedroom.

"This is my room?" She spoke in utter awe of such a beautiful room.

"What did you expect?" Rumplestiltskin scoffed, "that I would make you stay in a dungeon?"

"Well, no, I was not really sure what to think." Belle responded honestly.

Belle walked over to the bed and traced her fingers along the soft cotton beige sheets. The bed was very comfortable, springing pleasingly under her as she sat on top. Once her warmth began to spread Belle was comfortable, nearly ready for sleep. It was the first time she was fully able to think. So much had happened in so little time, and she missed her family and her friends desperately now that she had a moment to herself. Her father's grief and anger haunted her, as did Gaston's accusing glare as she disappeared into nothing but a cloud of smoke.

"There is a full closet of apparel I deemed would be appropriate." The Dark One added.

"I request that you be in the main hall to serve me tea tomorrow at noon, and I strongly suggest you get a good nights sleep for the work ahead of you, my prize." He cooed almost mockingly.

"I am not a prize." Belle retorted. While Rumplestiltskin let out a deep laugh. "What did you think you were, dearie? Isn't that what you were born for? To be a knight's little prize? To be his toy? Well, now you're mine."

He giggled to himself as he thought of the chores he had in mind for her. He'd seen her hands, soft and delicate. The heaviest thing she'd probably every held was a needle and thread. Well, that would change soon enough. She would learn the life of the worker. She who had been on top would fall. Just like he who had been nothing had raised himself this high. His steps were lighter and his heart skipped inside of his chest. He rubbed his hands to together as he imagined the girl scrubbing away in the kitchens, bent over a washboard, sweeping the endless halls of his castle. Now this was teaching the nobles a lesson.

* * *

It took Belle most of the morning to realize that she had not seen one mirror in Rumplestiltskin's castle. Her exploration had taken her all over the castle, into many different rooms both lived-in and forgotten, but it was only when she caught her own reflection in a silvered teapot that she realized. Not one mirror. Not in her room, although it was furnished with everything else she might wish for. Suddenly her attention turned the the great grandfather clock which rang deeply as the clock struck twelve. Her heart dropped, making her feel sick. She knew that Rumplestiltskin expected her to be serving him afternoon tea, yet she could not understand why she was so nervous.

Belle came into the main hall, a silver tray with both hands, walking slowly so the tea and the red kettle would not fall. As she entered the dining hall, she saw Rumplestiltskin sitting comfortable at the head of the table, his hands intertwined together, impatiently. Then as she looked to the right, she saw the boy she had saved in the village, sitting comfortably on one of the dining chairs, his feet swaying with a childish swing.

"You will feed us our meals and clean the dark castle." Rumplestiltskin ordered, his voice clear and demanding. Belle nodded as her shaking fingers picked up the fragile kettle and poured some tea into a cup for him. "You shall do whatever you are asked whenever we want it," he continued, watching the princess, observantly. "You will also launder our clothing and oh! You must skin the other children I hunt for their pelt."

In terror, Belle dropped the teacup she had been holding onto precariously, falling to the ground with a loud crash. "That was a quip, not serious." He giggled childishly at her mistake.

Rumplestiltskin watched Belle as she nervously picked up the cup and became teary eyed when she saw it was chipped in the corner. Her brown curls covered her face as she looked down at the chipped cup.

"I'm so sorry... But it is chipped." Her mouth became dry which caused her to swallow uncomfortably. When he said nothing in return Belle held up the cup in his direction. "I mean you can hardly see it." She assured, allowing herself to get up off the floor.

Rumple looked amused at the whole situation. "It's just a cup." He said plainly.

Belle then placed the chipped cup on the tray and fixed herself up straight, feeling foolish and embarrassed. "Right." She whispered thinking how stupid she was for thinking he would punish her for breaking a silly cup. However, he still was the Dark One, she honestly had no idea what to expect, or what he wanted from her.

One thing lingered in Belle's mind that seemed rather strange. Even in all of his evil reckless murderous glory, she did not fear him as much as she probably should. Why then did she continue to tremble in his presence? She did not know.

* * *

After all the tasks Rumplestiltskin assigned to her were completed, Belle was allowed to spend sometime alone. She sat on her window sill, exhausted from the long hard day that was now behind her. Belle kicked off her slippers tied her hair back, and opened the curtains.

Staring out of the window into the evening sky, the beauty wished she could see her father again, to see her friends again. Belle felt a tear drop onto her cheek and instantly realized she had started crying.

"Are you alright?" A tiny voice called from across the room.

"Baelfire," she quickly wiped her tears, hoping that he would not see her, "why aren't you outside playing?"

"It gets boring being by myself all the time" Bae said, standing in the doorway to Belle's bedroom. "Papa's usually too busy and our last maid didn't really talk much."

Then, obviously noticing her distressed state, he asked, "why are you crying, Belle?"

She stopped for a second and tried to calm herself down. She didn't like to show weakness, it only confirmed the stereotype of the typical spoiled princess. Belle wanted to be strong, to be like the heroes she had read about in her books. She had only dreamt of heroics though, while in reality, Belle was frightened and upset.

Secretly deep down in her heart, she wished for her Prince Charming to save the day, to come save her from this alienated castle. But for now, all she seemed to have was the Dark One, and his nine year old son.

"I just miss my family." Belle explained, turning back around to gaze out her window.

"Do you want to be left alone?" He questioned.

"No" Belle nearly laughed, tears streaming down her rosy painted cheeks. Being alone was the last thing she wanted.

"Maybe we could be alone together" Baelfire suggested. His eyes carefully watched as he saw her stained light blue eyes light up at the suggestion.

"I would like that" Belle admitted, patting the empty space next to him, initiating for him to come sit beside her on the window sill. Baelfire approached and let out a tiny childish yawn. The beauty hesitated as his head rested against the inner part of her arm as they quietly watched the rest of the sunset. She stared down at the relaxed boy and couldn't help but feel something she had not felt since she had left Avonlea: happiness.

"I'm glad you came here" he spoke drowsily, his eyelids about to shut into a deep sleep.

Belle wished that she could agree with him, but honestly she didn't know how this would work. She missed her castle her friends and father terribly. The Dark Castle proved to be just as mysterious and dark as the man who owned it. She let out a shaky sigh before resting her head onto her pillow, allowing herself to close her eyes.

What had she gotten herself into?

**Hey everyone! I wouldn't be surprised if there were a few mistakes here and there because I wanted to post the chapter ASAP. So far it looks like I will be posting Thursdays, and I will try and keep up with weekly updates. Thank you all so much for all the reviews and follows! It honestly makes my day and puts a smile on my face! So contribute to my overall happiness and review again! I would love to know what you are thinking! Thanks for reading!**

**Next Chapter: When a large snow storm hits, a thief breaks into the Dark Castle and is captured by Rumplestiltskin. But when Belle sets him free, Rumplestiltskin insists they chase after him, until Belle finds herself in a perilous situation. Will Rumplestiltskin be able to save her before it's too late?**


	4. The Heart of Winter

It had been almost two weeks that Belle had resided at the Dark Castle. She was given the responsibilities as a maid and a caretaker. She was to scrub floors, dust the many objects Rumplestiltskin had collected, and to serve the meals for both him and Baelfire.

The castle always provided the meals, a blessing for Belle as she only knew a few simple recipes learned before her father barred her from the kitchens. However, she did have to clean up the dishes. As always, there was a dish left for her to eat once everything was finished. It could take her all morning for her to clean the plates and put them away, but the meal managed to stay fresh and hot. Either the castle did not know the difference between its masters and the servants or it was an unthinkable act of kindness on Rumplestiltskin's part.

Her stomach rumbled as she dried her last dish. It was only porridge, but she thought she saw some honey she could sweeten it with. It was one of her favorite breakfasts as a child so it brought back good memories. A crash disturbed her thoughts and chased away her appetite. At first she thought she'd broken something, but the sound was coming from another room. Somewhere upstairs.

Belle abandoned her chores and hurried out of the kitchen. She had to hold up her skirts as she ran up the stairs, he had made her a dress- a blue peasant one. It was beautiful and carefully made, and then best part was there was no corset.

She soon came upon a room where she could see shattered stained glass from one of the windows covering the floor in a shades of blue, red and green. A man wearing a green cloak with the hood drawn up was searching around the room with his eyes. He didn't notice her, but she did see a bow slung over his shoulder with a quiver full of arrows. He strode over to one of the pedestals containing a little wooden stand on top. A fairy's wand was placed carefully on top. She'd never had the courage to ask Rumplestiltskin how he had acquired that wand nor did she want to.

Belle didn't know if she was supposed to stop the thief or how she was going to do that. She liked to think she had courage, but she certainly couldn't stop an arrow from killing her. Besides, something told her that this man wasn't here for petty reasons. An ordinary thief would have piled all of the gold and silver into a sack, and got the hell out of the castle. But this man was too particular in his prized treasure. He wanted the wand. But why?

"Are you sure you want to do this, dearie?"

Belle gasped and saw that Rumplestiltskin had appeared in the room. This wouldn't bode well for the thief. She could feel the magic crackling through the air, enough to make the hairs on her arms and neck stand up on end.

The thief removed his hood. He was a young man with black hair and a beard. "Pretty sure." His voice spoke of some nobility, but Belle couldn't recognize what territory. She watched as he tucked the wand into his bag.

"I wouldn't be so confident," Rumplestiltskin waved one finger at him, like he was merely chastising a child for stealing an extra cookie from the jar. "If you don't know how to use that wand, it can do nasty things to you."

No wonder he'd insisted she never touch anything without his command or go to that tower of his. It seemed to Belle that magic was more trouble than it was worth and far too costly.

"Well then," the thief pulled an arrow from his quiver, "I'll stick to what I know works. Do you know what this arrow can do to you?"

Belle's heart clenched in her chest, but Rumplestiltskin showed no fear. "Has to hit me first," he said almost in a sing-song voice. Belle simply stood by and watched as her master vanished, not even in a puff a smoke, just abruptly gone in an instant.

He reappeared on the other side of the room, his hands clasped in front of him as if he was being introduced at a ball instead of being threatened to be skewered with an arrow. "Shouldn't be a problem," the man said, "An arrow fired from this bow will always find its target." He grinned as she spoke, "Don't you just love magic?"

There really was no need to answer that question. There was a snap as the bow was released. Belle watched as that arrow sailed to where Rumplestiltskin was but he vanished before it struck. He reappeared by the thief. Meanwhile, the arrow swooped through the air, turning around and then arcing high before burying itself deep into Rumplestiltskin's chest.

Belle gasped and stumbled a few steps forward. However, despite the fact that an arrow was now embedded into his heart, Rumplestiltskin only showed surprise rather than pain. The thief paid no attention to the sorcerer, just answered his own question by saying, "I know I do," and walked towards the door.

The Dark One suddenly reappeared right in front of him. "As do I!" he crowed happily and ripped the arrow free from his chest. There was no blood, no wound. He was perfectly fine.

It was magic.

Belle let herself feel relief there, though she was puzzled by the feeling. She hardly knew him, couldn't even say that she liked him really. But she was under his protection, as was her entire kingdom.

"But don't you know?" Rumplestiltskin said after he made the arrow disappear, "All magic comes with a price. And in your case, that's me."

Now the thief actually looked afraid. So was Belle, for his sake. Rumple waved his hand and the thief vanished in a cloud of purple smoke. Only his bow and quiver remained. They clattered the ground, the arrows spilling out on the carpet.

"Well, these will be nice additions to my collection," Rumplestiltskin said.

"What are you going to do to him?" The beauty questioned.

"Just question him, dearie," Rumplestiltskin said, but there was too much glee in his voice. He was smiling again, a cool, wicked smile that told her of his dark delights.

"You mean torture him?" Belle said, aghast.

"If you want to be more specific."

"You can't!" Belle shouted.

"And why not?" he asked. There was a bite to his tone but his voice was low. A warning sounded in the back of her mind, but she couldn't just let this be.

"He wasn't a thief," she blurted out.

Rumplestiltskin let out a hideous laugh and removed the wand from the quiver. "Oh really? Was he just going to borrow this for a bit and then bring it back? What is your definition of thievery, dearie?"

"I mean, he clearly wasn't here to just steal from you," Belle said, "He had a purpose. He didn't want any of the gold or jewels you have here, he just wanted the wand. There must be a reason for that."

"Reason or not, no one steals from Rumplestiltskin." Were his last words before also disappearing, leaving Belle alone.

* * *

Belle swept, doing her beat to block out the horrific noises the thief had been making all afternoon. She watched as Rumplestiltskin walked in and out of the dungeon, each time with a bloodier apron than before.

She continued to observe him, watching the Dark One as he sought out revenge on the innocent man. He had demanded for her to get him some more aprons, but she deflected that they were still on the line drying. When the opportunity arose, Belle waited until Rumplestiltksin was nowhere to be seen, she knew what she had to do.

Belle rested the broom against the table and ran down the stairs towards the dungeon. The man sat there with his hands tied, his eyes half closed.

"No!" she exclaimed, "No, not at all." She hurried over to offer the cup to his dry lips. "Here, drink this."

He gratefully swallowed the cool water, some of it dribbling out of his mouth in his haste. Quenching his thirst was only the first part. The next was simply what needed to be done. "I couldn't let this continue," she said. The rope that held him up was attached to hook in the wall. Belle raced over to it and began to unwind it's complex knot. "It's inhuman," she said.

"I couldn't agree more," the man said, "But I fear now that he'll turn his wrath on you."

"If he does I'll stand up to the beast that he is," Belle said as she tugged on the rope, "Because no one, no one…" the knot gave and the man collapsed on the ground. She hurried over to untie his hands, "…deserves to be tortured."

"Well he may beg to differ."

"Well I don't care, he doesn't frighten me." The words flowed out without a thought, but in a heartbeat she knew they were true. He didn't frighten her. She was doing this not only because it was right but because she knew Rumplestiltskin wouldn't hurt her for this. No doubt he would be furious, probably enraged, but she just _knew_ he wouldn't lay a hand on her.

"Hurry up," she said instead and held out a hand to help him to his feet, "He'll be back soon."

The man's knees shook, but he remained standing. He bolted for the door, but stopped to look back at her. "He will kill you, unless you runaway with me."

She wished she could. She knew this man could be trusted, that he would have taken her home back to her father. But the collar was an ever present reminder that she didn't have the ability. "I can't run," she said, one hand reaching up to touch the silver band at her throat, " Rumplestiltskin has bound me to this castle. Beyond that, I made a deal to serve him in exchange for him protecting my kingdom and my family from the ogres. Even if I could leave, I may survive but my family surely wouldn't." He would keep his word as long as she stayed.

To his credit, the man gave her a grave look and nodded. "All I can do is wish you luck."

"Thank you," she said, smiling at him. "Now go. Go!" she shooed him away. He raced up the stairs, surprisingly light. Hopefully the masters of the castle would hear his escape.

She didn't bother to pretend to read now. She sat still and waited as they stormed over to her. "Where is he?" Rumplestiltskin snapped, his face set in stone.

"Gone," she said simply. Her voice came out stronger than she had hoped. "I let him go."

"What?" he barked.

"He was a thief!" Rumplestiltskin reminded her.

"Which doesn't give you the right to kill him." Even in her kingdom, the death sentence was only delivered to murderers. Besides, she didn't think he was a thief. Not exactly.

"It gives me every right!" he growled. "Oh let me guess, _you_ think he's a hero," he pointed at her, "stealing from me for some noble cause. You read too many books, dearie!" He waved one hand and the purple cloud engulfed her lap. The book vanished, slipping from her fingers like it had never existed. "There," he hissed, "Maybe that will stop filling your head with poisonous thoughts!"

That stung her straight into her heart. She felt her cheeks grow hot at her eyes begin to fill with tears, but she swallowed them back. He did not respect tears. He wanted her to show courage and so she would.

"I didn't free him because of what I read in my books," she said, "I saw good in him." "That man only wanted to escape with his life."

"Oh is that what you thought?" he mocked her, his eyes snapping with fire, "Our thief escaped with more than just his life." He gestured towards one of the pedestals, the very one that had held the magic wand. Now it stood empty.

Belle stood up slowly, trying and failing to hide her surprise. She had truly thought he would just leave. She felt a bit betrayed at the thief now for using her gift to steal a treasure.

"You were tricked, you foolish, gullible girl!" He hissed, angrily.

Belle looked back at the empty pegs that had cradled the wand. A wand. He'd risked his freedom for some trophy…or had he? There was piles of silver and gold in the castle and all he took was the wand. He'd risked his life for a wand, why do that? Why not take the gold if he was an ordinary thief?

"Th—there must be an explanation," she said, her voice not as firm as before, "We don't know why he needed that wand." She was certain that it was only the wand he needed and it must have been for a good reason.

"He took the wand because he wanted magic!" he snapped. He turned around then, shouting at her all the while, "People who steal magic never have good intentions."

His words struck her oddly. They almost sounded…personal. It was just another example of what a mystery he truly was.

"You don't know what's in a persons heart until you truly know them." Belle argued, remembering the times when her mother used to say that.

"Oh we'll see what's in his heart alright, when I pierce it with an arrow! And since I am a showman, I will do it with his bow. And since this is your fault, you get to come with me and watch as the blood flows down his corpse."

"There's a snow storm! We cannot track someone in this weather." Belle protested. She met his gaze for a moment, his eyes cold and harsh.

"We'll just see about that."

* * *

They rode for hours, mostly in silence. Belle decided that holding her tongue for now was the best course of action, despite her certainty that he meant her no harm. If anything, this little trip proved it.

Finally he spoke after stewing for so long, "We're losing track of him. This forest is too thick."

Belle lifted her head, unable to contain the way the corners of her mouth curved into a smile. "Maybe we should return home."

"What? And let the thief escape?" His eyes were hard and cruel. "What would people think if I spared the life of someone who stole from me?"

"That there's actually a _man_ hiding behind the beast." She knew a part of her believed that. Someone who loved his son and never punished a servant for her disobedience couldn't be as monstrous as the rumors claimed.

"There isn't," he said quickly.

"Then why didn't you kill me when I freed the prisoner."

"Well I would have," he said, "but good help these days is really hard to find, plus my son is quite fond of you."

The carriage suddenly came to a halt. Rumplestiltksin walked out, the quiver of bows attached onto his back and the thief's bow in hand. Belle followed, covering her face as the snow whipped against her pale face.

She knew now why he had stopped, in the short distance away from them underneath a tree stood the thief. There was a wagon, Belle noticed, where another person lay on top of it, a woman. The thief had the wand out and was slowly dragging it over the her.

Magic hummed through the air, prickling Rumplestiltskin's senses. Light magic, disgusting. But with each pass of the wand, the woman's skin gained some color. Her coughing subsided and death retreated from her doorstep. The thief gave the now healed woman a tender smile, full of love and joy. It made Rumplestiltskin hate him even more.

"I'm right about him," Belle babbled with renewed glee, "About why he stole the wand. He did it so he could heal the woman he loves."

The way she said it was full of romance and happy dreams, stupid girl. Love never turned out the way one thought. He knew that lesson better than anyone. "He's still a thief," he reminded her.

"And she would have died he hadn't stolen your wand!" She rolled her eyes.

"And now _he_ gets to die!" The rage was mixing with something else now, jealousy. He didn't want this man to be happy. He didn't deserve it. No one did. "And she can tell all of Sherwood Forest what happens when you cross Rumplestiltskin!"

Then they both noticed something. Snow surrounded them everywhere, covering every bit of the ground. But what they came to realize that they weren't on land. They were on a lake, a frozen lake.

"Rumplestiltskin" Belle whispered as she gazed down to her feet, feeling each crack of the ice below her. They both heard the ice give out and Belle soon found herself surrounded by icy blue water that was once beneath her.

The water stunned her whole body like a million tiny needles piercing her flesh all at once. The water pushed down on Belle from all sides, as she fought to push herself above the surface. She felt her hands touch the cold thickness on the ice, banging and praying that the pitiful strength of her hands could break the barrier. The more she struggled the more disorientated she got.

Belle pushed with her arms and legs but he could find no leverage, for all he knew Belle was pushing herself further down. Her lungs burned for more air and even though he knew he would get none her body still took a breath. Cold water filled her lungs and blood pounded behind the beauty's eyes.

The darkness engulfed her and she had nothing left in him to fight anymore. He gave into the darkness and let the water take him.

Rumplestiltskin watched as the beauty fell, letting out a shriek as she went under into the freezing unbearable water. He jumped in, without much hesitation, keeping his eyes open for any sign of her.

He saw her, unconscious and being pushed further down by the current. Rumple grabbed a hold of her waist and pushed her towards the broken ice, throwing her back up onto the land.

His eyes scanned her with desperation, she looked pale and nearly purple. Her lips had gone pale, contrasting to the usually redness of them.

"Princess?" He questioned, gently tapping her cheek.

Nothing.

"Belle?" he shook her shoulders a bit harder. Then all of a sudden Belle spat up water and coughed violently, gasping for air. "Shh, it's alright" Rumple almost cooed, holding part of her head on his lap.

"You- you rescued me" she stated rather than asking the question. With the touch of his hand he gave her a fur coat. She wrapped herself immediately, her breathing labored and her lugs burning. Her teeth chattered even harder when she realized that Rumplestiltskin had not gone after the thief after all.

"You're not going after him?" Belle croaked.

"No, we have to get you home before you freeze to death."

What happened next he didn't expect. Belle wrapped her arms around him quickly, lugging herself into his embrace, nearly knocking him over. The Dark One froze at her touch. He was unsure if Belle was so freezing that she had to confide in him for warmth, or just plain thankful for the rescue.

"Why didn't you didn't go after the thief?"

"I don't know." He admitted, replaying back the event in his mind. He could of easily taken the bow and hit the thief directly in the heart. Why then did he not? He sure wanted to, but something seemed to take his mind off of it. He thought of Belle falling through the ice, it was unexpected. He wanted to save her.

"You spared his life." The beauty said, the curve of her lips slightly turning upwards.

"I did no such thing." He insisted, putting on the well known facade of the Dark One.

"You could of killed him, but you didn't."

"Would you preferred that I did, princess?" Rumplestiltskin questioned, harshly. "At least then I would have two problems taken care of at once."

"Belle" she interjected, "my name is Belle." She retorted to his coldness. "Why must you always be so- so-" she stuttered, her teeth shaking and clamping together, until a gust of purple smoke surround them.

They returned to the dark castle, where Belle was able to curl herself up in front of the hot fire to defrost. The flames of yellow and orange crackled as she allowed herself to relax.

Rumplestiltskin had pulled her out of the water, the Dark One himself. The single person every man feared in the Enchanted Forest feared had saves her life. Maybe he had regretted it, but maybe, just maybe Rumplestiltskin had a heart after all.

**Hey everyone! Thank you all so much for reviews and follows, you all keep me writing! I plan on introducing a villain soon and am planning out this story bit by bit. I will try and update weekly as I have before. So leave a review and let me know what you think of the story so far!**

**Next Chapter: When Belle tries to thank Rumple for saving her life, she accidentally stumbles upon a magical item: powerful handcuffs that will cuff them together... for the entire day.**


	5. Chains and Choices

**Hey guys! So I've figured out the mystery as to why the character of Cora was miraculously somehow added into this particular story. I've been working on another story which has Cora in it and a tiny chunk of that story was put in here by mistake. I was trying to update the story for everyone as quick as I could and I only proofread certain parts. Sorry for any confusion! I also want to thank everyone for the reviews and follows and favorites for this story. All the feedback and support make me so humbled. Enjoy this next chapter and leave another review and let me know what you think!**

Belle awoke the next day from her well rested sleep and felt strange. She was alive and well and it was all thanks to Rumplestiltskin.

In fact, she had been so grateful she even took it as far as to hug him. In the desperate moment just seconds after being rescued from the water, she had thrown her arms around his neck. She was his maid, his caretaker- nothing more. Yet, Belle found herself spending time dwelling on the event, allowing it to remain in the back of her mind like a virus that continued to return.

Belle assorted and prepared Rumplestiltskin's tea like she had every morning. She wandered around the castle with the tray in her hands, absent minded and curious, until she found him in his laboratory upstairs. Her heart fluttered as she approached him, taking a wary hesitant breath. Belle took it upon herself to lighten her footsteps in hopes of not disturbing whatever he was working on.

"Good morning," Belle said, uncertainly. "I brought you some tea."

He nodded, gazing up from his practice and stiffly turning towards her as Belle poured. He accepted the teacup in silence, drawing it to him with both hands as if for the warmth of it. He looked at her, at last, turning in the chair and putting the cup back on the tray. Daylight added shades of green and gold to his eyes, she noticed, and it made his pupils too narrow.

"Did you sleep poorly?" Belle dared to start a conversation, "you look tired."

"I don't really sleep." his voice was brittle and dry. "And the dark bags under your eyes tell me you have the same inconvenience as I."

"No, I slept rather well." She confessed. She had slept better than she had been able to in weeks, without the fear of invasion and the dreadful sounds of battle moving ever closer. There was also the crying and sleepless nights that had occurred almost the entire first week at the dark castle, the restless tossing and turning of being in an unfamiliar place. One night of peaceful rest wouldn't be enough to catch up on all the other sleepless nights.

"What are you working on?" She questioned innocently, observing the various viles and brewing bright colored potions around them.

"I thought I told you this room was out of bounds" he replied defensively, but his words did not seem irritated or angry.

"I came to thank you, actually- for saving my life." She felt her voice echo through the rest of the silence. "It's no matter" he brushed her off.

"It was to me" Belle admitted, unsatisfied with his reply, "I thought about it all night, I could of easily drowned yesterday but I didn't, and it is all thanks to you."

"What good what that be too me? I would no longer have a maid."

_Defensive_. Belle concluded._ Rumplestiltskin is being defensive and someone is only defensive when you are scared of something._

_Was the Dark One afraid of her?_

His walls were up higher than she had ever seen on a person before. The tales of the Dark One included a fearless man, one who did not care about anything, but Belle knew this not to be true.

"Perhaps you are right, it would sure be a shame if I was not here to dust all these thousands of old filthy knickknacks." She gestured to the endless shelves of objects.

He gave a slight nod and glanced away, leaving Belle feeling rather frustrated. "Look at all of these things! Do you even use any of them?" She asked, utterly fascinated by the ancient antiques. Then out of the corner of her eye she noticed an attractive gleam. Silver and gold sparkled in the light as she reached up and grabbed a shiny chain.

"Don't touch-" Rumplestiltskin interjected her action, "I need to start keeping everything out of reach so that curious little maids don't stumble into anything they shouldn't." He growled.

"What are these?" the beauty ignored the beast and pulled out the expensive looking handcuffs, "they are beautiful."

Rumplestiltskin turned around quickly, quick enough that their arms touched from the jerky movement. Belle watched in awe as golden light sparked at the touch, igniting her left and his right hand together with the chain. The Dark One stared down at what had just happened and by the look on his face, he was nor happy or impressed.

"What did you do?" He hissed at her foolishness.

"What did I do?! You're the one who keeps pointless objects like this in the castle!" She attempted to break free of the grasp of the handcuffs, tugging and pulling, suddenly feeling and overwhelming amount of claustrophobia. "How do we get them off? Don't you have some magic remedy to get us free?" she asked, desperately hoping that Rumple would get them out of the mess she had just created.

"I am afraid that is not possible." He answered.

"What do you mean it's not possible?!" She panicked, continuing to pull and twist in hopes that the Jain would break and they would be set free from each other.

"The magic restricts the handcuffs to be permanently bound for a single day." He explained.

"We are stuck with each other for the entire day? There must be a way to undo its magic!" Belle protested. "Indeed not. I'm afraid that you are stuck with me, dearie. And it seems as if I have some deals to make today." With the snap of his fingers, Rumplestiltskin prepared their cloaks to leave.

Belle did not have any time to protest his request. "Here" he placed a black thick cloak over top of their hands, "now no one can witness this humiliating experience." He said.

"Where are we going?" She lifted up part of her cloak to fix her curled hair.

"I have some business to take care of outside of the castle, and since you got us into this mess you will accompany me, that's all you need to know, dearie."

_This can't be good, _Belle thought, _last time he made me go somewhere I almost drowned. _Who knew what they would get into this time_._

* * *

The snowstorm had stopped. The valley was covering in powdery white fluffy snow. The reflection off the snow made Belle feel as if she were going to go blind. It made a crunching noise under Belle's feet as she walked. Her cloak dragged behind her as she walked, leaving a trail in the path behind her.

"What kind of deal do you have out in the middle of nowhere?" She questioned, observing the tall trees and bushes around her.

"I have a deal with a man who calls himself the sheriff of Sherwood Forest." Rumplestiltskin responded, dryly.

"What business do you have with him?"

"It is not your concern, dearie. You are too curious and ask far too many questions. You are to be quiet and obedient, is that clear?" His dark brown eyes glared at her.

They waited for what seemed to be forever in a plaguing silence. Suddenly, they could here the click clack noises of horseshoes and Belle knew the mystery person had arrived.

The sheriff rode on his horse, looking ragged and drunk. Belle watched as he opened his flask and took a mouthful of ale. With a satisfied sigh, the sheriff got off his horse and stepped down to meet Rumplestiltskin.

"Well, well, the Dark One in my woods." He spoke amusingly.

"That's what happens when you call someone here, dearie." Rumple mocked.

"Yes, I remember summoning you here, but who is this beautiful creature you've brought with you?" The man cooed, even going as far as to trace his dirty fingernails along Belle's porcelain skin.

"I obtained her in one of my deals."

"My oh my" the sheriff hummed, "I wish I had a plaything, especially as gorgeous as this one."

Belle heard a low growl come from Rumplestiltskin's throat. Usually during deals his childish giggle would conquer any other sort of emotion, she had learned that from her own deal. She knew that only when he was extremely irritated would he make a sound that reflect such. She continued to stand behind him like he had instructed her so. Quiet and obedient.

"Do you have what I asked for?" Rumplestiltskin barked.

"Indeed." The man licked his lips while staring at Belle, taking another large gulp out of his flask.

Rumple threw the man a small bag obviously filled with heavy gold coins. When the Dark One noticed the sheriff seem unsatisfied, he asked, "is there something the matter?"

"I think I would like to change our matter of payment"

"What did you have in mind?" Rumplestiltskin showed only boredom at the notion. "What do you want?"

The sheriff pointed past him. "A night with your wench."

Belle gasped, her entire body seizing up at his words. He couldn't be serious. But one look into his dark, hungry eyes told her he absolutely was.

Rumplestiltskin turned to look at her, for once she could read his evident surprise. What would he do? He has said he wouldn't kill her, but he would he give her to this man as punishment for her freeing the prisoner? Her heart froze inside her chest as he turned back to the sheriff.

"She's not for sale," he said. Belle released the breath she'd been holding. Silently, she took back every thought she'd ever had of his cruelty. Her faith in him was restored. The sheriff laughed. "My prize really isn't worth her company?"

The Dark One shook his head. "Please," he scoffed. "How about twenty minutes?" The sheriff pleaded, "I will fuck her quickly if that pleases you."

Belle paled as his lascivious gaze, her heart plummeting to her slippers. Gods, would they agree to this?

She took a step back, bumping into Rumplestiltskin. Belle knew that he could tell she was trembling nervously, trembling like the scared little girl she tried so hard not to be. Belle wanted to run, but there was no escape. If she ran she'd die. Of course death might be preferable to this. "Actually," Rumplestiltskin said, "I have another idea."

He waved his hand in a flourish and there was a cloud of purple smoke surrounding it. When it cleared a slippery, pink tongue rested in his palm. The sheriff put his fingers in his mouth, but they only found teeth. Belle's own tongue itched as Rumplestiltskin pinched his fingers around the sheriff's loose one. The man croaked but to no avail. Without his tongue, he couldn't speak.

Rumplestiltskin giggled. "I propose a new deal, I give you this back and in return, you Give me the valuable possession we discussed." The sheriff sputtered as he waved his tongue at him. "You ought to be more careful with your possessions. Do you agree to my terms?"

The sheriff groaned and gargled. "What was that?" Rumplestiltskin asked, holding one hand to his ear as if it was his hearing that was the problem. The sheriff groaned some more, this time with more earnest. "I'll take that as a yes then."

With the snap of his fingers, Rumplestiltskin return the sheriff's tongue in an instant. "Now give me what I want" he ordered, irritated.

The sheriff let out a loud startled gasp. He fully acknowledged the reappearance of his muscle and stared at the Dark One with extreme fear and hostility. He dug into his pocket taking out a rectangular brown device. "Here, take it"

Rumplestiltskin accepted the object with ease, a wicked smile forming on his lips. The sheriff left immediately after, absolutely terrified that Rumplestiltskin would do anything else to him.

"What is that?" Belle pointed at the object in his hand.

"It is a very valuable compass." He replied, mesmerized by his new addition to his collection.

"A compass?" She repeated, unsure of its overall worth.

"Indeed."

"You traded a bag of gold.. for a compass?" Belle said, shocked.

"This is not some regular compass, dearie. It has magical properties. It will point me to the thing I want most."

"And what would that be?" Belle raised her eyebrow.

"More power of course." He shot her a half smile that sent shivers down her spine. But somehow, Belle knew that deep down inside of Rumplestiltskin, inside that dark heart of his, it was not power that he needed.

* * *

The snow had started up again once they had returned to the dark castle. The bonded golden chain of the handcuffs seemed stronger than ever when they returned from Sherwood Forest."

"I've heard only bad things about you. The people from court, my father, the kings men, they have all told me stories about you." Belle broke the silence. "Oh did they now?" The Dark One cooed, "they told you all about the beast Rumplestiltskin, hmm?"

"It doesn't matter what they told me. I like to make assumptions for myself." Belle responded.

"And what assumptions have you gathered so far, princess?" He questioned, placing his intimidating stare on her.

"I think that you are not as dark as you want people to believe." she challenged.

"Oh no?"

"In fact, I think you are warming up to me."

"Nonsense" he made a scoffing noise, that only further confirmed his fondness. "I could throw you in the dungeon if I really wanted to, dearie!"

"You won't," she said firmly.

"Really now? What makes you so certain?"

Belle squared her shoulders and stared at him with the same look a brave knight has before going into battle. "Because there is good in you."

He let out his shrill giggle at her comment. "I'm the Dark One. There is nothing good in me."

"Well I say there is." She protested otherwise.

"Then you are a fool."

Belle lifted her chin in defiance. "You could have killed me when I release the prisoner, or when I was drowning- even today when that man wanted to- to-"

"We made a deal that you would _live_ here in exchange for your family's life. I never break my word. You are mine, no one else's."

"Exactly." Now it was his turn to stare at her queerly. "You have honor," she said, "A truly dark person wouldn't care if his word was good or not. He would only seek what he desires, but you keep your word. That must mean there is some good in you somewhere."

"Oh?" he questioned, leaning forward so their noses almost brushed together, "And what do you intend to do if you find some, hmm?"

She didn't say anything. Her mouth opened just a little and she gazed at him with those lovely blue eyes. There was a spark of something deep inside of his chest, a tiny prick of some emotion he couldn't put a name to. He didn't take the time to ponder it. "Well, good luck finding it, dearie."

She growled at him, yanking her arm to pull him the direction she wished to go and for once, he allowed her to whisk him away.

* * *

The sun had eventually sailed across the horizon and night took over the sky. The bonded chains of the handcuffs finally had real eased and both Belle and Rumplestiltskin were free from each other at last.

Belle walked down the hallway, a laundry basket in hand and saw Baelfire, up past bedtime, wide awake in his bed.

"What are you doing up this late, Bae?" She called.

"I can't sleep." He answered, "I've been trying for hours."

"Hm, I might have something that could fix that." She gave a smile, leaving the room briefly, returning with a large brown book in her hands.

"This," she began, "Is a book of fairy tales" Belle explained. "My mother gave it to be when I was very young. There was not a restless night where it wouldn't help me sleep."

"It is quite lovely." His eyes examined the cover, then turned to look up at her.

"Do you miss your mother back in Avonlea?" Bae questioned, innocently.

Belle looked down at her feet sadly, her father attempted do his best not to mention her mother. She had passed away when she as so young that she barely remembered what she had looked like. The dukes and kings men at court often told her that she was a spitting image to the Queen, but she didn't know. "My mother died when I was very young."

"My mother left when I was very young." Baelfire spoke, but he did not show any sign of regret or sadness.

"I'm sorry," she gently rubbed the top if his back, "how about I read you one of my favourite stories?" Belle suggested, immediately catching Baelfire's interest.

"What's it about?"

"It's a story. About two star crossed lovers, a beautiful princess and a handsome Prince. They were unlikely to fall in love, but eventually they wished to get married, much to his fathers dismay. It was the Prince'a father who commanded they stay away from each other, but when the princess refused, she was killed. So devastated, the prince abandoned his duty as the future king and went off to war and was killed. but they're love was so strong, they were bonded for all of eternity. Lifetime after lifetime they would be reborn, only to find each other and finally get the happily ever after they deserved."

"That's kind of a sad story" Bae admitted, fascinated to know more.

"Yes." Belle agreed, "but the story teaches us something. It teaches us that love is never what it seems, and even though some people may be lost to is we shouldn't give up hope."

"Here" Belle gently closed the book and handed it to Bae. "I want you to have it."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely" she smiled, "what kind of person would I be if I kept those adventure stories all to myself."

Bae lugged himself forwards, wrapping his tiny arms around the beauty's neck. "Thank you, Belle."

But what Belle and Baelfire did not know, was that Rumplestiltskin stood down the hall, his hands rested on the nearest wall listening in. Maybe Belle was not as miserable as he thought she had been living in the dark castle. Maybe, just maybe, this could be the place she could call home.

**Next Chapter: Rumplestiltskin catches Belle when she falls off the ladder while hanging up curtains; Belle is taught how to spin; an old flame from Rumplestiltskin's past is revealed.**


	6. The Spin of the Wheel

Belle could not compete with Baelfire's drawings, the princess knew. When he had invited her to draw, she expected the normal expectations of a nine year old. However, Bae was not ordinary nor was he a normal little boy. On the piece of thin canvas that lay out in front of him, a beautiful sketch was penciled, high-tipped mountains and swinging branches of a sulking willow tree.

Belle looked down at her own childish drawing, letting out a defeated sigh. She truly was an awful artist, regardless of Bae's enthusiastic encouragement.

"You are much better than I am at this." Belle confessed, taking a brief glance at her pathetic portrait. She had wanted it to be a horse, but now it looked no better than a deranged three-legged mutant.

When Rumplestiltskin entered the room, everything became even quieter than it had been before. Belle held her breath, anticipating the moment when he would order her to do some laborious job she did not have stamina to do.

"The curtains are looked rather... dirty." He pointed out, "they need to be cleaned."

"But papa, Belle is drawing with me." Baelfire said.

"She is a maid and she must do her duty," Rumple interjected, "surely you understand, son." He took a seat at his wheel, preparing to spin his ordinary straw into strands of expensive priceless gold.

Belle abandoned her drawing, following Rumplestiltskin's instruction, and headed towards the dusty old curtains. She pulled the ladder and set it directly in front, giving it a slight wiggle to make sure it was sturdy enough to stand upon.

Foot by foot she stepped up until the top of the window was reachable. From down below she could hear that Rumplestiltskin had approached the dining table.

"You didn't draw this did you?" Rumple picked up and held out Belle's art to his son.

He shook his head, "no, papa, Belle drew that."

"Hmm, I thought lady's were suppose to be distinguished in all art forms." Rumple snorted.

"And I thought Dark One's were supposed to spend their days working on their evil mastermind plots- not spending every hopeless second mesmerized by a spinning wheel." She paused for a split moment, "why is it that you spin so much?" She asked.

"It's calming" he replied, simply. Rumplestiltskin then turned his attention to the little maid, struggling with the task at hand. He watched as the ladder began to shake and wobble from side to side.

He got an unsettling feeling in his stomach as he walked closer to her. He watched the beauty climb higher and higher up the old ladder. "I think I was wrong to ask you to do this, you may come down." He spoke, trying to hide the worry and concern hidden in his voice.

"I might as well finish the job" Belle responded. Then, all of a sudden, she felt a horrible gut wrenching feeling deep down. She felt the ladder start to give out.

Belle let out a childish shriek as she felt herself falling.

"Papa catch her!" Baelfire yelled.

Belle waited for the inevitable crash on the hard floor. She shut her eyes and free fell right down towards the floor. The beauty then felt herself being lifted up by a pair of arms.

_Rumplestiltskin's arms._

Belle allowed herself to squint open her eyes when the anticipated fall did not occur. They found themselves face to face, simply staring at one another, caught up in each others embrace.

"Thank you" was all Belle managed to spit out.

Rumplestiltskin cleared his throat nervously, "it's no matter, really." He then put her down gently back onto her feet. She felt extremely dizzy and lightheaded, but she didn't believe it was from the fall.

* * *

Later that same afternoon, while Belle was preparing his afternoon tea, Rumplestiltkin was once again spinning time away at his wheel. She noticed a simple piece of straw on the ground where her feet lay. Belle carefully bent down and took the flat straw and fiddling it in her hands.

"They say that you turn straw into gold," she said, fearing the silence more than she feared to speak to him. "Is that true?"

"Yes." He drew the length of the straw between his left finger and thumb, smoothing it, then crumpled it into a ball in his fist. When he opened his hand again there were four tiny coins in place of the thread. Belle gasped, delighted, but he closed his fist again and the coins disappeared. "An amusement," he said, and Belle stole another glance at his face. He looked sheepish and avoided her gaze. "Nothing more."

She took a deep wary breath in. "How does it work?"?"

Her voice was soft, but it still startled him. Pausing the wheel, Rumpelstiltskin looked up to see Belle. She was in her usual place for the evening, preparing his tea and curled up in front of the large fire with a thick book, but the novel was now closed and her eyes, bright with curiosity, were fixed on him.

"How does what work?" he asked, deciding to indulge her.

"The wheel. The spinning. The turning straw into gold." Tucking her feet under her, she scooted closer to him. "How does it work?"

He laughed at her question, both so simple and yet so utterly complex that even the most seasoned alchemist would have difficulty explaining. "Why, with magic, dearie!" he teased, grinning down at her. "How else?"

"I know _that_," she retorted, giving his leg a gentle swat. "But what _kind_ of magic? Is it yours? Is it the wheel's? I mean," and here her voice lowered slightly, "could _anyone_ do it? Or does the spinner need magic?"

"Ahhhhh, now I see!" He shook a playful finger in her face. "Want to compete with me, do you?"

Pushing herself up, she reached out and gently touched the wheel. "It just…fascinates me, that's all. I was curious."

"You're _always_ curious, dearie," he retorted, and they both chuckled at the truth, but then his voice grew pensive. "To answer your question, I've never allowed anyone else to spin at my wheel. It's my greatest treasure, you see, my biggest prize, and you of all people know how possessive I am over my trinkets."

"Oh, of course." He avoided her eyes, but the disappointment in her voice was impossible to miss. "It is your trademark, after all. It's perfectly understandable."

She dropped her hand from the wheel and turned to go back to her book when he spoke again, his voice deceptively casual.

"Of course, no one has ever asked as prettily as you, and I suppose you _do_ deserve a little treat for all your hard work."

Belle whirled back around, her lips breaking into a wide smile. "Truly?"

Rumpelstiltskin stood, then gestured to his stool with a grand flourish. "All yours, my lady." His eyes twinkled. "Let's see what you can do, shall we?"

Almost shivering with anticipation, Belle seated herself before the large wheel, arranging her skirts so they didn't impede her movements. Rumpelstiltskin stood behind her and gently, almost hesitantly, lifted her arms and placed her hands properly on the wheel.

"It does have its own magic," he said softly, pressing her fingers slightly into the wood, "but that enchantment is not enough. The true power must come from the spinner, from her…desires. Her wishes."

"You mean…you mean I need to _want_ the straw to become gold?" she asked, confused. "That's all?"

"Not just _want_, dearie. Believe. _Know_. You must spin with conviction, with confidence. After centuries, it's become second nature to me, so hardly any concentration is required. I simply know the straw will become gold. But in the beginning, I had to convince myself of that result." He taped a long finger against her forehead. "Real magic comes from here, you see, not from silly incantations or enchanted objects."

Belle nodded slowly, this revelation more fascinating than anything she could have ever imagined.

"Keep your movements smooth and even," he continued, beginning to turn the wheel slowly. "Be mindful of your intentions. Know what you want. The wheel will do the rest."

Though Belle did her best to focus solely on the task at hand, to say she wasn't distracted by the man behind her would be a grievous lie. After catching her in his arms from her ungraceful plunge off the ladder, Rumpelstiltskin had been very careful not to touch her for more than the briefest of moments.

This was the most prolonged contact they'd had since her tumble, and she was discovering she liked it _far_ too much. His hand was warm and gentle on hers, and his chest just barely grazed her back as he leaned over to adjust her arms. He smelled of straw and woods and something spicy that she could only assume was his own magical scent.

Despite an almost irresistible urge to learn back against him, Belle's innate curiosity was too strong to pass up this opportunity. She forced her mind back to his instructions, on keeping her arms relaxed and her touch light. He spun the wheel in a slow, smooth motion, then reached down to hand her a small bundle of straw.

"Remember to believe," he whispered.

Biting her lip, Belle threaded the straw into the wheel, trying to envision it turning to bright gold thread as it did for him every night. At first, nothing happened, and the straw fell limply to the floor. But Belle found herself eventually lured into an almost trance-like state, hypnotized by the spinning of the wheel and Rumpelstiltskin's soft voice in her ear and warm hand on her back.

She spun and spun, losing all concept of time –he truly _hadn't_ been lying when he said he used his wheel to forget! – when suddenly the straw felt cool to her touch and she looked down to see a single piece of sparkling gold thread.

"Congratulations, dearie," he murmured, his mouth a breath away from her ear. "Looks like you've got the golden touch."

Belle gasped in wonder, feeling like a child who'd just been given a special prize. Gently, as though afraid any sudden movements would undo its transformation, Belle ran her finger over the gold. Though as flexible as normal thread, there was a slight heaviness to it, and a lovely smoothness that confirmed this was more than simply gold-colored thread.

"It's…beautiful," she whispered. "And it's real. I did this, and it's really real!"

"Yes" he repeated, watching as the sunbeams from the window shimmered in her soft brown hair, "it's very real."

* * *

Deep in the dark woods of the Enchanted Forest sat an old abandoned cabin, plagued with moss and overgrown leafy vines. A red headed woman watched out her window, her skin growing green with jealousy.

_He had picked Regina instead if her._ He had thrown her to the side like a piece of trash, ignored and alone. A loud low squeal of a monkey sounded from the corner of the dim lit room.

"He needs me, he just doesn't know it yet." The woman hissed to the creature, continuing to pace back and forth. For those five months of spending time with Rumplestiltskin she knew they were meant to be. She did not care that he had told her otherwise. He was a very distinctive man, a powerful sorcerer that could do anything with just the simple flick of his hand.

Rumplestiltskin would be hers no matter what. She would do anything to get him back. And if anyone stood in her way, Zelena would kill them.

**Hey everyone! Thank you so much for all the reviews and follows, it truly makes me light up every time. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I will try and update the next chapter by latest August 30th. Please leave another review and let me know your ideas/thoughts on the story! Thanks for reading!**

**Next Chapter: When Belle is ordered to pick up Baelfire from school, she is shocked to learn he is being bullied by older kids. Will Belle help Bae find the courage to stand up to them? Meanwhile Zelena and Rumplestiltskin have a run in with each other.**


	7. Sore Knuckles

Belle woke up before the sun, in the comfortable room that she begun to call her home. She was usually the first to awaken, or so she thought. She had never actually left the premises of her bedroom until she heard the sound of footsteps by her door. It was warm and snug under her soft bed covers, which kept out the frosty breeze from the snow outside. She let out a gentle yawn and turned herself, stretching like a feline.

Her room was still dark as she searched for her pillow. It must have fallen off the bed at some point in the night, along with most of the covers. Though the beauty did not remember her dream, she could tell it was one jam packed with action, according to her bed's messy condition.

As she searched for her absent pillow, her arm traced over the book she had been reading the night before. It was a beautiful tale called _The Frog Prince. _It was about a beautiful princess, who one day discovered a green frog in her palace gardens. She heard the frog speak to her, _"I am not who I appear to be, let your red lips bless me with transforming me back into the handsome prince that I once was."_ The princess agreed to kiss the frog and was true to his word and was turned back into a man. They were married and lived happily ever after.

Belle always had enjoyed stories that strayed from the original cliches. However, questions haunted her over curious mind after the tale was over. Questions that may never be answered to her full satisfaction. _Would the handsome prince resort back to his amphibian-like qualities?_ _How long had he been eating flies out in the garden? _

Then, when the beauty's hand finally found her missing pillow, as touched the feathered softness of the cotton and tossed it back onto her bed. When she got up, she immediately searched for her slippers. She put on her blue peasant dress and ties her hair back in a white ribbon before exiting the room. She found Rumplestiltskin spinning in the main hall like every morning. She watched his careful technique like he had shown her only few days ago. It was incredible, the feeling of magic, of simply turning your hands and creating something beautiful.

"Good morning" Belle called, careful not to spill his tea. She placed it carefully on the table nearest to him and stood up straight, humming along to a familiar tune.

"You are rather chipper this morning, dearie" Rumplestiltskin observed, welcoming the soft sound of her singing. "I'm feel good today and I've decided to go with it." She replied with an undeniable smile coming upon her lips. Then as she gazed down she saw that she had poured the tea for Rumplestiltskin into the cup she had damaged the first week she had been at the castle.

"Oh! I accidentally gave you the broken cup, if you give me a moment then I can go fetch another-" she started, but she was abruptly cut off by him.

"Nonsense, that cup will do just fine." He insisted. Then after a few seconds he added, "I like it, it has character". Rumplestiltskin was absolutely right. Even though the little piece of porcelain ceramic was damaged, Belle found the chip to be charming. She reached over to the tea tray and pulled out some sugar and honey. With a little silver spoon she stirred the cup and handed it to him, appreciating the warmth the cup provided.

Belle took the initiative to look around the room, noticing the dust on some of the nearby decor and vintage antiques. "Did you need me to dust today?" Belle asked. "Actually, I have something else for you to do." Rumple began, "Baelfire needs to be dropped off and picked up from school. He should be ready anytime now."

_Dropped off at school? Rumplestiltskin had never entrusted her with such a responsible task before, _Belle thought, and know he is wanting her to take the boy down to the village all by herself. After what happened with the last caretaker, she thought Rumplestiltskin would have been a bit paranoid about the situation at hand, but he seemed fine.

Belle did what she was asked, she waited until Baelfire was dressed and ready and even got his knitted mittens and scarf for him. They walked peacefully down the gravel road leading away from the castle, the snow treading beneath their feet. Her green cloak drug along the ground as they approached the small brown schoolhouse that resided near the peasant town.

"I was always home schooled" Belle explained, starting up a conversation, "my father insisted on hiring my own private tutor, I used to spend countless hours in the library reading, perhaps that's what created my fondness for books."

"You were lucky then." Bae said.

"You don't like school?" She questioned, as if the thought was utterly preposterous.

"It's not school that I don't like it's just-" Then before Bae had the chance to finish, they both turned their attention to a commotion nearby. Three larger boys came running towards them, squawking and laughing as they went along.

"Well, well, looks like someone's books are covered in snow!" A larger boy taunted, knocking Baelfire's books right out of his hand.

"Hey!" Belle hissed, angrily, attempting to follow the other child to scold him, but Bae held her back. She observed the other children, most were quite larger than Baelfire, older and some a lot fatter. A whole group of them. "Someone needs to teach that little twerp a lesson! Are you alright, Bae?"

"Yeah" he responded, "they've been picking on me for weeks."

"You should talk to your teacher then" Belle suggested, "Perhaps your teacher will talk to those miscreants about their rude behavior."

"It's not that easy, I don't expect you to understand." He started walked away towards the schoolhouse to join the other children, but Belle gently grabbed the back of his shoulder and pulled him back towards her.

"Bullies are never easy to face", she began, "I remember when I was fifteen, the royal family used to host a ball. There were these two older girls, Cecelia and Marcella the heiresses of Pemberton" Belle imitated immaturely, "they would unzip my dress, undo my ribbons and call me awful names. They made me feel horrible every single chance they got."

"What did you do?" Baelfire asked.

"I told my father," she admitted, "violence is never the answer when dealing with a bully. My father sorted everything out and I suggest you tell your father too, he will want to help you." Belle insisted.

"Please don't tell my father anything." He pleaded, "We both know what drastic measures he would go to protect me."When Belle seemed reluctant to agree, Baelfire begged, "Please Belle, promise you won't say anything."

"Alright, I promise." She agreed, reluctantly. But deep down in her heart she knew something bigger was at hand here, and she needed to put a stop to it. Belle would put a stop to those terrible bullies and get then to leave Bae alone, she just needed to come up with a game plan first.

* * *

Rumplestiltskin watched as Belle paced all around the castle when she returned. She had been so content this morning, chipper and cheerful, and now, the princess was a fiery ball of rage. "Are you alright, Belle?" He questioned, her unnatural behaviour putting him on edge.

"What? Yes, I'm fine." She answered sharply, continuing to make him nervous by her intolerable pacing. He knew that the beauty was deep in thought about something, he could nearly see the little wheels turning her mind as the steam would shoot out her ears.

"You seem.. disturbed." He pointed out.

"I'm alright" she promised him, giving him a brief nod. She had promised Baelfire she would not tell Rumplestiltskin anything about what she had seen back at the schoolhouse, and no matter what, she would keep her promise. Rumple eventually dismissed himself and found business somewhere out, maybe a stroll out in the castle gardens would calm is nerves, maybe it was just the therapeutic recreation he needed to relax.

That afternoon, Belle walked and waited in the very same spot to pick Bae from school. Her heart was beating abnormally, she realized, she didn't know what she would do if she saw him get bullied like that again. Her bright blue eyes examined the crowd of children that emerged from the little building. She spotted Bae almost right away and waved him over to where she was. Belle grinned widely and greeted him, her smile disappearing only moments after seeing what was on his face.

"Look at me" Belle used a stern voice, crouching down to his level, gently tipping his chin upwards, "what happened to you, Bae?" She noticed the rather large injury on his chin.

"Nothing." He stared down at his feet.

"This is not nothing! We've got to tell your father about this-"

"No!" Bae interjected, "If he found out he would have those kids killed! I don't want him to hurt anyone."

Belle continued to examine the wound and made sure it was alright. She gently wiped the dribble of blood on one of her kerchiefs and put her hand on his shoulder caringly. "At least tell me what happened," she pulled him aside from the rest of the crowd, to a quieter more secluded area, away from the hustle and away from those other children.

"They laughed at me because they scribbled all over my new book." he sniffled, "they also did this" Bae held up his school textbook and on the cover were black scribbles of messy graffiti.

"Those little inconsiderate little shits!" She cursed. Belle had never found herself so angry. A princess was raised never to shout out or curse or do anything any less of a lady, but in this case she managed to make an exception. These older larger boys were torturing him, making his life utterly miserable in a place that is suppose to be encouraging friendship and learning. "I am going to talk to their parents, this is going to end today!" She huffed. "Point to me which mothers they are and I will have a dignified word with them."

Baelfire gestured towards the large crowd of people. From the back she saw who Bae was pointing too. A tall bleach blond woman, nearly three times Belle's size. "You wait here," Belle said, "I will go take care of this situation."

The beauty walked up to the woman and cleared her throat, tapping her gently on the shoulder. However, when the lady turned around Belle felt her entire body tense. She recognized the face that was staring back at her, the face that had taunted her so many times as a child. There directly in front of her stood Cecelia of Pemberton, the dingus ditz herself. "Cecelia?" She felt her own jaw drop. "These are _your_ children?"

Belle watched as Cecelia opened her eyes wide with recognition at her. She felt Cecelia stare her up and down, judging the blue peasant dress that Rumplestiltskin had made her the first week in the castle. Her lipstick was bright red, while her powdered blush on her pale cheeks mad her resemble a clown.

"Well, what do you know, it truly is a small world out there," Cecelia raised a fake eyebrow, "I see you have downgraded, Isabelle."

_Be the better person,_ Belle told herself, _you must be a role model for Bae and take care of the horrible situation he had been dealing with.. No matter how bad you want to back talk the horrific woman that just referred you to the name no one ever called you; Isabelle._

"Its been quite sometime since the last time we saw one another" Belle spoke.

"Indeed, since then I have become one of the duchesses of the Pemberton estate, but I guess we don't all get our happy endings... or proper clothing for that matter." Cecelia snorted, pointing her nose up towards the sky.

Belle let out a breath. She felt the anger build up inside of her, but put a fake smile on her face and continued the conversation. "Look, I know you probably do not want to talk to me as much as I do not feel like speaking to you, but I am afraid your son has been bullying some of the other children."

"Nonsense, my son does nothing wrong, and even if he did I am sure the children did something to deserve it." She responded.

"I would like him to apologize and promise to never pick on Baelfire again."

"Baelfire? What kind of name is that?" Cecelia scoffed, sharing laughter with the large boy who had come to see his mother.

"You know what, Cecelia? You are still the same bully you always were, you pick on others in order to feel good about yourself." Belle stated, turning back quickly to exchange glances with Bae who still waited for her only paces back.

"It is such a shame, Isabelle, you used to be a beauty, a princess born of superior birth, but now look at you. You look like a villager in those awful clothes!" Cecelia started her terrible crackle of a laugh again, which only made Belle angrier and angrier. Then clearing her throat to make sure her words were as crystal clear as possible, the beauty replied, "at least I haven't let my tea and crumpets get to my ass."

That's when Cecelia stopped and looked at her with daggers in her eyes. That woman was out for blood. "Well, your hair looks like the main of a donkey" Cecelia barked.

"At least my face doesn't resemble one." Belle shot back instantly. All her years of arguments with her father had prepared Belle for this very moment. She had waited for the day where her sarcastic witty comments would surface an be recognised for the insults they really were.

"And those are words from a princess- oh wait you are no longer living in the Avonlea castle are you?" Cecelia questioned, accusingly.

"No, I am not living at the castle," Belle spoke up, "in matter of fact I am living with the Dark One, who could turn you into the toad you really are."

"So what are you now? The Dark One's whore?" Cecilia spat.

That's when Belle lunged and hit her.

Like furious cats, the two women hissed and clawed at one another, letting out groans and growls as they fought. Baelfire and the other children watched in awe as Belle pulled Cecelia's hair. The teacher came running out of the schoolhouse as soon as she heard the disrupting noise. Breaking them apart, the teacher scolded both Cecelia and Belle for acting like the feuding childish adults they were.

Their fight had attracted a crowd of people, mot of which were just simply curious and wanted to watch the fight play out. But now Belle had the face the consequences. She had been a horrible example to Bae today. Over and over again she had reminded him that violence was never the answer to bullying. The conflict must be resolved through conversation and compromise, not through violence and thrown punches.

When the teacher finally released the beauty, she walked out of the schoolhouse to see Baelfire around a group of kids laughing and playing. For the first time it looked as if he was happy. Belle trotted towards the group of kids as they all stared in awe of her.

"You were fantastic!" A girl shrieked to her, "they have been bullying everyone for months, but now, he is so scared that he did not even think twice about picking on us ever again!"

"Your momma is so cool, Bae." Another called out gleefully.

Belle could not help but smile at that particular comment. _Bae's mother. _It was strange, she knew, but she liked the sound of that. When Baelfire looked up with her with his big brown eyes, she rustled his hair and planted a peck on the top of his head. "We should be getting home soon" she spoke softly, dismissing the other children while they ran to their parents to tell them about the heroine that had freed them from being bullied.

Belle let out a sigh as they started to walk, "I am a horrible example" she admitted out loud. Just hours ago she had preached to Baelfire about the proper way to handle bullying. _Rule number one: do not stoop down to their level. It was Cecelia's fault,_ Belle reasoned. If it was not for the teacher she did not know what would of happened. The time in the schoolhouse had allowed them some down time to cool off and talk through the situation like Belle had originally planned.

"I'm twenty five years old and I still act like a child." Belle sighed.

"I thought it was pretty great actually." Bae giggled, "It was pretty funny watching you backtalk that woman. Those bullies will think twice about messing with me after what you have done today."

Belle felt herself smile at his comment. "C'mon" she smiled, wrapping her arm around his shoulder, "I think we have deserved a treat. I'm sure we can get the castle's kitchen to conjure up a chocolate pie for us."

* * *

After Belle's very strange behavior, Rumplestiltskin decided that a stroll out in the castle gardens would give him some fresh air. But as much as he tried, he could not stop thinking about Belle. His mind would flash back to the time when he had taught her how to spin, he had allowed her to use the one precious item he truly cherished. Rumple recalled the flower scent he had found in her hair, such a pleasant smell, a soft gentle touch.

"Hello, Rumple" a femine voice called, making him snap out of his trance and gaze up at the sudden disturbance. Somewhere deep in his heart he wished to see Belle standing there behind him. He wished to see her pearly white smile grinning up at him, but alas, the wish was not fulfilled.

Standing not far away from him was the red-headed witch he had been trying to avoid; Zelena.

"Well, well, what an unpleasant surprise" Rumple spoke.

"What? Dissapointed I was not someone else?" Zelena responded, her striking blue eyes blood shot and red.

"Why are you here, dearie?"

"I came to see you, Rumple, haven't you missed me?"

"I think you are stalling yourself by coming here. You can't run away from your sister forever, Zelena."

The witch grew a distasteful expression on her face at the mere mention of her sister. Regina had been kept and loved, while she was left alone and abandoned. "I could destroy her if I really wanted. You said so yourself that my powers were beyond hers."

"There is more to magic than just power, you must know how to wield it." He explained.

"Then perhaps you could teach me." Zelena licked her red lips seductively, slowly moving towards Rumple and placing a firm hand on his shoulder.

"You could not pay me enough gold or jewels to do such a thing" He snorted, unimpressed with the witch's flirtation.

"Is this because of the new resident at your castle? People talk, Rumple, especially townsfolk. There is news you have a new caretaker, the princess of Avonlea. What a great little toy she would make."

"it's not like that" he said lowly.

"Of course it isn't" she snapped, "I know I am the only woman for you, I certainly will not be intimidated by that foolish little girl."

Rumple nearly bit his tongue trying to hold back his argument, wanting to defend Belle. "It is only a matter of time before you realize what you truly want." She curled the bottom of his hair with her fingers, playfully.

Rumplestiltskin scoffed and shook her off of him. "I would have to be dead and cold in my grave before being with you."

She gave him a long cold stare, "that can be arranged, love."

* * *

Rumplestiltskin returned home from the rest of his dealing. The unpleasant conversation with Zelena had reminded him why he never enjoyed social encounters. He sat on his wheel like he had always done in the evening and stared out the window, waiting until his son and Belle would return home.

He heard the door open and immediately turned his attention the the front of the room where they noisily came in.

"Why are you too home so late?"

"Belle punched someone!" Bae outburst, "you should of seen it Papa!"

Belle felt herself go beet red, she could feel the blood rushing to her face and did her best to stop the warmth from spreading.

"You really hit someone?" He questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"If it makes any difference she deserved it." Belle responded.

"I think I would have paid a large amount of gold to see that." He quipped, "Bae why don't you get started on dinner, son. There is a feast waiting for you in the man dining hall."

"So tell me the story.. behind the punch."

"Baeflire was getting picked on at school." Belle said, lowly, "It turns out the bully's mother was the stuck up snob that used to pick on me when I was a teenager. But J think that was a one time thing, I've learned my lesson about bullies, and I'm pretty sure Bae has too. Violence is never the answer, it will only give you sore knuckles." Belle admitted.

Rumplestiltskin took a few moments to just look at her. She was so genuine, she had become protective over his son, even went so far in standing up for him when he failed too. His heart sank to think that Baelfire had been too afraid to tell him that he was having problems at school.

"What you did for him today," Rumple started, "it was something I should of done a long time ago- if only I had known about it," he paused, reflecting on the amount of effort his maid had put into helping Bae. Then finally he asked, "you care for him don't you?"

Belle smiled, "yes, he is a very special little boy."

For once the beauty and the beast agreed on something. Belle even thought that he had grazed his hand with hers before he left the room, leaving a light feeling down in her heart.

**Hey everyone! Sorry for the late update, the original chapter to this story was accidentally deleted so I had to re-write everything. That's why there might be a few mistakes in this chapter. Anyways, thank you to all of you kind and patient people who left reviews and followed or favorite this story! It means so much and puts a smile on my face. Leave another review and let me know what you think! Also feel free to leave any ideas/thoughts on what is going to happen next!**

**Next Chapter: A snow day gets Bae, Belle and Rumple all outside! Will a snow fight ensue? What will happen when there is an intimate moment between Belle and Rumple?**


	8. Snowfalls and Snowfights

The storm had taken the night by force. Belle listened and shivered to the icy whip of the strong wing against her window. She cuddled and wrapped herself with enough blankets that her bed became a den of warmth and fell asleep until morning came.

When she awoke, she got out of bed and tip-toed to the window. Slowly, she opened up the curtains to the brightest scene she had ever witnessed.

Her eyes were almost immediately blinded by the pure white sheets of the snow that lay in the courtyard outside. The blizzard had left them with at least two feet of powdered snow, resulting in the entire courtyard being covered in white.

Then out of the corner of her eye, the beauty saw a small brown headed figure buried in the snow. Baelfire had gotten up early to go play out in the snow, like she had done when she was young. Belle couldn't help but smile to herself at the sight, and then an idea came to her mind:_ she would join in on the fun and go out in the snow too._

Quickly, she scurried towards her wardrobe and picked out a warm red winter coat along with some black pants to go underneath. She cursed Rumplestiltskin for the fact that he covered up all the mirrors in the castle. Belle had to look in the reflection of vases and decorations to evaluate her appearance.

Brushing her hair and letting it flow down past her shoulders, Belle rushed downstairs and opened the door to the courtyard. The wind was still quite harsh as she slowly made her way through the thick snow to get to Bae.

"I thought you could use these." Belle held up a pair of white fluffy ear muffs, struggling to get through the white powder.

Baelfire grinned widely when he saw the Beauty approaching him. She held out the ear muffs to him, which he happily excepted. "I saw you from my window. What are you building?" She questioned, looking at the snow contraption he had built.

"A snowman.. Would you like to help?" He asked enthusiastically, putting on his muffs, the top of his head covered with large snowflakes.

"Do you really think I came all this way through this weather to give you the silly earmuffs?" She laughed playfully, instantly interested in helping.

"I've rolled a big snowball already, how about you roll a middle, while I make the head?" He directed while she nodded with agreement.

Belle bounced down to sit on her bottom, taking a handful of snow in her small hands and making a perfectly circular ball. Surely Rumplestiltskin wouldn't mind if her duties were postponed for a while, would he?

* * *

Rumplestiltskin lay in bed his eyes shut, but he hadn't gotten any sleep at all. He had spent a majority of the night thinking about what Zelena had said to him. She had considered Belle a mere plaything, a toy that he could dispose of at his will.

Perhaps it was better that way, if Zelena suspected Belle of anything other than a caretaker she would certainly try and take matters into her own hands, being the jealous type she was.

But would she think that? It was a silly thought that there could be anything going on between himself and his pretty little maid.

_Was it a silly thought? _No- Rumple scolded his brain from wandering. He tried not to think of her, he convinced himself that he didn't think of her much, just her laugh, the scent of her floral hair, the way she walked- _No!_

He growled and cursed at himself once more for thinking such thoughts about his own maid. What had gotten into him? He opened his eyes and rubbed a hand across his scaly forehead in frustration, getting out of bed and dressing himself for the day ahead. Rumple walked towards the his window, letting some light into the chamber. As he brushed the dark red curtains aside, he stared out into the snow.

To his surprise, he spotted Baelfire and Belle out in the midst of all the newly fallen snow in the cold morning air. He could see them laughing, rolling large volumes of snow on the ground. The snowball became so big that both Belle and Bae couldn't push it with their combined strengths.

Then in a split second, Rumplestiltskin was out in the courtyard observing them with a closer curious look.

Belle was leaning her full body weight against the pile of snow as it slowly rolled towards the others, "Perhaps I could be of assistance." Rumplestiltskin called, his voice echoing throughout the entire enclosed area. Belle and Baelfire both looked shocked to see him standing there. With one raise of his hand he made the snow move, creating swirls of white powder which contributed to another large snowball.

"You can't use magic" The Beauty half laughed, interrupting the power that was about to fly out of his hands.

"Why ever not?" He questioned.

"Because building it yourself is the fun part!"

"Would you like to join us, papa?" Bae asked his father, hoping perhaps he would join in.

"Well I-" The Beast started, trying to think of a quick excuse. "I refuse to be suckered into such childish activities." The beast stated, turning around again, his back facing towards his maid and his son.

Belle saw the sudden disappointment in Bae's brown eyes as his father began to walk away. Desperate to help Baelfire spend quality time with his father, Belle thought of a plan and she thought of it quick. She hid herself behind the large tree, hiding herself. Belle crouched down to the frosty ground and gathered a ball of snow in her hands, impulsively throwing it in the direction of Rumplestiltskin. The Beauty ran behind a nearby tree, just large enough for a hiding spot.

Just as she had intended it, the snowball hit him directly in the back of the head. Belle covered up her mouth to stop from herself from laughing, giving away her hiding position. She could hear Baelfire laugh at the sight of his father getting hit with a snowball. Then he disappeared out of sight and she took a deep breath in of the cold winter air.

"Hitting the Dark One with a snowball now that is a risky move." A voice suddenly sounded from behind her.

I'll take my chances." She giggled, changing her current position to face him. "It was a desperate attempt to keep you here actually, Baelfire wanted you to stay." She moved a couple inches closer to him, just close enough for him to her whisper. "And to tell you a secret, I was hoping you would stay too." She reached out to grab his hand gently after her confession, but instead his hand resisted and he plunged a fistful of snow directly in the Belle's face.

"Rumplestiltskin!" She gasped, shocked at his action.

"What goes around comes around dearie." He trilled, his nose crinkling with delight as he gave that addictive giggle that had her laughing with him.

Belle wiped the snow from her face and picked up another ball and threw it, as he dodged it without much effort. She ran quickly towards the half built snowman, hoping for some protection from Rumplestiltskin's retaliation. Suddenly she is hit with a snowball from the back, which caused Belle to whip around looking for the fiend who had hit her.

You could tell by Belle's face that she was confused, there was nobody behind her. Then the realization struck her. "You're using magic!" She accused him.

"I did nothing of the sort." He stared the other way, avoiding her gaze. Then suddenly Belle is hit again by a ball of snow, and a wicked grin is painted on Rumplestiltskin's face as she growls his name with playful frustration.

To help the Belle win this treacherous snow fight, Bae created a small snowball and tried sneaking up behind his father, attempting to place it down his shirt. Rumple turned around just in time, detecting the boy and melting his snowball into nothing but a puddle in his hands. "Its not fair if its two against one." Rumple's grin was still on his face as he looked down at his son

"If you aren't playing fair, neither are we." She stated, throwing another one in his direction, while Baelfire continued to help her, building more snowballs to be used for throwing. He had never gotten his father to play such games, but somehow Belle, their maid had managed to get him to do it

All of a sudden the Beast runs at the Beauty, his hands filled with snow, and she runs the opposite way, grinning widely trying not to squeal with delight. They eventually collide into each other, slipping on underneath ice, forcing Belle to fall right to the ground on her back. Rumple falls as well, directly ontop of her, pinning her into the snow. Their noses are so close they almost touch, and in that moment, they are in full body contact.

They laugh, which only makes matters worse, their bodies become even more intertwinded than before. Her chestnut hair is sprawled out in curls in the snow, and her skin is glowing with perfection. He is startled by the way she is looking at him, with wonder and joy in her eyes.

After the long moment, Rumple gets off of her, holding out a hand for her to help her up off the ground. She takes it and he lifts her off the snowy ground, brushing the snow off of her red jacket.

She hadn't mind being so close to him, something about him fascinated her and drew her to him. Belle was certain of it before, but now she had her proof, Rumplestiltskin had a heart. He also remained somewhat stunned by their very close encounter.

Belle was beautiful, playful and curious, everything he was not. Yet, there still was a sliver of hope that perhaps a beauty would like a beast like himself. The way she had looked at him was something else, something he had never experienced before- It was impossible, it was better not to ponder and fantasize on these thoughts.

But then what if these thoughts weren't as crazy as they seemed? The look she had given him, she had never looked at him that way before.

**Hey everyone! Thank you so much for reviews and favourites/follows! As always I really do appreciate reading each and everyone of them. Leave another review and let me know what you think is going to happen next! Thanks for reading!**

**Next Chapter: Belle and Bae attend a village carnival and Belle receives a creepy fortune. While Rumplestiltskin tries to use his magic compass to gain power, but what will happen when the compass that points to what he wants most, points to Belle?**


	9. The Compass of the Heart

Belle walked down towards Baelfire's chambers to collect the dirty laundry that needed to be washed. Starting the day with some laundry would not be a bad thing, Belle tried to tell herself. It would get the chore directly out of the way so she would be able to have some spare time later on to read or leisure as she pleased. It was a strange pleasant thing when Rumplestiltskin never interrupted her when he saw her reading. In fact, after she was finished, he would often ask about what she was reading, or questions on the tale.

Belle walked down the stairs with the laundry basket in hand, and gently placed it down on the table. As she started to sort out all the different materials and fabrics, Rumplestiltskin burst through the door.

"Ah, Belle, would you happen to want to go on the road with me today?" He asked.

What a bizarre proposition, Belle thought. The beauty glanced up from sorting out the laundry like he was trying to trick her. Could this be one of his evil little quips? Perhaps one of his manipulative mind games?

"The road?" she repeated, he had never asked her to travel with him _ever_, unless it was a dire moment of transporting through magic smoke. "Where are you travelling to, exactly?"

"A kingdom far to the south," he answered. "It's their annual harvest festival today and I have an important deal to make, and I thought you might want to come along. You may be of use to me."

"What sort of deal?" she asked, hesitant it would be one involving a fair amount of violence. Or worse, they could run into the Sheriff of Nottingham again.

"I haven't got time to answer all your never ending dire questions, dearie, would you like to come along or not? I haven't got all day."

The offer was nearly too tempting to refuse, though she did not understand why Rumplestiltskin believed he needed her in one of his deals. She was his maid, his servant, someone that would bring nothing to a deal whatsoever, but somehow deep down in her heart, Belle knew that he was not playing a trick. Maybe he was offering an opportunity to get out of the castle walls for a day. Baelfire would be in school, most of the chores were already completed, and the last thing she wanted was to be left alone.

"Alright." She agreed, "I will come with you today."

Then, without nearly no notice at all, a smirk came upon Rumplestiltskin's face as he snapped his fingers, both of them disappearing into a cloud of smoke.

They transported to a hillside of a small village. It was clear that the season was indeed Autumn, for all the trees of the little valley were painted yellow and gold. Belle's whole world spun out of control as she fought the urge to throw up. Magic was not friendly to non-magic users. The affects of the transportation spell left Belle feeling nauseous and irritated.

"I hate it when you do that!" She gasped, "You could warn me, you know."

"Now, what fun would that be?" He quipped, earning himself a glare from the beauty.

Suddenly both their attentions turned to the sparkling lights and cheers coming from below. Belle heard the distant beating drums of the joyful upbeat music and the loud crackling sound of fireworks going off.

"It is their harvest festival today. I thought it might be good for you if you participated in these peasant activities."

Belle smiled a little at his words. It was sweet in a way, how he thought about her. The man that claimed he was the most powerful tyrant sorcerer in all the realms wanted his maid to enjoy a festival. Belle hardly had time to be affronted before he was pressing a heavy coin purse into her hand.

"Go on, dearie," he said, pulling his hood up to shadow his face. "Enjoy the carnival. I'll see to my business and meet you back here in an hour."

With that he turned on his heel and left. Belle stared after him for a moment with her mouth slightly agape. He'd just left her alone at a crowded festival far from the confines of his home. She would never think of shirking their deal and running away, and his obvious show of trust warmed her heart. Belle immediately set off and raced through the maze of tents, her coin purse clinking merrily against her hip. It was the most freedom she'd been given since she'd arrived at the Dark Castle, and she didn't mean to squander it.

The smells of different foods filled her nose and the sounds of musical instruments played in her ears. Belle wandered around the carnival, munching on toffees and enjoying being among so many people for the first time in months. She'd stopped to watch a troupe of jugglers when someone called out to her.

"Care to hear your future?" a strangely accented voice asked.

She turned to see a woman lounging outside a deep purple tent. She didn't look anything like the fortunetellers who used to come to the summer fair back home. They were always wizened old women, wrapped in gauzy shawls and beaded jewelry, hunched over their crystal balls and cards.

This woman was young, not much older than Belle herself. She had gleaming red hair that hung down her back in intricate braids and shrewd brown eyes. Her dress was an even brighter shade of red than her hair, though the simplicity of the cut kept her from being overwhelmed by the outfit.

"Only three pennies," the woman continued. "Such a small price for the knowledge of your fate."

Belle didn't put much stock in divination. There were people with the gift of foresight to be sure, though they'd hardly be peddling their powers at harvest festivals. But she had a purse full of coins and some time left to kill.

"Alright," Belle responded, pulling the coins from her purse and placing them in the woman's outstretched hand.

She followed her into the dim interior of her tent and glanced around, looking for some hint of a crystal ball. Perhaps the woman read palms. But there wasn't even a table in the tent, only two chairs arranged around a fire pit. The woman motioned for Belle to sit in one of the chairs and sat opposite her.

"So how does this work?" Belle asked skeptically, holding out her hands for the woman to grab.

"Shh, child, it is all in the flame." The fortune teller hushed her.

The beauty waited as the woman mumbled some words that did not sound like the common tongue, and let out a short but loud hissing sound. Then her once friendly and cheerful voice turned low and dark, which gave Belle shivers down her spine. The orange flame quickly disappeared into a black smoky flame right before her eyes.

"There is a man," the woman whispered creepily, "and he will bring you darkness."

The beauty wished she would have simply declined this woman's offer of her future. She wished that she would of turned away the moment the woman called out for her. Regardless, she was in this mess now and Belle needed to finish it. "A man?" Belle questioned, "what man? Do you see what he looks like?"

The mysterious woman ignored Belle's questions of identification, only continuing to stare at the supernatural flame before them. "You have darkness all around you, child. But there is also light. Pure light. This darkness will drag you into a place of unknown one of which you may not be able to return."

Belle felt more intense shivers crawling up her spine and only wished they would stop. She wanted to leave this tent, because at that very moment it was all seemed like a whirlwind of nonsense. Belle did not want to believe any words spoken out of this witch's mouth. Though in the back of her mind she could not help but wondering:

_Was Rumplestiltskin the man the woman warned Belle about? Was he the one to embrace her into darkness?_

The witch let out a sharp wail and a gasp at what she was seeing, then like the flame, she became quiet and faded into nothing. Belle sat on the chair opposite of where the woman was and stared in shock at the absent seat in front of her. Where had she gone? What did she mean by darkness surrounding her?

Belle shakily got up, and ran out of the tent and away from the carnival. Her heart was beating fast and her palms had become sweaty. She spotted a nearby lone tree in the middle of the meadow and sat underneath it. Belle still felt herself shaking and afraid from that unpleasant horrific experience.

Then a familiar voice sounded behind her, and Belle never thought she would be so glad to hear Rumplestiltskin's voice in her whole life. She let out a tiny sigh of relief and got up to greet him.

"What have you been up to these past hours?" Rumplestiltskin asked, "Why aren't you still at the carnival?"

"I have a stomach ache." Belle lied. She did not want to relive the eerie confrontation she had with that strange fortune teller, nor did she want to tell Rumplestiltskin about it.

"Are you ready to return to the dark castle?" He questioned, sincerely, noticing she had a frightened look all over her pretty face.

"I thought you would never ask" she admitted, taking in a shaky breath and clasping her arm in his.

* * *

When the returned back to the castle, Rumplestiltskin paced and paced around the living room. He had a black velvet small bag in hand and inside contained a tiny stone. He picked up the little rock and held it up to the light, watching as the stone glistened and sparkled.

"So, this is what you went in town for?" Belle stared at the tiny stone in Rumpleatiltskin's hands, "this was the deal you were telling me about?"

"It is," he stated, continuing on with his observation.

"You went to all this trouble for a rock?"

"It is not just a rock, little maid." Rumple cooed. "I need this rock to operate the compass, which will lead me to the wand of the fairy godmother of Cinderella. I have been looking for it for years now-"

"and the compass will help you find it?" The beauty asked.

"Indeed," he answered, "it will lead me to the thing I want most, and in this case the compass will be more than happy to oblige to my desire."

"Alright" she crossed her arms and raised a skeptical brow, "lets see how this compass works."

Rumplestiltskin flipped open the cap of the device, placing the tiny rock inside, inserting it like a battery. His big eyes scanned the dial, waiting and watching for where the arrow would point. All he would have to do now was follow the direction of the compass and it would lead him straight to the wand.

He watched closely, as the little brown arrow flicked back and forth before staying perfectly still pointing across the room. He excitedly looked up in the direction of the compass and felt his heart flutter when the arrow pointed directly at Belle.

His mouth opened to speak but no words came out. His hands shook as he tried to shake the direction of the compass, as to try and change the result, but there was no changing its powerful magic. There standing right in front of him was Belle, the princess of Avonlea, the most beautiful girl he had ever seen throughout his hundreds of years, and the compass pointed right at her.

Even as she paced around the room, waiting for him to reveal the direction of the dial, the compass followed her every move and every little step she took. What he wanted most wasnot the all-powerful wand he thought he desired, but instead was _her._

"Well..?" Belle impatiently waited, "where is it pointing?"

He snapped the lid of the compass shut and looked at her like a deer in headlights. "Nowhere." He concluded, "clearly this device does not work."

"But what about everything you told me? It is made up of very powerful magic, I am sure wherever it pointed was the direction your heart wanted it to point to."

"My heart?" Rumplestiltskin sounded like he was going to be sick. Rumplestiltskin pulled open the wooden cabinet and grabbed the half empty bottle of rum. He felt a slight illness amongst his normaility, a feeling that crept up on him until that very afternoon. But Rumplestiltskin was no sick of disease-no, he was sick with something much stronger.

The Dark One was lovesick.

**Hey everyone, sorry I have not had the chance to update sooner. I've had a lot of things going on these past couple weeks. Next chapter should be up next week! And again I would like to give thanks to everyone following this story(you guys are the best!) and a big thank you to everyone who reviews, follows and favourites this fic of mine! Thanks for reading!**

**Next Chapter: Belle reads a sad story and is comforted by Rumplestiltskin.**


	10. Teardrops of True Love

Over the next couple of days, Belle noticed a slight change in Rumplestiltskin. He was acting.. strange. He was basically tip toeing around her, not making direct eye contact and by these signs, the beauty knew something was up. He would jump at her near presence, startling by the slightest touch of her hand. When she asked if something had been bothering him, he mumbled and went straight to his alchemy room on the second floor.

The compass that was suppose to point to your hearts desire, to the thing you want most, pointed right at Belle.

He did in fact, attempt at trying to avoid the beauty, maybe if he made some distance the compass would change its mind. Then he heard loud sobs coming from her chambers.

Rumpelstiltskin had thought that they were done with the crying. Belle hadn't sobbed herself to sleep in weeks, and he was accustomed to her happy presence around his castle. He knew that he was a difficult man to work with, but Belle was a windowful of sunshine in his life, and it seemed to him that most of his eccentricities had stopped bothering her.

So then, why was she crying?

His heart pounded as he arched closer and closer to her door. She was in pain, and by the harsh sound of her cries it was a lot of pain. _Had someone snuck into the dark castle and hurt her? Had she fallen and hit her head? _All the terrifying scenarios made Rumplestiltskin crazy with curiousity and a strong will to protect her.

After taking the stairs two at a time, he burst into her tower room, brandishing the mace he'd grabbed on his way. "Belle?" He tried to make his voice a roar, but the fear chewing at the edges of his mind made it little more than a hoarse whisper. He skidded to a stop in the center of the room, dodging the mace as it flailed back at him.

If she hadn't been weeping, he might have missed her lying there on the floor. The bed was stripped, and all of its components were cocooning his maid while she huddled in the throes of misery on a heap of pillows—on the floor. While all of this was making his head spin, the oddest part was that her face was actually pressed into a pillow, and yet it wasn't muffling her at all. No wonder she couldn't hear him—it sounded like a whale being murdered in the library.

"Belle," he repeated, this time louder. He didn't know what was wrong, but he hadn't seen tears like this since her first week here, so it had to be something awful.  
She lifted her face from the pillow, took one look at him, and screamed. It wasn't until he stumbled back and got hit in the thigh with the mace that he realized he was waving a torture device at her, and that he might have looked alarming. He dropped it, vanishing it before it hit the ground.

"What are you doing?" Belle asked, her voice wobbly with the tears that were still streaming down her face.  
His hands fluttered, and he made a distressed noise in the back of his throat. The adrenaline pounding through his veins was starting to wear off, and he was seeing no way that he wouldn't sound like a confused puppy.

"I thought you were being attacked," he said, convincing himself that he sounded intimidating and terrifying.

"Oh." She glanced at his empty hands, sniffled, and then wiped at her eyes. "You weren't coming to bludgeon me?"

The noise he made was like some cross between an owl and a snake being stepped on simultaneously. He hoped she took it for a laugh. She seemed okay now, so he was sure he would regret asking, but he had to know—"Why are you crying?"

It was like he'd opened the floodgates by reminding her, and she threw herself back into her pillow, shoulders shaking. He was about to tip-toe out, done with trying to solve the mystery that was his housekeeper, when he realized she was digging around under the bed for something. Seconds later, she emerged with a thick book, and offered it to him.

For a second, he just stared at it. This was the culprit, the reason he'd stopped working to come storming up to rescue his fair damsel. Another damn book.  
She wagged it at him, and he sighed, accepting it. It was a thick, blue-bound volume, and the cover read The Emerald of the Moon in flaked golden lettering. He had never read it before, and it looked ridiculous.

"Do you—" He cleared his throat. "Do you want to tell me about it?"

She peeked up at him, tears still streaming down her face, and then started shuffling around. He watched with furrowed brows, still baffled about what she was doing even when she stopped moving. She was sitting against the bed now, dwarfed by a mountain of blankets with her fingers peeking out in the center where she clutched them around her. She reached an arm out and patted the floor next to her, looking up at him.

"What?"

"Do you want to sit?" She flipped her head down to dab at her eyes, but her tears were coming slower now, and he didn't dare to believe that it was because his presence had comforted her.

"Ah—" He looked at the ground like he was afraid spikes might spring forth if he sat, and then Belle patted it again and he couldn't resist. He sat next to her, careful to keep a good three-to-five inches between his body and her padding of blankets.

"what are you doing?" She had stretched her arm out toward his head, holding her blanket open like she was displaying the inside.

"Are you cold?" she asked, her sentence punctuated by a loud sniffle. He didn't know what to say. Before he could do more than shy away from her, she had scooted closer, tossing the blanket over his shoulder. He caught the corner as a reflex, and what the hell was he doing pulling it around himself?

This was okay. This would be okay. Belle didn't interact with anyone, so no one would know that he was sitting on the floor for her and allowing her to wrap a blanket around his shoulders. He could still keep his distance—nothing said they had to touch to share a blanket. Then, she scooted until their thighs were brushing, and tipped herself over so that her head rested on his shoulder. He was certain that she could feel the blood shooting through his veins like apoplectic fireworks.

"S-so." He cleared his throat, trying to make it seem like he was getting sick. Ruining her image of his immortal invincibility was better than letting her think that her presence made him nervous. "So. Your book?" He tried his best to add confidence to what he was saying.

"Oh, gods, it was awful." She sniffled, taking a kerchief and blowing her nose into it. He felt her take the shuddering breath that he was sure meant new tears, and he hastened to thrust a corner of the blanket at her. She accepted it and pressed her face into it for a type of childish comfort.

"I thought it was going to have a happy ending—you know, how most of these books do. And the whole thing was just the princess and the rogue falling in love and everyone trying to pull them apart, and then in the end—the end—" She hiccupped and buried her face in his shoulder, shifting around until his vest wasn't poking her in the face. He almost wilted at the mere touch.

"They lived happily ever after?" He finished, an uncertainty lingering in his voice. At his response she let out a low wail, and further buried herself into him, so much so that she was almost in his lap. "What? What happened?" he asked, trying his best to startle her into moving no further.

"She died!"

He hadn't been expecting that. She'd read countless books where the hero or heroine died—she had to have, what with the amount she read each day. He thought that maybe it would have something to do with a young woman forced to leave her family, taken away by a cruel beast.

"That's it?"

He wished he could take the words back as soon as she tilted her scarlet face up at him, blue eyes wide and sparkling with the new tears that he had probably put there. Oh well—he was the Dark One, and he was supposed to be insensitive.

"I guess—yes. I don't know why, but it just—it just hit me. Can you imagine having to live the rest of your life without your true love, right after you'd found her?"  
He had to meet her eyes. They were right there, and she was just looking at him, and there was some sort of magic pulling his gaze to hers. He wanted to tell her that he couldn't imagine it, because he had never had a true love and he never would, but for once, he wanted to say the right thing.

He wanted to say what Belle wanted to hear, not because he would get something out of it, but because she would, and he wanted her to stop crying more than he wanted his reputation.

"No. I can't."

Her lips twitched in a smile meant just for him, and he could feel magic tingling all over his body. Then she broke their gaze, and he was relieved until she curled up against him, tucking her legs up by his thigh like he was some pillow instead of the Dark One. He was helpless to keep his arm from curling around her, and more helpless still to keep from tucking her more comfortably against his side.

"Rumple?" Belle asked, looking up at him with her puffy, blue, adorable eyes.

"Hmm?" His voice was almost a hum against her ears.

"Tell me a story with a happy ending." She insisted, "it will help me feel better."

"I can't say I know too many of those, darling." He stopped and felt his cheeks redden. He had meant to say "dearie" not "darling", but something had allowed him to let his guard down when he was with her. She had a special gift about her, he was sure of it, why else would he have a slip of his tongue?

"Why not?" The beauty looked at him, shocked that he did not have any sort of happy tales to share with her.

"I am the Dark One. My life hasn't exactly been rainbows and sunshine, Belle."

"My father abandoned me when I was just a boy, I've always been alone, until I had Bae, and if it wasn't for you, he would probably end up leaving me eventually too."

She leaned towards him, her face moving upwards his. Their noses were nearly touching and Rumplestiltskin tried his best not to swallow the large gulp that had built up in his throat. She then leaned her hed and rested it under his chin, tucking her head against his chest again. He didn't know if it was the fatality of emotions that the book had inflicted or the delusion she actually wanted to touch and be near him. She clung to him like a young child would cling to a blanket.

"Rumple?' she said again.

"Hmm?" He answered.

"I don't think you're the monster everyone thinks you are."

This time Belle snuggled her face near his neck and allowed herself to calm down. And as uncomfortable as he felt, how afraid of the feelings creeping up on him, he did not have the strength to pull himself away.

* * *

Rumplestiltskin had briefly fallen asleep in the warm comfort of his maid. He was glad that she had falln asleep also, so he would no longer be there when she did finally awake.

_What was he doing? This was a princess, a beautiful woman that would never possibly love him back._

With the snap of his fingers he could erase her memory of the afternoon. Save himself the embarrassment of acting like a fool, and her the shame of finding comfort in a beast. He watched her for a little while, sleeping there peacefull- an angelic way about her. Then he flinched as he observed her eyelids fluttering. Belle was about to get up.

When Belle woke up Rumple was nowhere to be found. A noise startled her and caused her to sit up on the sofa. She briskly rubbed her eyes and let out a lion-like yawn.

"Rumple?" The beauty called out, searching for the cause of the sound. Then out of the darkness of the next room, a pair of shoes clacked along the wooden marbled floor. A red head strolled into the room and hushed out the fireplace with a wave of her hand.

Belle froze at the sight of the unfamiliar woman, "Who are you?" she questioned, straightening herself up.

The woman chuckled and threw her head back as to mock her. "The more important question is who are you, love? And what are you doing in Rumplestiltskin's castle?" The woman hissed.

"I am his maid." Belle answered, lowly. Then finding the tiny bit of confidence within herself she stated, "what is your business here?"

"I'm sure your master has mentioned me" The woman paused, a wicked grin painted across her face. "I'm Zelena"

**Hey everybody! So Belle and Zelena finally meet DunDunDun! Will a cat fight ensue? Who knew Rumplestiltskin would be such a ladies man.. Anyways, thanks for all the reviews and follows, it truly does mean a lot! Leave another review and let me know what you think! Thanks for reading!**

**Next Chapter: Zelena and Belle have a confrontation which is interrupted by Rumplestiltskin. Later, Baelfire urges Rumple to ask Belle on a date.**


	11. Courage from a Coward

Belle had seen witches before, in her books of course, but there was nothing in the encyclopedia's and various text that mentioned that some witches... were attractive. The beauty did not quite understand why she felt so intensly threatened by this woman, this _Zelena. _Who knows where she had come from, what was her purpose in he dark castle? So far all Belle knew was that this woman was here sticking her nose where it did not belong, and more importantly, she was sticking her nose into Rumplestiltskin's business.

Belle examined the witch, as she stood before her. She had red hair, which waved down beneath her shoulders while her striking green gaze made the beauty shiver. In fact, she was so caught up in her own thoughts that she almost did not hear what Zelena was saying.

"So you are the one everyone has been making a fuss about." Zelena began, "the villages will not stop talking about the Dark One's captured princess."

"I don't think-" Belle started. She knew that there must have been some gossip after she left the castle, gossip and slander about Rumplestiltskin and herself. She only wished that the rumors did not back it back to her father in Avonlea.

"Oh, please dear, don't be modest." Zelena pursed her red lips together, mockingly, "I suppose that makes you the damsel in distress, yes? Trapped and held hostage by the most dangerous man in the entire Enchanted Forest."

"I am not being held hostage" Belle retorted, quick enough that Zelena knew she had struck a nerve. Then in a short instant, both women's attention turned towards the door wen they heard a sound coming from behind them. Belle immediately recognized the leathered figure emerging from the shadows, and an overwhelming amount of relief came over her.

"Ah, Rumple, just the person I wanted to see." Zelena cooed, digging her claws into the leather on his jacket. However, Rumplestiltskin paid no attention to the manipulative gesture and ripped away from her grasp, backing away from Zelena and towards Belle.

"Zelena," he greeted, "it seems this is another occurrence that you were neither welcome or invited." He spat.

The sorceress scoffed briskly at his rude comment, then moved on to observing the fine décor and art pieces of the room. With a strong paced and the click clack sound of her high heeled boots, Zelena ran her finger over one of the smaller cabinets in the corner of the hall. She pulled up her hand to reveal that dust had covered her finger, then with a taunting hiss she made a tisking noise. "Your castle is dusty, tell me my dear, Rumple, do you have your maid to actually clean your castle, or do you enjoy her for other scandalous purposes?"

Belle saw in Rumplestiltskin's eyes he wanted nothing but to lunge at her, to rid their home of her unwelcome and disturbing presence, but instead, he leaned over to her and grazed his hand along the beauty's back.

"Belle, go upstairs into Bae's room." He commanded her, lowly, and she did exactly what she was told without another word. When Belle had gone up the stairs, Zelena pulled up and chair and sat with her feet up, comfortably.

"I haven't seen you around these parts for quite sometime, dearie" Rumple confronted her, an annoyance in his tone.

"Do you blame me?" She replied, "She's here." A distasteful look came upon the redhead's face.

"You can't run away from your sister forever, Zelena." Rumple retorted. He had known that Regina, the queen of the northern kingdom, had only just recently found out about her estranged older sister's existence, and it was all thanks to their mother, Cora. Their mother was a feisty woman- Rumple knew, having had a small flirtation with her in years passed.

Perhaps that is why he was concerned with Zelena's obsessive and blind intentions in the present. Or what the Dark One feared the most was unpredictability, the uncertainty what Zelena would do to Belle if she ever found out that he had fallen in love with her.

"I can do whatever I want" Zelena protested, "I am the one with the more powerful magic, after all."

Rumple gave her an unfriendly smile and took a tiny step towards her. "What is the real reason you have come here, dearie?"

"Isn't it obvious?" She began, watching him for a moment before making her confession, "I came back for you."

"In what delusional world are you living in, that I ever returned your feelings?" His words were calm yet harsh, which seemed to silence Zelena for what seemed to be a very long eternity.

"Is it because of that girl?" She finally said, "Is it that _Belle_?" Her voice was defiled with disgust, "Come on, Rumple! The little princess doesn't even conjure magic!"

He recalled the day when he had taught her how to spin on his wheel, one of his most prized possessions. Belle had managed to turned a single strand of regular straw into a beautiful gleaming rod of gold. But that was it, unlike the many other power hungry people that lived in the Enchanted Forest, Belle dismissed magic and even stated that she was no longer interested in performing. He was glad that she did not do magic- she was far too innocent for that kind of corruption. Unlike himself, Rumplestiltskin knew that magic would continue controlling the rest of his long immortal life.

"She could never give you what I could give you" she purred, once more running her hand along side of his chest.

"And what is that? Annoyance? Well congratulations, dearie, you've won." Rumple quipped. While Zelena's facial expressions did not change. She remained serious and straightforward, while a twinkle of hope gleamed in her eyes. "I could give you a child," she said "one born with incredible powers. Between you and I? Could you imagine the destruction our child would cause? The world would be at our feet, the Enchanted Forest would be ours."

"You're psychotic. Why on earth would I ever want a child with you?" Rumple gave her a disgusted look.

"Because you are a slave to power." She hissed, "I don't want to know what you would do to gain the upper hand."

"Everyone has their limits." He spoke flatly, "especially if it concerns you." Then Rumple drew a large fireball from his bare hands. "Now, get out of my castle." He ordered.

"This isn't over, not even close, _dearie_." She mimicked his voice, then in a puff of green smoke she disappeared.

* * *

Belle charged back through the doors of the main hall as soon as she was sure that Zelena was gone. She saw Rumplestiltskin standing there, staring blankly at the wall.

"Are you alright?" Belle called out.

Rumple nodded and turned towards her.

"Who was she?"

"No one." He answered coldly.

"It didn't seem like no one, she seemed.. jealous- in fact, I think she- I- I think she liked you."

For a brief moment, and a brief moment only, Rumple could of sworn he heard a hint of jealousy in his little maid's voice. She had stuttered adorably to get her words out. He enjoyed watching the cute expressions of frustration when she could not properly form a sentence without trying to be either nervous, or awkward.

"Not just _like_ dearie, _love." _Rumple corrected her. "But you need to listen to me" there was nothing but seriousness in his tone, "don't ever talk to her again, do you understand? Zelena is a very dangerous witch."

Belle nodded at his request. "I hope that I am fortunate enough to never cross paths with her again." The beauty admitted. She had gotten an incredibly eerie feeling from that woman, but Belle could not help but wonder, exactly what role did she play in Rumplestiltskin's life? _Had they been lovers in the past?_

"So you two have.. Met before I assume then?" She spoke up, a strange feeling washing over her.

"Indeed" Rumplestiltskin's expression turned flat. Belle cocked her head to the side slightly, "Did you..." Belle did not know how to finish her sentence without either sounding more jealous than she already felt. "Did you love her?"

There was a short silence before Rumple responded which made Belle's heart thud hard in her chest. Then to her surprise, Rumplestiltskin started laughing. It was the first time Belle had heard Rumple laugh not like an imp, but like a man. His laugh was low and lively, as if she had said something truly hilarious.

"Hardly, the woman is psychotic and rather obsessive." He answered. "She was my apprentice for a short time." Rumple explained, "but when I noticed her uncomfortable.. attachment to me, I let her go."

"So, she wants revenge?" Belle questioned.

"I'm not too sure, Belle, but I am sure of one thing. I will make sure she never comes near you again"

* * *

The next morning, Rumplestiltskin made his way downstairs and was surprised to see Belle in the living room. She was sound asleep on one of the cushioned sofas, her head resting upon a golden small pillow and a book still half opened into her hands. The fireplace crackled peacefully, illuminating her rosy cheeks and fair pink complexion, while her blue dress seemed to hug the curves of her body.

The Dark One couldn't stop himself from staring at the sight. Belle's shiny chestnut hair flowed down past her chest, capturing the lovely frame of her face.

"Papa what are you doing? Bae questioned, having observed his father hopelessly staring at the Beauty. Rumplestiltskin hadn't known that his sn had snuck up on him so easily while he was.. distracted.

"Nothing" Rumplestiltskin turned away from Belle quickly, facing the other direction like he wasn't interested. Then Baelfire's mouth nearly hit the tiles of the floor.

"You like her!" Bae smiled with his accusation, covering his hands over his mouth, childishly. He pieced together the pieces, making sense of most of his fathers uncharacteristic actions in the past couple months or so.

"I mean you _like, like_ her."

"What? I do not." Rumple spoke in an offended tone, acting as though what Bae had said was absolutely preposterous. But despite his transparent denial, Baelfire sighed, inching towards his father with a smug grin painted on his face. "Papa, I've seen the way you look at her... she is very beautiful."

"I haven't noticed." He cut his son off trying to ignore what he had just said, knowing that he had a point. He did tend to stare at her a lot, when she read, cooked, cleaned, curled up like a household cat on the sofa in front of the warm blazing fireplace- and when he did not look at her, he was thinking about her. Rumplestiltskin had tried hard to keep his feelings hidden, refusing on acting on such human emotions. For he was no longer human, he had sacrificed that when he took on the Dark One curse, _how would he know how to love since love was never shown to him?_

"Why don't you ask her to dinner, just the two of you?" Bae suggested.

"Like a date?" Rumple scoffed pretending to be uninterested in the thought. Baeflire nodded at his father's question. "What's the harm?" The boy attempted to persuade his father "You ask Belle to dinner, she'll say yes, you both will have a great time." He urged, holding the top of his father's shoulder with reassurance.

"I just don't know how to ask her." Rumplestiltskin admitted, "and what if she doesn't want to-"

"Leave it up to me" Bae smiled, "just make sure you are in the main hall at three o'clock this afternoon."

_Wonderful, _Rumple thought sarcastically to himself, that is just what is going to woo Belle. His entire romantic future and date with the beauty had fallen into the hands of a nine year old little boy.

* * *

When Rumple walked downstairs he saw Bae and Belle sitting close to the fireplace. They were snuggled up, side by side, while Belle was reading to him. He had always enjoyed watching them together, they had such fun, fun that he had not seen his son have for a long time. She would show him all the pictures and illustrations and they would engage in conversation that would last a while.

"Rumple" Belle smiled, looking back at him from the couch. "Bae said you wanted to ask me something."

"No" Rumple nearly yelled, his body frozen, anchored by her angelic gaze. He wanted to slap himself for the awkward behavior he was displaying, was this Baelfire's idea of a romantic gesture?

"Well, if you don't need me for anything-"

"Belle, wait" Rumplestiltskin called as she began to turn back to her novel, catching her attention immediately.

"Yes?"

Then it was if he had forgotten the entire English language all at once. Words seemed impossible, as long as her bright blue eyes were on him. Her complexion was luminous and clear while her lips parted just slightly, anticipating what he was about to say.

"I uhh.." He started, clearing his throat once more before beginning his sentence over. "I was wondering if you would accompany me to dinner tonight-"

"Dinner? Just the two of us?" Belle questioned, raising her eyebrows at him.

Rumple nodded, a gigantic lump growing and forming in his throat with each second that passed when she did not respond back. "I'd like that." She finally replied, a shy childish smile grew on her face. He tried to hide his smile also, at the acceptance of his invitation, and tried to play it cool for the rest of the conversation that followed.

"I will meet you at exactly eight o'clock at the bottom of the stairs." He confirmed firmly.

The Beauty smiled at him, hiding her blush cheeks as she turned away, anticipating the evening that lay ahead of her. He had asked her to dinner, the Dark One himself and the princess was happy about it. She could not explain the twinge of excitement or the hasty reply she gave to his invitation.

All Belle had to do now was wait for the hour to arrive, worrying about the various dresses she had in her closet that Rumplestiltskin had generously given to her.

Rumplestiltskin was no different. He spent the rest of his day in his chambers, fidgeting over what he would things he would say to her and what to possibly wear to impress such a beautiful woman such as Belle. The night had to be absolutely _perfect._

When the clock struck eight o'clock, Belle sat in her room dressed for dinner and stared at herself in the mirror. Her face was powdered with the finest makeup, yet she still, felt self conscious of what she looked like. Taking a deep breath in, Belle walked out of her room and began to walk down the grand staircase. She had dressed herself in her royal golden dress which was tucked tightly around her waist. Her chestnut hair was curled in ringlets flowing past her chest and she straightened her voluminous skirt. Belle descended the steps of the large staircase with all of the grace and poise she had been born with.

She took a deep breath in when she saw Rumplestiltskin standing at the bottom of the staircase, dressed as a gentleman would in a formal suit. Her mind immediately turned back to worrying on what he thought of her, how she looked.

_Had she powdered her nose enough? Were her lips perfectly red?_

The closer she came towards him, the faster and more frequent her breathing became. Her thoughts became scattered with each step closer until she was facing him, her mind completely blank of words to say.

"You look very beautiful." He stated lowly, holding out his hand for her to grasp.

"Thank you" The beauty responded to his comment, taking his outreached hand in hers as he led her into the grand ballroom.

Belle gasped at the sight of it.

The ballroom was nothing like she'd left it. Sheer golden curtains hung around the large windows, catching starlight in their shimmering folds. The table had been moved to the side of the room, out of the way and decorated with more food than they could ever hope to eat. The floor had been polished to a reflective glimmering shine, capturing glimpses and shadows of stars from the vast open windows. In the corner, an enchanted band played with many golden expensive-looking instruments but no people to play them. It was absolutely breathtaking.

From the midst of the magical golden splendor, Rumpelstiltskin came towards her, and she noticed what he was wearing. Rumplestiltskin was dressed in a fine black leather suit with long complementary coat-tails. He stopped a few inches in front of her, his hands clasped behind his back and an expression of nervous pride on his dark features. He blinked twice, unable to read Belle's mind at her opinion of the change.

"Well, dearie?" he asked softly. "What do you think?"

"It's beautiful," The princess praised, unable to make up her mind whether she should fix her gaze on the room or on him. She finally decided to meet his gaze and their stares locked on one another for a long moment.

"I love it" Belle whispered, causing Rumpelstiltskin to grin widely with child-like delight.

"I was hoping you would appreciate that I finally found something to do with all of my gold." His answer made her giggle, making him let out a soft chuckled himself. He then took her hand and bowed towards her, over exaggerating the gentleman-like movement. "May I have this dance?"

To Rumplestlitskin's delight, Belle blushed.

"You may" she smiled, taking his hand as he led her to the middle of the golden floor. Then as they both stepped into the middle of the ballroom, the instruments magically started to play a slow joyous tempo. Her hand rested on his shoulder and his on her corset as they started to dance. They were caught up in the contagious music and endlessly lost track of time.

"Of all things Rumplestiltskin, I would have never guessed you were a remarkable dancer." She spoke, gazing up into his brown dark eyes. He smirked at her comment and swung her out, swooping her back into the comfort of his arms. "I guess sometimes people surprise you."

Belle laughed at the dance move, awaiting until he would do that again. They swayed in the same rhythmic movements, her ball gown flowing and moving with each step they took. "The food looks delicious." Belle observed, glancing over at the large table that held their feast.

Rumple chuckled at the attempt of small talk Belle tried to create. They didn't need words, they were tranced by the beat of the music and the swing of their step. After a while of dancing, he brought up a more serious topic, finding that he was holding her tighter then when they had first begun. Belle was looking at his cheeks and the rounds of his mouth, he had observed, though he did comprehend why.

"Your skin-" she began.

He cringed at her comment. He expected to be mocked do his scaly complexion. "I know" he interrupted, "it must appall you."

"No" she answered instantly, "it kind of reminds me of.. diamonds." She traced her finger on his cheek, which made him close his eyes and try not to swallow the large lump in his chest. "When miners dig up gems from the ground, when they see their first light of the sun they expand and burst into sparkling shimmers of sunlight."

Belle's voice was soft and gentle, feminine and beautiful. Rumple tried not to notice when her body came a little closer to his and her fingers started to intertwine with his. The Dark One felt as if he would pass out, just from that innocent touch of her hands. He had to make up an excuse to save his masculinity and he had t do it quick. Rumple cleared his throat and parted away from Belle. "Our food is getting cold." He coughed.

"We wouldn't want that now, would we?" She joked, letting out a little giggle as Rumple pulled her chair out for her.

Thy sat down at the beautifully decorated table at the side of the ballroom. Rumplestiltskin knew that his son was talented when it came to his creativity and imagination, but this exceeded even his expectations. Everything looked perfect, everything looked extremely beautiful- just like she did.

"Would you like some wine?" He asked her, picking up the skinny bottle and popping the top of the lid off with a loud sound.

Belle heard Rumple gasp at the slip of his hand and watched his terrified face when the wine spilt all over the white laced tablecloth. He looked absolutely terrified.

"I am so sorry" he breathed, unsure of what else he could possibly say.

"At least none of it got on my gown" she giggled.

"I don't know what has gotten into me." He admitted.

Belle grabbed his hand gently and began calming him down, slowly. She knew he had been nervous, but would never tell him as much. The beauty thought that his awkward movements and strange nervous behavior was cute. It was a new side of him that she had never really seen before.

Through the evening, however, Rumplestiltskin had become less and less nervous. Maybe, it was because of Belle's extreme consumption of alcohol. Glass after glass, the beauty excepted the sparkling white and the red wine, like a child reaching for the soothing comfort of their bottle. Belle's cheeks turned rosy pink and a loud giggle was never far behind everything he said to her.

"You know" she slurred her words, "my father never let me have more than one glass of wine."

"I wonder why" He smirked.

She was drunk. Having been sipping in the bottle the whole night, Belle had nearly lost both her speech and coordination. He had not meant for her to drink so much, but she kept insisting on drinking "the sparkling juice".

Belle stumbled out of her chair and waltzed over to the piano. She sat down with all the grace of a lady and giggled like a savage. She lifted the lid carefully and dangled her fingers over the instrument before moving her hands all over the place, resulting in a horrible off key tune and a even more giggling princess.

"Alright." Rumplestiltskin concluded, pulling the lid back over the piano and leading her towards the staircase. "I think we can call it a night." He sighed. Rumple knew ho sick she would end up being in the morning, the poor girl.

"Perhaps this was all a mistake." He thought out loud.

"No" Belle objected. "I'm glad you asked me to dinner tonight."

Then there faces became so close that another inch or so and they could of kissed. Belle felt herself being drawn closer and closer to him, like a piece of metal unconditionally drawn to a magnet.

Then she felt something that she had never rally felt before, a strange sensation. It made her dizzy. And realization finally hit her that it was from the wine. She had nearly drank the whole bottle to herself- _she was going to be sick!_

Belle all of a sudden bent down and vomited all over Rumplestiltskin's leather shoes.

"I think you've had enough wine for tonight, darling' he finally said. He carried the beauty up to her chambers and lay her on her bed, covering with the soft sheet.

It had been a day full of events. He had finally found the courage within himself to ask Belle out on a date. Rumple had found his courage within a coward that he thought he had lost all those years ago. Their faces were so close tonight that one movement from either one of them and their lips would of touched. But of course, fate or whatever you would like to call it had very different plans. Instead of leaving the night with a goodnight kiss, he had left with vomit on his shoes. Was this a sign?

Maybe it just wasn't meant to be.

**Hey everyone! This chapter took a bit longer than the others because it was quite long... I hope you enjoyed it! I am loving each and every review you all post and it truly does mean a lot. Thanks for the follows and favourites, and all the positive energy I am receiving. Leave another reiew if you wish and let me know your thoughts, ideas, or predictions on the rest of the story! Thanks for reading!**

**Next Chapter: Rumple continues to contemplate if he should act on his feelings or not, Zelena comes up with a tedious plan.**


	12. The Winter Rose

Belle woke up with the worst headache she had ever experienced in her entire life. Rumple had called it a "hangover" but she was not sure what that really meant. She was, however, completely certain it had to do with the amount of alcohol she had consumed the night before.

Flashes of her memory began to return to her as she slowly sat herself upright in her bed. Rumplestiltskin had been in her room earlier, she remembered, most likely to check in on her. She heard the soft gentle sound of his voice whispering across the room to her if she was alright. Belle had automatically dismissed him, of course, wanting nothing more than to slam he head back onto her cloud-like feathered pillow.

She remembered the night before, the beautiful ballroom, the marvelous dinner, the dancing- Rumplestiltskin surely proved he was a wonderful and graceful dance partner, despite the fact that she had two left feet. The dinner was delicious, like one of the royal feasts that she used to have back in Avonlea, everything she could of possibly wanted to eat was on the table before her. She continued to carelessly drink glass after glass of the red wine, excited and nervous to be out alone with him, though she did recall Rumplestiltskin's efforts to get her to drink water instead. He had been such a gentleman that night, but how did she repay his kindness? She got undeniably annihilated by an enemy by the name of Merlot and Shiraz.

Her head throbbed again with extreme pain. _Even thinking hurt._ She reached her hand and placed it on the side of her temple and rubbed it gently. Belle's chambers were dark and accommodating to her current needs to be isolated. The beauty felt embarrassed and silly, she was an adult, and a princess of all things! A princess who had definitely ruined the Dark One's shoes with her vomit last night.

Then, a slight knock on the door felt like thunder to her sensitive ears. She turned her attention to the doorway, where Rumplestiltskin stood, sheepishly. He lingered around the doorway for a good thirty seconds before he spoke with the gentlest tone, "May I come in?"

Belle gave him an inviting nod of approval, while Rumple emerged from the doorway and made his way into her chamber. "How are you feeling, dearie?"

"I feel like death." She croaked, "who knew that a couple drinks would make someone feel like this."

"That's a hangover alright," he smirked, "and that's why I brought you this." Rumple poofed up a tray filled with various breakfast foods. The aroma from the food made Belle's stomach grumble, to her surprise. She had never been much of a breakfast eater, specially when she felt so sick like this. But the food looked fantastic and undeniable at that very moment, and smelt even better.

"Is that for me?" Belle could not help but grin. Rumple nodded and placed the tray at her bed side, slowly and carefully. On one side of the plate were two eggs, pouched and warm, just the way she liked them. On the other side were a few thin strips of bacon, with a few slices of a ripe seedless orange and purple plump vine grapes.

"You didn't have to do this for me." The beauty protested, "I am suppose to be _your_ maid, remember? And I certainly don't deserve special treatment after last night." She stopped briefly and Rumple instantly knew that she was embarrassed. Then with a whisper, Belle looked up, her eyes bashful and full of regret, "I'm sorry I threw up on your shoes. I really was having a great time with you- until I ruined it."

Rumplestiltskin took this time to turn on the lamp to get a better look at the beauty. Her usual neat and brushed hair was uncombed and curled all over the place, while her nightgown only held up from one shoulder and Rumple tried his best not to stare directly at such a sight.

"You did not ruin anything, Belle. Don't feel bad about a single thing."

"Well I do." She confessed. "You planned such a wonderful evening for us-" Her expression was of pure worry, her nose crinkled, like it had done when she was in deep thought. Rumplestiltskin knew that in her mind, Belle was still very angry with herself. He just needed to reassure her that what she had done hadn't affected his feelings towards her in any way. And why would they? Of all things, it was not she who should be trying to make up on misgivings.

"Perhaps you can make it up to me then." Rumple pitched, which immediately caught her attention.

"How so?" She asked.

"Baelfire and I are about to take a stroll out in the gardens, come and join us." Rumple asked, his tone sounding more like a question than it did a command.

"Its the middle of winter!" Belle exclaimed, "a stroll in the gardens seems a bit unusual at this time of year, don't you think?"

She always had to have some sort of logic or reason to do what she wanted, He realized. Rumplestiltskin knew for a fact that Belle loved exploring the outdoors, especially the castles gardens. "It looks like a clear day, the sky is blue and there are no storm clouds in sight." He retorted to her objections.

Belle was hesitant, not making direct eye contact with him, averting her gaze on the tray in front of her. She took a hash brown and crunched it in her mouth, letting out a pleasant sound as she did so. "Come on" Rumple urged, "The weather is not that bad, and besides, you owe me for my ruined leather shoes."

Belle smiled at that, like he knew she would. She had a soft spot for his humor he had observed, much like she did for all of his other terrible qualities. He knew that somehow he was starting to win her over, even with everything that he had done when they first had met.

"I'll just get dressed and detangle my hair, and perhaps I will be downstairs when I am finished." She smiled, already starting to get out of her bed. Then before Rumple left the door he said, "then, maybe we will be waiting for you."

* * *

Rumplestiltskin paced downstairs, waiting for Belle to get ready. He was so concentrated, lost in thought, that he did not even realize that Baelfire had crept up behind him.

"How was the date last night?" Baelfire called, louder than Rumplestiltskin would of liked. The rooms and hallways had a projection for echoes, and the last thing he wanted was for Belle to come down the stairs and here Baelfire gossiping about how the date went. "It was fine." Rumple answered, simply.

"Just _fine_? Baelfire refused to believe such a thing. He had watched his father for days- even weeks on end, hopelessly pondering after Belle, and now everything was just _fine?_ He needed more to go on than _that._

"Belle.. wasn't feeling very well." He continued on his explanation. Then the sound of a third party's footsteps came from the staircase behind them.

Belle walked down the steps, slowly and loudly, capturing the attention of both of the boys in mid conversation. Her hair was brushed and tied back with one of her red ribbons, while she wore a red winter dress rather than her regular blue work apparel.

"You look better." Rumple commented.

"Thanks, maybe it was the breakfast you made me." She replied.

"I helped make it you know!" Bae said, happily.

"You helped?" Belle grinned back, "well I just might have to get for you to cook for me again, because those were the best eggs I've ever had."

Rumplestiltskin watched his son smile back at Belle, his face lighting up at her kind compliment. He had watched them together, playing, talking, reading. It was very obvious that they had fun together and that Bae looked up to Belle as a mother-like figure.

The weather was freezing outside, just as Belle predicted. However, the winds were kept calm and the grey cloudy skies had evolved into a light blue. Belle squinted her eyes shut, attempting to fold her arms over to cover her eyes from the bright reflection of the snow. The three of them walked on the stone path, covered in a thick trail of fluffy frozen snow. The whole courtyard was hidden with sheets of endless white, freezing everything that lay in its tracks.

"This has been a long winter." Belle spoke, "I am sure spring is to come soon."

If only spring were to come. Belle loved the spring, it was one of the most beautiful seasons, the new leaves blooming on the trees, the bees buzzing around the green meadows, jumping flower to flower. Everything became new again in spring, and most importantly, it was not cold. It had gotten cold at the very beginning of autumn, when she still was living in her own castle back in Avonlea. Then it hit her. "You know, It has been seven months, since I've lived here in the dark castle."

"Only seven?" Bae questioned, "It seems like longer. I cannot imagine our castle without you." He nudged the side of his father to add to the conversation.

"Neither can I." Rumple added, "time does really fly. It feels like yesterday that-"

"Do you think our pond is still frozen papa?" Bae called, running over to the area of frozen water, reaching out his leg to test the durability of the thin ice.

"I would rather you not test it out." He advised, keeping a watchful eye on his son. He remembered what happened last time one of them was on unsteady frozen ice. Belle had nearly drown that day, the day she was being so stubborn. observed the relationship between father and son, and though it seemed strained at times, there was no doubt that Baelfire loved his father deeply and only wished for his approval.

"He looks up to you quite a bit you know." Belle spoke, walking slowly beside Rumplestiltskin throughout the rest of the gardens. He was still intently watching Baelfire who had both feet on top of the ice now, his arms spread out for delicate balance. "I think every son looks up to his father." The beauty continued to speak, imagining her father who yearned for a son but was bestowed with a daughter instead.

"Yes, but some fathers aren't meant to be looked up to, my father was a terrific example of that." Rumple growled in his throat, a tone Belle ad come to recognize when something was bothering him.

Rumplestiltskin remembered his father vividly, even dreaming about him sometimes. He was a trickster, a gambler, and Rumple knew for a fact that Malcolm surely never wanted to be a father. He recalled the days that he was left with the spinsters, not seeing his father for weeks on end. His childhood had been overwhelmed with crushed hopes and impossible dreams that would never be fulfilled. He promised himself that he would never be like Malcolm, ever.

"What happened to him?" Belle hesitated, asking such a sensitive subject, but eventually she got the words out, "I remember you mentioned him to me before."

Rumple took a shaky breath in. It was a topic he did not enjoy discussing. When Baelfire had asked him about his own father, Rumple simply changed the subject or ignored the questions all together. But Belle was different than anyone he had ever met before. He knew he could trust her and talk about what was bothering him. No matter what had happened, she always made him feel better.

"He was a coward," the Dark One began, "he abandoned me when I was just a young boy." He confessed, his brown eyes filled with a type of sadness Belle had never seen before. When she looked upon him in this vulnerable state she saw something, _something human._ Emotion filled with humanity, which made a warm sensation burn in the center of her heart. It came like a thief, the realization that despite all of his short comings, at this very moment Belle knew she had fallen in love with Rumplestiltskin.

"I'm really sorry, that must have been tough." She apologized, staring down at her feet, her cheeks turning red at her own thoughts. Unlike Rumple, Belle had been a privileged child, the only noble child born to a King and a Queen. She had been spoiled with all the necessities and pampered like the princess she was.

"Not as tough as one might imagine." Rumplestiltskin interjected, "I think the real thing Baelfire struggles with is his mother leaving. Milah was her name. She left me for another man, Baelfire was only just a baby at the time."

"How horrible." Not only did Belle feel painful sympathy for Rumple and Bae, she almost felt.. _angry_. Angry at the fact that this woman named Milah would decide to leave her family, decide to leave her only child and husband behind. Her hands grew into a fist at the thought of it. Rumplestiltskin did not seem to be heartbroken, just angry, just as she was. Angry that anyone would abandon Baelfire like that.

They went on to talk about other things, everything and nothing. She felt secure and comfortable around him, a feeling she had not had since her mother had been alive. She laughed when he made his quips, and he gave her a clever remark at whatever she had to say back. Both of their attention soon turned to a simple rose bush, within its cold bare branches grew a single red rose.

"Look!" Belle exclaimed, "Its a rose!"

Rumplestiltskin walked over to the small barren bush and plucked the red flower from its branch. "Here" he held it out towards it. She did not hesitate to take the rose, for it truly was very lovely, redder and more beautiful than she had seen any other flower before. "I thought roses did not bloom in winter." She raised an eyebrow.

"They don't" he replied, "but with the help of magic, anything is possible."

Belle brought her nose up to the delicate rose and smelt the light scent. "Thank you," she said "my winter rose is beautiful."

_Just like you are. _Rumple wanted to say, but he didn't dare. Instead of making the romantic gesture he simply said, your welcome."

The beauty held out her arm to his. "What are you doing?" He asked her, staring at her arm like she was pointing a gun at him.

"Linking arms. Back in Avonlea, a man and a woman, when they took strolls together, joined arms." He offered his arm, and just like a lost piece returning to its puzzle, Belle snuggled comfortably into his side. When Belle took her mitted hand and grabbed his, he didn't want to let go.

* * *

Zelena had never been the patient sort. In fact, she had an incredibly low tolerance for anything that had the chance of standing in the way of what she wanted, and in this case, it was Belle. She had watched them, both of them very closely. Zelena had her suspicions as any woman did driven by jealousy.

Maybe her intuition was telling the truth and there was something there that didn't meet the naked eye. She needed a plan and needed a plan quick. Maybe with the little wench out of the equation, she would finally be able to do the one thing she desired the most, get Rumplestiltskin back. She could try different tactics,

Then with horror, out of the corner of her eye Zelena saw her reflection in the mirror. She ran up to it as fast as she could and stared at the small part under her neck. She nearly gasped when she saw that part of her face was turning green.. and it was spreading. She let out a hiss and kicked over a nearby vase, causing it to shatter into a thousand small pieces.

Was it possible? Was she, one of the most powerful sorceresses in the entire Enchanted Forest, jealous of a maid? The girl was beautiful, as much as Zelena hated to admit it. What if Rumplestiltskin falls in love with her, it would destroy any sort of hope she had with the Dark One. The green had stopped spreading, while she clawed and rubbed the newly transformed skin. Maybe it was true, jealousy was one of her many tendencies, as much as she did not want to admit it.

However, Zelena was sure of one thing, she would persuade Rumplestiltskin to rid himself of that little wench, or she would do it herself.

**Hey everyone! I want to thank everyone who has been following, favoriting and reviewing this story, you guys are AWESOME. You make my day with your lovely comments and thoughts, so if you are up to leaving a review GO FOR IT! It makes me update 10x faster. I hope you anjoyed this chapter, I kept changing it around quite a bit, so that's why it took me a little bit longer to update. Thanks for reading!**

**Next Chapter: When Rumple does not return home from one of his deals, Belle fears the worst, but what she doesn't know is that he is out searching for the perfect gift for her. **


	13. The Gift of Love

Belle hated being alone in the Dark Castle. She liked to think of herself as brave, even though she often never felt brave, but when Rumplestiltskin wasn't around, she found herself lurking through corridors and peeking around corners like a timid mouse. The castle was too large for anyone to feel fully secure inside it, especially when the Dark One was out doing business elsewhere.

Today was even worse to be alone, because a snowstorm had been raging outside since the previous night, which meant that everything was rattling and howling no matter where she went. There was no way that she was going to go upstairs— it was darker, and the echoing hallways magnified even the tiniest of noises to sound like horrifying monsters.

When she was done with anything she could do downstairs, she decided to take the rest of the morning off. Rumplestiltskin needed to understand that he couldn't just leave her alone in a snowstorm and expect her not to worry. Belle shivered, lighting the few candles around the living room, attempting for some sort of warmth from this cold weather. She spotted a bundle of blankets laying amongst the pillows on one of the sofas. Belle took the initiative to wrap herself in the warmest sheep wool blanket that she could get her hands on.

Then, feeling a bit warmer, the beauty took her book and curled up by the fireplace to wait for Rumple to return home. Belle found herself listening the eerie sounds of cracks and creaks amongst the bitter silence. She tried not to pay attention to any of the noises, she really tried, but when she heard a crashing sound coming from towards the upstairs, Belle decided that it was time to take action.

She searched the room for a blunt object to defend herself with. If it was an intruder, she was not going to leave herself defenseless, that is not what a true hero would do. She struggled to keep quiet, her breathing all too loud and her steps way to clumsy, but it wasn't until she saw a shadow emerging from the hallway that she truly froze.

_This was it,_ Belle thought, _what a good deal I was, lasting a good seven months and then perishing at the hands of this monster, Rumplestiltskin would of been better off investing in a pet hamster._

The shadow figure came closer and closer, its footsteps become lighter as they came. She closed her eyes to build up enough courage to face her fears. The beauty poked her head around the corner to see what she was dealing with, letting out a heavy sigh at what she had discovered.

"Bae!" Belle nearly yelled, startled by his presence. It hadn't been a_ monster, _it had been Baelfire the entire time! She must of looked like a complete fool, on her back was a huge blanket, too heavy for her to keep up properly, while in her hand was some pathetic household object she had hoped to use as a weapon against the menace. "I thought you were an intruder! Why on earth aren't you at school?"

Baelfire was still in his pajamas, though it was early afternoon, and unlike herself, he seemed perfectly calm and collected. "Any weather this bad means that school is automatically cancelled." He explained, "And good that it was, I know how you hate being by yourself" he said smugly, noticing her distressed state. Sometimes his quick remarks and sense of humor reminded Belle that Baelfire was Rumplestiltskin's son. They were almost completely different n looks, while in some attributes they couldn't be more similar.

Despite of his startling entrance, the young boy's actions warmed the beauty's heart. She was more than happy to have his company around, especially in conditions like this. Bae knew her too well, and Belle swore that he was far too smart for a nine year old boy.

"Your father hasn't returned home yet." Belle spoke, lowly. "I'm getting worried. The storm outside looks like it will keep getting worse."

"Its still early," Bae reassured her, "He usually is not home by this time anyways."

"Right." Belle sighed, slouching back down onto the couch, pretending to be invested in her book, but she just couldn't resist. "I mean he has been gone for nearly five hours, that's got to mean something bad has happened, doesn't it?" She started up again.

"You're really worried about him aren't you?" Bae, raised an eyebrow at her, grabbing one of his own books before sitting down next to her.

"It's that obvious, huh?" She replied.

Baelfire grinned, "More than obvious. But I wouldn't worry, I'm sure my father can take care of himself."

"I just wish he would return home," Belle confessed, "no one should be out in that nasty weather, even the Dark One." Bae could tell that she was really concerned now. Endless thoughts and scenarios built up in Belle's mind._ Maybe Zelena had somehow captured him and he was mile away tied up- or worse! What if something terrible had happened to him!? And she was sitting on the sofa, lounging about with a cup of tea and a woolly blanket?_

_"_Belle, you cant stop imagining the worst. I'm sure everything will be fine, do you want me to get you a new book from the library?"

_"_Are you sure you're nine?" Belle grinned, he read her like an open book. Too smart for his own good.

"Actually, in a month I'll be ten."

_"_Well, Mr. almost ten-year-old, would you like to accompany me to the kitchen to make some hot cocoa?" She asked, capturing an immediate beaming response from him. Bae followed Belle into the kitchen, chipper on his feet, and an adventurous look in his eyes. He watched the beauty from behind as her heavy comfortable blanket wrapped around her whole body, dragging along the cold floor as she went.

Belle heard the harsh wind hit the window with sudden force, startling her, terribly. It was a blizzard no doubt, a terrible storm that was known to take lives this late in the freezing season. Belle heard the screeching sound of the kettle and reacted almost immediately to its distress. Carefully, she picked up the brown kettle and poured some hot water into a mug. She started to stir the cocoa ingredients. Rumple was out there somewhere, how was she to know if everything was alright? She felt as if she were going to go mad if she did not hear from him soon.

"Belle, I think you are hurting the cocoa." Bae's voice sounded in the background of her ongoing paranoid brain. She hadn't realized it, but Belle had been stirring the cocoa for almost five minutes, rapidly banging the spoon along the edges of the cup.

"Oh!" Belle nearly jumped back from the counter. Half the hot chocolate had gone all over it. She grabbed a rag and wiped the surface clean. "I don't know why I'm like this, today." Belle thought out loud. This certainly was not the first time that Rumplestiltskin had left the castle to pursue a deal, it was, however, the first time that she felt that he could be in some kind of danger. She had continued to wait the entire day for him, pacing and running around the castle absent-mindedly. Making cocoa and looking after Baelfire had been a soothing pastime for her paranoia. Belle checked the grand grandfather clock in the living room, it was getting late.

"Here." The beauty handed Bae another cup, which he excepted gratefully, taking in the warmth from the mug. They had spent a majority of the day reading and laughing together, and to her surprise, he took her mind off of her concern for Rumplestiltskin. Baelfire was the jut the thing she needed today.

"Is this what having a mother is like?" Baelfire suddenly spoke, slurping his cocoa, leaving a thin line of a brown mustache on his upper lip.

"I wouldn't know," Belle admitted, but I'd like to think so." She took a sip of her own warm beverage.

"Sometimes I pretend you are." He admitted, "everyone at school still thinks you are the coolest."

"That makes me really happy." She smiled, her eyes wet with joy. "You don't understand how special you are to me." The beauty kissed the top of his forehead and rustled his hair playfully.

"Special enough that I don't have to go to bed?"

"Nice try." Belle grinned, 'but it is very late, its time for bed."

The beauty had continued to wait the entire day for him, pacing and running around the castle absent-mindedly. She had put Bae to bed and read him one of her fairytales from one of the new books she had started to read. He had fallen asleep quite quickly, she had tucked him in with a warm blanket and a glass of water on his side table. Before she left the room, she took a moment to simply look at him. He looked so peaceful snoozing there. As she started walked out of the room she whispered, "I love you, Bae."

When Belle resided back downstairs, it was like the noises of the imaginary monsters had returned. _Its not real,_ Belle thought_, Its just the blizzard playing tricks. _Belle curled up on the sofa, cuddling one of the side pillows in her arms, tucking it against her belly. She tried sleeping, she really did, but every time she would look at the clock barely any time had passed at all. Belle reached over to one of the side tables and grabbed one of the books that she and Baelfire had been reading earlier.

It was close to midnight when a purple cloud appeared in front of her, and Belle slammed her book shut with enough force that Rumpelstiltskin jumped.

"You're still up?" he asked, shaking snow out of his curly hair.

Belle hauled herself up off the couch and marched over to him, there was no doubt in her mind that she had bags under her eyes from her inability to sleep. He paused in brushing the snow off his cloak when she was about a foot away from him, drawn up to her full height. She was smugly pleased at the way his eye twitched, indicating he was not as calm as he'd like her to believe.

"Yes?" Rumplestiltskin said, alarmed why she was acting so strange.

"Where have you been!?" Belle barked. She only came up to his chin, but still he leaned away. "I have been worried sick all day." Her hands were on her hips now, and he let out a chuckle that was more like a balloon expelling air than actual laughter. Then, to Belle's own surprise, she smacked him on the shoulder with her book she had been holding. Rumplestiltskin resembled a hunted animal, and continued to say nothing, hoping that she might cool down.

"I've been waiting for you for hours!" The beauty exclaimed, "there's a horrible storm going on outside, and I thought you'd be home hours ago." Belle was nearly screaming now. "How was I to know you were safe?!"

"It'll take a bit more than a little snow storm to hurt me, I'm afraid." His expression looked smug, like he was teasing her, like her day of worrying was simply a joke to him. Her heart was pounding fast at his return, like the whole day had led up to this moment, the moment when Rumple would finally come back to the castle. But instead of greeting him warmly like she had imagined, she was too angry to even form a proper sentence.

"This is not funny, Rumplestiltskin!" She narrowed her eyes, and his hands flitted inside his cloak. "Do you know how many foreign noises came from the upstairs? DO YOU KNOW HOW CREEPY THIS CASTLE IS WHEN YOU ARENT HERE?!"

She had cornered him into a wall at that point.

"I thought you would enjoy some time to yourself, after all, this is not the first time I've left you alone-"

"I know- I know- It's just that- that" Belle paused, letting her emotions get the better of her. She could tell that tears were forming in the corners of her eyes and she did everything in her power to stop it. "I was really worried about you today."

"Perhaps this will ease your anger?" He withdrew a small box, presenting it to her with a flourish. She was shocked at the sudden occurrence, what on earth had he gotten her? The little black box was beautifully wrapped with a golden bow across the top and sides, so perfect it almost glittered in the dim candlelight. When Belle didn't un-narrow her eyes at the gift, Rumplestiltskin wagged it at her, playfully. "Go on, then. I got it for _you."_

"What is it?" she asked, laying her hand over it so that her fingertips brushed his palm.

"You'll just have to open it and see, dearie."

She took the box, trying not to let her curiosity show. It was small, about the size of her hand, and she couldn't imagine what was inside. She lifted the lid, and let out a tiny gasp. Inside was a pendant, much like the one she was wearing upon arrival, except this one was a blue so deep, she felt like she could see inside of it for miles. When she looked back up at Rumplestiltskin, he whipped his head away as though trying to pretend he hadn't been watching. "This is, beautiful, wherever did you get such a fine piece of jewellery?"

"There was a legend, about a pendant so beautiful and valuable that tribes fought over it for thousands of years. Until one day the priceless pendant was lost in the depths of the deepest oceans. They called it the _heart of the ocean"_

"And this is that pendant?" She asked, surprised,_ "_I don't take you for the swimming type."

"I made a deal with a fisherman, who didn't quite understand the value of the item he was trading."

Belle looked into the glass-like blue stone. She could not smiling at her present, and Rumplestiltskin enjoyed every second of it. Finally, he was able to give her something that was worthy of her beauty and her special meaning to him. It was truly breathtaking to look at. _Had he gone to all this trouble to find the perfect gift to present to her when she returned home? _

Then setting the box down by her book, she took the opportunity to hug him. She wrapped both arms around his neck and cuddled herself close. He was cold from the outside still, but it did not seem to bother Belle.

"I take it that you like the gift then, yes?" Rumple questioned, obviously already knowing the answer.

"Like it?" Belle asked, smiling from ear to ear, "I love you-" She then froze, horrified at what had accidentally slipped out. She felt her cheeks become very hot and red and she hated herself for it. She had bit down on her tongue hard and cursed at herself for being such an idiot. Then with a low steady cough she repeated, "I love **_it_**, thank you, Rumple."

He smiled, and she knew it must of had something to do with her slip of the tongue. He did not want her to be uncomfortable and embarrassed, like the gentleman he was deep down, and he quickly managed to change the subject. "You call me Rumple," he said.

Belle continued to turn pink despite her efforts to try and act cool around him. She hadn't _meant_ to call him that. Just as much as she hadn't meant to accidentally say_ I love you. _It had been more than she could manage to give breath to his proper name, at the time! But he wasn't teasing her for it, she realised; he meant it quite sincerely and it was costing him some pride to tell her that he appreciated the gesture.

"Zelena, calls you that," she protested, not having the heart to tell him that she had not meant to do as that witch did. "I thought it was disrespectful of her."

"Zelena," Rumplestiltskin said, smiling, "is not you."

Belle felt her own heart flutter at his words. She couldn't help but smile, but instead she gazed down at her feet, bashfully. "Well, Rumple," Belle began, trying to sound confident and grateful, "would you mind putting on my new necklace for me?"

"Certainly." He obliged. He came behind her and pulled her hair towards her front. Se wanted to shiver at the cool touch of the necklace as it came across her bare collar.

"There," Rumplestiltskin finished, "you look as beautiful as ever."

Belle blushed again, as she usually did when he had said such sweet things into her ear. She was his beautiful blushing Belle. She had both hands around her neck, constantly running her fingertips over the lapis blue diamond on her chest. It was the most precious gift she had ever received and she was not planning to take it off anytime soon.

* * *

Through the glass window, Zelena watches everything as Rumplestiltskin embraced his darling little wench.

This only cemented the fact that the Dark One was in love, it also meant he had a tremendous weakness. He couldn't protect his son and his love, he would have to choose one or the other. Then it was as if all the pieces were coming together for her plot. Yet, Zelena could not shake the feeling coming over her. They looked happy, they looked in love. Why didn't he ever look at her the way he stared at his unimportant maid?

He had got her a necklace, a beautiful necklace, one that Aphrodite would swoon at the sight of it. She continued to watch as they awkwardly engaged in their disgustingly adorable conversation. Belle would bat her pretty little eyelashes at him and having him hypnotized by it. It made her sick. _That was supposed to be her._

Then Zelena caught part of her reflection in the window. Her eyes were wide and hysterical, while her upper lip was curled angrily. Her hands became tight clenched fists before her very eyes, then returning her gaze back to her reflection, Zelena watched as her entire face turned green.

**Hey everyone! Did you all see the episode of Once last night? I LOVED IT. I really just go to mush when Bobby and Em have scenes together, they are truly great. Thanks for the reviews and follows, I love you all, and thanks for everyone who has been keeping up with this story as well. Let me know your thoughts, ideas or predictions in a review, or leave your thoughts on the episode last night! Thanks for reading!**

**Next Chapter: Rumple has an erotic dream about Belle, meanwhile Snow White comes to the dark castle seeking help from the Dark One. ****Zelena gives Rumple and ultimatum.**


	14. Dreaming of Snow

_Belle stood in the midst of a dark room. The moon shined through the window illuminating her silouhette in silvers and blues. Her long hair flowed passed her chest in long perfect waves. Rumplestiltskin approached her slowly until they were in intimate body contact. Her soft hands gently rubbed through his tangled messy hair, brushing parts of his skin with her delicate fingernails. He gasped when Belle brought her red lips close to his neck, laying short kisses along the course of his face._

_"Oh Belle, you have no idea how long I've wanted this." He whispered, barely able to regain his breath. She smiled at his confession, rewarding him with more kisses along his jawline, then gently pushed him onto the nearby bed. The beauty lunged towards him, jumping on top of him straddling his waist where he could start to feel pressure in his leather pants._

_"So you've longed for this for a while?" Belle questioned, her red lips puckered, kissing him once more lustfully on the mouth. "You have no idea." He brought her hips closer to his, letting out a pleasurable groan in the process, stroking the back of her soft hair. The Beauty let out tiny giggles of delight, then sat up straight, fidgeting with the bright ribbons of her laced corset. He wanted nothing more than to continue kissing her, her lips were soft and her skin glowed like porcelain glass on a doll._

_Her head disappeared under the sheets while he smirked. Pleasures began to tingle against his skin, his little Belle, his little darling was finally his. He started to urge her up towards him to get another one of her sweet kisses._

Rumplestiltskin awoke with a start from the alluring dream. He gazed down at the wet sticky sheets under him, moaning with displeasure from the guilt he felt. He had gotten off on the dream, about his maid of all people! She was in fact, probably the only true friend he had ever had, he could tell her anything without her judgement, and he repaid her by defiling her in his darkest desire.

He hadn't dreamt of such things since he could remember, and the worse part was, he craved more. Somehow, it seemed as if the dream had only fueled his desire for the beauty even further, the evidence being the mess he had made in his bed sheets. Rumple got out of bed, trying his best to not dwell on the dream and made his way into the bathroom.

The Dark One took in a deep breath, collecting himself, brushing the sweat away from his forehead, unaware that Baelfire lingered in the hallway beside him.

"You had a dream about Belle last night, didn't you?." The boy asked, catching Rumplestiltskin off guard.

"How on earth do you know that?" He asked him.

"Because I could hear you sleep talk down the hall, I heard you say her name over and over again." Baelfire replied. Rumplestiltskin then turned a dark shade of red against his scaly green skin. He hoped that Belle hadn't heard his verbal unconscious calls to her, he became even more bashful just thinking about that. "I'm afraid I don't really remember" he lied, shaking his head of the thoughts that taunted his mind.

"You just admitted to having a dream about her-" Bae argued, confused about what his father was trying to cover up.

"Go eat breakfast." Rumplestiltskin ordered, pointing towards the door, avoiding the subject any further. Baelfire reluctantly did what his father asked, and made his way down to the dining hall to get himself a bowl of cereal.

The beast remained in his chambers for a bit longer, taking a moment to collect himself and to attempt to erase the dream out of his mind. He felt guilty enough as it was, he did not want to make matters worse by having to engage himself with his maid while the memory of his dream was still fresh in his mind.

Suddenly and unexpectedly, Belle came in the chamber with a duster, startled that he was still in bed. She had assumed that he would have already started his day, it was not like him to be in bed this late. She froze when she saw him laying there, as he did when he saw her come into the room.

"I'm sorry- I didn't realize you were still in bed.. I'll be quick with my dusting." Belle spoke, feeling rather flustered at the sight of him. It was rare, to see him in such a state. Belle knew that since he was human he must of slept, but to actually see the Dark One tucked into his bed, his hair in a tangle of curls nearly struck a nervous giggle from her throat.

Rumplestiltskin held his head down then glanced awkwardly towards the window, he wanted to look anywhere asides from her face. He heard her putter around the room , picking up objects then setting them down a minute later.

"Do you want me to take this off?" Belle called to him, while his eyes grew to the size of full moons.

"What?!" Rumple spoke, shocked by her question. His mind immediately reverted back to the dream he had last night. He imagined back the scene of her unlacing her lovely corset, giggling and kissing the side of his face- _No! He wouldn't fantasize with her in the room, he would give her the last courtesy he had left._

Belle must of noticed the strange almost traumatized expression on his face as well, her face was confused and pink. "This lamp," she clarified, "do you want me to take it off the dresser while I dust it?"

"It doesn't matter." He shook his head, continuing not making eye contact with her.

"Is everything alright? You're acting rather strange-"

"I'm fine." He cut in, "Just do me a favor and make sure Baelfire has gotten breakfast." He told her, rubbing his fingers on his temple for some sort of headache relief. "Of course." She smiled, attempting at least once more to make any sort of eye contact with him, then she exited the room without another word.

The beauty made her way downstairs, dusting as she went along humming quietly to herself. Baelfire was sitting at the table, pouring milk into his bowl of cereal. She smiled at the boy warmly who have her a warm smile back. "Looks like the snow is starting to melt." Belle pointed out, gesturing towards the large window in the room.

"It's about time, this winter has been too long to bare." Bae spoke taking a spoonful of cereal from his bowl and shoving it in his mouth like he hadn't eaten for days. Suddenly the door burst open to reveal a beautiful raven haired woman with lips as red as blood.

She seemed startled to walk in on the two having breakfast, the woman frantically searched around, making sure she had stumbled into the right castle. She must have been frightened for sure, there was no mistaking the look on her face of terror.

"Can I help you?" Belle called, trying to use the most delicate and gentle voice she could. Then raven haired girl turned her attention towards the beauty while Belle squinted her eyes squinted with recognition. "_Snow?"_

"Wait, Belle?" The woman stopped in her tracks, a large grin growing on her face. "Is that really you?"

Belle had been acquainted with Snow White at the royals ball. It was an annual event that got the entire kingdoms together for an extravagant feast. "What are you doing here? Has Rumplestiltskin captured you as his prisoner?"

"Not exactly." She spoke, exchanging glances with him, while Snow patiently waited for her to explain her story. "My father was desperate and we needed Rumplestiltskin to save Avonlea from the ogres, my father wanted to offer him our gold, but he wanted another price-"

"And you were it?" Snow answered, bewildered by such news.

"And what a glorious price you were." Rumplestiltskin's voice called down to her in an impish voice. The two girls turned their attention to the top of the stairs where the beast had lingered above, watching Snow White with an intrigued look. "My, my, what brings the outlaw Snow White all the way to my humble abode?" The Dark One cooed, snapping his fingers and transporting himself an arms length away from her.

"Rumplestiltskin," Snow began, startled by his sudden presence, "I came to seek your help. I need a potion to help me forget someone."

"That sounds like quite the request, dearie, I assume you are ready to make a deal with me then?"

"Yes." Snow responded, lowly. "What do you want for your services?"

"A strand of your hair." He answered.

"What do you want with my hair?"

"That's my business, now, do we have a deal?"

Snow nodded her head, if a single useless strand of her hair was going to make her forget about the love of her life, then it was a very small price to pay.

Rumplestiltskin then led Snow White into his laboratory. Belle treaded behind both of them, urging herself to keep up, curious to what was going to happen to her friend. She had advised Baelfire to go upstairs, this was no place for a child. It was dark and cold, while the various potions on the wall caught Snow's attention. Her stomach twisted at the sigh of all of Rumplestiltskin's magical projects.

Rumplestiltskin had briefly left them alone while he disappeared into another room. Belle shivered and wrapped her arms around herself, trying to fend off the chill. "You shouldn't of come here, Snow." Belle whispered, "I have witnessed some of his deals and he does not take them lightly."

"I can handle myself. Since Queen Regina has taken over my kingdom, I have been on my own. I don't have anything to lose." Snow argued. It was the only way she would ever be able to be happy without Charming. She needed to forget him, forget the love that had blossomed over the past months, it was the only way she would get through his marriage to princess Abigail.

"What about you, Belle? You don't seem to fear him as you should."

"I don't fear him." The beauty answered boldly.

"Aren't you afraid to live with him?" Snow asked again, her tone concerned for her old friend. "Even with the way he looks at you?"

"The way he looks at me?" Belle repeated. She hadn't noticed any sign of a look that he had given her. They enjoyed each others company and got along well, but never had Belle ever noticed anything more than that.

"You know, _the look_." Snow hinted further.

"What look?" Belle pleaded her to answer her question. She had listened to Baelfire go on and on about the way Rumplestiltskin looks at her, yet she has not had a proper description of what he possibly meant.

"You really haven't figured it out?" Snow asked, as if what she was saying made absolutely perfect sense.

"Figured what out?!" The beauty nearly yelled, but toned down her voice when she realized how loud she had become.

"He looks at you like you're a piece of steak." Snow smirked. "If I didn't know any better, I would say that the Dark One is quite infatuated with you."

Belle wanted to laugh, but she felt her heart grow heavy instead. She wanted to clarify to Snow that it was a crazy thought, after all, Rumplestiltskin was the most powerful man in all the realms. He was a man to be feared, someone that caused people to cringed at just the sound of their name, surely he did not have enough ime to fantasize about his petty little servant.

She opened her mouth and share her very logical conclusion, but before she had the chance to, Rumplestiltskin marched back into the room. Belle cleared her throat and pulled her hair out of her face, standing up straight. The beast strutted towards an alchemy table, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a long thin glass vile. There was a delighted look upon his face as he started to work, hardly acknowledging the girls presence as he went.

"So you can help me with a potion that can take away memories?" Snow called out to him, unsure if she were going to get a response.

"Indeed," he let out another giggle of pure impish delight. "But I require a sample of your hair, dearie." He came to her slyly and with a simple pull, he plucked out a single black hair from her head. Rumple held up a vile to the candlelight, his expression one of pure concentration.

Slowly and carefully he placed her hair with another he had collected and shook he vile gently. Belle and Snow began to back away from him, afraid of what this new combination would create. To their amazement, the bottle began to glow with a golden shimmering light. "True love," the beast cooed, "its the most powerful magic of all. It has to ability to break any curse."

"That is why you needed my hair." Snow pieced together the pieces of their deal, "but how did you get the other piece of hair? _The blonde piece. _Wait- that would mean-"

"Yes, yes," Rumple tried to calm her down, "your Prince Charming had already come by here, searching for a way to see you again." He finished, dryly.

"But he is to marry, Abigail." Snow protested, "everyone in the entire Enchanted Forest knows that they are getting married in a fortnight."

"He wanted to get out of the wedding." Rumple grinned wickedly.

"Why didn't you tell me this before?" Snow raised her voice. Like countless others, she had been manipulated into helping Rumplestiltskin get whatever he wanted. She could not waste anymore time, she needed to get to Charming fast, she had to tell him how she really felt. Finally, after all this time of being separated, they would find their way back to each other again.

Snow ran out of the castle, disregarding Rumplestiltskin's end of the bargain. She stopped and wrapped her arms around Belle, who was stunned and crushed by such a powerful hug. "You be careful" Snow whispered, then kissing the top of the beauty's forehead, Snow slammed the doors, leaving Belle and Rumplestiltskin alone once again.

"Well, I guess she made up her mind." He quipped, still chipper about the glowing golden bottle of magic in his hands. He had gotten what he wanted, a piece of her hair and his own sample of a true love potion. It was the most powerful magic of all, and with it, he would be able to figure out a way to make himself even more powerful than he was already.

"You play mind tricks with people-" Belle began, "Its cruel."

Rumplestiltskin placed the bottle down on a nearby surface and turned to face her. From her tone he knew that she was not exactly happy with him. "She was being ignorant, like everyone else in this land, they believe in the power of_ happy endings-"_

"Well, I think it's romantic what Snow did." The beauty stood up for herself. "Now, she is off to find her true love and stop him from marrying another."

"You truly are a hopeless romantic, aren't you, dearie?"

"Isn't everyone?" She flashed her smile at him. He almost made her believe so. Before he hadn't put much faith in love, Milah had left him, so had his own parents, it wasn't until Belle that he truly felt that love may be something more than an overrated sham.

Belle then ran her fingers over the delicate glass vases and potions, her curious eyes dwelled on the bookcase in the far back corner. Rumplestiltskin had no objection to let her look around, she was after all, completely harmless. He did however, enjoy watching as she tried to discover and explore the environment around her. "What is this?" She called over to him, holding up a drawing of a dagger towards him.

It made him freeze at the sight. The one magical object he was bound to, the one thing that could control him. A simple sketch drawn on an old piece of parchment

"It is a part of my curse. It's the dagger of the Dark One."

"What does it do?" She questioned, taking her time observing the detail that was put into the sketch, the name**_ Rumplestiltskin_ **running down the length of it in bold letters.

"It has the ability to control the Dark One," he answered gravely, "It is the biggest burden that I bare but also the key to my power."

Belle wanted to cringed at the thought of someone controlling him to make him do terrible things. Suddenly the thought of any harm coming to him made Belle lose her breath all together. If someone had that dagger, they could make Rumple do whatever they wished, and he would not have a choice.

"I'm sorry." The beauty placed the drawing back into the bookcase, safely, "I would never want anyone controlling me."

"You truly are a strange girl, Belle. Caring and sympathizing for an old monster."

"You're not a monster." She stated, strolling back over towards him, "and not old. You are, however, manipulative and vindictive when you want to be, but your none of the things you claim yourself to be."

Rumplestiltskin wanted to tell he how much her words meant to him, her sweet little words. He wanted nothing but to grab a hold of her and kiss her, but he wouldn't. He wouldn't do that to her, he loved her too much for that. Rumple shifted uncomfortably, as she came closer to him.

He had killed many because of his dagger, he had killed many for the power, he was far from being the victim. Self preservation was a nasty habit he was never able to break. Belle did not dare to ask where this weapon was, though she wanted to, but he would take it the wrong way, not realizing that she was just curious on the matter. Did he store here in this very castle? Only he knew the answer to that, but what Rumplestiltskin didn't know, was that soon that dagger was going to cost him a great price, one that wouldn't be so easily paid.

**Hey everyone! I am so excited for this two hour episode coming up on Sunday! Lets hope for lots of Rumbelle! Thanks again for all your reviews and follows, I love seeing that people are actually reading this story. So, if you want to make a very happy author, leave another review and let me know what your thoughts are on this Sunday's episode, or predictions for what is going to happen next in this story! Thanks for reading! Ps this chapter was a little rushed, so if you see some mistakes that was because of my impulsive desire to post.**

**Next Chapter: Rumple faces the harsh reality of his relationship with Belle.**


	15. The Cold Truth

It was the first time after a long winter that the Dark One heard birds chirping this early. It was intolerable really, but for the first time Rumplestiltskin wasn't completely opposed to cheerful surroundings. The winter had begun to disperse into a late spring. He much preferred warm weather compared to the freezing season they had just endured.

Rumple had awoke hours before Belle and Baelfire, and he took the time to contemplate his thoughts. Though it was a fairly chilly morning, he opened the window and breathed in the fresh air. It was a peaceful moment, a moment where he could recollect on parts of his life that came to haunt him. All his past mistakes, his secrets, his deals, but nothing bothered his conscious more than when he thought of his beloved beauty. Belle was a deal that he thought of often, her heroic sacrifice to save her whole kingdom from the wrath of the ogres. Rumplestiltskin even remembered King Maurice's terrified expression when his only child, left permanently.

However, Belle was something that he was never meant to attain, and because of his tampering with fate, he paid the ultimate price. The Dark One himself, had fallen in love with someone he could never have. Surely she was meant to end up with that fool of a fiancé of hers, engaged to a line of royalty, living in a large palace with servants that would respond to her every need. Instead she resided her, in the dark castle with the monster himself. Would he really doom her to such a life for all eternity?

He suddenly felt a presence enter the room, but he remained facing the window. He did not need to turn around to know who it was. It was strange how he could think about her, and it was like somehow she knew, and she would appear to him like a blue-eyed day dream.

"I know you don't like being disturbed in your chambers," Belle began. Even the sound of her gentle voice seemed to make him tremble.

"It's no matter," he took a last breath in of the cold fresh air and shut the window, "what do you need?"

"I nearly fell asleep on the couch last night, and it would seem that I've misplaced my book."

"There are many others in the library, you know." Rumple responded, turning to face the beauty.

"I know, but this book was my favourite. It was the one I brought here from Avonlea, and I've tried looking for it everywhere, but I cant seem to find it."

Then from the palms of his magic hands, a puff of purple smoke swirled around his palms, then there it was, _Her Handsome Hero, _the book that her mother had given to her before she passed. It was the same book that made her fall in love with reading. He handed the book over to her. "Thank you," she smiled widely, embracing the book like a mother would a baby. "I don't know what I would do if I ever lost it."

"I suppose now you will never find out." He gave her a warm look, but Belle knew that there was something off about him that morning. He simple sent her on her way to begin her daily chores without another word.

Suddenly, a booming knock on the door startled Rumplestiltskin. He made himself presentable and walked down to the main level. He opened the large front door to find a man standing there. He wore a top hat over messy brown curls, a smug expression on his face. He wore a long black tail coat with brown leather boots that came up to his thighs. He carried a brown satchel that hung over his shoulder uncomfortably. He slouched from the leaning position he was in, but stood up straight when the door had opened.

Rumplestiltskin smirked, "Jefferson, my, my, what a surprise this is."

Jefferson continued to stand there, looking at him sideways. "I believe you still have something of mine, I just came to collect."

Rumplestiltskin led the mad hatter into the castle, slamming the door with a loud bang. Jefferson took off his hat and rustled his hair before placing it back on again. Just as the two men had entered the main hall, Belle stumbled in clumsily with a try of tea in her hands. Jefferson gazed at the beauty, glancing over at Rumplestiltskin, who did not respond.

"She was not here the last time I was here, I certainly would of remembered her." The Hatter whispered, still struck in a state of awe.

"Oh, I wasn't aware that you had company."

The three of them all exchanged looks, each one of them just as confused as the other. "Well, aren't you going to introduce me to this lovely creature?" Jefferson grinned, breaking the silence.

As much as Rumplestiltskin tried to hold it together in a calm matter, his words came out unbalanced and pitched. "Jefferson, this is Belle, my servant."

Jefferson pranced across the room, passing Rumple without a second thought. Belle became startled and placed the tea tray on the table beside her. "I have heard rumors about the beautiful Avonlean princess, but the talk of the peasants do not give you justice." Jefferson took Belle's hand in his, bowed and placed a kiss upon it, glancing over, noting the intense jealousy that came from Rumplestiltskin's face.

In return, Belle curtsied and walked over the to the table to prepare tea. She refilled the chipped cup and took it over to Rumple. Just as she handed it over to him, their hands brushed together, ever so slightly, but enough that their fingers nearly intertwined. The beauty gazed down to the ground and blushed when she saw the hint of a smile on Rumple's face as he looked at her.

Jefferson stood there, intently watched the pair, knowing that there was something going on that he didn't quite understand. He never saw Rumplestiltskin act this way, the soft creature blushing and touching hands with Belle was not the Dark One he had known for all these years.

"Belle, can you please leave us? Jefferson and I have matters to discuss."

The beauty gave a short bow and left the tea tray on the table. Both men watched as she scurried off to do some of the chores around the castle. He knew that she would most likely scurry off to the library, find an intriguing book then lose herself in it for hours.

"I see you have finally found a lady for your castle, and may I say quite a beauty as well." Jefferson said, climbing upon one of the dining chairs, taking a seat cross legged facing Rumplestiltskin. He picked up a cup and poured some of the steaming tea into it, then closing his eyes to embrace its warmth, he sipped it noisily.

"She is just a servant." Rumplestiltskin stated.

"Right, and Alice was just some girl I invited over for afternoon tea." He spoke sarcastically. "I have seen over the years how you act around your servants, and what I just witnessed was certainly special treatment."

"Don't be ridiculous." Rumple took a sip of his own hot tea, gently running his fingertips over the edges of the chipped cup.

"C'mon Rumple, I am the closest thing you've got to a friend," Jefferson placed his ta carefully back down on the polished mahogany. "I've known you for years and I saw the way you two were making googly eyes at each other."

Rumple imitated the Hatter and set his chipped cup down as well, his eyes narrowed with denial. "The Dark One des not make _googly eyes_, especially not at the help, and if you think otherwise, you are madder than I thought possible."

"I may be mad, but I have to ability to know love when I see it." Jefferson retorted, making Rumple flinch at his words. Not only did the Hatter's point make his heart flutter, it gave him a flicker of hope that she would ever love him back, but that was _preposterous. _He was a monster, he had killed people, he was the Dark One, enslaved to his hunger for power until the end of time.

"Love is not an option for me, Jefferson" Rumplestiltskin paused sadly, "not anymore."

"Love isn't an option." Jefferson raised his eyebrows and gave Rumple a doubtful look, "you may be ignorant enough to ignore you feelings, but there is no denying how your maid feels."

"What on earth are you talking about?"

"The way she looks at you, the way she bats her pretty little lashes for your approval. When your fingers touched together, she blushed redder than an apple."

"You've got it wrong." Rumplestiltskin sighed, placing down his tea and taking a seat at the large wooden dining table. He placed his hand on the side of his skull and let his head flop into his palm. It was then that Jefferson saw something he hadn't seen in his friend for quite sometime: _Defeat._

"I can't have her." Rumple's words were no more than a whisper. "You know she talks about her home all the time, and I am the beast that is keeping her here."

It was then when Jefferson finally understood. Rumple hadn't been trying to deny in sake of himself, but in sake of Belle. He saw a guilt-driven root at the centre of his being, watered daily by the mere sight of his own maid.

"Truth is a stab of the sword, a painful and inevitable blow, it stings and hurts and cripples, but impossible it is to show." Jefferson rhymed, with a half-talk half singing tone. He had to face the truth, though he had kept it hidden for so long.

"Everyday I felt guiltier than the last." The Dark One confessed, "she does not belong here with me."

"I have a suggestion" Jefferson interjected.

"And what would that be?" Rumple raised an eyebrow.

"Let her go"

"What?" Rumplestiltskin slammed his tea down on the table. It was his selfish conscious talking now, he had no desire to let Belle go, the opposite actually, he wanted her to remain with him forever. He could not imagine waking up every morning after these past eight months and not having her there. Just like magic, Belle had become an emotional crutch that he could not live without.

"You need to let her go, and if her heart truly belongs to you, she will return."

"What if something happens to her?" Rumple protested, "I wouldn't be able to protect her."

"I'm sure when she returns to Avonlea there will be endless guards to watch her every move. Just make sure that neither Regina or her crazy sister know about her. They would surely use that as an attack mechanism against you."

"Unfortunately, I am afraid Zelena is well aware."

"Then I would say that you are lucky, if Regina ever found out-"

"I know." Rumple stopped him before he could go any further. Every possible dark force within the entire Enchanted Forest was out to get him, he had made many enemies, even ones he did not know yet. He thought of Belle being surrounded by this horrible excuse for a life. She was born into the light, a child of all good and pure.

He knew deep down in his heart that Jefferson's suggestion was the right thing to do. Belle had mentioned her father a million or some times, always smiling at some memory of the Avonlea castle, that is where she belonged, with her family and with her people. If he released Belle of their deal, she would be free from his dark influences, she would be free to return home.

Rumplestiltskin knew what he had to do now. Zelena had made her intentions clear, she had threatened the ones he loved before. He was a beast, a monster- and monsters did not get a happy ending. It was because he loved Belle that he finally realized the harsh reality he was now faced with. As much as he did not want to, he had to let Belle go.

* * *

Rumplestiltskin was distant for the rest of the afternoon. Even when Belle offered him his favourite meal to go along with afternoon tea, he showed little interest. If the beauty didn't know any better, she would say that he was trying to avoid her.

He suggested that she take Baelfire for the day to get them out of the castle. When she had asked him why he wanted her to get out of the castle he responded with the vague and unsatisfying response: _to think_.

_What did he have to think about? And why wasn't she allowed to be near him in this time? _Regardless of her questions, Belle put on her green cloak and escorted Baelfire outside.

It was the first day that was not excruciating to be outdoors. The cold had started to die off, as did the snow and the horrific blizzards that went along with it. Belle did not object to this opportunity, she enjoyed spending time with Baelfire outside, it was a great chance to see the world outside of the dark castle.

They had stopped at a local bakery, where the fresh smell of pastries and cookies filled their stomachs with a strong desire. She watched amusingly, as Baelfire jumped from one treat to another, indecisive about what he wanted. Once they had finished there, they travelled along the road some more until eventually, they became tired.

"Shall we take a rest?" Belle asked, gaining a slight nod from Bae.

She led him through part of a forest and crossed a small rushing river. Their feet splashed through the shallow water, treading carefully as they went. The dark forest was no to be taken lightly, though during the day it seemed like any other scenic part of nature. The beauty stopped for a moment and took in a breath of fresh air. Salt entered her nostrils and the smell of ripe sea grass mixed in with the unpleasant odor of fish.

"We've reached the sea." Belle spoke with awe, continuing to make her way though the rest of the woods. She followed the calm sound of the ocean waves hitting the rocks of the shore. Baelfire followed her carefully, behind her skirts he watched as the branches and trees parted into a beautiful sunlit bay.

Seagulls flew among the sky, gliding with the strength of the wind through their wings. Sea creatures roamed the rocks, searching their surroundings with caution before flopping back into the body of water. Belle spotted a tall and luscious willow on the edge of the bay. It was sand, with the exception of a small patch of grass on the side.

They sat underneath the giant willow, leaning down onto the grass with a relieved sigh. They could finally rest and eat the baked goods they had purchased. "Here." Belle ripped off a piece of the bread and handed it to the boy.

"It's beautiful here." Bae said, taking a bite out of his bread. In the distance he saw some ducks. There were about seven of them, five of them female and two male. Belle giggled watching the creatures, their large orange beaks and their big floppy feet.

"Belle?" Baelfire asked.

"Yes, Bae?"

He took a breath to prepare what he was going to say. He did not wish to sound foolish in front of Belle, but his curiosity got the better of him. "Do you think mermaids are real?"

"Perhaps," the beauty spoke carefully, she had never seen one in person, nor had she heard from any of her royal kings guard back in Avonlea. However, she had read stories about the mysterious creatures that dwelled under the surface. "I've only read myths about them, and there have been no sightings-"

"They could just be excellent at hide and seek." Baelfire added, a smile growing on his face. He was curious and it reminded her a lot of herself. She had noticed that over these past months that he had picked up a few characteristics from her, for instance, Belle took great pleasure when she realized that when Baelfire got upset or angry, he possessed very similar facial expressions. The way he would crinkle his nose, or the way he sought to find things out, or that he even began to say word out of her vocabulary.

"The sea is very large indeed." Belle agreed, shaking off her current thoughts, staring off into the distance of the great blue ocean. Suddenly, a large vessel came across the bay, with a speed that the beauty couldn't comprehend.

A woman jumped overboard, landing in the sand with a dominating presence. She marched heavily, her hands on her hips and an angry scowl upon her lips. The woman possessed a rather harsh face, a pointed nose and blue eyes like the sea. She wore a type of leathered pirate's hat on her head which told Belle that she was anything but friendly. 'This is our land, you two need to bugger off."

"We were just having a rest, we were doing nothing wrong!" Baelfire protested. The beauty wanted to cover his mouth and be on their way. She wanted no trouble from this woman, nor did she want any harm to come to Baelfire.

"Do it somewhere else you little brat." The woman drew her sword and placed it at Belle's chest. The beauty closed her eyes and tried not to make herself seemed frightened. In fact, she knew that if she was ever in danger, she could call Rumplestiltskin three times and he would appear by her side just like that. To her relief, the woman lowered her sword, but as soon as Belle thought that they were free of this stranger, she came close and whispered in Belle's ear, "If I ever catch you two around here again, I'll kill both of you without hesitation."

The beauty stood up slowly, never taking her gaze off of the woman's. Belle waited until there was a comfortable distance between them. She made sure Baelfire was behind her, safe and protected by her at all costs. She reached out and grabbed his hand in hers carefully. "Let's go Baelfire."

The dark haired woman stood opposite of them, and to Belle's surprise she looked.. _stunned._ Her eyes that were of a gray ocean were opened wide with a look Belle did not quite recognize. Her eyes scanned Bae up and down, like she was studying him, memorizing every detail from the hair on his head to his feet.

Belle pulled on Bae's arm as he scurried behind her. They had almost reached the trees when they heard the woman call out. "Wait!" Her breaths were slightly laboured, "what did you say your name was?"

Belle got a horrible feeling in the pit of her stomach. She knew that the stranger was speaking to Baelfire alone. Rumplestiltskin had taught her that names were a very valuable thing, it gave you some sort of strange power over them- _had she been foolish when she called for Bae? _Belle was not about to take any chances.

"Bae, lets go home." She grabbed a hold of his hand tighter and walked back up to the road. It had been a long day and all she wanted was to return back to the security of the dark castle. There was something excruciatingly unsettling about the dark haired woman, and Belle was not interested in finding out why.

* * *

The bay was empty once again after the girl and the little boy had left. Waves splashed against the large vessel that remained anchored in the restless current.. Her crew had been patient while she dealt with the dispute, especially the ship's captain.

The pirate woman boarded the ship, being greeting by a black leather clad man. He himself had some harsh features which stuck out from his black eye makeup. "Milah" he spoke, jogging over to her and pulling her into an embrace, "what is wrong, love? You look sick."

Milah's eyes scanned the deck,_ could it really be? After all these years.._

"Leave us!" Milah yelled at the crew. They immediately obeyed her order and made their way to the decks below. The captain circled around her, determined to find the source of what was troubling his love. "Tell me, what is wrong?" He spoke.

Milah took a long breath in, running a finger through the front of her tangled black hair. "Killian, do you remember all those years ago, when we met at that pub, how I told you that I was married-"

"To that pathetic village coward." Killian grinned, "yes I remember."

"And do you remember that I mentioned a child-" Milah continued, trying her best to hold her emotions together.

"I do." The captain answered her, unsure of where the conversation was headed. "Those intruders on our territory," she began, "the little boy on the beach with that other woman.. that is the son I abandoned all those years ago."

"Are you certain?" Killian grabbed a hold of her shoulders to force her to look up at his face.

"Quite," Milah insisted.

"So what are you going to do?"

Milah thought long and hard, her lip was curled into a permanent scowl and her blue eyes searched for an answer amongst the ocean breeze. Then, turning to face her lover she replied, "I'm going to get him back."

* * *

**Hey everyone! I was fortunate enough to be on the Steveston set of Once Upon A Time in Vancouver on Tuesday! I met Jmo and Colin! Emilie de Ravin was filming with the main cast too! There was no Robert though, he was filming in the evening but I only stayed for the morning filming session. Hopefully A/E will get their shit together and finally include Belle in the storylines! Anyways, before I get too carried away, leave a review about the story or leave a comment on your thoughts on the show! Thanks for reading! Also ps sorry this took so long to update! Enjoy!**

**Next Chapter: A guilty Rumplestiltskin orders Belle to leave the Dark Castle, however, the beauty is hesitant at the beast's request.**


	16. Let Her Go

It was evening when Belle and Baelfire returned to the dark castle. As the sun set, the outside became frosty and cold, leaving permafrost along the green grass and icicles on the bottom of the water fountain in the courtyard. Belle hurried Bae inside caringly, helping him unbutton his coat and leading him towards the fireplace for warmth.

There as no sign of Rumplestiltskin, surely he would of heard them return, and Belle couldn't think of a reason why he wouldn't want to greet them after spending a day apart. The beauty found herself smiling when she finally saw him, strolling in the room. He made brief eye contact with her, but his full attention was on Bae. He gave his son a quick hug and ruffled his hair.

"I hope things weren't too dull without us around here." Belle teased.

"Of course not." He responded, trying his absolute hardest not to have any sort of amusement while being in her presence.

Baelfire went on to tell his father about their entire day. He told him of the delicious smells of the bakery and the calming sounds of the waves crashing on the beach. Belle hoped that Bae would keep quiet about the strange woman they had encountered there, the beauty knew how protective Rumple became when it came to those he loved. Informing him of the event would just infuriate him, and she did not want any unnecessary conflict.

Bae let out a lion-like yawn, and Rumplestiltskin ordered him upstairs to get ready for bed. He hurried up the stairs and right before he reached the top, he turned around and with a quiet voice said, "goodnight Belle."

She bid him a goodnight and watched as he disappeared around the corner. She listened to the sound of his bedroom door closing shut and then walked over to Rumplestiltskin.

"Its strange," Belle began, "After today.. after being away from this castle so long, I dare say that I missed it."

He wanted to make some sort of flirtatious quip at her confession, but he stopped himself just in time to get his emotions under control. "That is a pity." The Dark One answered, keeping his thoughts and gaze to himself.

The beauty did not understand what was causing him to act this way, Rumple may be awkward and even shy at times, but he was never distant. His mind was somewhere else.

"What's wrong?" Belle took the time to place her hand on his shoulder. Rumplestiltskin wanted to flinch at her touch, knowing that if he were to do the right thing he could not have her casting her lovely spell over him.

"Nothing." He lied, "You should retire to your chambers, I am sure you are tired after your journey today."

The beauty hesitated, taking her hand slowly off of his shoulder and bringing it to her lips. She wasn't tired, not really, what she really wanted was to sit down and talk with him. Belle often enjoyed their evening conversation, it was a safe haven, remaindering her of the days she lived in the Avonlean castle.

"Don't you want your evening tea?"

"Not tonight." He answered, cementing the idea in the beauty's mind that something was definitely troubling him. He rarely ever turned down an opportunity to have tea. She had even observed on several occasions that he left the chipped cup half full, he enjoyed the simplicity of it all, sitting down peacefully with a hot cup of earl grey and conversing with her. In that moment, she wished Rumple would turn to face her, to look her in the face and get the reassurance she so desperately wanted.

She tried to make up a reason to say down with him, hoping that he would bring up a topic or tell her that something needed to be done, but he didn't. "Well, if you are sure you don't want tea, goodnight, Rumplestiltskin."

He gave her a nod of dismissal, watching her as she walked up the stairs on the way to her chambers. There really was only one thing he could do, even if his heart betrayed him by aching at the thought. The more he was around her, the more he was certain he would stop himself of doing the right thing by letting Belle go.

He would wait until morning, it would be safe for her to travel the roads back to Avonlea. Rumplestiltskin slugged into his master chair, his hair fallen in front of his face as his head slouched. He would sit here for the remainder of the night, simply to feel her presence in the castle one last time.

* * *

The morning came like a thief. It was a cloudy day outside, which perfectly reflected the way Rumplestiltskin felt. He had waited long enough, he had kept Belle prisoner here long enough. He had been undeniably selfish when it came to her, keeping the beauty all to himself, depriving the outside world of such an enchanting creature. He had gotten barely any rest but it didn't bother him, in fact, it kept him focused on what the task at hand.

Each step that brought him towards her chambers echoed through the stone walls. He let the hollow sound fill him, giving him the strength he needed to convince himself that he didn't care what happened to her now. He waved his hand and the locks on the door moved and then the door swung open. Belle had dressed in her blue peasant dress, sitting on her comfortable bed with an open book on her lap.

She got up to greet him, her eyes filled with joy at just the mere sight of seeing him. He had to do this, he told himself. If he did not send her away, Zelena would be more than happy to kill her, she had a grudge for Belle and it was not in Zelena's nature to be merciful. It was because he loved her that he knew what must be done, no matter how much it hurt him. Rumplestiltskin never took his eyes off of her as he raised his hand and pointed to the open door.

"I need you to fetch me an ingredient used in a certain potion of mine. It is a special plant that only grows on the border of Avonlea." He had all night to rehearse what he was going to say and find the harsh confidence he desperately needed.

"Wait, what?" She shook her head as if she had heard him incorrectly. "_Avonlea_?" She paused and there was slight suspicion in her eyes. "You, you trust me to come back?"

Rumplestiltskin felt his heart throb in his throat. "_Oh no_, I expect I'll never see you again."

Belle was shocked by this, it was so sudden and she had no time to prepare a reaction to such an occurrence. Perhaps this why Rumplestiltskin had acted so out of character lately. She had promised to stay with him _forever_, and now, forever was being cut abruptly short, and to Belle's amazement, she was disappointed.

"Go." He commanded, politely. Once the word was out, he turned away so he wouldn't have to stare at her on that bed again. He couldn't feel guilty, not now. Her eyes would be pleading, hoping for some kind of answer to his sudden change of heart.

"_Go_?" she questioned with obvious disbelief. _What was going on? Was he hiding something from her, or was it possible that Rumplestiltskin no longer desired her services?_ Then her smile began to fade as she realized that he wasn't himself. _There was something going on, something she was not aware of._

"What's gotten into you?" Belle questioned.

_You speak of your kingdom often, I have taken you away from everything you have loved. I have done nothing but endanger you and bring you darkness. But now, I have finally realized what I must do. Nobody deserves to spend eternity with an old monster_.Rumple wanted to say all these things to her, but he knew it was futile.

"Rumple?" Belle questioned, uncertain of what was happening. It broke his heart, there she was trying to reach out to him, holding on to some hope that would never arrive.

"I don't want you anymore, dearie." He tried to sound natural, like the words were an absolute truth. He wanted her to believe that he'd gotten everything she could possibly give him. None of her services were desired any longer. "I've collected all your things together already."

"Are you trying to tempt me?" She said in the bitter silence, "telling me to go back to Avonlea, that you no longer want me here-"

"No." He answered simply. "I'm doing what I've wanted to do since I brought you here."

"But our deal was forever." She protested.

"I _never actually_ intended to keep you forever, dearie." He scoffed.

"You don't mean that-"

"I've grown bored of your presence, in fact, maybe it is time for me to find a new princess to torture. You know how I love wreaking havoc on royals."

Belle felt his words nearly break her heart. _Had everything been a lie? Was Rumplestiltskin the same monster that the entire Enchanted Forest believed him to be? _The beauty felt tears forming in the corners of her eyes, turning her crystal blue gaze into one of turquoise.

Rumplestiltskin heard the feathers of her bed rustle as Belle hauled herself to her feet, but he kept his eyes on the stone decorated walls. Her footsteps sounded towards the door but then stopped. He refused to let his heart swell with any hope that she would return to him. But then she did turn around, this time her footsteps were harder. He had to look her in the eye when she stood before him.

"As much as you think otherwise, I liked it here, with Baelfire.. and you. If this façade is your way of shutting people out, you are doing an awfully great job at it. Maybe despite being the Dark One, you are still a coward." She heard her own voice crack.

"I'm not a coward, dearie."

"You just don't believe that someone could want you." Belle hissed.

"Go scurry back to whatever is left of your family, considering most of them were killed trying to protect the land from ogres. You owe them that much."

There was pain in Belle's eyes at that comment. She missed her father and her family horribly, it was for those she loved that she enacted her sacrifice to begin with. Rumplestiltskin felt his stomach twist with each hostile remark he gave. He kept convincing himself that it was the only way to get her to return home. Belle was loyal and kind, and it was only by this method that his objective could be completed.

However, every part of his being wanted to reach out and soothe her, call out to her that this was all a mistake but he quashed that. He needed to know that Belle would have a life, a good life when she left the dark castle. He had nothing to offer her but darkness and isolation.

Belle whirled around and furiously walked out of her chambers, but Rumplestiltskin didn't follow her. He stared at the empty space she'd just vacated with her words still ringing in his ears. She was gone, but there was no victory in that. He shut his eyes and willed himself to wait. He wanted to make sure she was truly gone before he left that room, otherwise he might beg her to stay.

Rumplestiltskin approached the window and stared out into the courtyard, watching as she walked through the entrance gate. Her black cloak whipped in the wind while he watched as she brought a hand up to her face to wipe away her tears. He watched hopelessly as the beauty vanished from his sight. She was truly gone now, and the Dark One felt his own heart break in two.

* * *

Belle walked down the gravel path trying to control her soft sobs. Rumplestiltskin had been so cruel to her, showing a side of him that she ad truly never seen. She knew she should be happy that she was going to return home, back to her father, her family and friends but she carried a heavy heart instead. She had fallen in love with the very beast that that had taken her away from her home in the first place, and now, she was paying the price.

The wind whipped against the side of her face. She heard the sound of a loud carriage coming up behind her and she scurried to the side of the road. Belle began to slowdown when she realized the carriage was slowing down right up beside her. She gulped and tried to clean her face of the red puffiness, turning to face the black horses that came to an immediate halt. The door flew open to reveal a black haired woman dressed in feathered black attire. Her face was painted beautifully with the finest makeup and lips that were as red as rubies.

"Well, well, now what do we have here?" The Evil Queen grinned.

* * *

**Hey everyone! Sorry I haven't updated in a while, I have been busy with midterms and exams. I wasn't too sure if I was going to include Regina in this story or not, but I decided it would make an interesting chapter to have these two together. You will find out in the next chapter if Regina knows who Belle is and you will also find out just how angry Zelena becomes when she finds out the beauty is in the custody of her estranged sister. Thank you so much of your follows, favorites and reviews.. You all are awesome! I love reading every single comment and everyone's predictions! So if you feel up to it, leave another review and let me know what you think! Thanks for reading!**

**Next Chapter: Belle meets Regina, but what will happen when the beauty finds herself in the middle of a rivalry between the Evil Queen and Zelena?**


	17. The Princess and the Queen

"Well, well, what do we have here?" The haunting voiced echoed through Belle's spinning head. She thought that this twisted fate may be a dream at first, a dream where she had never left the dark castle and the security that Rumplestiltskin had provided for her. But alas, Belle was not dreaming.

In fact, she froze, wanting nothing more than the power to stop herself from looking up to meet the eyes of her opposer. However, despite her wish, she raised her blue gaze and stared into the dark eyes of the infamous ruler that had corrupted Snow White's enemy she saw was Regina, or as everyone else in the Enchanted Forest knew her as the_ Evil Queen_. Belle was no fool to know that she had not gotten that name by being a loved Queen.

Rumplestiltskin had mentioned the Evil Queen once or twice, though he did not like to ponder on his adversary. He did explain to her all the horrific things that Regina had done, slaughtered villages, tortured her prisoners, and interrogating anyone who may know of Snow White's whereabouts. Perhaps that was why Rumple had been so intrigued when Snow had sought to make a deal with him.

"Did my carriage splash you?" Regina asked, innocently, almost taking back her frightening first impression.

"N-no," Belle stuttered, shaking her head, "I'm fine." If she was fortunate enough, the Evil Queen would not recognize her as one of the royals from Avonlea, but instead as deranged and lost peasant girl, simply roaming the outskirts of the dark forest. That way, the beauty may be able to leave this predicament without any harm.

Regina took a moment to study the girl standing before her on the road. Her cloak covered the light blue peasant dress she wore underneath and the only thing in her hands was a tiny bag containing her personal belongings.

"You carry so little." The Evil Queen observed.

"I don't want to be slowed down." Belle answered, quickly.

"Ah," Regina cooed, coming up beside her and wrapping her right arm around her shoulder, "you are running from someone, but the question is, master or lover?"

Belle felt her heart tighten. She was glad that the air outside was cold enough to prevent any kinds of blushing to occur. She knew that Regina must have felt her body tense at her words. Belle wouldn't think of Rumplestiltskin now, she couldn't, unless she wished to start sobbing like the fragile girl she tried so hard not to be. The Evil Queen must have noticed something wrong with the beauty because before she had the chance to respond Regina licked her lips and fixed her eyes on her.

"Oh," the Evil Queen paused, allowing a dramatic emphasis to take place, "master _and_ lover." She observed, raising an eyebrow and letting a scandalous smirk escape her lips. "No." Belle shook her head, hoping that Regina's statement wouldn't haunt her for the rest of the day.

"I serve princess Abigail in the eastern kingdom." The beauty faintly said. She had never been a good liar, and this conversation proved what was already certain. Belle did her absolute best to take a deep breath in and make her voice unusually confident. "I am a servant in the castle, who is simply out to gather special herbs for the princess."

"What is your name?" The Queen questioned, suspiciously.

"Verna Mackintosh." Belle answered lowly, praying that this fake name would be able to fool the Queen long enough for her to escape.

Regina pursed her ruby lips. "I am no fool. I know exactly who you are, _Belle, Princess of Avonlea_."

The beauty had never cringed at her own name before, surely it was because of the way Regina spoke it, as if she had something distasteful in her mouth. And in that moment, she felt as if she were going to throw up. _This was it_, surely the Queen would have her executed for lying and having her true identity exposed.

"You know, I have gotten to know the other royal families quite well over the years. Yours in particular, given the ogre crisis Avonlea endured nearly a year ago." She paused for a second to scowl, "the sacrifice you made for your kingdom was the talk of the entire Enchanted Forest for quite sometime, especially considering_ who_ you made a deal with."

"I didn't mean to offend you, your majesty," she said, submitting to the Queen's dominant authority. "I am not looking for any trouble." It was true she was not looking for any kind of trouble, all she wanted was to go home. But where was home? Avonlea? It had become foreign to her, the kingdom had accepted her fate and moved on, would the people even recognize their own princess now?

"You won't receive any trouble, dear, if you cooperate." The Queen grinned, wickedly. "Shall have this little chat somewhere more.. comfortable?" Regina smirked and Belle suddenly felt strong arms around her, on Regina's orders, her guards dressed in black dragged and forced her into the royal carriage. She tried screaming and calling for help, but she knew it was futile. They were in the wilderness, distances away from any sort of village. There was no one to hear her screams and cries of protest as she was abducted.

* * *

Rumplestiltskin slouched in his chair. The castle felt empty without Belle_, _and though he had sent her away for a specific reason, the Dark One did not understand how difficult it would be when she finally left. She had left a book here, most likely by mistake, he knew that she would never purposely leave a good tale behind. Rumplestiltskin kept the green covered novel in remembrance of the beauty, something that he could remember her by, something to prove that Belle was real and not just a day dream in his mind.

He opened the cover gently, and the title read: _October and April._

She had left this for him, had she wanted him to read it? Was there some kind of message she had wanted him to see after her departure? His heart sank in his chest as he continued to read further.

_She was like April sky _  
_Sun rise in her eyes _  
_Child of light _  
_Shining star_  
_Fire in her eyes_  
_Bright as day_  
_Melting snow_  
_Breaking through the chill_  
_October and April _

_He was like frozen sky_  
_In October night_  
_Darkest cloud_  
_Endless storm _  
_Raining from his heart_  
_Coldest snow _  
_Deepest thrill_  
_Tearing down his will _  
_October and April_

_Like hate and love _  
_Worlds apart_  
_This fatal love was like poison_  
_Right from the start_  
_Like light and dark_  
_Worlds apart this fatal love was like poison _  
_Right from the start_

_October and April._

The Dark One sat with the book on his lap minutes after he had finished reading. It was a love story. A tragic tale of two lovers that could not be any more different, and because of this, they were separated.

Belle certainly could be compared to the month of April, but did that mean that he was the harsh October that was so cruelly described within the verses? What message was the beauty trying to communicate with him? Had Belle really loved him after all?

Then, when Baelfire entered the room, Rumple placed the book on the side table next to him. The boy looked confused, like he was searching for something he could not find.

"Where is Belle, Papa?"

"Gone." He answered, his voice nothing more than a faint whisper. He did not want to think of the awful memory, she had so desperately searched for a reason for his hostility. He had proved to be the monster that everyone thought he was. At least she would be safe now, back in her own kingdom and with her father, her people, and her family.

"What do you mean, _gone_?"

"I let her go, Bae." Rumple got up and out of his sulking chair to comfort his son. "Belle doesn't belong here with us, son."

At first, Bae wanted to believe it was all some trick, another tactic of manipulation his father was using to get him to behave. But the more he looked at his father, the more he saw the cold truth. Belle had actually left them to return to her kingdom. Baelfire had tears in his eyes now, while his bottom lip began to tremble. "It isn't fair!" He protested. "I loved her papa! Belle was the closest thing I've ever had to a real mother"

"I know Bae, I loved her too." He said, soothingly, hoping that his words of sympathy would help Bae get over the loss. However, Rumplestiltskin knew how close the two had become over her stay in the castle. Basically inseparable, he would always see his maid and son off doing some kind of childish activity.

"I'm going to miss her an awful lot." Bae confessed. "She used to read me stories every night."

"Well, I could start doing that if it would help you feel better."

"It wont be the same." Baelfire replied, sadly.

_I know,_ Rumple wanted to say. Replacing Belle was like trying to replace the sun with candlelight, it was foolish almost, to think that there was any other person like her. The Dark One had to keep telling himself that it was all for the best and that Belle would finally get the life she deserved.

But like all sacrifices or magic, there was a price to be paid. Unfortunately for Rumplestiltskin and Baelfire, the beauty had left a hole in both of their hearts that could not be filled again.

* * *

The Evil Queen opened the other door of her carriage and stepped in gracefully. She took the seat on the opposite side of Belle, who had been partially drugged by the guards to ensure her cooperation. They finished bounding Belle's arms tightly with rope as Regina observed. The beauty squirmed and shuffled to get her hands free, then stopped to look at the Queen. "Why are you doing this?" Belle pleaded.

"To secure your cooperation." She spoke in a serious tone, "just in case you get any wise and ignorant ideas of escaping me."

Belle gazed up and around at her cramped and congested surroundings. The inside of the carriage was materialized and decorated with different coloured jewelled rhinestones. It was dark too, with two tinted windows on either side for a dim light source. Belle would manage to catch an odd glance at Regina with a puzzled look upon her face. They made little conversation, while Regina spent most of the time fiddling with her black and red nails and glancing into the glass mirror that resting on her lap.

Belle waited for the Queen to initiate something,_ anything_. The beauty surely expected it, after the forceful confrontation between them. What could Regina possibly want with her? She had been out of the public eye for almost a year. Then Belle realized. _She wanted to know where Snow was, where to find her, was she Regina's best shot at getting her revenge on her step-daughter?_

The road continued to be bumpy and long. While Regina spent most of the time fiddling with her black and red nails and glancing into the glass mirror that resting on her lap. The beauty stared out the dark window as the shadows of passing trees came over her, allowing her mind to wander. She thought of Rumplestiltskin first, of course, as much as it hurt she still though him at every waking minute. She questioned whether or not he would be concerned if she had made it home alright. Surely he would be, but then again, the beauty wasn't too sure what to think anymore. He had been so cold and cruel to her before her departure, a type of rudeness that he had never shown to her before.

Had her entire stay with him and Baelfire at the dark castle been some sort of trick? A sick cruel joke to get her to care about him? He had put on facades before when he made deals, perhaps she was no different.

Suddenly, the horses let out loud noises as the carriage came to a slow stop. The door swung open and Belle stepped out of the carriage, refusing to take the hand of the guard that insisted to help her. The carriage was parked outside the castle, a palace which looked to be made of ice and crystal. Aside from the chilly air, it really was quite lovely. The large statues out front were coated with first and snow. The bushes and hedges all looked like fluffy white pillows. The garden paths were slippery with invisible ice, but sparkled in the sunlight. The winter was truly taking its time turning into spring, Belle thought. The Evil Queens fortress was more enchanting than anything else, much like Rumplestiltskin's had been when she first arrived. She had dreams of gardens preserved in ice, with icicles hanging from the barren tree branches like crystalized jewels. It was truly breath taking.

Belle followed Regina through the maze of hedges until they reached the front door. Without even lifting finger, Regina caused the large doors to fly open and hit the walls with a loud thud. She struggled to keep up with the Queen, taking it upon herself to do a slight jog to catch up. The last thing she wanted to do was get lost and even more turned around than she already was.

The entered the castle to be greeted by her knights, all bowing down to her as she walked passed them. "You're home is quite lovely. Not what I expected for someone they call the _Evil_ Queen." The beauty commented.

Regina let a smirk come across her face, as she approached a nearby table where tea lay out for her. "You obviously haven't heard the screams from the prisoners yet." Her tone was calm, yet threatening while she stirred her tea, sipping out of it as lady-like as possible. Regina gestured to a chair as she sat down on her own, initiating for Belle to join her and sit down for tea. "So tell me Belle, how was it, living with such a monster?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"You were enslaved by Rumplestiltskin for almost ten months. I couldn't imagine what you must have endured."

"Right," Belle started, "It truly was horrifying." She lied. She could not have the Queen exploit one of her weaknesses, or even more important, Rumplestiltskin's. Belle knew that she could make a ransom for her life by taking her back to the Dark One and demanded a price. But she wasn't so sure he would, not after what had happened earlier. Belle was focused on making sure Regina stayed in the dark about any possible meaning she could have to the Dark One.

"Did that creature force himself upon you?" The Evil Queen asked, taking a tiny sip of her tea.

"No" Belle responded, quickly, and defensively. "He never did such a thing."

"Then you are lucky, though, a pretty little princess like you make men's eyes wander, but I am not sure _that_ monster even has feelings."

Belle felt her hand clench into a fist. Regina did not even know Rumplestiltskin, she was making foolish assumptions. He was not a monster nor any kind of rapist. He had been kind and patient with her until the very end.

She felt herself start to sweat with anger. Taking a deep breath in, she tried to slow her heart rate down._ Calm yourself Belle, or else you will never get out of her alive,_ she tried to ease and relax her anxieties.

The beauty followed Regina into the main hall where her golden throne sat prominently in the middle of the room. Belle watched the servants empathetic stares as she passed each and every one of them. There ws frightened looks in most of their faces and most of all, they feared for her.

"We should get you into proper attire if you are to be a guest in my castle." Regina cooed.

She was led into a room that resembled her own chambers she remembered back in Avonlea. There were at least four different large wardrobes in each corner of the rectangular room and Regina di not hesitate to visit each one of them. She hummed and sighed as she pulled out dresses. Finally, getting impatient and fed up with the whole process, the Evil Queen ordered one of the women servants to come in and insist her. The woman had a tired face with old grey eyes. She slowly strolled to the nearest wardrobe and pulled out a royal blue ball gown.

"Is this to your liking, m'lady?"

Belle hadn't been called such a title in such a long time she almost didn't notice that the old woman was addressing her. The beauty stared at the gorgeous clothed dress that she held up. "Yes." Belle answered, "It is absolutely beautiful, but unnecessary. I do not need to be dressed in the Queen's attire."

"The Queen has insisted." The woman stated. She came up beside her and pushed her behind a changing divider. Belle began to undress out of the blue peasant dress that Rumple had made for her, feeling a pinged sense of guilt for ditching it on the floor. The beauty shivered and covered her hands over her breasts, calling out for the woman to come and dress her.

The corset was first, as painful as it was to tolerate. In fact, it reminded her of her own handmaids slaving to tighten her laces of her apparel. The ball gown slid on quite nicely after, much to Belle's surprise. She had been paying nearly no attention to her figure in the dark castle and was certainly not the petit size she once was.

"It is done, m'lady." The hand maiden stuck a large blue peacock feather in her curled hair for a final finishing touch. Belle had barely gotten a decent glance in the mirror before she was forced out of the chamber and directed back into the main hall where she saw Regina sitting smugly on her throne made of gold. She drew the Queen's attention as she walked in, managing to pull out the ridiculous feather that tickled the back of her neck.

"There" Regina greeted her, now rest upon her throne. "Now you are recognizable as a princess."

"What is the point of playing dress up with me? What exactly do you want from me, your majesty?" Belle asked, feeling uncomfortable in the new heavy unfamiliar dress.

"Information." Regina confirmed. "In case you don't know, I am searching for a girl by the name of Snow White. Being from her neighbouring kingdom, I know you must of been acquainted with her at some point."

Her prediction was right. Regina sought out to kill her friend and would stop at nothing to fulfill her revenge driven purpose. Snow White was a childhood friend and Belle knew if the roles were reversed, Snow would do anything to protect those she loved and cared about. There was only one thing left for the beauty to do: _lie through her frightened teeth._

"I don't know anything about her." Belle tried her best to act normal. She had never been a good liar, and she knew that Regina was already suspicious of her. Then, clearing her dry throat, Belle said, "I haven't seen her since I left Avonlea, as you know I've been rather.. engaged with my own problems and misfortunes."

"Pity." Then Regina snapped her fingers and the guards that stood on either side of the door straightened up and walked towards her. Belle flinched, awaiting the moment when the guards would seize her and drag her down to the dungeon to live out the rest of her miserable days.

"I thought that if I invited you in, made us some hot tea that you would be cooperative, but you are just like the rest of them."

Belle gulped, nervously. "_The rest of them_?"

The Evil Queen gestured towards the open window over looking an open small courtyard. Belle approached it with caution. There stood five people in the middle on the top of a wooden-like stage with nooses hung around their swaying neck. Belle let out an immediate gasp of horror and covered her hand over her mouth. They were hung for helping Snow White." Regina explained, "And now, you get to receive the same ominous fate."

Belle felt the guards grab her arms now and she was powerless to get away, even if she kicked and screamed on the top of her lungs it would be utterly futile. These men were well equipped with swords and overpowered her. "Bring her down to the dungeon with the rest of them. She is no use to me." The Evil Queen growled.

"Stop!" There was another presence in the room now, which caused Regina to turn and face the door. Zelena stood there, broomstick in hand and her fiery red hair curled to the side of her well structured face. Belle watched in horror as Zelena strolled into the room, looking like a ravenous predator that had just found its prey.

"I don't recall realizing that I invited you here, sis." Regina looked just as impressed as she did when Belle told her nothing about Snow White. Belle's mouth nearly dropped. Sis? _These two were sisters?_ They looked nothing alike, but the one attribute that Belle knew was their dangerous desire for dominance and power.

Zelena turned to face Belle now, an expression of pure delight at the sight of the beauty being held captive by her sadistic sister. "My, my, it looks like fate has favored me after all." Zelena approached Belle and lifted up her hand to stroke the front of her cheek, pressing her sharp nail into her soft delicate skin. "I couldn't get to you without the Dark One standing in my way, but now that he has thrown you out, you are all mine."

"What are you talking about?" Regina demanded. Switching her attention to her sister and then back to the princess. "Zelena, what is this girl to you?"

"Don't you know?" Zelena's toothy grin was as wicked and evil as Belle remembered it to be. "This is the wench that the Dark One has fallen _in love with_."

Belle gazed up and stared at the two woman who both had devilish looks in their eyes. Regina looked as if Zelena had handed the Dark One's head on a silver plate, and Zelena looked as if she were the one who was going to devour it.

"Well then," Regina spoke softly, "I suppose you are valuable to me, after all."

Still imprisoned within the tight grasp of the Queen's guards, the beauty closed her eyes and did the only thing that her instincts screamed at her to do. Belle took a shaky breath in and whispered, "_Rumplestiltskin, if you can hear this, please, help me."_

**Hey everyone! I still cannot get over that finale! It was the equivalent to someone ripping my heart of my chest and stomping on it a thousand times. It may seem like there is no hope for Rumbelle right now, but I truly believe that this will make a great arc for the show. We can watch them fall in love all over again! Adam and Eddy are not idiots, they know that Rumbelle will be endgame (or else we will riot). Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, sorry it took so long, I am trying to update as soon as I can. Thanks for all the reviews and positive feedback that I have been getting. Please leave another review and let me know your thoughts on the finale or what your predictions/thoughts are on the story! Thanks for reading!**

**Next Chapter: When Belle's life is threatened, Rumple finds himself having one choice: Give up his dagger or the woman he loves.**


	18. Her Dark Knight

Belle had never given much thought on how she would die. She hoped that it would be when she had reached old age, surrounded by friends and family, by her children and their children, comfortable and warm in her bed. At least that was what she hoped if she were succumbed to such fate. However, she was aware that most people did not have the courtesy of such a luxurious request. Soldiers fought and died on the battlefield everyday, protecting the kingdoms from the threats that lay among these simple lands, mothers and fathers died protecting their chidden, she found that very few people lived to see their old age.

Belle closed her eyes and counted to ten, like she had when she was a child. Her mother had always told her that when she was frightened, she must close her eyes and wish the bad thoughts away and turn them into something that made them smile. And in that moment of darkness, the moment when Belle thought that either Regina or Zelena would rip out her heart, she let her eyelids fall. She felt as if she could hear the own pacing sound of her heart, beating so fast she thought it would pop right out of her dress.

_Think of something happy, something that makes you smile, Belle. Then, the bad thoughts will just float away. _Belle recalled the voice of her mother, which was just as soft and soothing as the last time she had thought of her. The first thing that came out from the bitter blackness was an image made out of blue and gold. A beautiful ballroom, decorated with only the finest furs and furnishings. Then in the middle of the scene were two people, hand in hand, close in each others embrace.

_Rumplestiltskin_.

Belle thought about when they had danced in the ballroom, she remembered how awkwardly nervous he had been, shy but cunning, a true gentleman. Then the scene suddenly changed, she thought of the time when the Dark One had saved her from drowning in the frozen lake, or even when they had been foolishly chained together for the entire day. Belle thought of Baelfire as well, such a well mannered and curious boy, someone who faced bullies and loved to hear about adventure stories. She loved that boy as if he were her own child.

Her heart continued to pound, but she tried to pay it no mind. She was too lost in the beautiful vision of her time in the dark castle, her true happy place, and the two people she had grown to love so tenderly.

Belle didn't dare to consider how ridiculous she must have looked to the two sorceresses still standing before her. Her eyes remained shut, wanting nothing more than to indulge herself in her fantasy forever. R_umplestiltskin, Rumplestiltskin, Rumplestiltskin. _Belle whispered again lowly, soft enough that she knew the guards that seized her did not hear.

The beauty reopened her eyes to the same terrifying sight. She felt her heart pace when she saw him, standing in the dark shadow before the window, hands spread at his sides in a pacifying gesture._ He came, maybe he really did care about her._

The two sorceresses noticed his sudden presence too, Regina and Zelena whipped around to face him, as Zelena brushed her hair with her fingers to groom herself. "My, my, Rumple, here to rescue your damsel already? We almost thought that you had abandoned your wench." Regina raised her eyebrow at him, suggestively.

Belle squirmed again in the hands of the two men that held her, and Rumplestiltskin took notice. Her expression was one of hope and thanks that he had come to rescue her. His lip curled upwards defensively, as he let out a low growl, walking out of the shadows and towards the centre of the room. When their eyes finally met, she felt as if she could break free and run to him, even more so when he uttered her name in a worried tone. "Belle."

"Rumple-" she whispered, pain sounded in her voice, though she tried her hardest not to let it show.

"If you two do so much as touch a hair on her head I'll-" Rumplestiltskin began, his rage becoming like a staircase, only continuing to escalate with each ongoing step and breath he took.

"What are you going to do, Dark One? You are out numbered." Zelena grinned.

Rumplestiltskin knew that the witch had a point. He had mentored each of these women himself, taught them his tricks, his spells and gave them insight into his twisted mind. Now, he had to duel with both of them if he was going to get Belle out alive. "You are messing with the wrong person, you two are forgetting your place." The Dark One hissed, slowly taking little steps to get towards the beauty.

"I believe my place is right behind your pretty little wench, holding my blade up to her delicate pale throat." Zelena grabbed Belle, before she had the chance to run to him, gripped her shoulders tightly as she pressed her knife against Belle's neck. Belle let out a faint gasp at the witches touch, but didn't dare to struggle or move.

Rumplestiltskin lunged forwards, as if he wanted to attack Zelena, then instantly stopped when he saw the knife on the edge of Belle's porcelain skin. His dark eyes locked there, refusing to look away, for if the moment came that she dared to injure her, he would kill her on the spot.

"Now we can get down to business. I propose a deal. I don't have to kill her." Zelena gestured and looked down at Belle, "whenever someone has what another person wants, a deal can always be struck."

Rumple cringed at the witch's words. Those were the words he had spoken to her when she had been his apprentice, and right now, he was the desperate soul in this case. He had to play along with her twisted game, it was the only way to ensure that Belle would be alright.

"What do u want?" The Dark One asked.

"Your dagger."

"Hand it over, unless you want pretty little Belle to suffer."

Regina then stepped forward, her attention intently on her estranged sister. "That girl is my prisoner, you have no claim on her." Regina scowled. _Zelena dared to come into her own castle and steal her prisoners? Who did this woman think she was? _She was he one who should be benefitted by the Dark One's weakness, this wench, this _Belle-_ had been so easily captured and obtained.

Then, suddenly, much to the Evil Queen's surprise, Zelena flew her right hand back, making Regina fly backwards and hit her head on the wall, falling to the ground completely unconscious.

There was now fear in Rumplestiltskin's eyes, something Belle had never seen before. He put on this façade of the man who did not care about anything, yet here he was, about to give it all up for his maid.

"So, do we have a deal?" Zelena grinned, barely passing a glance to the sister she had just thrown aside.

"No, Rumple!" Belle called to him, no longer phased by the knife at her throat.

"Be quiet!" The witch hissed, angrily.

All her life, the beauty had been treated like merchant goods- a prize, something that was of value that could just be traded off for the convinced of others. Her arranged marriage to Gaston proved that, and now Zelena was proving it to, except she liked to call it _leverage._

"So what is it going to be, Rumple?" Zelena questioned. Belle felt the knife's blade draw closer to her flesh, going so far as even drawing some blood that trickled down her neck. She stayed perfectly still, knowing that if she were to move just an inch, Zelena would have the tempting opportunity to slit her throat. The beauty saw in Rumplestiltskin's expression the guilt and grief of watching this, his eyes burning with uncertainty.

"Fine." He finally answered, "I'll give up my dagger, but let Belle go first."

"You think I'm that stupid?" Zelena growled, "I will not give up my leverage until the dagger is in my hands."

Belle wanted to cry out to him to not do it, to not let Zelena win this fight. Perhaps she would be able to die like the soldiers she remembered from her childhood, dying to protect the ones they loved, and Belle knew one of those ones was Rumplestiltskin.

Rumple threw the dagger on the ground. It landed with a loud thud that echoed throughout the room. Zelena released Belle and pushed her right into Rumple. He caught her with both arms and squeezed her tighter than he had ever held anyone before. Zelena calmly walked over to the dagger and grasped it with both hands, her awed expression reflected back to her from the shiny wavy metal.

"The Dark One, finally under my control." She smirked, her prancing feet circling them with an overwhelming air of smugness. Zelena had dreamed of this moment, the moment when she would finally get what she deserved. For it was she that deserved everything, not Regina, not Rumplestiltskin and certainly not the wench. Her prying wicked green eyes fixed on Rumple and Belle, who still remained in each other's close and intimate embrace. She was about to get everything she had ever wanted, and all she had to do what command the Dark One for it.

"You know, now is not the best time to bring up our relationship," the witch cooed, "but I figured it would be best to tell your little pet before she gets any ideas to steal you away from me." Zelena giggled.

"Zelena," Rumplestiltskin hissed through his teeth, "I have never loved you, nor will I ever, and you are a fool to think any man will."

The red-headed witch glared at him. Belle could tell she was incredibly angry by the way she curled her lip and the way her nostrils began to flare. Her green skin reflected off the reflection of the dagger, turning an even darker colour. But Belle knew Zelena was smart, she wouldn't punish Rumple quickly for his harsh words, she would give herself time to meditate on the perfect revenge, and now with the dagger, she had the proper opportunity to do so.

Belle reached up and grabbed Rumple's hand. She felt a feeling of reassurance from his comfortable touch, and for a split second Belle felt secure and safe with him. Their fingers intertwined slowly and they knew they did not need words to say what they were thinking.

Zelena had observed this, the emotions running deep between two lovers. She felt sick and disgusted, but more importantly, she felt extremely and undeniably jealous.

"Perhaps, I will get revenge on you first." Zelena pointed the dagger directly at Belle. "You did after all, throw quite a wrench in my plan."

Belle stared up at Zelena, her eyes strained with nervousness while Rumplestiltskin remained hovering over her protectively.

"Get up, Dark One." She demanded, harshly. Belle felt Rumple's arms start to loosen around her as he did what she commanded. Belle felt her heart drop when he let her hand go and stood up before her. She shifted her position as well, now kneeling on her knees, powerless to stop anything that was going on around her. Rumplestiltskin met Zelena's gaze with a scowl, he was trapped, he was at her mercy now. She approached him like a tigress stalking a helpless animal, slow and swiftly.

Belle felt sick when Zelena reached her hand up and caressed his cheek. She lingered there for a moment before moving her mouth towards the base of his neck, placing kisses along as she made her way up towards his jaw line.

_Don't look away_, Belle told herself,_ it will do you no good._

Then finally facing him once again, Zelena narrowed her green eyes at his dark ones and whispered, _"Kiss me." _

Rumplestiltskin did as he was commanded and locked his lips with Zelena' cringed with sorrow at the horrific sight. It something she had longed to do, something that hurt her heart even though she knew it wasn't by Rumple's choice. When the red-headed witch broke apart from the heated kiss, she smiled at Belle, and Belle thought of as many ways to kill Zelena as she could. In fact, the beauty wanted nothing more than to free him from this retched curse.

_There has to be a way to get the dagger back. There must be a way to break this curse._

"Now, that has been accomplished," Zelena licked her lips, "I want you to kill _her_." she commanded, her hand holding the dagger at eye level.

In the split second after the order was given, Belle and Rumple looked at one another. She knew his heart was breaking from the exhausted and defeated look on his face, but she also knew that if he did not fight this, she would die.

"Run." Rumple hissed at Belle, trying his best to hold himself back from her. It was utterly futile to resist the power of the dagger, it had too strong a hold on him, too strong for reason, for anything.

Rumplestiltskin suddenly lunged at Belle, violently, but she was just quick enough to move out of the away. "Please Rumple," she begged, "_it's me, it's Belle._ You can fight this. I know you do not want to hurt me." But Belle was no fool, there was no breaking the power of the Dark One's dagger.

Then in that moment, Belle thought of something she did not expect. It was strange what comes into the mind when you least expected it. Belle took a steady breath in and heard Rumplestiltskin's words in the back of her mind. **T**_**rue love is the most powerful magic of all. It can break any curse.**_

_**True love could break any curse.**_

_ Could it be? Would it really work?_

Rumple tried to throw himself at her once more, magic flying out of his fingertips like a madman. But instead of running or moving out of the way, Belle stood her ground. It was what all the heroes did in her story books, they found courage within themselves to prevail over the villains. So, when Rumplestiltskin was close enough to her, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him flat on his mouth. It was a deep warm kiss, and Belle realized the second their lips touched, he had instantly stopped what he was doing. She held herself close to him, filling in the dark emptiness that was created from all the time they had been apart.

Their lips parted with a quiet smack and the beauty pulled back to look at him. Rumplestiltskin looked strange, weak almost- like the simple kiss had drained him from any energy he had left. His face had lost the green colouration and was replaced with pink humanly flesh.

"What's happening-" he sputtered, struggling to hold himself up.

Zelena watched in confusion and rage when she saw the Dark One dagger dissolve into nothing in the her own hand. Alarm washed over her as she attempted to save whatever was left of the useless weapon as it turned into ash, slipping out of her fingertips. She let out an angry wail and turned her attention to Belle, who had barely gotten over the impact of the kiss. She helped Rumple lie down and lean against the Evil Queen's throne, her fingers running over his feverish skin with worry.

"You little bitch!" Zelena growled, conjuring up a cloud of green magic in her hand. The beauty flinched, readying herself for the hurtful impact her magic would cause.

Belle got up, her final stand. She would not let Zelena hurt Rumple- she couldn't. She had to stand alone and face the wrath of the red head, no matter what the outcome would be. The witch's whole scheme had become pointless, all because of some simple unexpected kiss.

Suddenly, out of the corner of her frightened eyes, in the back corner of the room, Belle watched as Regina regained consciousness. The raven-haired sorceress picked herself up and dusted herself off. Zelena approached Belle, unaware of her sister's revival and threatened her through her snake-like teeth. "So, Belle, princess of Avonlea, _are you ready to die?"_

"Are you?" There was another voice in the discussion now, Regina brushed her bangs out of her face and forced her unprepared and unarmed sister into the wall. There was fire in her dark brown eyes, a deep hatred that Belle thought was only reserved for Snow White. She conjured up a large fireball in her hands and threw it right at her, striking her in the chest. Zelena screamed with horror as her robes became scorched with the harsh flame of her sister.

"If anyone is going to get triumph over Rumplestiltskin it is going to be me." The Evil Queen declared, and Belle had never been so glad to hear Regina's voice in her entire life.

Zelena let out a howling and torturous scream that made the beauty run over to the silver chalice that resided on one of the side tables. Without thinking much of it, Belle tossed the large chalice filled with water at Zelena, attempting to extinguish the flames and creating yet another small diversion to save herself. However, when Belle did not see the flames extinguish from the water, but make matters worse, she became rattled and confused at what was happening.

Belle watched as the water steamed and bubbled all over her body. It almost looked as if her green skin was... _melting._

She quickly made her way over to the throne and to Rumplestiltskin, who still remained greenish pink. She grabbed his hand tightly and attempted to get him to stand on his feet.

"I'm melting!" Zelena screamed, slashing her arms around violently, cursing and hissing with horrifying screeches. Regina was stalled trying to figure out what was happening. Now was their chance, now was the time where Rumple and Belle could escape.

"Get us out of here" Belle pleaded, begging Rumple to use whatever bit of magic was left in his body. He took a breath in, getting ready to cast the transportation spell while Belle tried not to gaze upon the horrifying sight of the melting witch. Then, a cloud of purple smoke transported them back to the dark castle as Rumplestiltskin felt his magic start to leave him. _His curse was broken._

* * *

**Hey everyone! I hope you are all finding some way to get through this terrible hiatus, I know I am starting to go through Once Upon A Time withdrawals. And by withdrawals, I mean I've been stuffing my face with food, watching Netflix re-runs of rumbelle and sobbing every time I accidentally hear the disney song "beauty and the beast". Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, and yes Zelena is officially dead after this chapter but there is still more fun stuff to come. In fact, I am writing Maurice in a couple chapters.. any guesses why? **

**Thanks for everyone who has reviewed this story, I love reading them and knowing what you guys are thinking! SO PLEASE leave more if you feel up to it! Thanks for reading!**

**Next Chapter: Rumplestiltskin struggles with his curse being broken and he finally confesses his love to Belle.**


	19. Broken

The purple smoke faded around them, and they were both gasping on the carpet of the dark castle's living quarters, clinging to one another. They had managed to escape the Evil Queens castle, but at what price? Before her eyes he began changing. His skin had faded of the green discolouring and turned into pink humanly flesh.

Belle managed to get him close enough to the fireplace for warmth. His whole body began shivering, as if he had come down with some sort of fever within a matter of moments. The beauty reached out to him and grasped his hand, caringly. She watched as the last bit of green reptilian skin was replaced with flesh that now resembled her own hand.

Finally, after keeping his gaze on Belle for so long, Rumplestiltskin stared at his own hand. She heard a faint gasp escape his lips, he was horrified at what he was seeing.

"No." Rumple gasped, a chair clattered behind him as he lurched to his feet, still staring at his outstretched hands. "No... no..." He stumbled backwards, tangling himself in the legs of the chair and barely keeping his balance.

Belle reached out to him, but what could she do? He was changing as they both watched- she in astonishment and Rumplestiltskin in utter terror. His backwards scramble brought him up against the far wall, startling him enough to cry out and half turn to look behind him.

"Rumple," Belle said, picking her way past the chair and holding out both her hands to him. She could hear her heartbeat, pounding like a drum with the racing of her blood. "It's all right," she said, the words breathless and strange. She wasn't quite sure if she meant what she had said, nor was she sure if Rumple would ever forgive her for this.

What did it feel like to him? To Belle's anxious eye, Rumpelstiltskin appeared disorientated, clumsy and confused. He had broken out in a sweat in the few moments since she had first glimpsed his changing flesh; his brow was beaded with it now and his eyes. They changed also, the overlarge irises retreating inwards and fading, fading to the dark colour that she had glimpsed there before.

Ordinary eyes. _Lovely eyes._

"No," Rumple said again, sliding down the wall when his legs ceased to support him.

Belle crouched down in the space between the bookcase and Rumplestiltskin, stroking his hair back so that she could see his face. Even his hair had begun to change, the curl less full beneath her fingers and the texture coarser than before. She began to feel a growing elation, for only one thing could have brought about such a transformation;_ true love's kiss_ between them, breaking the curse of the Dark One's dagger.

In the dire moments in the Queen's castle when the beauty thought Zelena would be the destruction of them, she had only a sliver of hope, but this was true love, and proof of it. However, while she could enjoy the triumph of true love over a cruel curse and an evil witch, she could not enjoy Rumplestiltskin's misery and fear.

He continued to stare at his changed hands, expecting this to all be some kind of dream, still disbelieving what had just happened.

"It will be all right," Belle said again, desperate to reassure him.

"_True loves kiss.. It can break any curse."_ He muttered, lowly.

_Including the Dark One's curse,_ Belle thought. She felt so small, so insignificant, like she had maliciously stolen something away from Rumplestiltskin with deliberate attempt to hurt him. Belle got to her feet and ran her fingers through her hair slowly, in hopes that some kind of idea would pop into her brain.

"Papa?" Baelfire had come into the room now, curious of all the noise and commotion going on.

"Bae!" Belle called to him.

"What's wrong?" Bae approached his father with worried eyes.

"His curse his been broken and he is having trouble walking, can you help me lay him on the sofa?"

"How did this happen?" Baelfire was not afraid or appalled by this new predicament, in fact, he sounded rather glad. Had Baelfire, like herself, not been so appalled to the idea of Rumplestiltskin's curse being lifted?

"The Evil Queen had me prisoner, and your father rescued me." Belle tried to summarize the events without too much detail, right now she was too concerned on what was going to happen to Rumple that she did not want to take her eyes of him.

"His skin-" Baelfire said in awe, observing Rumplestiltskin's soft pinky flesh. It reminded him of the days before the Dark One's curse, when his father did not long or desire power, but desired the love and attention from his family instead. "What happened?-" He questioned.

Belle ran fingers gently over her love's face, upon hearing the boy's question, never looking away. "I kissed him and his curse broke." She sniffled.

Baelfire turned to the side so that Belle would not see him grinning. He had wanted this to happen, all of it, the broken curse, Belle and his father finally admitting their feelings-

"Could you go get some towels and some cold cloths? It may help his fever." Belle asked him, politely. While Baelfire nodded at her clear instruction and made his way upstairs, searching for any supplies that may help.

Belle eased herself into a comfortable position on the sofa beside Rumplestiltskin, her right arm across Rumple's shoulders, and she felt ridiculously pleased when his hand clasped her there.

"You'll still be able to do magic, won't you?" she asked, doing her best not to give into the part of her that wanted to start crying. If he couldn't do magic, what would happen then? He had obtained power ever since he had became the Dark One, would he be able to live without it now?

Her question jolted Rumple out of his exhausted daze against her shoulder. He did his best to sit up, pushing back his hair and blinking rapidly. "I hope so," Rumple said, low-voiced. The initial panic had bled out of him in the safety of her arms.

It was a solemn and brittle version of himself who forced his way to his unsteady feet. Then, grasping the window frame so that he could take the weight from his right foot, he offered his left hand to help Belle back to her feet. The beauty did not want to protest to his sudden action, but wished he would lay back down and rest.

She watched with her heart in her throat as Rumple shuffled towards the table, grabbing for the back of the chair when he could no longer keep his hold upon the window frame. "I've learned much," he said, the words almost hissing through clenched teeth, bending forward over the chair. "Let's hope that I have the power to use it." He stifled a groan, his knuckles whitening where he grasped the wood. "My fear is to be defenseless against the Queen."

Moments passed when Belle waited for Rumple to say something, anything, but she didn't understand what whirlwind of emotions was happening in his mind. What she didn't know was that his mind was wandering to the moment he sent her away from him. "You must know," Rumple rasped through the silence, "that when I sent you away, I didn't mean those things I said-"

The beauty felt as if her heart was going to explode. "I know." Belle grabbed his hand and rested her head on his shoulder, snuggling into his side for comfort.

"I thought I was giving you your best chance," he began to explain, "I didn't want you to be trapped here forever. But I basically threw you out as bait for Zelena-"

"Shh," she continued to stroke his forehead with a warm damp cloth, his confession making her heart drop. "You really do need to sit back down and rest."

"But then how will I know if this is a dream or not?" He turned to her now, his stare was serious and straight. It made Belle feel the relief and reassurance she was searching for. "It would sure be a pity to let this dream go."

Belle led him back to the sofa where he exhaustedly collapsed onto the pillows. She held his hand with both hands now, lifting them up and laying a gentle kiss upon the top of his humanly knuckle. "I promise to be here when you wake up." She watched as his eyelids began to flutter, like a tired child after a long day falling deeply into sleeps gentle caress.

Belle bent down and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. When he regained his strength in the morning, they could finally have the resolutions both of them so desired.

* * *

It wasn't until early afternoon of the next day when Rumplestiltskin slowly began regaining his full consciousness. Belle had tried her best to keep Baelfire occupied, hopefully succeeding in taking his mind of the condition of his father.

She had left him back in the kitchen with the plate of pancakes and eggs she had made for him. If there was to be a day where she begged the gods to allow her to cook a proper meal without having someone flee at the sight of her meals, this would be the day.

Belle crept into the main hall and slowly and carefully opened the curtains, letting a little bit of light into the dark and dreary room. She made her way over to the sofa where Rumplestiltskin lay. His eyes appeared to be shut but she had a gut feeling that he was awake.

"How are you feeling?" Belle asked, and she watched as Rumplestiltskin opened up his eyes, the sweet colour of hazelnut brown- as he begin to stir.

"Much better now that you are here." He replied, sleepily. He sounded well rested and looked much better than the day before. She placed the top part of her warm hand over his forehead to check his temperature. To Belle's delight, his skin was no longer hot and feverish, but had gone back to the equilibrate state of humanly warmth.

"You look much better today," she said, "and your fever and temperature have significantly gone down."

Rumplestiltskin pulled himself up to sit upright on the sofa. This was the first time in broad daylight that Belle had the chance to look at him. His hair was straight and his eyes were the warming colour of hazelnut. He was handsome.

"What?" He gave her an unsure look, she had been staring at him for quite sometime. Perhaps it was the fact that Belle didn't realize her amount of time simply gazing at him, but he began to get the impression he had grown two heads.

"Nothing," she breathed, "its just- you look very-"

"ugly." He finished the sentence for her. It was something he had come to terms with, he was the imp, the beast, the monster that lived in the dark castle in the middle of the forest.

"No!" Belle interjected right away, "you look very_ handsome_." Good gods she was putty in his human hands now, the feelings she had felt before were even magnified now. He looked sharp, enticing, he truly was beautiful. _But he was human, _the back of Belle's mind reminded her_. Powerless, vulnerable, how would he protect himself and Baelfire from the wrath of the Queen now? She had taken everything away from him. This was all her fault._

Then, suddenly, to Rumplestiltskin's surprise, there was tears in the beauty's eyes. He reacted instantly, wrapping an arm around her for comfort, but his touch seemed to make everything worse. Belle began to _cry_.

"I'm sorry Rumple, I'm so sorry- this is all _my_ fault!"

He was confused, rattled even, at the fact that she was upset. If anyone deserved to feel any sort of guilt or grief it was him. "Sorry about what, sweetheart?"

"I took your magic away-" she spoke, as if it would make him think any less of her if she had.

"We don't know about that yet." He tried to comfort her as best as he could given the situation. "It's not certain that all my power is gone, when I get my full strength back, I can try it."

His words seemed to calm her down a little. "When I saw Zelena control you, I just figured that if the things that you told me about true love were real- I thought I could save us-"

"-And you did. You did the right thing, Belle, _the heroic thing_."

There it was. The very thing Belle was afraid to hear. She had dreamt of being a hero all her life, since her mother read stories to her when she was small. But if she had been a hero, really been like one of the brave characters out of one of her books, why did she not feel like one?

"I just couldn't take the sight of someone hurting you-" she paused briefly, dwelling on her thoughts. He noticed her mind looked troubled, so he came closer to her, once again wrapping his arms around her, protectively. Belle sighed at his gentle touch, taking another second just to take him in, "Rumple, by now you must know my feelings, you must know that I-" Belle did not even need to finish her sentence before she was abruptly interrupted by Rumple, who with both hands clasped each side of her face and indulged himself in a hard passionate kiss.

The flesh of his upper lip and chin were now smooth where he had been almost scaled before. He was warm and comforting, and Belle tasted all around his mouth, gratified when Rumple sagged back into the pillows with a contented sigh before curling his arm across her back. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that." He breathed.

She had wanted to do that too, though she did not tell him, she knew that their kiss at told him everything she wanted to say. "So.. you aren't angry about losing your power?" She asked, immediately wishing that she had kept her thoughts to herself the moment they slipped out of her mouth.

"I admit, it's going to take some getting used to," he admitted, "but having you by my side will make it worth while."

"And if your power does not return?" She sheepishly questioned, wishing that she could stop blurting out her silly girlish inquiries.

"We can find another way, Belle." Rumplestiltskin lifted up his hand and gently placed it through her long chestnut hair, "I can find another way to protect you and Bae from my enemies. I promise that no harm will come to either of you while I am around."

At his words, the beauty snuggled in even deeper into Rumple's side. However, deep in his heart Rumplestiltskin knew that neither she or Baelfire would completely understand the dagger's influence. For a long time power had been a sickness that had consumed him, taken root in him, and it would not be an easy habit to shake. He craved power, desired it even, and a large part of him knew he had to get his power back.

"At least one good thing came out of this" Rumplestiltskin changed the subject.

"And what is that?" Belle raised her eyebrow, looking up to him from his warm side.

"I know that you've got it bad for me." He teased her.

She hit him gently with her hand, still aware of his rather fragile state. To his delight the beauty blushed, turning her cheek bones a shade of rosy pink. Belle moved up and kissed him again, and again, simply because she could. There was nothing standing in their way, no enemies, no curse, just them.

Rumple stared into those beautiful blue eyes of hers, he would never get tired of kissing her, touching her, or even the simple task of looking at her. She looked as if she were a dream, a figure that walked on starlight in the bright night sky, a creation of the gods.

_She was the love of his life._

He had said it in his own mind a thousand times and he knew that Belle must know it by now, but he wanted to hear himself say it. Rumplestiltskin drew back and took the beauty's face in his hands. "I love you." He whispered, staring into the eyes that were aglow with dim firelight, and something else.

"I love you too."

Rumple kissed her again, a little harder this time, repeating his proclamation every time his lips pressed against a new sliver of her skin. He would never tire of doing so, receiving faint adorable noises from her, watching her as she would flash her lovely smile at him. They kissed, just softly, and then Belle pillowed her head on Rumple's chest and took hold of the hand that came to find her hair. He spread his fingers when she wove her smaller ones between his and holding the hand still for her to explore with slow care.

She was _his_, after months of dreaming about her, loving her, facing the truth and then denying it, they were finally together.

**Hey everyone! Hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Thanks for all your reviews and comments, I truly do appreciate each and everyone of them. ****Leave another comment and let me know any questions you may have or what you think! Thanks for reading!**

**Next Chapter: The truth is revealed whether or not Rumple still has magic or not. Rumplestiltskin insists to bake a cake for the anniversary of Belle's arrival to the dark castle.**

**Down the road preview: ****What will happen when Rumple starts to feel useless as a human? Will he seek to regain his power to protect the ones he loves? Or will his quest for power be his ultimate undoing? Also King Maurice will make an appearance.**


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