The rhythmic sound of the spinning wheel seemed to permeate the walls, drift in and out of rooms like an expected draft. It lingered in the air, and no matter how far Belle moved away it followed. For this very reason she had chosen the room at the far end of the house, as far away from Rumple's spinning room as possible, but too little avail. Nevertheless she had become accustomed to the sound and finally grew rather found of it, imagining those nimble fingers flicking the wheel hypnotically on. Nevertheless, he comforted herself that at she was no longer forced to sleep in the as she was for the first month or so.
"I think it may be time that I reconsidered your sleeping arrangements." Rumple muttered over breakfast.
Belle stopped pouring his tea and stared for a moment before setting the pot back down on the tray.
"Do you mean it?"
"Of course." he said, before returning to his drink.
"Oh." Belle smiled "Well, which room am I to have?"
"Any you like dearie." He gestured with a casual flick of the wrist "whichever is to your taste."
"Well in that case" She breezed "I'd better go and find one to my taste!"
Rumple nodded as to dismiss her as she began to walk away, only getting a few steps towards the door before turning on her heel.
"Wait. Why are you doing this?"
He pulled his eyes away from the liquid in his cup into which he had been dreamily staring. Realising she had spoken again Rumple only gave a slight Hmmm? of acknowledgement.
"Why are you being nice to me, I mean, giving me a room, an actual room? There must be a reason."
He looked up again, but not directly at her, deliberately avoiding her quizzing eyes. Truth be told he couldn't strand those eyes, those dark eyes that seemed to be resistant to his malice, that started right back at him with not even a glint of fear. Of all the years, of all the girls, the first-born's, Belle was the first to truly unnerve him; he had never known himself to be unnerved by anybody.
"Must there?"
"Yes." Belle said firmly "Your Rumplestiltskin. You don't do anything for anyone else without there being something in it for you."
He frowned, pulling on his sleeves in agitation before answering.
"Sleeping in the dungeon is making you... grimy. I bought you here to clean my house not to drag the dirt from the downstairs up."
"Is that so?" Bell stepped closer "I don't believe you."
Rumple stood up and faced her, his eyes now fixed directly on hers. The girl was impossible, striding around his house, constantly complaining about the dark, the dust, the musty air.
"Well I don't think your believing me makes much of a difference, dearie." He said in his sing-song-voice.
"I think you care, Rumplestiltskin." Belle whispered in a tone that caused him to take a step back towards the table. In an instant the cup flew from the table and landed on the floor with a clink, causing both Rumple and Belle to take a sharp breath
Instinctively, Belle walked over to the pool of liquid that dripped from the table in long, slivery streaks, enough time for him to straighten up again. She delicately picked up the cup and cradled it in both hands before holding it out.
"I'm sorry...it's chipped."
Rumple tilted his head at the stricken look that played across her features, suddenly feeling a wave of confusion rise up in his stomach.
"It's only a cup, dearie."
He gave a short giggle before striding past the wide eyed girl and out of the door.