DISCLAIMER: I don't own the character or anything else. This is just my own spin on the Rumbelle romance. I generally update quickly but I will warn you now to be prepared for weekly and not daily installments. I'm a mediocre writer and apologize in advance for grammatical errors, when they're brought to my attention I try to fix them. Most OUAT characters will be making appearances but it's a Rumbelle fic. Enjoy...
Belle French and her father, Maurice, silently entered the office of R Gold and found it to be as intimidating as the man who occupied it. The office was a large open space with tall glass windows overlooking the New York skyline. It was sparsely decorated with modern furniture and the only item that appeared to get any use was the large wipe board that took up a wall. There were two chairs in front of the desk but they appeared unused and visitors were forced to stand like deer in an open field.
Maurice nervously held his briefcase with both arms wrapped across his chest, the steady hand of his daughter on his shoulder helping him to maintain composure. After submitting monthly requests to the scheduler at RG Enterprise for 10 years, he could not believe he finally had the opportunity to present his research to one of the wealthiest men in the country. Maurice hardly ate or slept in the weeks leading up the appointment. It was only under the gentle encouragement of his daughter that he managed to remain functioning.
Belle was also nervous about the meeting; however, she was far more composed than her father. She knew the importance of the research grant and that it was essential to move her father's project to the next level. She had spent her life watching him dedicate himself to cancer research and she hoped Mr. Gold would see the merit of his endeavor. Belle encouraged her father and told him the funding was all but assured but secretly she had her doubts. She had read many things about the scientist turned CEO and little of it was good. He was known to be cold, calculated and out for his own benefit.
A Scotland native, his early history was virtually unknown. His first name was a mystery. The initial R was used formally but everyone referred to him as Gold. It was almost as if he had reached his position as the top government arms contractor by magic. His knowledge and technology was unparalleled and his closest competitors remained years behind. Such an advantage allowed him to avoid the public and political obligations required by most corporate executives.
Officially a businessman, Gold was truly a researcher. Dedicated to his craft to such an extent that it was more of an obsession than a profession. He worked continuously to advance his technology and create the most powerful and intelligent weapons available. His stealth drones were so formidable that it earned him the media nickname "The Dark One".
Belle was surprised by the appearance of the infamous scientist. As he stood at his board writing and rewriting figures she watched him carefully. He was a slight man, not nearly as tall as she expected and she wondered if he suffered from a Napoleon complex. His black suit was perfectly tailored and obviously expensive but he avoided the traditional businessman look because of his rather long sandy hair. His movements were well-thought out and even from a distance she could feel the energy from his mind at work. She became so engrossed in watching him that his sudden movement caused her to jump.
"How can I help you, Mr. French?" Gold asked turning around from his board and finally facing his guests.
"I- I -" Maurice stuttered as he clumsily searching his briefcase for paperwork.
"I don't have all day," Gold replied irritated. "You want money. What for?"
"Research. Cancer research. I'm a botanist - I work at Columbia - plants can regenerate all body parts from precursors cells. I believe I can isolate these cells and create a formula that can be used to regenerate white blood cells in cancer patients. With a million dollars -"
"You want me to give you a million dollars?" Gold smirked.
"Yes-"
"And what's in it for me?"
"It's a noble cause-"
"Clearly, you don't read the paper. I don't do noble. Feel free to leave you proposal with the secretary," Gold said returning to his board.
As Maurice pitifully attempted to gather his things, Belle watched Gold as he resumed his work on a logarithm.
"It should be Mk+1(x) not Uk. I also think you were right earlier when you have the inverse of Fourier," Belle boldly suggested.
"Excuse me?" Gold asked swiftly turning around at the unexpected statement. "Who are you?"
"Belle French," she replied defiantly holding up her chin.
"You know what that is?"
"It appears to be the earlier stages of a domino phrase-retrieval algorithm for electron diffraction and high-resolution transmission."
Gold put his hand to his mouth and turned around to inspect his equation. After several moments he made her correction, set down the marker and made his way over to her.
"You're a physicist?" He guessed pointing his finger towards her.
"No. I'm a student. I study library science."
Gold's jaw dropped slightly at her response as he stood speechless. Inspecting Belle, he noted that she looked liked neither a scientist nor a librarian. Her long brown hair that was perfectly curled and highlighted with a gold headband that matched her golden lace dress and she wore navy blue sweater and shoes that accented her sparkling blue eyes. She was not nearly as plain as he would expect a librarian to be.
"I love to read. I study all sorts of things - including physics. I've spent my entire life watching my father work and have grown accustomed to keeping an eye out for inconsistencies."
"Come, Belle," Maurice instructed pulling gently on her arm.
"Wait," Gold replied. "I'll make you a deal."
"A deal?" Maurice repeated shocked, his eyes widening at the prospect of assistance.
"I'll give you half of what you want."
"Thank you Sir!" the scientist exclaimed reaching out for Gold's hand and dropping his briefcase in the process. "How can I repay you? The Dean said we could rename the lab-"
"My name is on this 60 story building - what would I do with a lab?" Gold shot back tersely, pulling his hand away from Maurice. "No. I want her."
"Me?!" Belle gasped her mouth opening in surprise.
"Not like that Dearie," Gold assured. "I need an assistant. You appear to be marginally capable. And for a half million dollars I'll expect you to be readily available to do what I ask."
"Belle isn't a part of this deal. She's a student."
"Fine. If she isn't part of this deal then there is no deal. You can find the door," Gold said turning around.
"Wait!" Belle protested taking a step towards Gold. "I can work for you and take classes?"
"If you wish."
"Belle, you're suppose to go to Europe this semester and study abroad. You've waited years to do that," Maurice reminded sorrowfully.
"Europe isn't going anywhere. Think of what you can do with this money. The lives you can change. It's a small sacrifice on my part," Belle assured with a smile as she took her father's hands. "After all this time, you can do what you've always dreamed."
"But-"
"No buts," Belle said before returning her attention to Gold and extending her hand. "You have a deal, Mr. Gold."