Belle stood at the window in the great hall, staring out into the expanse of the desolate courtyard. It was cold and windy as a bitter rain began to fall. She sighed softly. She was lonely and heartbroken. She missed her father who was now far, far away. It was her first Christmas without her father who loved her. And it was her first Christmas with Rumpelstiltskin, the Dark One who had taken her heart. Sadly, he didn't love her. Sadly, he didn't care at all. Belle was all alone.
A single tear rushed down her cheek, but she quickly wiped it away. He mustn't see how unhappy she was - how sad. After all, she had made him a promise to live with him in his castle, to be his companion; to stay with him forever. No matter how she had tried to reach him, the Dark One was still so distant. She was lonely - ever so lonely. All she longed for was someone to talk to; someone who cared.
Rumpelstiltskin had just left the tower. He was headed down the steep, stone staircase. He had just reached the last step when a knock sounded upon the door. "No one has EVER dared knock upon the door of the Dark One!" he said in distaste.
He pulled the door open to see Belle's betrothed, Gaston standing outside. "Why are you here?!" he bellowed, greatly displeased.
"I've come for Belle! She's mine and you can't -!" Before he could get all the words out, the Dark One waved his hand. Gaston disappeared in a cloud of dark purple smoke. All that was left in his place was a single red rose.
"That's where you are wrong," said Rumpel. "I can and I will. Belle is mine. And it's time that I showed her."
With that, he swept into the great hall, carrying the rose. As Belle turned to look at him and a bright smile appeared upon her face. "Thank you," she said as he placed the rose in her hands.
"For you, my lady," he said with a roguish grin. "Merry Christmas."
"It's so beautiful," she said as she lovingly held the flower.
"No, it's you who are beautiful."
She looked into his greenish, gold eyes. What she saw there stunned her. The Dark One had fallen in love with her. She witnessed the passion glowing in his eyes. He loved her and he wanted her! She wouldn't be alone anymore. They now had each other.
"Are you happy?" he asked. He lightly caressed her hair with a reptilian-like, clawed hand.
"Blissfully happy. But do you think that someday, I could visit my father?"
She asked the last words fearfully; somewhat nervously, because she didn't want to make Rumpel mad. To her surprise and shock, he didn't seem angry; not at all. His voice was calm and understanding. "Of course you can, Belle. In the future."
"Thank you!" she said as she went into his arms. She hugged him with extreme happiness. Tears of joy slowly slid down her face.
"You're home now," he said. "This is your home. With me."
With Rumpel, she'd always be home.
The rose was placed aside and forgotten when Rumpel lifted her into his arms. It was time to show her how much he loved her. It was time they got started on their happily ever after...
When he kissed her, they both knew that it was time.