A/N: And I'm back! I have decided to start posting these One-Shots under the same story entry, as to avoid bombarding the Once Upon a Time archive. I have a few written out, and am still writing even more, so I'll be posting one every day or two until I run out of them. Enjoy, everyone!

Disclaimer: Once Upon a Time belongs to people far more amazing than me. 'Tis the sad truth, dearies.

Belle's entire life had been spent in her father's castle. Her only glimpses into the wide world were her trips to Gaston's estate, yet, even in these, she was escorted there and back with a strict schedule and no time for exploring. She had always longed to see the world and its beauty. She longed to travel far from Avonlea and its clutches. There was a wide world out there with breathtaking views and sprawling landscapes, and they were beckoning her with all their might.

But she was now in the Dark Castle.

She couldn't say she exactly minded it, especially now as her master was more of a friend. He still required much of her, yes, but he did it much more politely. He would talk to her as she dusted, sit in the library with her as she read, and even allowed her the occasional day off to simply explore… as long as she didn't leave the castle grounds.

It was a step in the right direction, yet still far from what she longed for.

The days and weeks went by, and more than her relationship with her master changed. The green leaves turned red, orange, and brown before simply leaving their posts. The Robins, Bluebirds, and Meadowlarks abandoned their nests once more, seeking shelter in climates far more forgiving. The days grew shorter as the moon gained the advantage in the ever-turning battle up in the star-shrouded sky. Her attire became thickened and layered as the rain turned to snow and the dew on the grass turned to frost.

Belle had always loved this time of year. Snow was something rarely seen in the marsh-covered lands of Avonlea, and even when it did come, it never stayed. The gentle flakes brought a twinkle in her eye that nothing else could. It inspired happiness and peace in her, no matter what turmoil was stirring in her heart. It was a source of peace that only nature could provide.

And so when the beauty peered out of the window next to her silken-sheeted bed and saw the small white dots coasting down from a cloud-covered sky, all thoughts of dusting and sweeping instantly vanished. The only notion in her entire mind was to run through the castle grounds, arms outstretched, and enjoy this gift from Mother Nature.

She raced to her closet, snatched her red and white fur coat, and ran out her door, making for the grand hall. A large staircase lay out before her, yet it barely slowed her down as she pressed on, occasionally taking two stairs at a time. Bursting through the large oak doors, she paused only to catch her panting breath.

As she stood there, however, she saw something far out of the ordinary. Rumpelstiltskin sat at the far end of the long table, his head bent down as he stared at something intently. Something sat in his left hand, but she couldn't quite see what it was from this far away. Whatever he was up to, it apparently had completely wrapped his attention, as he made no sign of acknowledgment to her presence.

The snow will have to wait, she thought determinedly as she took a few cautionary steps toward him, her eyes ever on the larger object in his hands. Her curiosity grew with every step she took. She could still not make out what exactly it was, but it seemed to be a golden ball of some sort. The smaller object, she assumed, was a screwdriver, if the way he turned it was any indication. What he was doing, however, was still a mystery to her.

One she was determined to uncover.

Even with her being a mere meter from his perch at the table, Belle still had no idea what the object's purpose was. It was a golden egg with ornately carved images spread throughout it. Two single screws were visible from her vantage point, and her master was intently turning them tight. Every so many moments, he would roll the object around in his hands, seemingly testing it for—something, before resuming his mundane task.

Belle was captivated.

"It's a canister, dear." The distracted voice made Belle jump as her eyes lifted to her master's face. He didn't even look up at her as he once more rolled the object in his hands, his eyebrows knit in concentration.

Belle bit her lip in passive thought, linking her fingers before her. The information was helpful, but certainly not all-revealing. What is he going to put in it? Why is he fixing it without magic? Where did he get it? These questions, and so many more, enthralled her, dulling the serene weather's significance in comparison.

"What's it for?" was her first question as she neared the table. She rested her arms across it, leaning even closer to the strange, golden container.

Rumpelstiltskin's eyes took on a dark expression; one Belle had come to know. He was plotting something, and it was something important. "It is going to bring me one step closer to my dream, and everyone else leagues away from their own."

Belle frowned at this, both from fear and uncertainty. Her master always spoke in riddles, of this she was used to, but there was something about this one. It seemed different, and she wasn't sure she liked it.

"What's your dream?"

The Dark One let loose a tittering giggle, setting the golden trinket down on the polished table. He waved the screwdriver at her playfully, a sardonic smile gracing his features. "Well wouldn't you like to know? The rule still stands, dearie: if you tell someone your deepest wishes, they will never come true."

Belle laughed before shaking her head. "That rule only applies to wishes made on candles or stars."

He paused as his expression grew solemn. A frown surfaced as he looked down at the tool in his clawed fingers. The high-pitched façade crumbled to pieces as he looked up at her once more. "Trust me, Belle: I've wished on countless stars for this dream to come true."

The caretaker was stunned. She had never—never heard her master call her by name. The moniker was always 'Dearie' or 'Dear', and the latter only when he was in an unusually happy mood or completely distracted. Now, he was baring part of his soul, and he had uttered her name.

What was worse was this: she loved the way he said it. His voice, when he wasn't putting up his normal, tittering front, was something that made her melt. She felt a blush creep upon her cheeks before she forced it down, remembering the situation at hand.

"Do—do you want to talk about it?" she timidly asked. She wanted to pry him open and see what secrets he was obviously keeping, but she knew to do so would be foolish. She needed to wait him out, to give him time, to let him set the pace. It was torture, but she knew it was the only way.

He shook his head stoutly, looking at her with resolve, yet also with regret. She could tell he wanted nothing more than to open up, yet she also knew that, for some reason, he couldn't. She didn't know whether it was for his safety, or for hers, yet she hated whatever the reason was. Whatever it was, she was determined to overcome it, no matter what. "Why—why don't you go out and enjoy the weather, dearie? It's the first snow of the year, quite the occasion in most towns," he suggested. His expression showed disinterest, yet his eyes displayed sorrow.

He was broken. Of this, Belle was certain.

"Only if you come with me," came Belle's reply.

The Dark One chuckled, the sorrow softening from his eyes. It was still there, and it still held him, but it was faltering. A small graced Belle as she held out her hand to him. She was positive she could beat this reason of her master's insecurity, and she would start now.

"I'm afraid I'm not one for frolicking in the snow."

Belle glared playfully at him before waving her outstretched hand once. "Everyone loves to play in the snow, Rumplestiltskin. Now come on! It's time for you to leave this castle without the intent of causing havoc, for once."

Rumplestiltskin hesitated only a moment before taking his hand in hers. He relished the feel of her skin against his, but it was gone far too soon. Belle let go of his hand to readjust her cloak, before impatiently ushering him toward the large castle doors.

He snapped his fingers. Immediately, the doors opened, and the snow-veiled grounds opened before them, the sunlight reflecting off of the powder stinging his reptilian eyes. Blinking the pain away, he shielded his eyes with his scale-like hand, looking over at his caretaker with disinterest. "I don't know how you talk me into these things, Belle."

A smile escaped her grasp as she heard her name in his thick accent once more.

It seemed something other than snow could bring a twinkle to Belle's eyes.

Big thanks to Believer2010 for looking this one over for me! :D