Summary: Not all who wander are lost. They have just yet to find what their hearts are searching for. But is it possible for a heart of light to live with a heart of darkness? Or will the darkness destroy its only chance at redemption?

"You told I had the eyes of a wolf
Search them and find the beauty of the beast…" - Nightwish, "Beauty Of The Beast"

Seeing him caused an unbearable ache in her heart, reaching deep into her soul.

It wasn't his appearance by any means- Belle actually found her strange 'captor' beautiful. She could see the beauty in his heart, even though the darkness had clouded it.

The ache she felt when seeing him was his own pain. His own sorrow.

Even as a child, Belle had always seemed to be in tune to other people's emotions, even to the point where she could understand and at times, feel their pain.

The time she held her mother's hand while her mother waited for death, Belle focused on the happiest times they'd shared. Yet somehow, as the smile on her mother's face grew more relaxed and peaceful, Belle's heart weighed heavily with the knowledge of her mother's pain. It seemed that in her own way, Belle had the power to take away pain from others and replace it with her own inner peace.

After her mother's death, she received a visit from the Blue Fairy.

"I feel your tears, young one," the Blue Fairy had said, her own eyes damming tears.

"Why am I like this?" Belle sobbed.

"Fair child, you have been touched by magic. A very special form of magic. I've watched you as you've grown, and I've seen how the emotions of others affect you."

"Wh-…why? How?"

"That I do not know. There is much magic in this land. Others can experience it, others can control or manipulate it, but there are few who are touched with this ability."

"Do not cry, dear child. We all have a destiny, a path we must make for ourselves. This is simply the start of your journey."

Years later, Belle had begun to understand. She had developed acute control with her empathetic ability, teaching herself how to protect her own heart, mind, and soul from the emotions of others.

Yet, with Rumpelstiltskin, she had a slight feeling that he could take her wall down.

It terrified her. It excited her.

More than anything, it confused her.

She had spent so much time, devoting herself to building up her defenses. She couldn't allow her walls to be brought down.

After the day's business and chores, they would both retire to the spinning room. She would watch as he would spin at the wheel, slightly sensing his emotions and feelings.

Belle would never go as far as breaching his walls, sensing all of his emotions. It wouldn't be right.

But as for taking away some pain…well, she wasn't a saint.

There had been many days when his own frustration and anguish had overwhelmed her. She would companionably place a comforting hand on his, trying discreetly as possible to pull away his pain.

She had suspected the Dark One would be able to feel magic, sense it. Although he had made no indication as of yet, she would still be on guard. Whenever she had taken his pain for her own, she did her best to be as close to one of his artifacts as possible.

The firelight of the room flickered against his features, dark and focused. Belle was mesmerized by the sight, seeing glimpses of the man she felt he could be.

But all power…all magic has its price.

Her price for her magic was a deep one.

For all the pain she had to absorb, for every sense of comfort and peace she could give, she would bleed on her breast- slightly above her heart.

There would always be a price to pay. The scar would heal eventually; only to be reopened again for the pain she'd take.

There had been times after absorbing pain where her darkest memories would crawl out of the corners of her mind. True emotional pain and despair was far worse than any physical pain. That she could contend with. The demons and monsters of her memories were another story.

Rumpelstiltskin looked up from his spinning, seeing Belle watch him.

He had been surprised, quite pleasantly, at how comfortable he had been around her. He had indeed wanted a companion- perhaps even a friend. That was part of the reason he had dealt with her father. He had heard tales of the fearless, brave beauty.

There were times he could see an underlying fear in her eyes, usually after he had returned to the Dark Castle from the day's dealing. Although he didn't understand it, he felt better- infinitely better- after she would stroke his hand, comforting him on a physical level and…a deeper level.

Who exactly was this beautiful woman watching him spin?

He smiled at her, Belle returning with a smile of her own before returning back to the book she was reading.

He still watched her, noting how a corner of her mouth would lift, seemingly smiling at the story of lovers and friends.

No matter. He would find out more.

After all,

Forever is forever.