Hello, dearies! I am writing this because I know there are many stories out there for Rumbelle, but very few for just Season 1, and even fewer that are not one-shots. I have only watched Season 1, and so I don't want to read anything with spoilers. So... I'm writing this. Solely for Season 1, and mostly just episode 12 "Skin Deep", which is my favorite episode. I love the Rumbelle pairing and just believe it to be beautiful and always wished they had had given more detail to their blooming relationship. So that is what I have decided to do!

Disclaimer: I own nothing. But I wish I owned Rumpelstiltskin.

There had been news from the battlefield. Avonlea had fallen. Just destroyed by the ogres, every man killed by the brutish beasts.

Gaston had let out a sigh. "If only he had come."

"But he didn't did he!" King Mauris had snapped angrily, causing all of his men to look up from the map startedly. Their eyes followed him as he walked to his large throne and sat down in despair. "Ogres are not men." He had explained.

Gaston had followed. "We have to do something. We have to stop them."

Mauris had shook his head and looked up only when he felt the cool hand of his daughter resting on his arm. "He could be on his way right now, Papa." She had responded with force, but her father had shook his head.

"It is too late, my girl. It's just...too late." Belle had sighed as she watched him look dejected and there was something hidden behind his eyes. It looked to be fear. She shivered. Her father was never afraid.

Just then, they had heard three loud knocks outside of the throne room and Mauris had jumped to his feet.

"It's him! It has to be him!" Belle had insisted.

"But how could he get past the walls?" The King had asked in confusion. They slowly approached the door. Mauris held up a hand to his knights and they quickly unlatched the door. It swung open to reveal an empty corridor and the three looked out in shock. Why was no one there?

Then, it happened. A voice. A voice that had been said to turn the winds to snow and the birds to rain. A voice that had killed many men, a voice whose whispers were enough to weave the largest of storms. A high-pitched, impish squeal of delight followed by, "Well, that was a bit of a let-down."

Belle spun around fast on her heel and her eyes were the first to connect with the monstrous man, the one whom men called the Dark One. His amused smile had gleamed in the candle-lit room as he had proceeded to mock them. "I believe you sent me a message." He raised his fingers, ebony-black painted fingernails, and pointed to the ceiling, "Something about, um, 'Help, Help, we're dying. Can you save us?' Well, the answer is," he stretched his long legs as he stood from the throne, "Yes, I can." With one, decisive movement, he hit Gaston's raised sword from where it had been pointing to him, and turned to the curious king.

From then on, it had happened so fast. It had been discovered that the Dark One had not been interested in the gold offered to him. In fact, it turned out he had more gold than any man could hope to have.

"I. Want. Her." He had declared as he had pointed at Belle. Her heart had leapt in her throat with both fear and disgust but she had kept quiet as Gaston curled his fingers tightly around her arm and pulled her back flush against his chest.

"The lady is engaged...to me." He had argued but the Dark One had let out yet another piggish squeal.

"I didn't ask if she was engaged. I'm not looking for love." He rolled his eyes and chuckled. "No, rather I am looking for a caretaker for my rather large estate." Then, her skin had crawled. "It is her, or no deal."

Belle saw the look of despair in her father's eyes as he demanded the imp to get out. The Dark One had only smiled softly before turning his back, and walking painfully slow out of the room. Before he had reached the door, Belle had called out. "Wait." Looking back upon it, she really didn't know why she had let her bravery get the best of her in that moment. But the dread was not enough to keep her from the prospect of adventure.

The Dark One had turned around and a glint of success was in his eyes as Belle had nodded her head. "I will go with him."

Gaston had refused with a cold harshness in his voice. Her father had protested from behind her but she had held her hand up for silence. "No one decides my fate but me." She had commanded authoritatively.

The Dark One had told her that she would remain with him for eternity, and for a moment she considered turning back, considered running back into Gaston's arms and staying there. But she could not risk showing weakness in front of everyone and so, bravely, she had turned towards the monster and for the first time, saw him up close.

His pupils were dark and opaque, irises blending into the whites of his eyes. His skin was gray and scaly in texture. Scars were upon his forehead and cheeks and underneath his chin. His jaw was set in firm determination. She opened her mouth to speak, "I will go with you forever."

The imp squealed in delight. "Deal!"

But she felt her father's large hand on her shoulder."Belle," he had begged softly, "You cannot go with this...beast."

This beast. Belle thought to herself in the silent dungeon to which she had been cast not moments after she had arrived at her new, eternal home. She would be there for forever. Forever. Forever with a beast who killed willingly, who hated all good, who despised beauty. What will he do to me?

In truthfulness, Belle did not know. He certainly had not shown any intention to do anything despicable towards her. But then again, she was to be his house-keeper. She was a princess. She had never done a day of work in her life!

Belle shook her head. Why has this happened? She shifted on the stone slab covered in straw. Why have I been taken to this prison? Why am I being forced to live with a monster. Why...why...why...

So, chapter one is up. Let me know what you think, and I promise that this story will not disappoint as it continues to progress! I am too much of a fan of both Rumpelstiltskin and Belle to bring shame to these beautifully created characters.