Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Another day, another room in Rumpelstiltskin's castle to dust while he was gone. The gray skinned little man had been gone for two weeks, and Belle was starting to miss him. She soon got over it for the time being and continued to dust one of the many upstairs rooms containing his odd trinkets. That was until she heard a loud crash that nearly shook the castle. Without hesitation, Belle rushed downstairs to the main hall and found it filled with smoke.

Coughing, she managed to make it through the smoke and opened a window. When it was clear, she saw Rumpelstiltskin sprawled across his table holding an egg that was the size of a small child. Belle inched closer to him, and he startled her by lifting his head suddenly. He shook his head and looked at the egg with a grin.

"Rumpel?"

He finally noticed her."Good morning, dearie. Did I startle you?"

"A bit. What is that?"

He sat up so that his legs hung over the edge of the table with the egg by his side."It's an egg."

"I know that. What kind of egg is it? It obviously not from a hen."

Rumpelstiltskin stood up and dusted of his clothes."It's a dragon egg."

"Why do have a dragon egg?"

"Full of questions are we? If must know, female dragons only lay eggs every ten years, and I had been waiting eight for this one. That's why I was gone so long. Most female dragons chose to most remote place they can find to raise their young. Unfortunately, I was only able to acquire one before she tried to roast me, and I must not have been specific enough when I made the teleportation potion."

"That explains your rather rough landing, but it doesn't explain what you are going to do with the egg."

"I'm going to eat it of course. Dragon eggs are a delicacy, and one can feed a hundred men. Not to mention, the shells can be used in potions."

Belle shook her head. He'd nearly gotten himself killed over an egg. Suddenly, both of them heard a loud crack. Rumpelstiltskin turned around to see his new egg shaking on the table. In just a few seconds, the egg was completely shattered, and a small dragon sat on the table. It was about the size of a puppy, and it's scales were a light yellow. Rumpel's face fell at the sight, and Belle couldn't help but laugh.

"My dinner!"

"Aww. It's alright, Rum. At least you get the shell."

He merely grunted."What am I going to do with him now? Adult dragon meat is terribly hard to cook, and a baby one is even worse."

"Let's keep him."

His head whirled around to look at her."What?"

"You heard me. Lets keep him. He can guard the castle while you're gone."

"That's what you're for, dearie."

"Yes, but one girl won't strike as much fear as a dragon will. Besides, I could use the company."Belle walked up to the table and rubbed the little dragon's chin. He rubbed his snout against her hand."Plus, he's kind of cute."

"Cute? That thing will be able to destroy an entire army soon."

"You can do the same thing now if you wanted, and you're still cute."

If he'd looked normal, she would have seen him blush at being called cute."Alright, dearie, I'll make you a deal."

Belle groaned. She knew this going to come."What is it?"

"I'll let you keep the little monster, but you're responsible for him. If he destroys anything of mine, I'm holding you accountable. Got it?"

"Yes, Rumpel."Without a warning, she pulled him into a hug."Thank you."

He stood completely still and watched her pick up the little dragon in her arms."I think I'm going to call you Draco. How does that sound?"

Draco let out a a burp that ended up being a puff of smoke before nestling deeper in Belle's arms. Rumpelstiltskin smiled a bit and reached to touch Draco, but the little dragon snapped at him and growled. Rumpel snatched his hand back and glared. He was about to speak when Belle cut him off.

"Draco! Don't do that. Rumpel is being nice for once and letting me keep you. The least you can do is be nice as well."

Draco buried his head in her arms and whined."It's alright, dearie,"Rumpelstiltskin said."I think the reason he didn't like me is because of my scent. Dragons have sensitive noses."

"You do smell. You'd better fix that before he tries to bite you again. I'll bring your dinner up to your room. You look like you need a good rest."

Rumpelstiltskin grinned at her."I knew I chose you for a reason."He was gone in a flash, and Belle smiled to herself.

"Come on, Draco. You and Rumpel both need something to eat."

At the mention of food, Draco let out a happy chirp and let her carry him to the kitchen.

TBC