What Is This Feeling?

The autumn day was as crisp and golden as a fresh apple from an orchard and the beauty of the day seemed to reflect in everyone's moods as students and their friends and families gathered at the fine school that was Misthaven University and sang its special song.

O hallowed halls and vine-draped walls
The proudest sight there is
When grey and sere our hair hath turned
We shall still revere the lessons learned
In our days at dear old Misthaven
Our days at dear old Misthaven!

Misthaven University was the best college in the Enchanted Forest, known for having the best of professors and the best of students graduate from its halls. Those who went either had the most money and could easily afford it or earned a scholarship for their cleverness and skills.

Misthaven University was also a very lovely building made of red brick and finely cut white stone columns. There were pathways of golden brick, beautiful gardens, a courtyard with a white fountain of sparkling water and luxurious dorm rooms.

Everyone gathered was chatting and bustling about with excitement as they collected their room assignments, class schedules and parted with their families for the semester. Among them was young Killian Jones and his elder brother, Liam, who rode in on a big cart full of luggage and immediately caught the attention of many young and pretty female admirers.

"Now, now, ladies, patience!" said Killian, playfully as they clamored for his attention. "There will be plenty of time to get acquainted, I promise! Right now, I have to collect my schedule, find my room and all that boring stuff." His followers groaned in disappointment. "But I'm free this evening if anyone would care to join me for a drink."

The girls eagerly agreed and departed from Killian's presence rather reluctantly.

Killian, being a bit of a selfish and shallow man, was amused and felt a bit smug at the looks of envy he was getting from the other male students but Liam just shook his head at it all.

"Killian," said Liam, warningly as he placed a hand on his brother's shoulder. "It's good to have admirers and friends and to amuse yourself now and again, but don't forget why you're here."

"I know, I know. I'm here to learn from the best so I can become the Jolly Roger's captain and a protector of the realms like you and just like Father before you. And I promise, I will. I'll show good form and do what's expected of me. Just let me have some fun first. No one's young forever, mate, and you only live once," said Killian, grinning. "I'll make you proud, Liam, I promise."

Killian's ambition was to be like his older brother, whom he deeply admired and loved. He longed to be a swashbuckling ship's captain and to defend the realms from villains and the like and be a man of good form. But unfortunately, he also wanted to enjoy himself with parties and whatnot before he took up his family responsibilities.

Liam smiled as they embraced. "I know you will, little brother."

Killian scowled as they pulled apart. "I will. But please remember, it's younger brother. I'm not little anymore, Liam!" He knew his brother meant no harm but Killian detested being referred to as the little brother as it felt childish and even a bit patronizing.

Liam just laughed before departing.

Killian waved good-bye and then his attention was diverted when he happened to glance over his shoulder and saw a young boy, frozen in fear in the road, about to be trampled by a carriage.

Without thinking, Killian acted. He leapt into the road and pushed the boy out of the way before the carriage could hit him. After a moment, he stood up and looked at the little boy he'd just saved as he got the child on its feet. The child was quite young with dark hair and brown eyes and wearing simple peasant clothes.

"You all right, boy?"

The boy shook as he nodded. He wasn't visibly hurt, but he did seem shaken with fear.

"Good. Now, what's your name and where're your mum and dad? And how'd you get lost?" asked Killian. The university allowed married or single parents to bring their children with them if the circumstances demanded it as the university's headmistress was rumored to have a soft spot for children—the school even had a small daycare for the younglings. "I'm Killian."

"B-Baelfire," he said, as tears pooled in his eyes. "I don't have a mama. It's just my papa, Rumpelstiltskin. And there's Auntie and Grandmama. I tripped in the crowd and I lost my grip on Papa's hand and now I can't find him. He's going to be so worried. I need to find him. I really want my papa."

Knowing what it was like to be so young and to be lost from one's family, Killian felt a twinge of sympathy for the boy.

"Well, I'll tell you what, I'll help you find your papa. It'll be all right," said Killian, smiling when the boy looked significantly cheered up to hear this. He took his cartful of luggage with one hand and held out the other for Baelfire to take. "C'mon."

Killian had a good idea as to where the boy's family might be, so he took Baelfire's hand and led him to the nearest lost and found desk. It wasn't long before Baelfire's face lit up and he yanked himself free of Killian's hand.

"Papa!" cried Baelfire. "Papa! Papa!"

"Bae!" cried a relieved male voice.

Moments later, Baelfire was in the arms of his father. Because of the hood on the man's cloak, Killian couldn't see his face but Killian could tell the man had a bad leg judging from his cane and he wasn't well-off judging by his clothes, which were similar to his son's except more worn and what was even more curious was the man's nails which were black and almost like claws. The man was also accompanied by two women. One was an old woman dressed in dark blue with brown hair in a bun with one loose curl dangling on her shoulder and the other was a younger girl with bushy red hair in a wheelchair dressed in a black dress with a green jeweled pendant on her neck.

Killian immediately recognized the women as the widowed heartless Queen Cora and her very spoiled, selfish daughter Princess Zelena, which made sweet little Baelfire the heartless queen's grandchild. Killian could only wonder how such a paradox had occurred.

"Baelfire, you had us all worried sick and cost us most of the morning looking for you!" scolded Cora. "When are you going to have some sense and be more responsible?"

Rumpelstiltskin clutched his cane so tightly his knuckles turned white, it was as if he wanted to speak out against his mother for scolding his son but he kept silent as though he feared his mother's temper—a wise decision.

Baelfire clutched his father's leg and hung his head. "Sorry, Grandmama."

Zelena rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Mother! You needn't be so harsh. He's just a child. He'll grow out of it. It could've happened to anyone. Just be glad he's safe and sound," While Zelena was a spoiled and selfish girl, she was always kind to her nephew both out of fondness for him and out of a desire to be in her elder brother's favor so Rumpelstiltskin would have more reason to spend with her—as if he didn't already.

At once, Cora's anger disappeared and her face softened. "Yes, of course, you're right, dear. Now, who am I to thank for my grandson's safe return?"

Killian raised his hand and cleared his throat, catching their attention. "That would be me, Your Majesty," he said, as he bowed. "My name is Killian Jones. The boy was lost and almost got hit by a carriage. I saved him and brought him back."

Cora smiled. "Thank you, Mister Jones. You have our gratitude. Name anything you like and it'll be yours in repayment."

"Oh, it was nothing. It's good form, that's all. There's nothing I believe in more. But if you insist, then I wouldn't mind seeing the face of the boy's father," said Killian. He couldn't help but feel curious as to why Baelfire's father's face was concealed.

"Well, if you insist, kind sir," said Rumpelstiltskin. "If this is what you wish for repayment." While keeping a firm grip on his cane, Rumpelstiltskin lifted his hood and revealed his face.

"Great Neptune!" exclaimed Killian, as he recoiled in disgust. He felt repulsed at the sight of Rumpelstiltskin's gold-dusted, almost scaly skin and dark reddish-brown eyes. "I didn't know they were letting crippled crocodiles into the school! What happened to you, mate? Have you always been this bad looking or did you just chew on too much gold as a child and it rubbed off on you? Or is this part of a curse placed on you?"

Rumpelstiltskin's eyes narrowed in anger. "Well, it's far better to be a crippled, ugly crocodile than a handsome pirate with no manners!" he snapped. "'Good form.' Ha! You're a hypocrite as well as a scoundrel!"

Killian's face darkened with rage. "Now, you listen to me, you little—"

"Enough!" said Cora, sharply, making them cease fighting. "Mister Jones, I think it best if you leave us now. And Rumpelstiltskin, stop making such a spectacle of yourself! Remember, you're only here because Zelena needs a caretaker! Not because of whatever delusions of grandeur you have of actually graduating and finding yourself something better afterwards! You'd be even less than nothing if it weren't for my generosity. Don't forget it."

"Yes, Mother," said Rumpelstiltskin, through clenched teeth. "I won't forget."

"Good. Now…" Cora turned to Zelena and immediately, her demeanor changed. She wasn't angry or harsh, only smiling and happy. She snapped her fingers and a beautifully wrapped green box appeared in Zelena's lap. "Here is a lovely parting gift for my precious princess."

Zelena tore open the box and looked delighted at the sight of its contents. "Jeweled shoes!" She held up a beautiful, sparkling silver and diamond high-heeled shoe. "Oh, Mother, they're beautiful! You shouldn't have!"

"Nonsense," said Cora. "Such a gift's befitting the future ruler of our kingdom, my precious girl. Nothing's too fine for the next Queen of the East." She kissed Zelena's head and then scowled at Rumpelstiltskin. "Rumpel, take care of your sister and make sure Baelfire keeps you out of trouble or else!"

Rumpelstiltskin only nodded in reply as Cora departed from the school grounds. If he was envious that he'd been passed over in favor of Zelena, he didn't show it and nor did Baelfire.

At the sound of a loud clanging of a bell, every student outside ceased chattering as red smoke whirled in the courtyard. When it disappeared, a beautiful dark-haired woman dressed in a fine red gown appeared.

"Welcome, new students! I am Madame Regina Mills, headmistress of Misthaven University!" said Regina. "And whether you're here to study literature, business, etiquette or whatever else catches your fancy, I know I speak for my fellow faculty members when I say we have nothing but the highest hopes for you. Now, regarding room assignments, is there anyone who has not yet been given theirs? Otherwise, please head to orientation." She spotted Killian and Rumpelstiltskin's hands as they waved at her and she approached them. "Yes, gentleman. How can I assist you?"

"Yes, Madame. My name's Killian Jones, I'm sure you've heard of me and my family. I was told I'd have a private suite. If you could just give me directions, I'll be on my way," said Killian.

Regina looked at Killian as though he were a cockroach. "Yes. Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you, Mister Jones, but I'm afraid our private suites have all been booked by those of higher status. You'll have to share a dorm room like everyone else."

Killian looked outraged. "What?! But Madame—"

Regina held a finger to her lips, a signal to be quiet, and suddenly Killian clutched his throat as his ability to speak was now gone.

Baelfire stifled a laugh while Rumpelstiltskin and Zelena looked amused at Killian's misfortune.

"Well, no need to ask your identities," said Regina, as she turned away from Killian. "Queen Cora's children and grandchild, correct?"

All three of them nodded. But Rumpelstiltskin was surprised as he was rarely acknowledged as Cora's son due to his hideousness.

"Excellent. Now, Mister Jones, I've solved your roommate problem. You will be rooming with Mister Rumpelstiltskin and Master Baelfire on the first floor of the West Wing," said Regina, as she handed both him and Rumpelstiltskin their doom room keys.

Killian looked furious and Rumpelstiltskin looked equally displeased but neither one of them argued with Regina's decision.

"As for the young princess, Queen Cora's made her desire for Zelena's well-being quite clear, so I've decided it'll be best if she shares my personal quarters with me so I can assist her as needed," said Regina.

Zelena looked thrilled while Rumpelstiltskin looked alarmed. "What? But headmistress, I've always looked after Zelena. You can't—"

"Don't worry yourself, Rumpelstiltskin," interrupted Regina, dismissively. "Now, if you'll just follow me—" She grabbed Zelena's wheelchair and began wheeling her away, failing to notice the glows of magic in Rumpelstiltskin's hands as she did so.

"Let—her—go!" growled Rumpelstiltskin.

All of a sudden, Regina was flung across the courtyard and Zelena's chair was wheeled back over to Rumpelstiltskin. The students looked both terrified and amazed and began whispering amongst themselves at the sight of Rumpelstiltskin's power and defiance.

"How did you do that?" demanded Killian.

Zelena looked angry. "Blast it, Rumpel! You promised me things would be different here! You promised you'd stop doing things like that! But I guess you're not really a man of your word, are you? You just have to keep embarrassing our family like this!"

Rumpelstiltskin looked terrified, as did Baelfire. Both had turned pale and began clutching each other's hand tightly. Rumpelstiltskin had always had difficulty controlling his powers and the use of them, even if they didn't cause any harm, usually brought about reactions of the worse kind due to his appearance and his lack of control and peoples' assumptions his magic was of the dark kind and should be feared.

"I…I-I-I didn't mean to," he stammered. "I was only reacting!"

"Is that what happened?" asked Regina, as she dusted herself off. Surprisingly enough, she didn't seem injured or angry. In fact, she seemed curious and intrigued. "And am I also to believe this has happened before?"

Rumpelstiltskin looked ashamed as he nodded. "Yes, headmistress. I've always been able to do things like that."

"Always? You mean to tell me, you've never studied magic?" said Regina, surprised.

The use of magic was a common occurrence in the Enchanted Forest but no one had ever been doing magic naturally without studying or practice.

"Never," admitted Rumpelstiltskin. "It's been happening as long as I can remember. I've tried my best to suppress and hide it, but when I get emotional, I can't control it, unless I'm at my spinning wheel turning straw into gold, it keeps me calm. I'm so sorry, Madame."

"Sorry?" repeated Regina. She grinned. "My dear little imp, don't apologize! Never apologize for talent! Talent is a gift! Have you ever considered a career in sorcery?"

"Sorcery?" repeated Zelena, looking incredulous. "Rumpel? Madame, you can't be serious!"

Zelena was ignored.

"Some semesters, I teach a Sorcery Seminar to those of promising talent and yours is the most promising I've seen in years," said Regina. "Quite possibly, the strongest and most powerful I've ever seen. I would be more than happy to teach you how to control it and become something far greater than you could ever imagine. You could be my greatest student."

"Me?" said Rumpelstiltskin, in disbelief. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. All his life, he'd never been more than a crippled spinner who devoted his life to his son. The idea of being seen as something more was beyond his comprehension.

"Yes, you," said Regina. "And what's more, I know for a fact that Peter Pan of Neverland has been searching for the perfect practitioner to stand by him in his realm. Once you've had some proper tutelage and your magic's at its peak, I will write to Peter Pan and I guarantee, he'll be so thrilled, he'll make you his second-in-command. You could have a life of wealth and position and have the life you always wanted for you and your son and be honored and respected by all the realms. So, with that in mind, would you do me the honor of becoming my student?"

Upon hearing this, both Zelena and Killian looked stunned and even disbelieving that Rumpelstiltskin being shown so much favoritism by the headmistress. Baelfire looked excited at the idea of better prospects for his beloved Papa.

Rumpelstiltskin, however, seemed somewhat taken aback by what Regina was offering and it took a moment for it to sink it but when it did, he looked overjoyed.

"Yes. Yes, of course! I would be honored to be your student," said Rumpelstiltskin, eagerly. "When can we start?"

Regina smiled. "I'm pleased to hear it. We'll start tomorrow morning. I'll send your schedule so you'll know when. Now, as for your sister, I can see that you care for her and wish to help her. However, I am duty-bound to also assist her and I think Zelena might like some female company in the evenings after her classes. So, how about a compromise? You can come to my quarters before breakfast to collect her and drop her off after classes and when you're occupied and can't be there, either I or one of my trusted nurses can look after her. Would that be suitable?"

Rumpelstiltskin hesitated and then looked at Zelena. "What do you think, Zelena? It's up to you. I'll do whatever makes you happy."

"I think I'd like to accept the headmistress's offer, Rumpel," said Zelena. "This way, you and I can still be together and have time with others. So, yes, I want it." She wasn't accepting it because she cared much for Rumpelstiltskin's prospects, but because she liked having more than one person's attention focused on her.

"Very well, then," said Rumpelstiltskin. "Headmistress, we have a deal."

"Excellent. Now, everyone, to your dormitories!" said Regina. She then disappeared along with Zelena in a swirl of red smoke while everyone else retreated to their dorm rooms, leaving Baelfire and Rumpelstiltskin alone in the courtyard.

XXX

Once alone in the courtyard, Baelfire and Rumpelstiltskin took a moment to let the great news sink in and then they began talking about it and what it meant for their future.

"Papa, did that really just happen?" asked Baelfire. "Have I actually understood?"

"Yes, Bae. It did," said Rumpelstiltskin. He was still shocked himself. All his life, he'd done all he could to suppress or hide his gift for magic as it had brought him very little happiness into his life and caused him much trouble. And now he'd found out that with a bit of training, his talent could help him meet Peter Pan, the greatest of all practitioners and the ruler of the most powerful and magical realms of all and secure a life of wealth, position and respect! It seemed too good to be true. "Oh, heavens, Bae, can you imagine what it'll be like? We can have everything we ever dreamed!"

Baelfire looked excited. "Tell me about it, Papa! What'll happen when we meet Peter Pan?" While Baelfire was content to just have a life with his beloved papa, he felt quite proud of Rumpel and happy for his success.

Rumpelstiltskin was only too happy to begin imagining what life would be like once he met Peter Pan and became someone important. He took Baelfire's hand and began walking to their new living quarters and talking of he dreamed was going to happen.

When I meet Peter Pan,
Once I prove my worth,
And then I'll meet Peter Pan
What I've waited for
Since birth!
And with all his special wisdom,
By my looks, he won't be blinded
Do you think Peter Pan is dumb?
Or like Cora, so small-minded?
No! He'll say to me,
"I see who you truly are
A man on whom I can rely!"
And that's how we'll begin
Peter Pan and I!

Once I'm with Peter Pan
My whole life will change
'Cause once you're with Peter Pan
No one thinks you're strange!
No mother is not proud of you,
No sister acts ashamed
And all the realms have to love you
When by Peter Pan, you're acclaimed!
And this gift or this curse
I have inside
Maybe at last, I'll know why
When we are hand in hand,
Peter Pan and I!

Happy tears began pooling in Rumpelstiltskin's eyes as he imagined his new life.

Peter Pan was a legend in the realms and to be able to just meet him was a fantastic honor itself. He was greatly respected as well as powerful. Working with him would bring about everything Rumpelstiltskin had ever dreamed of. Once Peter Pan saw what kind of man Rumpelstiltskin really way, Rumpelstiltskin could finally put his talent to real use, making good things happen to those who needed it most and making unfortunate lives better.

He would no longer be feared or treated like dirt because of his appearance or labeled a coward for his actions in the Ogre Wars; Cora would finally be proud and acknowledge him as her son, Zelena wouldn't be ashamed of him anymore, he would be respected and admired, he'd have real control over his talent and would be able to make good with it and even more important—he could ensure Baelfire would want for nothing and would be happy forever and would no longer be seen as the coward or the monster's son, which was all Rumpelstiltskin truly wanted, for his son was his life.

And one day, he'll say to me, "Rumpelstiltskin,
A man who is so superior,
Shouldn't a man who's so good inside
Have a matching exterior?
And since folks here to an absurd degree
Seem fixated on your verdigris
Would it be all right by you
If I de-goldified you?"

At this confession, Baelfire stared at his father in astonishment.

"You'd really ask that, Papa?" Granted Baelfire knew Rumpelstiltskin's looks hadn't made life easy for him but Baelfire had never once disliked or had a problem with his father's appearance and just associated it with what made his papa who he is. "Do you really want it?"

Rumpelstiltskin was quiet for a moment. "Sometimes," he admitted. While he had long ago accepted his appearance, there were times when he wondered what it'd be like to be normal-looking and what life he might've led if he had. If Peter Pan asked to make Rumpelstiltskin normal-looking, he wouldn't refuse, but otherwise it didn't matter. "But it's not really important. All that is, son, is the life I want to build for you. I just want you to be happy."

"All I need to be happy is you, Papa," said Baelfire. No matter what their financial circumstances were or how people treated them, all Baelfire felt he needed in his life was his father. Rumpelstiltskin and Baelfire were close because for the longest time, they were all each other had. Rumpelstiltskin had always made sure Baelfire felt loved and protected, and in the end that was all that really counted. "And if looking like everyone else made you happy, then I'd be happy."

Rumpelstiltskin smiled at his son's selflessness and kind heart and ruffled his hair before freezing in place and staring into the void, a sign of a vision. One of Rumpelstiltskin's many gifts was the ability to see the future. Despite the complications of the power—being that the future wasn't always set in stone and was like trying to put together a puzzle with many pieces—it was one of the few things he could control but once in a while, a vision came to him unbidden.

Judging from the look on Rumpelstiltskin's face, Baelfire could tell this new vision was a very good one.

"Papa, what did you see?" asked Baelfire.

If possible, Rumpelstiltskin looked even more excited.

Unlimited
My future is unlimited
And I've just had a vision
Almost like a prophecy
I know - it sounds truly crazy
And true, the vision's hazy
But I swear, someday there'll be
A celebration throughout the realms
That's all to do with me!

And I'll stand there with Peter Pan,
Feeling things I've never felt
And though I'd never show it,
I'd be so happy, I could melt!
And so it will be
For the rest of my life,
And I'll want nothing else
Till I die
Held in such high esteem
When people see me, they will scream
For half of the worlds' favorite team;
Peter Pan
And I!

Baelfire hugged Rumpelstiltskin in delight.

Everyone was going to see his Papa for what he truly was—a good and special man. Baelfire could hardly wait. It hadn't even been a full day at Misthaven and already their future was looking better than either of them could've ever hoped. It was truly a magnificent day.

XXX

Later that night after the day's orientations and classes, Rumpelstiltskin and Baelfire got comfortable in their dorm room. It had been accommodated for Baelfire as well as Rumpelstiltskin and Killian with three comfortable beds, desks and chairs, curtains to divide up the sleeping areas and two bathrooms were attached to it.

Rumpelstiltskin had just tucked Baelfire into bed when he remembered that Cora had wanted a letter from Rumpelstiltskin sent out before the first day's end to let her know all was as it should be and he had yet to write. So, despite how tired he felt, Rumpelstiltskin didn't feel up to dealing with his mother's temper and so he headed off to the university's post office.

When Rumpelstiltskin arrived, he bumped into Killian and fell onto the floor.

"Sorry, mate. I didn't mean to—oh, it's you." Killian's attempt at an apology ceased when he saw just who it was he'd bumped into. "What're you doing here, crocodile?"

Rumpelstiltskin glared at him as he got himself back on his feet, albeit with some difficulty. "What am I doing here? Oh, let me think." He then held a finger to his chin as if he was thinking of something in a rather patronizing way. "This is a post office where people can write and send letters. So, clearly, I must be here to do just that. Does that make sense, dearie, or does your tiny little brain still not comprehend that, pirate?"

Generally, Rumpelstiltskin was a shy and kind man, but once in a while when his temper was roused, he became another person—one full of confidence and with a smart mouth.

Killian glared before walking away to a desk at the far corner of the post office. "Well, don't let me disturb you, crocodile. I'm sure you must have plenty to write home about of your experiences as the school's greatest freak."

At that point, Rumpelstiltskin lost control of his temper and seconds later, the rug beneath Killian's feet gave way and Killian fell flat on his face, much to the amusement of those watching.

"Oops. So sorry," said Rumpelstiltskin, not sounding sorry at all. "Did I do that? Guess my powers got beyond my control for a moment. Happens when I'm in the presence of stupidity."

Killian growled and looked as though he was about to draw his sword or punch him but pulled back when some of his female admirers came up and began fussing over him.

The two men shot glares at each other and then went to opposite sides of the room to write to their perspective families.

"'Dearest big brother Liam…'" began Liam. As always, he wrote to his brother with great affection. Given their closeness, it was only to be expected.

"'My dear Mother,'" said Rumpelstiltskin. His letter lacked Killian's affection as Cora preferred letters from Rumpelstiltskin short and to the point and devoid of any real emotion.

"'There's been some confusion over rooming here at Misthaven,'" both men wrote. But that was putting it mildly as it felt like Fate had a bad sense of humor.

"'But of course, I'll care for Zelena,'" added Rumpelstiltskin, quickly. Regardless of his problems, he knew he had to make it clear that his little sister's well-being was one of his highest priorities and would not be forsaken. Despite Zelena and Cora's disdain for him, Rumpelstiltskin did feel somewhat protective and loving of his sister.

In contrast, Killian felt the need to be somewhat arrogant. "'But of course, I'll rise above it.'" He couldn't help but feel smug as he would rise above it due to his astounding ability to endure anything and come out on top of bad situation, and of course it didn't hurt to try and gain sympathy for his 'sufferings' from his brother.

"'For I know that's how you'd want me to respond.'" Not that they would admit it, but both Killian and Rumpelstiltskin agreed that their responses to their situations were what their families were expecting from them. "'There's been some confusion, for you see my roommate is…"

There was a moment's pause as Rumpelstiltskin and Killian thought of the best way to describe each other without it taking up the entire letter's contents.

Killian found it impossible to describe Rumpelstiltskin as he was an odd man, so he wrote just that. "'Unusually and exceedingly peculiar and altogether quite impossible to describe,'" wrote Killian.

In contrast, Rumpelstiltskin knew exactly how to describe Killian with just a few words because it was painfully obvious.

"'A filthy pirate,'" wrote Rumpelstiltskin.

Despite their distance, both men happened to hear what the other said and ended up scowling at each other as they finished up their letters and sent them off on messenger birds. As they departed from the post office to head back to their room, they began thinking aloud and then talking to each other and not in a kind way.

Killian
What is this feeling,
So sudden and new?

Rumpelstiltskin
I felt the moment
I laid eyes on you;

Killian
My pulse is rushing!

When Killian reached up to rub his neck free of some stiffness, his eyes widened in alarm when he stopped to check his pulse. No doubt the problem was Rumpelstiltskin's doing as it had never happened before now, at least not that Killian could recall.

Rumpelstiltskin
My head is aching!

Rumpelstiltskin rolled his eyes as he rubbed one of his temples to ease off the headache Killian was giving him. Killian wasn't the only one feeling physical afflictions by unwanted company.

Killian
My face is flushing!

When they passed by a mirror in the hall; Killian's brow wrinkled in displeasure at sight of his face; which was normally so pale and smooth, now almost red as if he was sick or sunburned.

Both
What is this feeling?
Fervid as a flame,
Does it have a name?
Yes! Loathing
Unadulterated loathing

Rumpelstiltskin and Killian stared at each other with disdain. While neither one of them was admitting aloud that they'd finally found something to agree on, it was clear neither one of them intended to stop with the honest insults now that they were finally getting it all out in the open.

Killian
For your face

Rumpelstiltskin
Your voice

Killian
Your clothing

In Killian's opinion, there was nothing and no one more hideous looking than Rumpelstiltskin. The man was the living embodiment of ugliness with his gold, almost scaly skin; black fingernails and unnaturally colored eyes and his clothing gave the appearance of a street urchin and not a favored student.

In Rumpelstiltskin's opinion, there was never a more dislikable man than Killian Jones. And it wasn't just Killian's behavior that Rumpelstiltskin detested, it was his behavior, his arrogant looks and his really annoying voice that gave Rumpelstiltskin migraines and seemed to make his crippled leg throb even more.

Both
Let's just say - I loathe it all
Every little trait, however small
Makes my very flesh begin to crawl
With simple utter loathing
There's a strange exhilaration
In such total detestation
It's so pure, so strong!
Though I do admit it came on fast
Still I do believe that it can last
And I will be loathing
Loathing you
My whole life long!

It seemed almost unbelievable that two people could dislike each other so much in such a short amount of time, but it was true. Everything single thing—no matter if it was good or bad, big or small—about Rumpelstiltskin and Killian made the other loath one another even more and they made no bones about it.

When they passed by some of their fellow students on the way to their dorm who overheard the insults being passed, as one might've expected, they were immediately on Killian's side as he was the handsome, normal student was being shown much unfairness and clearly deserved better. They didn't care for Rumpelstiltskin's own struggles and sufferings. Naturally, Killian allowed them to pity him as he loved the attention.

Students:
Dear Killian, you are just too good
How do you stand it? I don't think I could!
He's a terror! He's a tartar!
We don't mean to show a bias,
But Killian, you're a martyr!

Killian
Well; these things are sent to try us!

Students:
Poor Killian, forced to reside
With someone so disgusting!
We just want to tell you
We're all on your side!
We share your…

Rumpelstiltskin fought back the urge to hit them all with some magic. The students were all simple-minded, biased fools who clearly couldn't see the truth in what was before them. Killian might've been the normal one, but he was no saint and he certainly didn't deserve anyone's pity. What did he know of suffering? He was no martyr, he was a spoiled idiot!

While Rumpelstiltskin managed to restrain himself from cursing the lot of them, he couldn't hold back the scoff that emitted from his throat. It immediately caught Killian's attention and he 'accidentally' tripped Rumpelstiltskin in retaliation, and that led to even more insults and unkind words to be spoken to each other.

Both
What is this feeling
So sudden and new?
I felt the moment I laid eyes on you
My pulse is rushing
My head is aching
Oh, what is this feeling?
Does it have a name?
Yes
Ahhh

Students (background)
Loathing! Unadulterated loathing
For his face, his voice, his clothing
Let's just say - we loathe it all
Every little trait however small
Makes our very flesh being to crawl
AHHH!

At that point, more than just unkind words were being spoken. Both men lost their tempers and it was a miracle they didn't attract the attention of the professors or headmistress because there were bursts of magic were being tossed, slaps thrown, sword blows dodged and met as well blows from a cane being narrowly avoided along with the promise to hate the other forever.

All
Loathing!

Both
There's a strange exhilaration

Students
Loathing

Both
In such total detestation

Students
Loathing

Both:
It's so pure, so strong

Students:
So strong!

One would think that Rumpelstiltskin and Killian would get past their terrible first impressions of each other, apologize and start again as most people do. But it seemed that wasn't in their futures. Rumpelstiltskin and Killian found no reason whatsoever to apologize to one another or like each other. They were determined to despise each other until the end of time.

It was also a fact that their dislike of each other was giving them a good excuse to let loose their bottled up emotions. It brought about a strong feeling of adrenaline, like a release from their problems and gave them strength. It was quite exhilarating and both men found it rather enjoyable.

Both
Though I do admit it came on fast
Still I do believe that it can last
And I will be…

Students (background)
Loathing…

Both:
Loathing, for forever
Truly deeply loathing you
Loathing you
My whole life long!

Students:
Loathing
Unadulterated loathing

Finally, Rumpelstiltskin and Killian called a temporary truce for the night as they were both tired and had a lot to do come the morning and they'd had enough fighting for one day. Anymore could wait until tomorrow afternoon at the very least.

Just before they reached their dorm room door, however, Rumpelstiltskin decided to get one last bit of payback in. He went ahead of Killian, went into a dark corner and waited until Killian came by.

"Boo!" yelled Rumpelstiltskin.

Quite startled, Killian let out an undignified shriek similar to that of a little girl's and shot daggers at Rumpelstiltskin when the man cackled.

They were never going to like each other—ever.