Xxx

Belle watched her master from the top of the ladder she stood on as he worked at his spinning wheel. He was so different from what she thought he would be. She didn't do anything too strenuous. It was usually basic cleaning and cooking. He treated her more like a lady than most of the nobles in her father's kingdom. Especially...

"Why do you spin so much?"

Belle hadn't actually thought about what she had said. She just needed to distract her mind from the path it was taking. The Dark One glanced at her.

"You've turned more straw into gold than you can spend."

Rumplestiltskin was still for a few moments. Belle was prepared for him to brush her off.

"I like to watch the wheel," he said, his voice strangely sorrowful. "Helps me forget."

"Forget what?"

A confused look crossed the imp's face before he smiled widely.

"I guess it worked!"

He giggled maniacally. Belle found the sound infectious, and soon was laughing herself. She wasn't fooled for a second. She saw the look in his eyes. They were cold and void of emotion. He was hiding.

Just like she was.

"What are you doing?" he asked as he stood and approached her.

"Opening these!" Belle said as he pulled on the curtains. "It's almost spring, we should let some light in. What did you do, nail them down?"

"Yes," Rumplestiltskin said as though it were the dumbest question he had ever heard. Belle couldn't help but smile slightly at that before returning to the curtain. She gave another strong yank, and it tore, sending her toppling to the ground. Fear shook her mind, as he prepared to hit the floor.

She was surprised when she landed in Rumplestiltskin's arms. He caught her as though she were a child, rather than a full grown woman. She was in shock for a few moments, staring up into the imp's dazed eyes. The moment reality hit her, fear attacked her mind, causing her to shake uncontrollably. Rumplestiltskin's eyes seemed to widen, as though he had realized something and put her down. Belle took in deep breaths, trying to calm herself. Rumplestiltskin returned to his spinning wheel, as though nothing had happened.

"Th-thank you," Belle said softly.

"Is... not matter," Rumplestiltskin replied, not looking away from the wheel.

"I'll put the curtain back up," Belle offered.

"No need," Rumplestiltskin said. "I'll get used to it."