A week had passed since Regina's unexpected visit, and the castle had been busy ever since then, ensuring that all mirrors that could be disposed of were removed, and those that couldn't were covered. Belle had gathered everyone who frequented the palace into the throne room, and with Rumple at her side, explained that they both believed someone was using mirrors to spy on the goings on of the castle. She did not tell them what had happened, and the council had only been told an abridged version of the story, and that while mirrors were not necessarily banned, their use was heavily discouraged, especially if important or private conversation was going on. Belle understood that the use of mirrors could not be taken away from the people, but Rumplestiltskin had laughed, "I've gone years without using a mirror, dearie!" he'd informed her.

"I can tell," Belle retorted dryly before turning to Leonardo to further discuss the use of mirrors in the castle. Rumple had only been able to stare at her, unsure if he should be insulted or amused.

Later that evening, Belle sat in the study reading, a luxury she hadn't had time for in recent weeks, when Rumplestiltskin appeared in front of her. She was used to his sudden appearances by now, and merely lifted her hand to him in brief acknowledgement before she turned the page of her book. Rumplestiltskin paced around the room, fiddling with various objects while he waited for Belle to reach a stopping point. He knew better than to try to talk to her while she was reading, especially if it was something that could wait for a few minutes. And so Rumplestiltskin, a man who did not like to be kept waiting by anyone, waited.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she placed a piece of ribbon between the pages of her book and closed it. "Sorry," she said and beckoned him over to her. "I needed to get to the end of the chapter."

Rumple waved his hand and said, "Don't worry about it, dear."

She patted the spot next to her, and Rumplestiltskin flopped down to sit next to her. "So, how are you?" She asked as she turned to face him.

"I'm well, Your Majesty," he said, "And yourself?"

She leaned her head against the back of the couch and sighed, "Exhausted."

He regarded her carefully. She did look tired. While they were working together, Rumplestiltskin had been taking a step back, letting Belle lead the people in the way she thought best. He always offered his opinion when she asked, and ensured that no one dared defy her, but he was enjoying watching her blossom and grow, not only as a queen, but as a woman. She was beauty and love and kindness personified, and he wanted nothing more than to bask in her presence. When he was near her, he felt a kind of peace he'd thought left when he lost his son.

"Perhaps you should get some rest then, instead of reading."

She glared at him and he raised his hands in defense, "Or not."

She laughed then, and shifted to lean against him, placing her head on his shoulder. It was not new for her to do this; she had always been affectionate toward him. Every time she leaned against him, he longed to wrap his arms around her and never let her go. Instead he merely rested his cheek on top of her head and said with a sigh, "I actually came here with a purpose."

"Which is?" Belle prompted.

"I'm going out tonight."

Belle raised her head to look at him. "To make a deal?" She asked curiously.

He waved his hands in front of him and shrugged slightly, "Possibly."

She narrowed her eyes at him suddenly, "Does this have something to do with Regina?" She questioned.

He shook his head. "Have no fear, dearie. Just a simple deal, is all. Shouldn't take more than an hour."

She moved away from him and he stood to leave. Before he vanished he heard Belle call out, "Be careful, Rum," and his heart ached over the fact that she wished him well after he'd lied to her.

-000-

Belle looked at the spot where Rumple had stood only moments before and sighed. Even back at the Dark Castle, he would never tell her much about his deals. Occasionally he would give her details, but he never told her everything. Something about confidentiality, he said. Stifling a yawn, Belle decided to read another chapter before taking Rumplestiltskin's advice and going to bed, but she only managed to get through a few sentences before there was another knock on her door.

"Enter," Belle called and she stood to greet her guest. She had to hide her disappointment when it was Gaston who entered the room. He stopped and bowed to her before coming forward. "Good Evening, Lady Bel-Your Majesty," he corrected himself quickly. Many people in the castle had made the same mistake over the past few weeks and Belle couldn't help but find it humorous.

"It's all right, Gaston," she said with an awkward smile. "You may call me 'Belle'."

"I wondered if I could speak with you," he looked around the room, searching. "Alone."

"Rumplestiltskin is not here, if that is what you are implying. We are alone."

He nodded, unsure of how to behave around her. They'd barely been alone together when they'd been betrothed, and even then, he hadn't known how to act around her. She was different than most girls in their land, and although Gaston would never admit it, Belle had always intimidated him. Now that she was a queen, he felt he knew her even less.

Sensing his slight nervousness, Belle offered to call for tea, knowing he would feel better if he had something in his hands, but he declined. He looked around for a moment, unable to meet Belle's eyes, and she wondered just where the brave knight who'd gallantly fought against ogres had gone. They'd never really talked much before she left with Rumplestiltskin, and the few times they had, Gaston had dominated the conversation about his latest kills or conquests in battle; and while Belle could appreciate those things, her interest in the subjects could only last so long. She longed to talk about politics, or the latest book she'd read, and with Gaston, those subjects had been practically off limits. He was intelligent, but certainly not a reader, and that was one of the things that had endeared Rumplestiltskin to her: He had read more books than she knew existed, and he was always eager to discuss what she'd read. She wasn't sure if it was due to his loneliness or if he really enjoyed talking with her, but it was a quality in him that she adored.

"Is everything all right," She asked Gaston softly, genuinely concerned. She may not have been fond of Gaston - she certainly had no interest in marrying him - but he had come to her, and it was her duty as queen to make sure all those under her reign were cared for.

"I..." he hesitated, before asking, "May I speak boldly, Your Maj-Belle?"

"Of course," she said, and moved back to the couch. Just as she'd done for Rumplestiltskin, she patted the seat next to her. "Sit and tell me what's on your mind."

He obliged and sat down. She sat up straight and as far away from him as she could get without making it too obvious that she was trying to keep her distance. Unlike when she was with Rumplestiltskin, she was determined to maintain propriety with Gaston. She could sense his nervousness and wondered if he noticed how uneasy she felt as well. She'd lived alone with the Dark One and yet an ordinary man made her more uncomfortable than a man who wielded almost unlimited power. She could have laughed if Gaston had not looked so stricken.

"What's wrong, Gaston?" She asked, forsaking her nervousness and reached out to touch his arm. The gesture must have helped, for he began to speak.

"I was wondering if you wished to...resume...our engagement."

Belle sighed and looked at Gaston tiredly, removing her hand from him. "Gaston, we already talked about this-"

"No," he said, cutting her off. "We didn't. I offered in front of the council, and you said no. I asked then because I was told to. Because it was the proper thing to do. But I'm not here now to ask you for any sort of political reasons. I care about you, Belle, no matter what you may think. I know you are not overly fond of me, but we would be a fine match. I could give you an heir to the throne and it doesn't matter that I wouldn't be king. I'm more suited for the battlefield, at any rate. But won't you consider it? It could be good for us."

She looked down demurely and picked at the fabric of her dress. She'd hoped and prayed to avoid this conversation, but something in her had known he would broach the subject. "Gaston," she said softly, "You are a wonderful man and an excellent knight, and I'm grateful for all that you did for my father and the kingdom, but I don't..." she paused, unsure of how to continue.

"But, you don't love me." He finished for her. "And you want to marry someone you love, I suppose."

"I'm sorry, Gaston."

He gave a sad chuckle and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I knew you would say no. But, I also knew I had to ask. To let you know the offer was there, if you wanted it."

She smiled appreciatively, "Thank you, Gaston. I do appreciate you asking."

He was quiet for a moment then turned his head to look at her and said, "Just tell me you don't have any feelings for that creature."

She froze, eyes wide at his words and Gaston gave her dry look. "Oh, Belle, no." He said in disgust. "You can't really have feelings for him, can you?"

She shook her head, "Of course not, Gaston. I mean, I care for him as a friend…but…" She broke off and looked away, trying to hide the shock of the realization that had come over her. I do love him, she thought to herself. I'm in love with Rumplestiltskin.

She turned her attention back to Gaston, offering him a smile and a slight shrug. "You've only ever seen him in the council chamber," Belle began, "But when we are working together in the study, there is another side to him. He's…different. We get along very well."

"So long as you don't do anything foolish, Belle," Gaston remarked, warning in his voice. "I respect your wishes to have him here because of the deal, but I do not like him."

"But do you trust him?" Belle inquired and Gaston slumped his shoulders. "He has taken care of us so far," he replied, "And he has stayed true to his word. I suppose I have no choice but to trust him; especially if he has earned the trust of the Queen."

Belle nodded. "I trust Rumplestiltskin with my life."

Gaston looked at her pointedly, "Do you trust me with the same?"

Taken slightly aback by such a blunt question, Belle took a moment to think before answering. "You are a valiant knight, Sir Gaston," Belle smiled gently, letting her hand touch his cheek. "Avonlea is honored to have you serve her; and I am honored to call you friend."

Gaston took her hand from his cheek and held in gently between his large, masculine ones. "You consider me a friend?" He asked, almost surprised.

"I cannot give you what you desire, Gaston," Belle replied gently, "But I can offer you friendship. You are brave and true, and I know that I – and Avonlea – can rely on you to keep us safe… outside the realm of magic." She said with a smile.

He chuckled, his voice deep, "I cannot protect you against magic, that is true," Gaston agreed, "But I will give my life to protect you from whatever else tries to harm you."

"It is my hope that you never have to," Belle said sincerely, and Gaston squeezed her hand in response.

They smiled at each other then, and Gaston rose to leave, disappointed in her rejection of his hand, but grateful for the new understanding he had reached with his former fiancé. She was still a strange girl in his eyes, but this brief talk with her had helped clear up years of confusion. He still didn't quite understand her, but he could appreciate her, and she had called him friend which was more than they'd ever truly been before. It was a good start.

He wished Belle a good night, then disappeared out of the room, leaving Belle to her thoughts. She mulled over the conversation she had just had with Gaston, pleased at how well it had gone, but paused as she allowed her thoughts to wander back to Rumplestiltskin.

She could hardly believe she hadn't realized it sooner, but it made perfect sense. She had never been in love before, and the only thing she had to base her feelings on were novels and gossip amongst the maids and servants. She was confused but delighted that she now had a name to put with the emotions she felt every time she laid eyes on the Dark One. She was sure it was love, for it could be nothing else.

-000-

Rumplestiltskin appeared in a cloud of smoke in the middle of a large, eloquent room. The walls were black, mirrors hanging everywhere, and a long, dark mahogany table sat in the center of the room, a polished silver tea set waiting near the edge. He strode over to the table and began pouring himself a cup when he heard the distinct clacking of heels against the hard floor.

"Nice to see you finally showed up, Rumple," Regina said snidely as she approached the table and sat down in the luscious armchair placed at the head. She waved a hand and the second cup was instantly filled with tea and lemon, and floated to her. She reached out and removed the cup from the still floating saucer and took a long sip. She rolled her eyes up to Rumple and gestured to the chair diagonal to her with a free hand. "Won't you sit?"

"Oh no, dearie," Rumple said dismissively, as he fiddled with his cup. "I won't be staying long. Just thought I'd pop by to let you know that I've had a," he paused, pretending to search for the words, but they both knew he knew exactly what he wanted to say, "change of heart, you could say," he finally finished, waving his hand as he spoke.

Regina arched an elegant eyebrow, "I'm not sure I understand what you mean," she said, her tone dark.

"I mean, dearie, that I'm no longer interested in our deal," Rumple explained, setting his cup down, and turning to face her fully. "It's off."

Regina slammed her teacup onto the table and stood, enraged. "What do you mean," she hissed darkly, "that it's off?"

"What I mean," Rumple stated, sauntering up to the Queen, looking up at her , "Is that you no longer have anything that I'm interested in."

"What you mean," Regina growled as she brought her face close to his, "Is that you're breaking our deal. You promised me that you would help me find a way to get rid of Snow White if I helped you find a way to get to your son. And now you've got that little tart who thinks she's a queen warming your bed and what? Suddenly that's more important than the son you were willing to tear the world apart to find? She must be good, Rumple-"

His hand closed around her throat and she ceased speaking, feeling the pressure of his claws against her skin. He leaned closer still and whispered, his tone low and dark, "I've only broken one deal in my life, dearie. You want a way to get rid of Snow White? Use a sleeping curse or a potion that makes her forget her True Love. Surely with all your power you can conjure up something that will do the trick. The thing is, I have more important things to worry about now than your silly little desire for revenge against the princess so why don't you either get over it, or figure out something on your own."

Regina glared. "And what about you," she asked, voice struggling against his grip. "What about that curse you discovered that could help you find your son? I thought you needed my assistance?"

"The fact is," Rumple said, his grip tightening and Regina began to sputter and struggle to breathe, "I no longer need it. There are other ways, and I'll find one. I no longer require your services." He let go of her throat then, and Regina grasped at it herself, coughing slightly and taking in a deep breath.

"You're going to regret this, Rumple," she gasped, and Rumple ticked his finger back and forth, "Oh no, dearie. I'm not," he stated plainly. "But, if you ever show up and insult Belle again, I will personally make your life a living hell."

"My life is already a living hell," she snarled loudly, then stood up straight and took a breath, returning to the collected queen she always presented herself as. "If I cannot have my happy ending, then no one else should either."

"Well, have fun with that," Rumple replied lightly, his hand floating wildly around him. "Heed my words though, Regina," he said, his voice lowering dangerously. "We," he gestured between them, "are done."

He disappeared the same way he came, in a cloud of dark smoke and Regina stared at the mist with blind rage. "That's where you're wrong, Rumple," she growled into the air, "This is far from over."


End Chapter Eight


Author's Notes:

Apologies for any mistakes that are made.

Fluff is coming and I'm sooo excited for you all to see what happens!

Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time.