Belle had seen witches before, in her books of course, but there was nothing in the encyclopedia's and various text that mentioned that some witches... were attractive. The beauty did not quite understand why she felt so intensly threatened by this woman, this Zelena. Who knows where she had come from, what was her purpose in he dark castle? So far all Belle knew was that this woman was here sticking her nose where it did not belong, and more importantly, she was sticking her nose into Rumplestiltskin's business.

Belle examined the witch, as she stood before her. She had red hair, which waved down beneath her shoulders while her striking green gaze made the beauty shiver. In fact, she was so caught up in her own thoughts that she almost did not hear what Zelena was saying.

"So you are the one everyone has been making a fuss about." Zelena began, "the villages will not stop talking about the Dark One's captured princess."

"I don't think-" Belle started. She knew that there must have been some gossip after she left the castle, gossip and slander about Rumplestiltskin and herself. She only wished that the rumors did not back it back to her father in Avonlea.

"Oh, please dear, don't be modest." Zelena pursed her red lips together, mockingly, "I suppose that makes you the damsel in distress, yes? Trapped and held hostage by the most dangerous man in the entire Enchanted Forest."

"I am not being held hostage" Belle retorted, quick enough that Zelena knew she had struck a nerve. Then in a short instant, both women's attention turned towards the door wen they heard a sound coming from behind them. Belle immediately recognized the leathered figure emerging from the shadows, and an overwhelming amount of relief came over her.

"Ah, Rumple, just the person I wanted to see." Zelena cooed, digging her claws into the leather on his jacket. However, Rumplestiltskin paid no attention to the manipulative gesture and ripped away from her grasp, backing away from Zelena and towards Belle.

"Zelena," he greeted, "it seems this is another occurrence that you were neither welcome or invited." He spat.

The sorceress scoffed briskly at his rude comment, then moved on to observing the fine décor and art pieces of the room. With a strong paced and the click clack sound of her high heeled boots, Zelena ran her finger over one of the smaller cabinets in the corner of the hall. She pulled up her hand to reveal that dust had covered her finger, then with a taunting hiss she made a tisking noise. "Your castle is dusty, tell me my dear, Rumple, do you have your maid to actually clean your castle, or do you enjoy her for other scandalous purposes?"

Belle saw in Rumplestiltskin's eyes he wanted nothing but to lunge at her, to rid their home of her unwelcome and disturbing presence, but instead, he leaned over to her and grazed his hand along the beauty's back.

"Belle, go upstairs into Bae's room." He commanded her, lowly, and she did exactly what she was told without another word. When Belle had gone up the stairs, Zelena pulled up and chair and sat with her feet up, comfortably.

"I haven't seen you around these parts for quite sometime, dearie" Rumple confronted her, an annoyance in his tone.

"Do you blame me?" She replied, "She's here." A distasteful look came upon the redhead's face.

"You can't run away from your sister forever, Zelena." Rumple retorted. He had known that Regina, the queen of the northern kingdom, had only just recently found out about her estranged older sister's existence, and it was all thanks to their mother, Cora. Their mother was a feisty woman- Rumple knew, having had a small flirtation with her in years passed.

Perhaps that is why he was concerned with Zelena's obsessive and blind intentions in the present. Or what the Dark One feared the most was unpredictability, the uncertainty what Zelena would do to Belle if she ever found out that he had fallen in love with her.

"I can do whatever I want" Zelena protested, "I am the one with the more powerful magic, after all."

Rumple gave her an unfriendly smile and took a tiny step towards her. "What is the real reason you have come here, dearie?"

"Isn't it obvious?" She began, watching him for a moment before making her confession, "I came back for you."

"In what delusional world are you living in, that I ever returned your feelings?" His words were calm yet harsh, which seemed to silence Zelena for what seemed to be a very long eternity.

"Is it because of that girl?" She finally said, "Is it that Belle?" Her voice was defiled with disgust, "Come on, Rumple! The little princess doesn't even conjure magic!"

He recalled the day when he had taught her how to spin on his wheel, one of his most prized possessions. Belle had managed to turned a single strand of regular straw into a beautiful gleaming rod of gold. But that was it, unlike the many other power hungry people that lived in the Enchanted Forest, Belle dismissed magic and even stated that she was no longer interested in performing. He was glad that she did not do magic- she was far too innocent for that kind of corruption. Unlike himself, Rumplestiltskin knew that magic would continue controlling the rest of his long immortal life.

"She could never give you what I could give you" she purred, once more running her hand along side of his chest.

"And what is that? Annoyance? Well congratulations, dearie, you've won." Rumple quipped. While Zelena's facial expressions did not change. She remained serious and straightforward, while a twinkle of hope gleamed in her eyes. "I could give you a child," she said "one born with incredible powers. Between you and I? Could you imagine the destruction our child would cause? The world would be at our feet, the Enchanted Forest would be ours."

"You're psychotic. Why on earth would I ever want a child with you?" Rumple gave her a disgusted look.

"Because you are a slave to power." She hissed, "I don't want to know what you would do to gain the upper hand."

"Everyone has their limits." He spoke flatly, "especially if it concerns you." Then Rumple drew a large fireball from his bare hands. "Now, get out of my castle." He ordered.

"This isn't over, not even close, dearie." She mimicked his voice, then in a puff of green smoke she disappeared.


Belle charged back through the doors of the main hall as soon as she was sure that Zelena was gone. She saw Rumplestiltskin standing there, staring blankly at the wall.

"Are you alright?" Belle called out.

Rumple nodded and turned towards her.

"Who was she?"

"No one." He answered coldly.

"It didn't seem like no one, she seemed.. jealous- in fact, I think she- I- I think she liked you."

For a brief moment, and a brief moment only, Rumple could of sworn he heard a hint of jealousy in his little maid's voice. She had stuttered adorably to get her words out. He enjoyed watching the cute expressions of frustration when she could not properly form a sentence without trying to be either nervous, or awkward.

"Not just like dearie, love." Rumple corrected her. "But you need to listen to me" there was nothing but seriousness in his tone, "don't ever talk to her again, do you understand? Zelena is a very dangerous witch."

Belle nodded at his request. "I hope that I am fortunate enough to never cross paths with her again." The beauty admitted. She had gotten an incredibly eerie feeling from that woman, but Belle could not help but wonder, exactly what role did she play in Rumplestiltskin's life? Had they been lovers in the past?

"So you two have.. Met before I assume then?" She spoke up, a strange feeling washing over her.

"Indeed" Rumplestiltskin's expression turned flat. Belle cocked her head to the side slightly, "Did you..." Belle did not know how to finish her sentence without either sounding more jealous than she already felt. "Did you love her?"

There was a short silence before Rumple responded which made Belle's heart thud hard in her chest. Then to her surprise, Rumplestiltskin started laughing. It was the first time Belle had heard Rumple laugh not like an imp, but like a man. His laugh was low and lively, as if she had said something truly hilarious.

"Hardly, the woman is psychotic and rather obsessive." He answered. "She was my apprentice for a short time." Rumple explained, "but when I noticed her uncomfortable.. attachment to me, I let her go."

"So, she wants revenge?" Belle questioned.

"I'm not too sure, Belle, but I am sure of one thing. I will make sure she never comes near you again"


The next morning, Rumplestiltskin made his way downstairs and was surprised to see Belle in the living room. She was sound asleep on one of the cushioned sofas, her head resting upon a golden small pillow and a book still half opened into her hands. The fireplace crackled peacefully, illuminating her rosy cheeks and fair pink complexion, while her blue dress seemed to hug the curves of her body.

The Dark One couldn't stop himself from staring at the sight. Belle's shiny chestnut hair flowed down past her chest, capturing the lovely frame of her face.

"Papa what are you doing? Bae questioned, having observed his father hopelessly staring at the Beauty. Rumplestiltskin hadn't known that his sn had snuck up on him so easily while he was.. distracted.

"Nothing" Rumplestiltskin turned away from Belle quickly, facing the other direction like he wasn't interested. Then Baelfire's mouth nearly hit the tiles of the floor.

"You like her!" Bae smiled with his accusation, covering his hands over his mouth, childishly. He pieced together the pieces, making sense of most of his fathers uncharacteristic actions in the past couple months or so.

"I mean you like, like her."

"What? I do not." Rumple spoke in an offended tone, acting as though what Bae had said was absolutely preposterous. But despite his transparent denial, Baelfire sighed, inching towards his father with a smug grin painted on his face. "Papa, I've seen the way you look at her... she is very beautiful."

"I haven't noticed." He cut his son off trying to ignore what he had just said, knowing that he had a point. He did tend to stare at her a lot, when she read, cooked, cleaned, curled up like a household cat on the sofa in front of the warm blazing fireplace- and when he did not look at her, he was thinking about her. Rumplestiltskin had tried hard to keep his feelings hidden, refusing on acting on such human emotions. For he was no longer human, he had sacrificed that when he took on the Dark One curse, how would he know how to love since love was never shown to him?

"Why don't you ask her to dinner, just the two of you?" Bae suggested.

"Like a date?" Rumple scoffed pretending to be uninterested in the thought. Baeflire nodded at his father's question. "What's the harm?" The boy attempted to persuade his father "You ask Belle to dinner, she'll say yes, you both will have a great time." He urged, holding the top of his father's shoulder with reassurance.

"I just don't know how to ask her." Rumplestiltskin admitted, "and what if she doesn't want to-"

"Leave it up to me" Bae smiled, "just make sure you are in the main hall at three o'clock this afternoon."

Wonderful, Rumple thought sarcastically to himself, that is just what is going to woo Belle. His entire romantic future and date with the beauty had fallen into the hands of a nine year old little boy.


When Rumple walked downstairs he saw Bae and Belle sitting close to the fireplace. They were snuggled up, side by side, while Belle was reading to him. He had always enjoyed watching them together, they had such fun, fun that he had not seen his son have for a long time. She would show him all the pictures and illustrations and they would engage in conversation that would last a while.

"Rumple" Belle smiled, looking back at him from the couch. "Bae said you wanted to ask me something."

"No" Rumple nearly yelled, his body frozen, anchored by her angelic gaze. He wanted to slap himself for the awkward behavior he was displaying, was this Baelfire's idea of a romantic gesture?

"Well, if you don't need me for anything-"

"Belle, wait" Rumplestiltskin called as she began to turn back to her novel, catching her attention immediately.

"Yes?"

Then it was if he had forgotten the entire English language all at once. Words seemed impossible, as long as her bright blue eyes were on him. Her complexion was luminous and clear while her lips parted just slightly, anticipating what he was about to say.

"I uhh.." He started, clearing his throat once more before beginning his sentence over. "I was wondering if you would accompany me to dinner tonight-"

"Dinner? Just the two of us?" Belle questioned, raising her eyebrows at him.

Rumple nodded, a gigantic lump growing and forming in his throat with each second that passed when she did not respond back. "I'd like that." She finally replied, a shy childish smile grew on her face. He tried to hide his smile also, at the acceptance of his invitation, and tried to play it cool for the rest of the conversation that followed.

"I will meet you at exactly eight o'clock at the bottom of the stairs." He confirmed firmly.

The Beauty smiled at him, hiding her blush cheeks as she turned away, anticipating the evening that lay ahead of her. He had asked her to dinner, the Dark One himself and the princess was happy about it. She could not explain the twinge of excitement or the hasty reply she gave to his invitation.

All Belle had to do now was wait for the hour to arrive, worrying about the various dresses she had in her closet that Rumplestiltskin had generously given to her.

Rumplestiltskin was no different. He spent the rest of his day in his chambers, fidgeting over what he would things he would say to her and what to possibly wear to impress such a beautiful woman such as Belle. The night had to be absolutely perfect.

When the clock struck eight o'clock, Belle sat in her room dressed for dinner and stared at herself in the mirror. Her face was powdered with the finest makeup, yet she still, felt self conscious of what she looked like. Taking a deep breath in, Belle walked out of her room and began to walk down the grand staircase. She had dressed herself in her royal golden dress which was tucked tightly around her waist. Her chestnut hair was curled in ringlets flowing past her chest and she straightened her voluminous skirt. Belle descended the steps of the large staircase with all of the grace and poise she had been born with.

She took a deep breath in when she saw Rumplestiltskin standing at the bottom of the staircase, dressed as a gentleman would in a formal suit. Her mind immediately turned back to worrying on what he thought of her, how she looked.

Had she powdered her nose enough? Were her lips perfectly red?

The closer she came towards him, the faster and more frequent her breathing became. Her thoughts became scattered with each step closer until she was facing him, her mind completely blank of words to say.

"You look very beautiful." He stated lowly, holding out his hand for her to grasp.

"Thank you" The beauty responded to his comment, taking his outreached hand in hers as he led her into the grand ballroom.

Belle gasped at the sight of it.

The ballroom was nothing like she'd left it. Sheer golden curtains hung around the large windows, catching starlight in their shimmering folds. The table had been moved to the side of the room, out of the way and decorated with more food than they could ever hope to eat. The floor had been polished to a reflective glimmering shine, capturing glimpses and shadows of stars from the vast open windows. In the corner, an enchanted band played with many golden expensive-looking instruments but no people to play them. It was absolutely breathtaking.

From the midst of the magical golden splendor, Rumpelstiltskin came towards her, and she noticed what he was wearing. Rumplestiltskin was dressed in a fine black leather suit with long complementary coat-tails. He stopped a few inches in front of her, his hands clasped behind his back and an expression of nervous pride on his dark features. He blinked twice, unable to read Belle's mind at her opinion of the change.

"Well, dearie?" he asked softly. "What do you think?"

"It's beautiful," The princess praised, unable to make up her mind whether she should fix her gaze on the room or on him. She finally decided to meet his gaze and their stares locked on one another for a long moment.

"I love it" Belle whispered, causing Rumpelstiltskin to grin widely with child-like delight.

"I was hoping you would appreciate that I finally found something to do with all of my gold." His answer made her giggle, making him let out a soft chuckled himself. He then took her hand and bowed towards her, over exaggerating the gentleman-like movement. "May I have this dance?"

To Rumplestlitskin's delight, Belle blushed.

"You may" she smiled, taking his hand as he led her to the middle of the golden floor. Then as they both stepped into the middle of the ballroom, the instruments magically started to play a slow joyous tempo. Her hand rested on his shoulder and his on her corset as they started to dance. They were caught up in the contagious music and endlessly lost track of time.

"Of all things Rumplestiltskin, I would have never guessed you were a remarkable dancer." She spoke, gazing up into his brown dark eyes. He smirked at her comment and swung her out, swooping her back into the comfort of his arms. "I guess sometimes people surprise you."

Belle laughed at the dance move, awaiting until he would do that again. They swayed in the same rhythmic movements, her ball gown flowing and moving with each step they took. "The food looks delicious." Belle observed, glancing over at the large table that held their feast.

Rumple chuckled at the attempt of small talk Belle tried to create. They didn't need words, they were tranced by the beat of the music and the swing of their step. After a while of dancing, he brought up a more serious topic, finding that he was holding her tighter then when they had first begun. Belle was looking at his cheeks and the rounds of his mouth, he had observed, though he did comprehend why.

"Your skin-" she began.

He cringed at her comment. He expected to be mocked do his scaly complexion. "I know" he interrupted, "it must appall you."

"No" she answered instantly, "it kind of reminds me of.. diamonds." She traced her finger on his cheek, which made him close his eyes and try not to swallow the large lump in his chest. "When miners dig up gems from the ground, when they see their first light of the sun they expand and burst into sparkling shimmers of sunlight."

Belle's voice was soft and gentle, feminine and beautiful. Rumple tried not to notice when her body came a little closer to his and her fingers started to intertwine with his. The Dark One felt as if he would pass out, just from that innocent touch of her hands. He had to make up an excuse to save his masculinity and he had t do it quick. Rumple cleared his throat and parted away from Belle. "Our food is getting cold." He coughed.

"We wouldn't want that now, would we?" She joked, letting out a little giggle as Rumple pulled her chair out for her.

Thy sat down at the beautifully decorated table at the side of the ballroom. Rumplestiltskin knew that his son was talented when it came to his creativity and imagination, but this exceeded even his expectations. Everything looked perfect, everything looked extremely beautiful- just like she did.

"Would you like some wine?" He asked her, picking up the skinny bottle and popping the top of the lid off with a loud sound.

Belle heard Rumple gasp at the slip of his hand and watched his terrified face when the wine spilt all over the white laced tablecloth. He looked absolutely terrified.

"I am so sorry" he breathed, unsure of what else he could possibly say.

"At least none of it got on my gown" she giggled.

"I don't know what has gotten into me." He admitted.

Belle grabbed his hand gently and began calming him down, slowly. She knew he had been nervous, but would never tell him as much. The beauty thought that his awkward movements and strange nervous behavior was cute. It was a new side of him that she had never really seen before.

Through the evening, however, Rumplestiltskin had become less and less nervous. Maybe, it was because of Belle's extreme consumption of alcohol. Glass after glass, the beauty excepted the sparkling white and the red wine, like a child reaching for the soothing comfort of their bottle. Belle's cheeks turned rosy pink and a loud giggle was never far behind everything he said to her.

"You know" she slurred her words, "my father never let me have more than one glass of wine."

"I wonder why" He smirked.

She was drunk. Having been sipping in the bottle the whole night, Belle had nearly lost both her speech and coordination. He had not meant for her to drink so much, but she kept insisting on drinking "the sparkling juice".

Belle stumbled out of her chair and waltzed over to the piano. She sat down with all the grace of a lady and giggled like a savage. She lifted the lid carefully and dangled her fingers over the instrument before moving her hands all over the place, resulting in a horrible off key tune and a even more giggling princess.

"Alright." Rumplestiltskin concluded, pulling the lid back over the piano and leading her towards the staircase. "I think we can call it a night." He sighed. Rumple knew ho sick she would end up being in the morning, the poor girl.

"Perhaps this was all a mistake." He thought out loud.

"No" Belle objected. "I'm glad you asked me to dinner tonight."

Then there faces became so close that another inch or so and they could of kissed. Belle felt herself being drawn closer and closer to him, like a piece of metal unconditionally drawn to a magnet.

Then she felt something that she had never rally felt before, a strange sensation. It made her dizzy. And realization finally hit her that it was from the wine. She had nearly drank the whole bottle to herself- she was going to be sick!

Belle all of a sudden bent down and vomited all over Rumplestiltskin's leather shoes.

"I think you've had enough wine for tonight, darling' he finally said. He carried the beauty up to her chambers and lay her on her bed, covering with the soft sheet.

It had been a day full of events. He had finally found the courage within himself to ask Belle out on a date. Rumple had found his courage within a coward that he thought he had lost all those years ago. Their faces were so close tonight that one movement from either one of them and their lips would of touched. But of course, fate or whatever you would like to call it had very different plans. Instead of leaving the night with a goodnight kiss, he had left with vomit on his shoes. Was this a sign?

Maybe it just wasn't meant to be.

Hey everyone! This chapter took a bit longer than the others because it was quite long... I hope you enjoyed it! I am loving each and every review you all post and it truly does mean a lot. Thanks for the follows and favourites, and all the positive energy I am receiving. Leave another reiew if you wish and let me know your thoughts, ideas, or predictions on the rest of the story! Thanks for reading!

Next Chapter: Rumple continues to contemplate if he should act on his feelings or not, Zelena comes up with a tedious plan.