Thank you as always: jewel415, Wondermorena, Nami Swannn, orthankg1, xanimejunkie, Stargate533, Grace5231973, Guest, The Lark, thedoctorsgirl42, Ladii Emelia

As soon as Rumpelstiltskin and Baelfire left the living room, the teenager breathed of relieve and confessed to his father his interest in exploring the castle. He was curious about its dimensions, rooms, belongings and history. The trip to Baelfire's new bedroom was delayed and instead they walked along the long old corridors and entered Rumpelstiltskin's favorite rooms. The father was delighted to recount the different stories of the castle, its ancient objects and marvels to his son. And so Baelfire learned that, once a upon a time, a very long time ago, this castle was full of life. The castle had been home to many kings and queens. Princes and princesses. Many brave knights and elegant ladies. There had been thousands of people operating as staff members. Finally, he learned how the happy days eventually came to an end and how the Dark One became the sole inhabitant of the large castle.

During their tour in the Dark Castle, Baelfire got to see the kitchen and his father explained it supplied itself magically. He got to see a couple magnificent and large bathrooms, with ridiculously big bathtubs, which too would fill themselves with hot perfumed water when one whished for. He saw rooms filled with rare and exquisite objects, many surrounded by legends and myths.

Baelfire still had many burning questions like what was in the tallest tower and why was he forbidden to enter it? What was up with the amber stone? Why all magic came with a price? Rumpelstitlskinpatiently answered all the questions, for he was used to his son's inquisitive nature. Actually, he was secretly enjoying it. Once in a while he would mention something about his stay during the past months in the Dark Castle, or something related to Belle, but he noticed the boy would avoid the topic and instead change the subject. The spinner could understand his son's reluctance in hearing those stories. The teenager was living a life changing moment, moving to a castle, seeing riches he never saw before, being presented to a life of comfort and luxury that was completely alien to him. But above all, a new woman was being introduced in his life, one who would fill his mother's place. And that was not something easy to accept or to deal with. All he could do for now was pray for Baelfire to slowly see the good in Belle and hope she too would be patient with the teenager.

They wandered along the many corridors until Rumpelstitlskin was starving again. Only then did they notice the shadows were slowly filling the many walls. They had spent the whole afternoon exploring the Dark Castle. Father and sonreturned to the living room and,when they entered it, Rumpelstitlskin noticed his son tense right away and silence himself. He chose to take no notice, the best was to let things develop naturally. He smiled when he saw Belle sitting by the fire, reading a book while caressing her swollen belly. She didn't hear them entering.

"Hey." The spinner said. She lifted her eyes slightly and smiled immediately when she saw him.

"Hey." She said while she lazily stretched her arms and legs. She noticed the world darkening outside. "Is it that late already?" She sounded truly surprised.

"Still losing yourself in books?" She grinned at the comment and stood up. She noticed Baelfire was standing by the window, staring warily at them. "Did you like your room?" She spoke in the quietest and politest way she managed and Rumpelstitlskin could sense she was afraid of scaring off his son.

"I, we, uh…" The boy hesitated, embarrassed he had practically seen all the castle rooms, except the one he was supposed to go to.

"Actually, we didn't get to it. My fault." Rumpelstitlskin explained.

"Let me guess. You gave him a tour and lost yourself in the castle's many tales." Rumpelstiltskin giggled mischievously and even Baelfire smiled at Belle's truthful remark. "Well, I guess it's time for dinner. Try to have more manners this time." She told the spinner with a fake upset tone and so, she managed to hide all her anxiety. She could sense the boy's eyes on her like a hawk and was very aware he was observing her. She foresaw tough times ahead of her.

…

Dinner was quiet but filled with tension. Rumpelstitlskin's enthusiasm about the tasty food was the only thing that lightened up things a little bit. Of course, as soon as they were ready, Baelfire asked to go to his room, with the excuse he was feeling tired, which was partially true. But before leaving, he thanked Belle for the food and even gave a subtle compliment about her cooking skills. Belle remained once again behind, but this time with a timid hope that warmed her chest. Maybe, within time, the boy would accept her.

Rumpelstiltskin showed the most direct route to the boy's room and Baelfire did not believe his eyes when his father opened the door. He gasped in awe as his eyes scanned his new bedroom. The division was bigger than their wooden cottage back in the village. The stone walls were covered with colorful tapestries of magical forests and creatures. There was a fireplace and wood was already burning, warming the night chilly air. The bed was the largest he ever saw, with hanging dark green draperies, matching the long curtains. There was a small desk, a bookshelf and a large wardrobe. And he also had his own private bathroom with an overgrown bathtub.

"Papa, am I dreaming?" He said, his voice full of wonder, as his fingertips caressed the dark wooden furniture. "This is so… very much."

"Glad you like the room's muchness." Rumpelstitlskin teased and received a friendly punch on his arm. "Here. Some paper and charcoal. Knock yourself out." He said while he summoned the drawing material on the desk. Baelfire smiled at the gift, but still found it strange to see his father perform magic. "You must be tired. Shall I leave you to rest?" He said while he stroked his son's back. Baelfire yawned sleepily and nodded.

"Love you, papa." He said with a hug. They held each other for a short while, both relishing the pleasantness of the moment.

"Love you too, son. Sleep tight." Rumpelstitlskin said and planted a kiss on his son's head. Soon Baelfire was dressed in the pajamas his father had given him and entered his large bed. All at the sudden he felt exhausted and quickly surrendered to a deep and peaceful sleep.

…

Rumpelstitlskin was not surprised when he returned to the living room to find Belle sitting next to the fireplace, staring at its flames.

"A penny for your thoughts?" He gently asked as he sat beside her and wrapped his arm around her waist. She sighed with a happy laziness and rested her head on his shoulder.

"I'm doing my best, Rumpel."

"You both are. Give some time." He whispered and Belle closed her eyes. She had missed his comforting voice, his warmness, the safe feeling his touch gave her. They remained a while, sitting closely opposite the fire, enjoying the silence, enjoying being together.

"I missed you. I thought you were dead. If I knew you were alive…" Belle said with a cracked voice.

"Shhhh, I know. It's okay. We're back together now."

"I'm going to kill her!" Belle spoke with a trembling voice, staring directly into his brown eyes.

"Don't upset yourself, Belle. Let's not talk about that." He asked with a gentle kiss on her forehead. She sensed the plea, the tiredness and nodded. She closed her eyes again as he planted soft kisses on her skin on her face, on her collarbone, on her neck. She shivered, having missed his touch and needed desperately to feel more of it.

"To the bedroom." Belle said in a husky voice, not being able to keep herself together for much longer. Rumpelstitlskin gave an almost cattish smile and he followed her eagerly.

That night they made love. Carefully and delicately. Lovingly and tenderly. The passion they were used to share had transformed into something much deeper, much realer, much more intense. They bodies had become desperate for each other. The more they touched, the more they needed to be closer, to feel the flesh and the heat, to go deeper in each other's soul. And so they engaged in dance of pain and pleasure and called each other's names in the mist of sweat and moans. Desperate yells of passion filled the room and were followed by silence, where the only sound to be heard was the heavy breathing of two pleased lovers. They were lost for words, both too overwhelmed with the emotional intensity. They remained lying naked, Belle fitting perfectly against Rumpelstiltskin's body, with her back against his chest. Her hand rested on his, and his rested on her growing belly. Slowly, they surrendered to a peaceful slumber.

…

The air was heavy anda nauseous sultry smell filled his nostrils. It was dark. There was a dim light. He looked up and it came from a tiny window high up, against the ceiling. He barely could move, his arms were stiff and hurt. Iron chains made sure his arms were uplifted. His whole body ached. He felt a wave of fear sweep through his body. Suddenly he heard a sound of footsteps coming closer. His heart started beating faster when he heard a key turn the lock. He breathed fast, anticipating something horrible. The door opened itself and an unseen fear took hold of his mind. He screamed.

"Rumpel! Wake up,Rumpel!" The spinner opened his eyes and Belle saw pure terror in them. He was staring right at her but she knew he wasn't seeing her, for his eyes were unfocused. Rumpelstitlskinbreathed heavily, his body was sweaty and shaking of cold tremors. Belle made shushing sounds while she caressed his forehead. "Shhh…You're okay. You're safe here." Belle whispered, while silent and unwilling tears drew her beautiful features. Belle's voice and soft toches slowly broughtRumpelstitlskinback to his senses and soon he realized he wasn't in Regina's cell anymore. He was back home. Back to safety. "Nobody can hurt you here." Belle whispered and the spinner gradually calmed down untilhis breathing stabilized. Henoticed the few tears that had escaped the azure eyes and whipped them away with shaky fingers. Belle wanted to break down and cry miserably. But she didn't because she knew it was him and not her who was traumatized, he who had suffered and was still suffering. Nevertheless, it hurt her insanely to see him in this state.

"I'm okay now." He softly whispered. Belle knew he was telling her the truth and rested her head on his chest.

"If she's alive, I'm killing her. Slowly." She murmured, venom and despise all present in her voice

"No Belle."

"But Rumpel…"

"No! It's over now. She cannot hurt me anymore. Besides, I don't want you to endanger yourself or the baby. I don't want you to consume yourself in hate and thirst for revenge! The baby will feel it too. I don't wish such feelings to be the first of the child!"Rumpelstitlskin said afflicted. Belle stared at him shocked, unable to understanding his point of view. But she heard the panic in his voice, read the despair in his eyes. "Please, promise me you won't to a thing… I cannot… I don't have the strength to if…" He chocked in his own words and hot tears threatened to spill from his eyes. Belle embraced him right away, concerned with his state of mind. She hadn't realized how vulnerable and fragile he had become. The truth was, Rumpelstitlskin had lived, the last weeks, too much fear and agony to possess even the smallest strength to fight back, even more to seek revenge. All his energy, all his life forces had been drained out in the time spent in that decrepit cell. Now, he felt too tired for anything. All he wanted was to have some peace and quiet. To rest. To sleep endless hours. Spend time with his family. Live a life far away of danger and evil plots. Belle couldn't comprehend his wishes, but she would do all in her powers to protect him and make him feel safe once again.

"I'm sorry." She whispered, while she stroke his back. She could feel the tremors under his skin and it frightened her. "I won't go after Regina, okay? I won't go after her." Belle said.

"You promise?" He asked warily, looking into her blue eyes. She gulped and nodded. He smiled weakly and laid down with a sigh of relieve, feeling completely worn out. Belle laid silently next to him. She had promised, yes. But the Dark One knew better. The Dark One knew she couldn't keep the promise. Revenge will come, sooner or later. And nothing could ever change her mind.

…

Far away, in another kingdom, mournful moans echoed through the ample halls and corridors of a castle with sharp black walls. The miserable sounds had their source in an exquisite and luxurious room. But what was happening inside this room was horrible and revulsive. Lying on a large bed with black and scarlet sheets was a body covered in blood. The skin was broken and cracked everywhere, raw flesh was exposed in ugly wounds. Next to the bed stood an aging man holding towels stained in red and, next to him, stood a tall woman with long blond hair and a sophisticated dark gown. She held a bowl with a light blue glowing liquid on one hand. With the other hand, she dipped her fingertips in this liquid and then administered it over the victim's body. The blue glow penetrated the wounds, causing the victim great pain and made her yell outanguished cries.

"You played with fire, Regina. Literally." The tall woman said.

"She will get better, won't she?" The man with the blood stained towels nervously asked.

"Once the treatment is ready, it will be as nothing ever happened to her. Not one scar will remain behind. Your daughter will not lose any of her beauty." The sorceress calmly spoke. This was an ancient remedy she used to treat the afflicted flesh. A cure that did wonders to a burned skin, but a procedure that was excruciatingly painful.

"What is he, Maleficent?" A tearful and unrecognizable Regina asked, the magical liquid stinging painfully her body to its core. Maleficent didn't answer and instead, administrated more of the liquid, so that Regina released another despairing moan. "You know what he is, don't you?" She said with her teeth clenched. Still Maleficent gave her no answer. The older sorceress though it wiser not to tell the truth. The Queen would have to figure this out by herself. This was, after all, something between Regina and Belle, and Maleficent had not intention in involving in their little feud.

"If I were you, I would stay away of the Dark One and her slave. I'm afraid they are more than you can handle. Especially when their forces are combined."

Regina let out a regretful cry as another wave of horrifying pain stung her openwounds. She cursed Rumpelstitlskin. She cursed him for almost killing her with that blast. She had teleported herself away as soon as she saw the flames come in her direction. But the heat and the speed had been incredible. The few seconds that took her to vanish in a dark purple cloud had been enough to burn her body to an irreparable degree. Regina's painful screams had alarmed her father, who quickly found her lying desperate and disfigured on the cold stone floor. She had begged him to contact Maleficent, whose wisdom and knowledge of ancient and mysterious potions, made her one of the few people alive to be able to help her. And so she laid now on her bed, helpless and in excruciating agony. She cried from the pain. She cried from regret. Because somewhere in the back of her head, a voice whispered her that all magic had a price. But above all, this same voice told her this was her deserved payment for her crimes. The punishment for her cruelty.

I know there some questions that still weren't answered, but they will come.

I hope you enjoyed.

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