Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

"I really hate you sometimes, you know that?"

Belle laughed at Rumpelstiltskin and picked him up. He'd once again made a slight miscalculation with a spell. This error ended up turning him into cat. Belle had been laughing for a good ten minutes after finding him. She finally calmed down when he hissed at her and held him up in the air. She could tell by his scowl that he was not pleased.

"I can't help it. You just look so cute, Rum."

Rumpel let out an unhappy screech. "I am not cute. I will never be cute. I-What are you doing? Ooh, that feels good. A little to the left please."

Cradling him with one arm, Belle used her free hand to continue scratching him behind the ears. Rumpel snuggled deeper into her side, and Belle soon heard a soft rumble come from the grey Tabby cat. The mighty Dark-One was purring.

"Does kitty want some milk?"

Unable to stop himself, Rumpel nuzzled his head against her and kept purring. His tail curled itself loosely around her arm. Belle took this as a yes and heading towards the kitchen.


She should stop.

This was completely cruel, and he would likely kill her when he turned back to normal. But, this was too fun to pass up on. Belle moved the tiny magnifying glass again and watched the little spot of light move across the floor with Rumpelstiltskin right behind it. Rumpel pounced on the light only to find it gone when he lifted his paws.

They'd been doing this for nearly an hour. Rumpel showed no signs of quitting, and Belle wasn't going to stop being amused by this anytime soon. Seeing him chase the little beam of light with such enthusiasm was hilarious. It was even funnier knowing that he would never actually catch it.

Belle laughed as Rumpel slid off of the table trying to catch the light. Yes. She would stop…eventually.

TBC