***Anonymous said: I don't know if you're still taking prompts for '31 Days of Dark Castle Rumbelle', but I like the idea of Rumple and Belle celebrating their birthdays at the Dark Castle. 1) Rumple notices that Belle is pretty down and when he asks, she tells him it's her birthday today. Later he surprises her with a cake and reveals that the deal she's been helping him with … is her birthday present. But when Belle asks when Rumple's birthday is, he leaves and asks her to save him some cake.*** So, I'm going to try to fill this prompt, but with a little twist :D I hope you like it!

XXII

Belle's Birthday (Part One)

Rumpelstiltskin arched a brow in annoyance as he watched his little Belle trudge -yes, trudge, for there was no other way to describe her slow shuffling steps – into the Great Hall with his breakfast. Fresh baked bread, spiced peaches and porridge weren't enough to distract him from her melancholy. It was completely out of character for the girl who was normally so chipper.

"Why so down, dearie? You look as though trolls trampled through your kitchen," he teased, giggling at his own quip in the hopes of getting a smile from her.

Belle's lips quirked, but it was nothing compared to the smiles she usually had hidden away for him. "It's nothing, Master," she sighed, pouring juice into his goblet.

A wave of his elegant hand, and another chair and place setting appeared at his right. Her stomach rumbled loudly seeing her own breakfast awaiting her. "Sit."

Her brows shot up somewhere near her hairline. He never asked her to join him in the hall for a meal, choosing to share a rare supper with her in the kitchens instead. Yet, she wouldn't pass on his invitation when it was extended. She rounded the table and settled into her seat under his watchful eye. "Thank you."

Rumpelstiltskin ignored his breakfast and sipped gingerly from his goblet as he waited for her to explain herself. His Belle wasn't one to remain silent for long. When she was halfway through her porridge and still hadn't spoken, he knew without a doubt something was wrong. He drummed his claws impatiently on the tabletop. "I'm waiting."

"For?" she asked sweetly.

He clucked his tongue in disgust. "For you to tell me what has you so melancholy. Have I done something? Muddy boots in the foyer, perhaps? Dog-eared one of your precious books?" Those were the least of some of the things he'd done in their time together, but she'd scolded rather than sinking into a pit of depression.

"No, Master, of course not," she rushed to assure him, her fingers curling over his where his hand rested on the table to give him a gentle squeeze. "It's nothing you've done."

"Ha! So, there is something wrong!" he crowed.

Belle rolled her eyes and anxiously twisted the napkin in her lap. "It's silly," she mumbled, ducking her head.

The mage arched a brow. "If it has upset you, I assure you it is not silly, dearie. Now tell me," he demanded gently.

She stared down at her portion of peaches, having lost her appetite completely. "Today is my birthday." She peeked a glance at him from beneath her lashes, taking in his stunned expression. "See, I told you it was silly."

Rumpelstiltskin snapped his mouth closed when he realized he was gaping like an idiot. He pushed himself to his feet, leaving his untouched breakfast behind. "Get dressed. We're going out."

"I beg your pardon?"

He grinned slyly. "You have one hour. Best hurry."

Belle's lips curled into the smile he adored so much at the prospect of another day away from the Dark Castle with her master. His giggle followed after her as she beat a hasty retreat up to her room to do as he'd commanded.

*.*.*

Rumpelstiltskin's eyes swept over her appreciatively as she descended the marble staircase. She looked so lovely in the simple velvet gown, the deep violet color making her smooth ivory skin seem to glow. Her mother's diamond pendant, her only adornment, twinkled in the torchlight from the foyer. She tucked a long chestnut lock behind her ear, blushing as she caught his gaze. The rest of her curls hung free and loose about her shoulders, making his fingers itch to run through them to test the softness.

"I don't remember this dress being in my wardrobe, Master," she grinned coyly, turning so he could drape a dove gray cloak over her shoulders, the hood lined with the softest ermine.

"You must've overlooked it, dearie," he whispered, his warm breath ghosting over the shell of her ear.

"Of course, how silly of me," she murmured dryly, tucking her hand in the crook of his elbow as he led her outside. She knew better than to question him and receive a serious answer. They'd grown quite close over the months they'd spent together, but there was still that wall around his heart preventing her from reaching him fully.

He watched her take in the beauty of the courtyard and couldn't help but smile at her childlike glee. She truly did marvel at the snow each time the door was opened to the pristine blanket of white. He turned her to face him, reaching out to raise the hood over her head. "Are you ready, dearie?"

"Yes!" she beamed up at him, her eyes alight with excitement.

"Good. Now close your eyes." At her dubious look, he added. "Don't want to ruin the surprise, now do we?"

Belle sighed, closing her eyes and resting her head against his chest as his hands settled at her waist. She clung tightly to him as his magic closed around them and propelled them through the void. So content in his embrace, she didn't want to open her eyes and dispel the moment. But she could feel the warm breeze tickling the skin of her face and the sun shining brightly behind her lids, piquing her curiosity. She gasped as she opened her eyes to find herself standing at the door to Avonlea Castle.

"Rumpel …"

The mage cleared his throat to banish his awkwardness and placed her hand on his arm once more. "Shall we go see your papa?"

Tears misted her eyes as she cast a soft look his way. She was too stunned to speak, overwhelmed with his generosity and kindness. They caused quite an uproar as the door was opened. Guards, servants and members of the court roaming the halls all met her gaze with varying stares of disbelief. Finally, they made their way to the council room where she was sure to find the king. The sooner the better. She didn't like the sneer pasted on her master's thin lips as if he were seconds away from cursing the lot of them. It struck her then, how much it discomfited him to be there surrounded by so many who disdained his presence. She promised herself to thank him properly once they returned home.

Her father raised his gaze from the farmer before him who'd come to pay homage to the crown for his good fortune, bearing a basket of baked goods as a gift. The doors were to remain closed during session, the room already filled with citizens of Avonlea who he would have time to see that morning. Maurice rose unsteadily to his feet, wondering if he were hallucinating. Surely, it wasn't his darling daughter standing in the entryway.

"Belle …"

"Papa!" she cried, her feet flying over the carpeted runner to throw herself into his arms.

Maurice blinked away his tears and ordered the room cleared so he could greet his daughter properly. "Oh, my darling girl, I've missed you terribly," he wept, his tears falling to mingle with hers. "Happy birthday."

Belle recalled her master as Rumpelstiltskin cleared his throat. She stepped out of the circle of her father's arms and held out her hand to the imp. He seemed to hesitate for only a moment before he approached them and let her take his hand in hers. "Papa, you remember –"

"Rumpelstiltskin," the king acknowledged him with a nod. He wouldn't allow the mage to see the burning bitterness he felt for him for claiming his child in their deal.

"Your majesty," Rumpelstiltskin replied with a little bow. Yet, it was Belle's attention he desired. He had no time to toy with the king. "Belle, I shall return for you this afternoon. Enjoy your day with your father, dearie."

She gave his hand a gentle squeeze, her eyes trying to convey what she couldn't put to words. Not in front of her father, at least. "Thank you, Master. I'll be ready when you return."

A/N: Sorry! I know I'm awful for leaving you hanging, but part two will be posted tomorrow. I wrote it as one single story, but it was WAY too long so I had to split it. I really hope you enjoyed it.