While Rose went off on the hayride with the other children, Rumple and Belle went to get a snack. They passed a food vendor that sold something called a funnel cake. Rumple was skeptical of the treat, but Belle was curious and eager to try one. The stand was run by a tall skinny man with dark blonde hair and blue eyes. He greeted the couple with a large smile.
"Hello, special guests. My name is Victor and I hope that you are enjoying the fair. Would you like to try a funnel cake? They are quite delicious." Belle's eyes widened in curiosity as she saw the oddly twisted pastry.
"What exactly are they?"
"They are cakes made with a special batter that are fried in a cooking oil of my own making and sprinkled with a sugary topping. They are of my own creation and many other kingdoms have enjoyed them. Won't you try one?" Belle looked up to Rumple with her bright blue eyes wide and pleading.
"Can we?" Rumple was taken aback for a moment. He had never seen her use that look before. It was so innocent and almost looked as if she was begging him. As long as he had known her, she had never been one for begging or pleading. She was always headstrong and straight forward with anything she wanted. He found himself unable to resist the look. He gave her a soft smile.
"Of course, darling." He paid Victor a gold coin and Victor gave them a freshly made funnel cake.
"Enjoy, you lovebirds." They sat down at one of the many tables set up near the vendors. Belle was first to taste the funnel cake. It was crisp and sweet and delicious. She pushed the plate towards Rumple.
"You must try it, Rumple. It's very good."
"No thank you. I don't think I would enjoy that." She gave him her pleading look again.
"Please?"
"Where did you learn to do that?" Her eyebrows knitted in confusion.
"Do what?"
"That look. It's so...innocent...and pitiful. I've never seen you look like that before." She giggled a bit.
"Because I've never used it around you. Actually, I haven't use it in years. I would use it on my father when I really wanted something or on the servants when I got in trouble. I haven't had much of a use for it in a long time." He smirked at her.
"And you found this situation necessary for it? To have me try a new treat?" She smirked.
"Perhaps I wanted to see if it still worked. To see if even the Dark One would fall under the spell of innocence. And it appears that it worked." He chuckled lightly.
"Well, don't go spreading that around. My reputation would be in shambles if that were to get out." She giggled again.
"It'll be our secret." She looked back to the funnel cake and tore another piece off. "You should still try it. It's lovely."
"If I don't, are you going to make that face again? It is quite an unfair advantage." She slightly tilted her head to the side.
"Says the king of unfair advantages."
"I thought I was the king of riddles."
"You are the king of a lot of things, including deals. How about we make one right now?" He raised an eyebrow at her.
"You wish to make a deal with me? You saw how the last one turned out." She smiled.
"It turned out wonderfully. Besides, this one will be in your best interest. If you at least try the cake, I promise not to teach Rose my look. She's younger and more adorable. One could only imagine the things she could get you to do if she looked at you that way." He fake gasped.
"Perish the thought!" She giggled and held her hand out to him to shake.
"Do we have a deal?" He took her hand and kissed it.
"Deal." He chuckled as a soft blush covered her cheeks. He tore a piece from the cake and popped it in his mouth. Belle watched him and waited for a reaction. He savored the sweet treat and found that he liked it. It was a bit too sweet for his taste, but he enjoyed it nonetheless. He noticed Belle's bright blue eyes watching him so intently. He chuckled at her.
"Well? How is it?"
"My dear, it's delicious." She smiled.
"See? I told you it was good. When will you stop doubting me?"
"I never doubted you that it was good. I simply thought it wasn't necessarily my sort of sweet." She playfully rolled her eyes.
"Well, you held up your end of the bargain, so I'll hold up mine. I won't teach Rose my look. Although, I could only imagine how she would pull it off. She's so cute! I swear she is the most adorable and precious child I've ever met." Rumple smiled because he knew it was true. In all the centuries he's lived, he had never seen or met a child sweeter, nicer, or more adorable than Rose. She was like a rare price gem. There was only one of her in all the realms and there will only ever be one. He couldn't imagine any other child being anything like her.
"Yes. She is truly a special child. And to think that we were lucky enough to be her parents."
"I know. It's amazing. I hope she's enjoying her birthday here." He took her hand in his.
"She is. She's happy and enjoying herself and that's all that matters." They continued to talk and finished up the funnel cake. Once they were done, they decided to walk around until the hayrides returned with the children. They passed many more food vendors, games, and attractions. They walked over to a stage set up where a man in a long dark robe with stars and a tall hat stood. The sign above him read "Marvin the Magnificent."
"Is that a magic show?"
"That it is." Rumple and Belle turned to the owner of the voice. A man with silver hair wearing a long black robe stood behind them. "Hello. I hope you two are enjoying the fair."
"We are, sir."
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Lord Frollo. I am the cleric for this group." Belle raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"Forgive me, but what does a fair need a cleric for?"
"Well, I tend to one of their...attractions. I am somewhat of a mentor and disciplinarian for him. His show starts once the children return. I presume you will be in attendance?" Belle looked up to Rumple.
"If my daughter wishes. We are here for her birthday."
"Ah, yes. The birthday girl. She is your daughter. Well, I look forward to meeting her. Oh, my apologies. I don't believe you've told me who you are." Belle grew nervous. They didn't talk about what his alias would be. He couldn't go around telling people his real name. Rumple was calm and answered without missing a beat.
"I am Rupert. And this is my lovely Belle." He took Belle's hand and kissed it.
"Belle. Such a beautiful name for a beautiful young woman." Belle blushed in embarrassment. She had been called beautiful her entire life, but something about the way he said it put her off guard. She gently pulled her hand away from his.
"Thank you, sir."
"Well, I must go. I have some business to attend to. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day and your daughter has a good birthday." He nodded to them and walked off. Belle let out a heavy breath didn't even know she was holding. Rumple noticed.
"What is it, love?"
"I don't know. Honestly, I've never really liked clerics, but there was something off about him. I can't put my finger on it." He softly chuckled at her.
"And here I thought I was the paranoid one." She narrowed her eyes at him.
"I'm not paranoid. I just...don't trust that man."
"Don't worry. I felt something odd about him too, but don't look to much into it. After today, he won't be our problem. Now, let's go see this so-called 'magic show.'" They went over to the show and took a seat on one of the benches towards the back. The man on the stage got everyone's attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to be amazed! I, Marvin the Magnificent, will show you the wonder and mystery of magic! For my first miracle, I shall need a volunteer from the audience." Many of the teenagers eagerly raised their hands. Rumple huffed.
"This man has as much magical ability as a toad." Belle nudged him.
"Behave, Rumple. Besides, it's not about the magic. It's about the entertainment." He gave an impish smirk.
"Entertainment, huh?" Belle didn't get the chance to respond before Marvin spoke again.
"So many to choose from. To make it easier, I shall have a dove make the choice." He reached into his long sleeve and pulled out a live dove. The crowd gasped in amazement. Rumple and Belle weren't as amazed. Rumple could do much more than pull out a dove from his sleeve and Belle has seen him do many magnificent and magical things back at the castle. This didn't even scratch the surface. Marvin released the dove and it flew around the crowd. After circling around a few times, the dove landed on Belle's head. Belle gasped and Rumple chuckled.
"Looks like you've been chosen, dearie."
"Rumple..."
"We have a winner! The young lady in the back!" The dove flew back to the magician. Belle looked to Rumple, who wore an amused expression.
"Go on, dearie. It's about the entertainment, remember?" She rolled her eyes at him and stood. She made her way up to the stage. The magician helped her up.
"Hello, young lady. What's your name?"
"Belle."
"Belle. That's a lovely name for a lovely lady. Now, for my first trick, I'll need you to remove your cloak."
"I'm sorry?"
"The cloak. The trick won't work while you're wearing it." Belle didn't feel comfortable for some reason, but she removed her cloak anyway and handed it to him. "Thank you, my dear. It'll be right here waiting for you."
He tossed the cloak to the side and it hung in midair. The crowd gasped in amazement. Rumple rolled his eyes. People were too easily amazed. The magician circled around Belle. "My, my. That is a lovely dress. It really brings out your beautiful eyes."
"Why, thank you." Rumple scowled at the man complementing Belle, his Belle. He had never really been the jealous type, but was always protective of those he loved. He had only ever loved a few people in his life. He loved his mother, or from what he could remember of her. He loved the spinners that raised him after his father abandoned him. He loved Milah and Cora, but they didn't return his affections. He, of course, loved his children, Baelfire and Rose. And he loved Belle. His loved for Belle was stronger than it was for his past wife and lover. He knew Belle loved him as much as he loved her. Seeing someone else complementing her didn't sit well with him.
"But you know what you would look even lovelier in? Something a little more...festive." He reached into his sleeve and pulled out a small black pebble. He threw it at Belle's feet and it exploded in a white smoke. The whole crowd, including Rumple, jumped at the sight. When the smoke cleared, Belle wore a completely different dress. She now wore white off the shoulder top with puffy elbow length sleeves, a teal bodice with this gold vertical stripes, and a lavender skirt with a gold border and tassels. She also wore a pink ribbon in her hair, a golden bangle on her left wrist, matching bracelet and anklet on both her right hand and right ankle and black flat shoes. Rumple was stunned. Belle looked lovely in the new dress. The crowd gasped and applauded. The magician bowed, then turned back to Belle. "What do you think, my dear?"
"I love it. It's beautiful."
"Yes, but how about something with a little more flare!" He took out about pebbled and threw it at her feet. It exploded and surrounded Belle in a red smoke. When it cleared, she was wearing yet another dress. This one was bright red with a gold collar, a purple sash that wrapped around her waist, and light purple sleeves. She also wore a golden crown with a red stone in the center and a gold head chain with a red stone in the center. She had a transparent purple scarf with gold stars on her shoulders. The crowd cheered again. In all her life, Belle had never worn something so extravagant yet simple.
"This is amazing."
"Why, thank you my dear. And thank you for helping me. Wasn't she wonderful, ladies and gentlemen?" The crowd applauded once again. Rumple couldn't help but smile at a blush that was spreading across her features as she waved and curtsied to the crowd. She could be so adorable sometimes.
"Thank you. I was happy to help." The magician took out a large metal hoop and placed it on the ground in front of her.
"Please step into the circle, my dear." She took a step and stood in the center of the circle. He then picked up the hoop and lifted it over her head to reveal she was once again wearing her own blue dress. The crowd applauded once again. "You may return to your seat, Ms. Belle. Thank you for your assistance."
"Of course." She stepped down from the stage and went back to sit next to Rumple. He smirked at her.
"Enjoy yourself, dearie?"
"I actually did. It was interesting to be apart of the act. We should come to the fair more often." He smiled.
"If you wish, perhaps we could get out a bit more. Rose seems to be enjoying herself and so are you."
"And what about you? Are you enjoying yourself?"
"As long as you and Rose are happy, so am I." He kissed her forehead.
After the magic show was over, the children were returning from the hayrides. While they looked for Rose, Belle was scolding Rumple for his behavior.
"I can't believe you did that, Rumple! It was completely uncalled for."
"It's not like I seriously harmed him."
"You had his own animals attack him! I'm pretty sure one of those doves tried to peck his eyes out."
"But they didn't, did they?"
"That's not the point. I know you're the Dark One and all, but that doesn't mean you have to create chaos for your enjoyment."
"It wasn't just for my enjoyment. The rest of the crowd seemed to enjoy it. And I know I heard you giggle. No matter how hard to tried to hide it, I know your lovely laugh anywhere." She tried to keep a straight face, but failed. The sight of the magician running from usually harmless creatures was amusing.
"Anyway, do you think you can go the rest of the day without tormenting the fair folk?" He smiled and kissed her temple.
"I will try for you, my dear."
"Thank you. Now, where is Rose? The next show will be starting soon." They continued to search for their daughter. Most of the children had returned to their parents, but the child was no where in sight. Rumple started to get worried, but tried to remain calm for Belle's sake.
"I'm not sure, but we must find her. She couldn't have gone too far from..."
"Mama! Papa!" They then saw the small child run up to them. They both breathed out a sigh of relief. She ran into Rumple's awaiting arms.
"There you are, flower. Why weren't you with the other children?"
"I was, but I saw someone sneaking around and I followed him. He's with the fair and he's really nice and his name is..." Before she could continue, the jester played his pipe loudly and got everyone's attention.
"Come one! Come all! For our next show is beginning! You do not wish to miss it!" The crowd started to make their way to the next show.
"Perhaps you can tell us later, flower. Why don't we go see the show?"
Sorry this one took so long, guys. Hope you enjoyed it. Hopefully the next chapter will be up sooner.