Xxx
"You're not a monster."
Rumplestiltskin was taken back by the words that fell from the young woman's mouth. She meant it. Every word of it. He could see it in here eyes.
"You just think you're uglier than you are, that's why you cover all the mirrors up, isn't it?"
Before Rumplestiltskin could reply, there was a loud banging on the doors. The imp excused himself and went to answer it. He waved his hand and the door began to open before him. On the other side was the last man he ever wanted to see. The very sight of him filled him with rage.
"You beast," Gaston began. His blade pointed towards the Dark One. "Have taken my-"
"You best nor finish that sentence, dearie," he said with an insane smile that contradicted the rage boiling in his eyes. "She is not yours anymore."
Gaston smirked.
"Oh, she is mine," Gaston said. "I can assure you."
"You have three seconds to leave before I skin you alive," Rumplestiltskin growled.
"Belle is my fiance," Gaston growled.
"Three."
"She does not belong here."
"Belle is mine-"
"You have no right to call her yours!" Rumplestiltskin snapped. The sky turned dark and crackled with power. A bolt crashed down, nearly hitting the knight. Gaston dropped his sword, his eyes wide with fear.
"Leave," Rumplestiltskin hissed. "Before I finish you permanently."
Gaston ran. Rumplestiltskin slammed the doors and turned, intending to go back to Belle once he had calmed down.
Belle stared at him, her face etched in horror.
"You... you knew..." Belle whispered.
Rumplestiltskin looked down.
"H-how...?
"I'm the Dark One, remember?" Rumplestiltskin answered weakly.
With that, Belle broke down, crying. Rumplestiltskin ran forward, wanting to hold her, but holding back. He didn't want to scare her. Belle fell to her knees as she cried, and Rumplestiltskin knelt down with her, wanting to offer what little comfort his presence could.
"I (sob) fought so hard (sob) but he-he-he was too ssstrong!" she sobbed.
"It's okay," Rumplestiltskin said softly, than shook his head. "No. It's not okay. It will never be okay. But you'll be okay. Not now, but eventually."
Belle didn't respond, but she was listening. She wanted to reach forward and have him hold her, but was too afraid to. It hurt. It hurt so much. But it was a relief. She was so afraid of having someone find out. But Rumplestiltskin was trying to comfort her. Even now he was saying soothing words, words she could no longer understand.
An hour later, Belle had finally calmed down. She was in a chair by the fireplace, with Rumplestiltskin sitting at her feet. He still didn't touch her, but was looking at the fire.
"Am I... disgusting?" Belle whispered. Belle wasn't sure what she expected. Would he confirm her fears? Or would he snap at her for being ridiculous? She got neither of those. He looked up at her, his eyes looking more human than they had ever seemed before. He gave her a firm look before responding.
"You are a victim, nothing more, nothing less," he said. "Those who say otherwise are stuck up pigs who have no idea what pain is."
Belle nodded. Rumplestiliskin continued to look at her. He didn't want to tell her, but he had to.
"Belle... there is something else you need to know," he said. He took a deep breath. "Belle... you're pregnant."