Hey everyone! I'm finished with my finals, so I'll have more time to write now. The next chapter should come sooner.

So I was asked a question by Scorpion22, why I named the story Gold on the Ceiling, and if anyone else was wondering why, here's the answer: I was trying to think of a name for the story, and this one song kept repeating over again in my head. The song is called "Gold on the Ceiling" by The Black Keys. I didn't want the name of the story to be cheesy. I wanted it to be more funny or badass sounding. I finally decided to name the story after the song. Two reasons: one being the fact the word 'gold' is in the title of the song, and since Rumpelstiltskin can make gold, it seemed appropriate. The other reason was the song has this sort if retro rock sound, and the lyrics, if looked at hard enough, could maybe represent Rumpel's relationship with the women in his life.

So check the song out if you want, if you don't already know it. It's a pretty cool song.

Now, enough of my tangents. Let's move on to what you guys came here for...

Belle was sweeping the kitchen floors, when she heard a sound come from the Great Hall. The past few days had been silent. She kept away from Cora. Regina became more friendly, stopping to talk to Belle on occasion while she was cleaning. Rumpelstiltskin mainly kept to his tower, where his laboratory was. Belle, while knowing she could handle living in the castle, felt like she was holding her breath. She walked around on eggshells, so as not to incur the wrath of Cora.

She was surprised at the noise. It didn't seem to her that Rumpelstiltskin received many visitors. She was hoping it wasn't Cora, or Zelena coming to her to pick a fight. She heard what sounded like a thud. She didn't hear any talking, though. She figured Zelena couldn't keep quite for very long, so Belle ruled her as an option out. But there was something suspicious about the sound. Like someone was purposely trying to keep silent.

She set down her broom, and went into the other room. She froze when she saw Rumpelstiltskin enter the space, from a hallway door. He did not look pleased. Belle wondered how he knew just when to show up. It was his castle, though. She guessed he knew all what happened in it. Belle turned and saw a man standing in the room. He had a bow and a handful of arrows on his back. He was reaching for a wand that was set on display.

"I wouldn't do that, dearie," Rumpelstiltskin said, strolling towards the man. "If you value your life, you won't pick up that wand."

The man pushed his hood back. "You don't scare me. I need this wand, so I'm taking it."

Rumpelstiltskin sneered. "More like stealing it."

The man scoffed. "It wasn't yours to begin with, Dark One. I know that you took it from the Fairy Godmother."

Belle's eyes widened. Fairy godmother's existed? Amazing.

Rumpelstiltskin shook his head, eyes shifting. "Well, because I wanted it. And she had it." His eyes narrowed. "But now that it's mine, you're not parting with it."

The man pointed at the wand. "You killed her for it. I wouldn't say it belongs to you."

Rumpelstiltskin paused. "I didn't kill her." He paused again. "Well, I did, but she was more of a nuance than anything."

Belle did a double take. He killed the Fairy Godmother? That's horrible.

The Dark One tilted his head to the side. "How did you know I... disposed... of her in the first place."

"I have my sources," the man said.

"Cute," Rumpelstiltskin scrunched up his nose. Belle figured he was being sarcastic.

The man reached back for his bow, drawing an arrow from the quiver. "I'm taking this wand, and you can't stop me."

"I'm the Dark One, dearie," Rumpelstiltskin said, obviously. He nodded his head, speaking. "I will and can stop you. You don't know the power that wand possesses. It can be a finicky little object."

The man drew his arrow. "I know the power this object possesses." He indicated his bow and arrow. "This arrow never misses its target. Let me go with which I've come seeking, and I won't have to kill you."

Rumpelstiltskin giggled. "For someone claiming to know so much, you sure lack intelligence." He pointed at himself. "Immortal. You can't kill me."

The man shifted his arrow to point at Belle. She stepped back. "I might not be able to kill you, but I can hurt this girl."

Rumpelstiltskin looked at her, nonchalant, as if an arrow wasn't pointing directly at her. "You would hurt an innocent girl, Robin Hood?"

The man, Robin Hood, wavered. "I don't want to, but I'm desperate." He lowered his eyebrows in confusion. "How do you know my name?"

"Rumpelstiltskin, dearie. Names are my specialty." The Dark One tilted his head. "Why does no one seem to grasp that?"

"I can go with the wand, and no one has to get hurt," Robin promised.

Rumpelstiltskin waved a dismissive hand. "Go ahead and shoot the girl. I didn't say she meant anything to me." Belle did another double take. She was in shock.

Robin Hood wavered again. "What? You will let me hurt this girl?"

Rumpelstiltskin shrugged. "Just as long as you don't take my wand."

"But I am going to take it."

Rumpelstiltskin giggled again. "Well, then I guess you're going to hurt her."

The next moment was a waiting game. Belle was frightened. She knew she should speak up, but she didn't know what to say to help in the situation. She couldn't believe Rumpelstiltskin would just let her die. She knew he was the Dark One, but after how he fought to keep her to stay, she didn't understand how he could just stand down now. He must really love that wand, she thought.

Unless, realization dawned on her. Unless, he was calling Robin Hood's bluff. Belle could tell the man didn't want to hurt her. He just really needed that wand for something. He did say he was desperate.

Robin straightened up. "I don't have to hurt her. I just need to get past you." He shifted the arrow back in Rumpelstiltskin's direction and let loose. The arrow flew straight at the Dark One, who looked calm. Belle, once again, thought he seemed too pleased with the situation. Before the arrow could hit its mark, Rumpelstiltskin lifted a hand, preventing the arrow from hitting him. It feel to the floor, as Robin Hood grabbed the wand.

He started to run towards an open window he must have entered in. It was slammed shut before he could reach it. He turned around, looking for another exit.

"You can't get passed me, dearie." Rumpelstiltskin narrowed his eyes. "I don't take a liking to thieves."

Belle finally spoke. "Why can't you just let him go? He clearly needs that wand for something."

Rumpelstiltskin snorted. "I told you before, little maid. You're too trusting. This man," he pointed at Robin Hood, "tried to steal from me. He needs to pay the price of that."

Belle shook her head. "What are you going to do? Torture him?" She was incredulous. Of course, she hadn't been serious about her suggestion.

But Rumpelstiltskin didn't understand that she was joking. "Of course, I'm going to torture him." Robin's eyes widened. All his confidence clearly went away. "But I can't do it alone," Rumpelstiltskin smiled. "I think its time you met my mistress."

Cora loved torture.

When Rumpel came to her tell her about the certain thief that tried to steal from him, she was only too happy to help her lover. The man, Robin Hood, was locked in a cell, his arms strung above his head. He was still clean. They hadn't begun. Yet. Rumpelstiltskin wanted answers first.

He was leaning back against a wall, while Cora was anxiously awaiting. "Why did you try to steal from me?" Rumpel asked.

Robin shook his head, it brushed against his shoulders. He was sweating. "I told you. I need that wand."

Rumpel waved a hand. "Yes, you already said. I meant," he said, standing up, "why did you need that particular wand? There are so many."

Robin gritted his teeth, trying to find comfort in his binds. "Well, I didn't want to steal from a fairy."

"You tried to steal from me," Rumpel pointed out.

Robin gasped in pain. Cora could tell his arms were becoming increasingly sore. "You're not a fairy. You're an ass."

Rumpel laughed. "If had a pile of gold for every time I heard that, I'd-," he paused, scrunching his face. "Well, I guess I don't need a pile of gold. Making it is just a gift I have." He glanced at Cora, winking. "Natural talent." She rolled her eyes.

"Can we move this along, Rumpel?" Cora asked. "When you called me to come help you with your little problem, I didn't think idle chit chat would be the case."

"So impatient, dearie," Rumpel raised a hand to his chest. "Whatever shall I do?"

Cora rolled her eyes again. "Torture this man, I should hope."

Rumpel eyed Robin Hood up and down. "My mistress thinks I should torture you. And she can get very temperamental when she doesn't get her way." Robin looked at Cora. She just smiled. His eyes widened. Rumpel continued speaking. "What do you think I should do?"

Robin grunted. "If you're going to torture me, then get it over with. Don't stand there talking."

Rumpel giggled. "Feisty." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, if you insist, dearie. I guess I have no choice. I need to get my apron. Things could get very messy."

Cora laughed. Her lover enjoyed talking. Sometimes she thought that he just spoke to hear himself talk. But now he was done. And Cora could do the thing that brought her extreme pleasure. She widened her smile. Finally, she thought.

Belle went back to the kitchen, very scared. She couldn't believe that Rumpelstiltskin would actually torture someone. Sure, she didn't know him very well, but torture just seemed so...mean. Regina, thankfully at that time, entered the kitchen.

"Regina," Belle said. "Thank goodness."

Regina looked startled. "What's going on?" She pulled a glass down from a shelf.

Belle looked frantically back and forth between Regina and the door that led to the Great Hall. "A man showed up, and tried to steal something. A wand. And now Rumpelstiltskin's going to torture him," she said, breathlessly.

Regina's eyes widened. "Uh, what?"

"A man broke into the castle, and Rumpelstiltskin's going to torture him. He might be torturing the man this minute." Belle was extremely worried.

Regina walked up to Belle, and put her hands on Belle's shoulders. "Belle, calm down. We'll figure this out. Sadly, the Dark One has a 'no stealing' policy." Regina rolled her eyes.

Belle took in a breath. "Regina, we need to help this man."

"How?" The raven haired girl asked. "We can't exactly get in the way of Rumpelstiltskin's business. He won't like that."

"I thought you didn't care what Rumpelstiltskin thought," Belle said, confused.

Regina snorted "You're right. He's a bastard." She paused, thinking. She nodded her head. "We can't sit back and let a man be tortured because the 'master of the house' doesn't like to share."

Belle hugged the girl. "Thank you." She pulled back. "Now how do we help him?"

Regina sighed. "We have to find where Rumpelstiltskin's keeping him. With my magic, we might be able to help him escape." Regina looked wistfully at the glass she had taken from the cupboard. "A girl can't even enjoy a glass of water without being called into action. My life is so strange."

Belle giggled. "You can get water later. It's time for us to be heros."

"I never said I wanted to be one," Regina shook her head.

Belle smiled. "Well, I've always wanted to be. I can't do nothing, knowing full well that a man is getting hurt this instant. Let's go help him."

Regina sighed again. "Let me get that glass of water first. Something tells me that I'm going to work up quite the thirst."

Belle and Regina entered the Great Hall, heading to the foyer.

"If Rumpelstiltskin's keeping that man...what's his name?" Regina asked.

"Robin Hood," Belle responded, breathlessly. They were trying to hurry.

"Right. Robin Hood. If the Dark One has him locked away anywhere, it will be in one of the cells."

"Like the cell I was put in?" They reached the doors.

Regina stopped. "You were put in a cell?"

Belle paused as well, her hand resting on the wood. "Yes. I figured being the maid, I wouldn't be given special treatment. A cell made...sense, I guess." She shrugged her shoulders.

Regina was practically gaping. "I didn't know. I assumed Rumpelstiltskin gave you an actual room."

"Well, he didn't," Belle said, quietly.

Regina rolled her eyes. "Probably my mother's doing." She nodded at the door. "Lets keep moving."

Before Belle could open the door though, Rumpelstiltskin and Cora waltzed in.

Covered in blood.

Belle hastily stepped back, a hand rasing to cover her mouth.

Rumpelstiltskin shifted his eyes from Regina to Belle. He was carrying Robin's bow and quiver. "What do we have here? It couldn't possibly be that you two were on your way to free a certain thief."

Belle gulped. She couldn't speak. Thankfully Regina could. "Of course not. We were just heading to the foyer. We wanted to go outside. Get some fresh air." Regina smiled innocently.

Cora raised an eyebrow. Rumpelstiltskin looked suspicious, turning his gaze to Belle. "And what about you, dearie? Is what Regina says true?" He stalked up to her. She held her breath. "You were just...going outside? Take a walk around the grounds?"

Belle looked at Regina, panicking. Regina remained stoic. Belle could have lied, but then she saw Cora standing behind the Dark One. She was shooting Belle a dangerous expression. Belle was afraid. She didn't want to tell the truth. But she feared that lying would have worse consequences.

She took in a breath. "Regina and I were going to free Robin Hood," she said in one breath, extremely fast. Regina clapped a hand to her forehead. Belle was also just a terrible liar. She couldn't do it.

Rumpelstiltskin looked satisfied, stepping away from her. He really did like to crowd her personal space. "Well, of course, you girls are not going to go do that. You," he looked at Regina, "should be practicing the magic spells I gave you to learn. And you," he turned to Belle, "should be doing your duties, I gave you." He shifted his eyes to his spinning wheel. "It looks like I'm running out of straw. Why don't you go fetch me some, dearie? Do the job you came her to do."

Regina spoke up. "You just can't torture him!"

Cora stepped up. "We can, daughter. Now kindly listen to Rumpelstiltskin and do what you are told."

Regina harrumphed, crossing her arms. "He's not my father."

"No," Cora agreed. "But I am your mother. Don't get in our way." She walked away, not even sparing Belle a glance. Which she was thankful for. "I need to go change my clothes. They're disgusting." She left the room.

Rumpelstiltskin spared a glance at his blood soaked leather apron. "Torturing someone is pretty filthy work." He looked up at the girls. "Wouldn't you agree?" He laughed. He followed after his mistress.

"Why did you tell them?" Regina demanded.

Belle was startled. "I'm a terrible liar. They would have figured out sooner or later what we were up to."

Regina sighed. "Why did you give in so quickly, though?"

Belle took in a deep breath. "Like I said, they would have found out. I thought I was sparing us from getting into trouble for lying." Regina finally nodded.

Belle, ironically though, had just lied to Regina. She gave in quickly because of Cora. If it had just been Rumpelstiltskin demanding answers, she would have stood up for herself. But Cora made her go into self-preservation mode. Cora made her feel like a little girl.

Regina started walking back to the hallway doors. "Where are you going?" Belle asked.

"To free a thief." Regina opened one door.

Belle was confused. "But...I have to go get straw for Rumpelstiltskin."

Regina snorted. "Belle, where did that confident, young woman go? The one that was ready to bust down any walls to free that trapped man?"

"She went away when your mother should up," Belle muttered.

Regina waved a dismissive hand. "Get straw later. We're going to free Robin Hood."

"Really? We can do it?" Belle was hopeful.

"Of course. Now come on. Get confident again. And don't worry about my mother. I'll help protect you." Regina held the door open for Belle.

Belle went through, hoping her and Regina wouldn't get into too much trouble. She seriously doubted it.

Regina and Belle made it the hallway containing the row of cells Rumpelstiltskin kept.

"He has to be in one of these," Regina muttered.

"Aren't you afraid that Rumpelstiltskin and Cora will catch us?" Belle was wondering.

Regina snorted. "Those two went to clean the blood off themselves. Which means they'll probably be busy."

"Busy?" Belle asked.

Regina gave her a sidelong look. "You know...busy."

Belle shook her head. "No, I don't know."

Regina stopped walking, rasing her arms, and having them fall back to her sides. "Busy," Regina emphasized. Belle still had no idea what she was talking about.

Regina sighed, exasperated. "Sex, Belle. They're probably having sex."

Belle blushed, her eyebrows shooting into her hairline. "Oh," was all she could manage to say.

Regina snorted again. "Yeah, it grosses me out too." She nodded towards the cells. "Now lets keep looking." They searched cell after cell, when they finally reached the last one, and saw the outline of a man through the bars on the door.

Belle reached to open it, but couldn't. "It's locked. Or stuck."

Regina eyed the cell. "Knowing the Dark One, it probably has a protection spell on it." She smirked at Belle. "Thankfully for us, Rumpelstiltskin taught me how to undo one." Regina waved a hand over the door. When she reached to touch the handle, the cell miraculously opened. "The Dark One should really learn to cover his bases."

"Well, maybe he thought we wouldn't actually disobey him and go searching for Robin Hood," Belle suggested.

"Then why did he put a protection spell on the door?" Regina asked, somewhat snarkily.

"For safe keeping?" Belle asked, innocently.

Regina laughed. "Belle, you are too funny." She walked into the cell. Belle gasped when she saw the man. Regina's eyes were wide. The girls rushed to his side. Robin lifted his head, squinting. He was sweating so much, it was running into his eyes. He was also covered in blood.

"New change of scenery. Have those two deranged lunatics resorted to sending a couple of little girls to kill me?"

Belle gasped. "Of course not. We've come to rescue you."

"Yeah," Regina said, breathlessly. She was trying to undo the ropes that held him strung up. "So you might want to cut back on the sarcasm. Us 'little girls' are the ones saving your behind." She looked at Belle, nodding her head to the ropes. "Maybe some help here?"

"Oh! Right," Belle shook herself. She was so shocked by the sight of Robin that she could hardly process doing, well, anything. "Sorry," she said, sheepishly to Regina. She reached to undo the ropes on the other side of the man. They finally got him down. He about collapsed on top of them. They struggled to hold his weight, one arm slung over each girl's shoulder.

Robin was trying to help. He was able to get his feet under him. Up this close to him, Regina couldn't help but admit that he was somewhat good looking. Even covered in sweat. And blood.

They ushered him into the Great Hall, where he could escape through the window he entered, mercifully not running into Rumpelstiltskin or Cora. The girls let go of his arms, rushing to open the window. Once it was open, Robin jumped up onto the frame.

"Thank you," he said. "However can I repay you?"

"Just go," Belle said. "Be safe. Hopefully you'll be all right."

He nodded. "Give me your hands," he said. "I'll pull you up."

"We can't go with you," Belle said. "Regina?" But Regina had other ideas. For a moment she was tempted to take this man's hand and leave, but she knew realistically that she couldn't go anywhere.

Regina hesitated, finally sighing. "Belle's right. We can't leave. Not yet."

Belle ushered Robin out the window. "We'll be all right. You're the one in more danger right now."

"Thank you again," Robin said, solemnly. "I will never forget how you two helped me." He jumped out the window, and left. Regina and Belle shut the window sighing in relief.

"What are you two doing?" They jumped, and turned around to see Rumpelstiltskin standing behind them, not covered in blood. "Because," he continued, "it looks to me as if you were helping that criminal escape." He looked between them. "That wouldn't be the best idea, now would it?"

"You don't frighten us, Rumpelstiltskin," Regina said.

He laughed. "Oh, I know I don't. Otherwise you two wouldn't have done something so stupid." He turned his head, and stopped walking. He slowly stepped up to an empty stand. Where a wand should have been. "Where is it?" Rumpelstiltskin asked, quietly.

"Where is what?" Belle asked. Realization was dawning on Regina. Belle was just too trusting to see. Robin Hood stole the damn wand, Regina cursed.

Rumpelstiltskin whirled on them. "The wand!" He stalked towards them. "Not only did you help free that thief, but you let him go with something that belonged to me." He was angry. Bulging veins, red face, angry.

Belle gasped. "He did what?"

Rumpelstiltskin scoffed. "Don't play innocent, dearie. You know what you did."

Regina stepped in front of Belle. "She didn't know, Rumpelstiltskin. And neither did I." She stood right in front of him, eyes narrowed. "The only thing we're guilty of, is protecting a man against torture."

The Dark One tilted his head to the side, eyes scrutinizing. "Well, you two are just going to have to help me get my possessions back."

Belle shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She was riding in a carriage with Regina, Rumpelstiltskin, and Cora. Regina was to her side, and the Dark One across from her. She purposefully tried to sit farthest away from Cora as possible.

Rumpelstiltskin was determined to find Robin Hood and take back his wand. Belle was still trying to figure out why he would want Regina and herself to come along. It wasn't as if they knew where Robin Hood was.

"How do you know where to go?" Belle asked, quietly.

"A tracking spell," responded Rumpelstiltskin.

Belle furrowed her eyebrows. "How does that work?" Cora just scoffed and turned to face the window.

"You use an item that belonged to the person you want to track," Regina elaborated. "It shows you were to go"

Belle looked at the Dark One. "You have something that belongs to Robin Hood?"

Rumpelstiltskin smirked. "Of course I do. How else would I be able to find him?"

Belle paused, waiting for more. "What is it, if you don't mind my asking?"

"We do mind, actually," Cora replied. Belle blushed.

Rumpelstiltskin giggled, answering her question. "His blood, dearie."

Belle gasped. "You're using his blood to track him?"

Regina shuddered in disgust, shaking her head.

"Well, of course. Really, don't sound so shocked, little maid," Rumpelstiltskin said. "What else would I have used?

Belle was still blushing. "I don't know. Regina said you use the spell on an object."

Rumpelstiltskin snorted. "Well, since I don't have any object that belongs to out thief, blood was the next best option." He settled himself back in his seat, looking smug.

Belle was extremely concerned. Rumpelstiltskin was proving himself more of a psychopath by the day. And yet, she wasn't as afraid of him as she was Cora. The woman was thankfully, for the moment, keeping her distance. Maybe Rumpelstiltskin said something to her. But whatever the reason, Belle was grateful.

The carriage was moving along, slowly. "Why don't you just magically take us to Robin Hood?" Belle asked Rumpelstiltskin.

"Because," he responded, "where's the fun in that? It's all about the anticipation." He laughed.

Belle's eyes widened. She turned to Regina. The girl just rolled her eyes, shaking her head in disapproval.

Just then, Belle heard the horses whinnying. The carriage stopped. Cora turned from the window, irritation written on her face. "What is it?"

"I don't know, lovely," Rumpelstiltskin said, sarcastically. "I haven't gone out to check yet." He rolled his eyes, stepping down from the carriage. Belle was intensely curious to see what was happening. She started to follow after Rumpelstiltskin.

"Belle, what are you doing?" Regina asked, tugging Belle back inside.

"I want to see what's out there." Belle didn't understand what the problem was.

Regina shook her head. "It could be something dangerous."

Belle smiled at Regina's concern. "Since when did you become cautious?"

Regina paused, then snorted. "You're right. Let's go."

Cora turned to look at them. "Regina, I don't want you getting hurt." She sneered at Belle. "However you can go, maid. If it's a band of robbers out there waiting to steal your virtue, then be my guest." She smirked.

Regina rolled her eyes. "Back off, Mother. We're going out there." Cora raised an eyebrow at Regina's tone.

"Fine then," Cora shrugged. "We will all go."

The women exited the carriage. There were no robbers Belle could see, thankfully. It was just a tall man with dark hair, standing in front of a horse. He reminded Belle of Gaston. Rumpelstiltskin approached him.

"Care to tell me why you stopped my carriage?" Rumpelstiltskin asked, sweetly. Well, he was pretending to be sweet anyway. He wasn't very good at it.

"I am the Sheriff of Nottingham," the man said, loudly, swaying on his feet. The man was clearly drunk. Belle had been around her father when he had been drinking enough to recognize the signs. "I say who passes on my roads. I'll need to know who you are."

Rumpelstiltskin tilted his head to the side, waving a dismissive hand. "We're not important. My companions and I were on our way to find a thief, who stole something from me. We're running out of time, so if you could move out of the way...," he trailed off.

Belle sent Regina a questioning look. Regina whispered. "The tracking spell only lasts so long, before another needs to be applied to the object. In this case, Robin's blood."

The Sheriff laughed. "I'll let you pass, if you give me one of your wenches for the night."

Cora stepped up, outraged. "How dare you! Like my daughter or I would ever subject our bodies to you."

The Sheriff shifted his eyes from Cora to Regina and Belle. "Which one's your daughter?"

Cora's lips thinned. "Regina, come here." Regina walked forward. Cora clutched her arm protectively. "Find another option. My lover here, will not give you me or my daughter. I will make it extremely unpleasant for you, if he does." The Sheriff's eyes widened.

Rumpelstiltskin giggled. "She sure does have spunk, doesn't she?" He said to the Sheriff.

"All right, lady. I won't touch you," At Cora's glare he added, "or your daughter."

Cora nodded, and stepped back, pleased. Rumpelstiltskin spoke. "Well, now that the situation is taken care of, we'll be on our way-." But before he could finish speaking, the Sheriff nodded in Belle's direction.

"What about her? Is she for sale?" Belle froze, worried. Regina gasped. Rumpelstiltskin stopped moving as well. He looked back at Belle.

"No, she isn't," Rumpelstiltskin said.

The Sheriff became pleading. "Not even for twenty minutes?"

Rumpelstiltskin stepped up to the man. "No," he growled.

Cora sniffed. "Just let him, Rumpel. If that's what it takes to continue on moving, then so be it."

Regina whirled on her mother. "Mother, no! He's not doing...that to Belle."

"I'll give you money," the Sheriff offered.

Rumpelstiltskin looked speculative. "I'll offer you a deal." Belle's heart sank. She couldn't believe that she was about to be bartered like some mule. But before she could become truly terrified, Rumpelstiltskin waved his hand, causing the Sheriff to sound like he was choking. Rumpelstiltskin held the man's tongue in his hand. The Sheriff was grasping at his throat and mouth.

"I'll give you this back," the Dark One pointed at the tongue, "if you get out of our way. And it would be convenient if you could tell us directly where Robin Hood is heading, as well. Save us time, you stole from us. Do we have a deal?" The Sheriff nodded, looking like he wanted to beg. Rumpelstiltskin laughed, giving the man his tongue back. The Sheriff gulped in breaths. "I'm waiting, dearie."

The Sheriff nodded. "Last I heard, Robin Hood was heading to Sherwood Forest. He lives out there with his wife."

Rumpelstiltskin smiled. "Now that wasn't too difficult, was it?" He nodded at Cora, Regina, and Belle to get back in the carriage. The Sheriff scrambled to get on his horse. He rode off. Very quickly, Belle observed.

"Really, Rumpel," Cora shook her head. "You could have give the little maid to him. He was willing to give money for her. Then at least she would have been worth something. I'm sure he wouldn't have hurt her. Much." Cora laughed.

Belle ducked her head, pretending not to hear. Regina looked away from her mother in disgust.

Rumpelstiltskin pursed his lips. "I have enough money, dearie. It wouldn't have been worth it." The carriage started moving again.

She glanced up, and saw Rumpelstiltskin watching her. She blushed and looked away. Even though Rumpelstiltskin could be strange and scary, he saved her. And that, to Belle, was worth every strand of gold. But of course, it also left her feeling extremely confused.

They reached Sherwood Forest, and had to get out of the carriage, since it couldn't cross over unmarked roads.

They were trekking through branches, and over tree stumps, when Regina spoke. Her and Belle remained a little ways behind Cora and Rumpelstiltskin. "It's a good thing Zelena isn't with us. She wouldn't have been able to stop complaining about her clothes getting ruined from, well, nature."

Belle giggled. "Zelena seems like a handful."

Regina sighed. "You have no idea." She paused. "Well, I guess you do." She shrugged, laughing softly.

"Dearies, kindly be quiet," Rumpelstiltskin said. "I'm concentrating."

"I don't know how difficult it is for him to lose concentration," Regina muttered. "It's not as if a full grown man should be hard to miss."

"I hope Robin's all right," Belle said.

"Well, he won't be when my mother and 'Mr. Concentration' over there find him."

Belle smiled. "I know I shouldn't laugh...but that was pretty funny."

Cora and Rumpelstiltskin suddenly stopped walking. Regina and Belle stepped up, and saw Robin Hood below a ridge.

Rumpelstiltskin, who had taken Robin's bow with him, pulled free an arrow. He notched it into the weapon. Cora was smirking. Probably excited to see the thief die. Belle knew there wasn't anything she could do, but then she saw something. Robin pull out the wand, but Belle noticed something that made her catch her breath. He was using the wand on a pregnant woman, waving it over her body.

That must be his wife, Belle thought. The woman was sick. Belle couldn't keep quiet.

"Wait!" She yelled. Rumpelstiltskin stopped, looking back at her. "She's pregnant. He's using the wand to save her. That's why he wanted it," Belle said, wondrously.

Cora sniffed. "Do it, Rumpel. That man needs to pay for his crimes."

Rumpelstiltskin hesitated, looking at Belle. "I do what I want, dearie. Right now, you're being a nuance." He lifted the bow.

"Please, don't do this," Belle begged. "Be a better man. A good man wouldn't hurt another man just for trying to save his wife and unborn child."

"Be quiet, girl," Cora seethed. She lifted her hand. Next thing Belle knew, she couldn't breath. Cora was using her magic to choke her. Belle feel to her knees, holding her throat, trying to find air.

"Mother!" Regina exclaimed. "Stop it!"

Rumpelstiltskin was doubtful. He finally let loose the arrow, but it didn't hit Robin. It hit the tree next to him. Robin looked up started, and him and his wife, left. Trying to hurry from some unseen enemy.

Belle, despite being choked, felt relief that Rumpelstiltskin made the right choice. Rumpelstiltskin turned around and stormed up to Cora.

"Cora, I forbid you to hurt the girl. Stop it," he growled.

Cora sneered. "This little maid of yours is getting into too much trouble. She needs to be dealt with." Cora's grip tightened. Belle was starting to see black.

"Cora, enough!" Rumpelstiltskin shouted. He waved a hand, and Cora stumbled back, her grip on Belle loosening, until it finally went away. Belle drew in a large breath. She felt Regina kneel next to her, helping her to stand.

Cora swiped the hair that fell into her eyes, out of the way. She was glaring at Rumpelstiltskin, who held his ground.

"I told you," the Dark One growled, "to not kill my maid. Don't disobey me again." He walked away, presumably back to the carriage.

Cora was breathing hard. Regina shook her head. "Really Mother?" Regina helped Belle walked back to the carriage. Cora was left alone, fuming.

Belle was thankful for Regina and Rumpelstiltskin's assistance, but she couldn't help but wonder what Cora would do next. Yes, Rumpelstiltskin forbade Cora from hurting her, but Belle received the distinct feeling that Cora wouldn't take well to being told what to do.

After getting back to the castle, Rumpelstiltskin stormed off to his tower. Regina offered to let Belle stay in her room, but Belle declined. She needed to speak to someone first.

She reached the corridor leading to Rumpelstiltskin's tower, and hesitantly walked up the stairs. The door was open. She saw Rumpelstiltskin working, on a new spell she presumed.

He glanced up at her, pausing in his work. "What are you doing here, dearie?"

Belle hesitated. "I wanted to...thank you."

His eyebrows rose. "I don't hear that often." He set down the object he was working on. It looked like a necklace. "Pray tell, what I did to deserve such...a welcome response."

Belle blushed, but held her head higher. "For saving my life, from that man. And against Cora."

He clucked his tongue. "Oh. That. Well, little maid, it was nothing." He went back to his work. "Like I said before, good help is so hard to find these days. I didn't do it for you."

Belle nodded, walking forward, closer to him. "Of course. That makes sense."

He lifted an eyebrow, smirking. "Of course."

Belle looked down at the table. "What are you working on?" He held a necklace in his hands. It was beautiful. White, with intricate flowery detail. A huge Opel was in the center.

He turned the necklace in his hands. "I'm working on a new spell."

"What is it?" Belle asked. He hesitated. "Is it a secret?" She teased.

His lips quirked. "Actually it's for you." He looked straight at her. Belle was taken aback.

"For me? Why?" She could not understand his reasoning.

His eyes became dark. "Cora went too far today. I infused this necklace with a protection charm. When you wear it, the spell will protect you from other magic users. Including me."

Belle reached out to touch the necklace. "Will the magic ever wear off?"

"No. It's a strong spell." He was looking at her, weary. He didn't know how she was going to react. He handed her the gift.

"Thank you," she said, easier now than before.

He shrugged. "Like I said, I don't need you dying."

Belle walked around the table, and impulsively reached out and hugged him. He was frozen. She pulled back. She lifted the necklace. "Will you put it on me?"

Rumpelstiltskin just stood there. Belle felt somewhat smug making the Dark One speechless. He finally moved, nodding. She turned around. His fingers brushed her hair out of the way. He clasped the necklace, moving her hair back. She turned back, smiling softly. His lips quirked again. Not an actual smile, but at least he didn't look upset with her.

"I had a question," Belle said. He lifted an eyebrow. "Robin Hood's arrow...he said that it never misses its mark. The arrow didn't hit him. It hit the tree next to him."

He glanced away, back towards his work bench. "What's your question, dearie?"

"Why did you not hit him?" Belle tilted her head.

Rumpelstiltskin fiddled with a piece of paper. "Who's says I didn't try? I guess I just have terrible aim."

Belle smiled, lifting an eyebrow. "Rumpel." He looked up at her, surprised. She then pulled back. She didn't mean to call him by such an affectionate, intimate name. She was just caught in the moment of his generosity.

He squinted at her. "I didn't hit Robin Hood...because I guess I had a change of heart." He smiled, sarcastically.

Belle sighed, shaking her head. "Well, whatever the reason, I can tell that you're not the man I thought you were." He raised an eyebrow, looking weary again. "And I'm glad." His expression softened for a moment. Belle cleared her throat. "I never actually fetched you that straw, like you told me to do earlier. I'll go do that now." She smiled, walking away.

Rumpelstiltskin was left, feeling kind of warm. But that never happened. He always thought himself cold-blooded. Like a crocodile. But in that moment with his little maid, he couldn't help but feel...pride. He liked knowing he saved her life. He liked seeing her smile. He liked her teasing little grins.

He enjoyed this feeling, but like before, it was utterly confusing.

And irritating.

That was a really bitchy thing for Cora to do. But at least it led to a Rumpel and Belle bonding moment.

And I think most of us would agree with Regina: Cora and Rumpel having sex is pretty gross. Even though I write about. Huh. Weird.

Upcoming: we'll go down memory lane into more of Milah and Rumpel's back story, Belle walks into an uncomfortable situation, and Gaston tries to be a hero.