Thanks to everyone reading this story! I really appreciate when you favor/follow or review. It gives me encouragement to write.
Is anyone else still curled up in a ball, feeling like they just had their heart ripped out of their chest after the winter finale of OUAT? That scene with Belle and Rumpel...that was brutal. I don't think I'll survive till March.
Hopefully writing about those two will pass the time until then. Enjoy the chapter!
Gaston was determined to get Belle back. After she was taken by that...imp, Gaston hurriedly began to search for her. He knew that Belle was upset with him, but it wasn't anything Gaston couldn't fix. He knew the minute Belle saw him coming to her rescue, she would fall back in his arms.
He started to speak to the men who fought in their Ogre Wars, hoping they would know where the wizard resided. One man heard of rumors where Rumpelstiltskin called 'home.' It lead Gaston to a little inn, where supposedly the imp's castle was just a days ride away.
In all this puzzle solving, he had to actually think. He knew Belle would be impressed by his intelligence. Just as surely as she would be impressed by his heroic act of rescue. Damsels in distress could not resist him.
He entered the inn, ordering a pint of beer. He never actually liked the taste, having preferred the finer things in life, but the shoddy little inn didn't offer anything else. He sat down at one of the empty tables, watching other men drink and laugh. One table was full of little men, all wearing similar clothing of caps, and stockings. One of the men, short and stocky he was, sidled up to the table. He was smiling broadly.
"And where are you off to?" The small man asked.
Gaston sniffed, grabbing at his cup. "Why do you ask?"
The little man looked taken aback, as another little man stepped up. He did not look happy. "Happy, go back to our brothers," the angry, little man said. The other, Happy, nodded and walked away. The angry man sat down at Gaston's table.
Gaston rose his eyebrows, wondering why these men were interfering with his business.
The little man took off his cap. "The name's Grumpy," he said, squinting at Gaston. "We don't normally see royalty at our tavern." He paused. "Then again, we don't usually see anyone of normal size at out tavern."
Gaston huffed. "I did not know this tavern was open only to...munchkins."
Grumpy became beat red. "Hey, we're called dwarfs, you pompous asshole."
Gaston shrugged. "Doesn't make a difference to me. You're still a tiny, little man. Not even a man, really."
Grumpy stood up, drawing back a fist. "You asked for this." But before Grumpy could hit Gaston, the other little men at the table rushed over. There were six of them, not counting Grumpy. Two pulled Grumpy back, away from Gaston.
"Sneezy, Happy, what are you doing?" Grumpy demanded, being hauled away from Gaston.
One of the munchkins, with spectacles, spoke. "Trying to keep you from getting into another fight, Grumpy. It's the third one this week." Spectacles turned to Gaston. "I apologize for that. My name's Doc." He held out his hand. Gaston shook, telling Doc his name. Doc looked at the now empty seat across from Gaston. "Mind if I sit?"
Gaston sighed. "You're friends already thought it was their right, so why not you?" Doc furrowed his brow at that.
"Like Grumpy was saying, we don't normally see royalty in this tavern," Doc said, wiping his spectacles.
Gaston puffed up his chest. "I'm actually of noble blood, not royalty," he said, proudly.
Doc looked even more confused. "But isn't nobility a lower station than royalty?"
Gaston paused, drink halfway to his lips. He finally shook his head. "No, that's not right."
Doc looked like he wanted to say something, than thought better of it. He shrugged. "So why are you stopping by?"
Gaston puffed up his chest even more. "I'm searching for my beloved."
"Oh?" Doc asked. "Where did she go?"
Gaston scowled. "She didn't go anywhere. She was taken, against her will. I'm going to rescue her."
Doc's eyes widened. "Who took her?"
Gaston sneered. "A disgusting imp, by the name of Rumpelstiltskin."
The other munchkins all gasped, eavesdropping on the conversation. They started to speak at once.
"The Dark One!"
"Who is he?" A sneeze.
"Is he real?" A blush.
"I heard that son of a bitch skins children alive."
"Grumpy!"
"What?"
""He doesn't skin children alive."
"How do you know?" A grumble.
"I heard he makes straw into gold." Another sneeze.
A snort. "Wouldn't that be nice. And I have sugar plumes falling from my a-"
"Grumpy!"
"What?!"
Doc just rolled his eyes at the other men, turning back to Gaston. "Rumpelstiltskin took your beloved?"
Gaston nodded. "And he's going to pay with his life." He gripped his scabbard, and the hilt of his sword.
Doc's eyes widened again. "Do you know how dangerous he is rumored to be? The Dark One isn't to be taken lightly."
Gaston rolled his eyes. "I can handle that beast. For my Belle, I would do anything." His chest became even more puffed.
Doc thought that it was sweet that a young man would risk so much for the woman he loved. But then Doc also thought this man didn't have much going on in the department upstairs. He didn't seem very... bright.
But that wasn't a concern for Gaston. He had his strength, and bravery. He would save Belle. And she would fall in love with him even more. And then marry him. Gaston grinned, stretching back in his chair.
Belle would be his.
After the first night she met the Duke of Hanau, Milah could not stop thinking about him. The Duke, Rumpelstiltskin, came on social calls to her home, visiting with her father and fiancé. They would take walks around the gardens again and again, but always Milah wanted more.
They finally shared their first kiss together after seeing each other for the past month. It didn't take long for Milah to fall in love with Rumpelstiltskin.
"Why can't I marry you?" She asked him one night, roughly a month after their first kiss. They had been kissing a lot since, her father and fiancé none the wiser. Rumpel never went to far with her. It was frustrating. They were sitting on a wicker bench, surrounded by flowers.
Rumpel turned to her in surprise. "Because you are in engaged to another man."
Milah huffed. "I don't love him. I don't have feelings for him, like I do you. I love you."
Rumpel sighed. "And, if I must confess dear Milah, I've fallen in love with you as well." At her hopeful expression, he continued to speak. "But it is not appropriate."
"But you have a higher station than my fiancé does. He is only a Marquis, while you're a Duke." Milah was becoming frustrated.
"That is true, but you're parents have made a match for you with the Marquis. It wouldn't be fair or right of me to take you away from that," he said, sincerely.
Milah scoffed, crossing her arms. "I think my parents would be all right with me marrying a Duke. This match," she placed her hand on his arm, "is what my parents would want. They just haven't realized it. They don't know that you're interested in marrying me. If you were to ask for my father's hand, I'm sure he would bless it."
Rumpel hesitated, making Milah frown. "You do want to marry me, don't you?" She asked.
He sighed again, smiling at her. "Of course I do, my dear. I'm just used to being alone, that it'll take some time for me to get used to the idea of having another person in my life." He lifted his hand to touch her cheek. He leaned in to kissed her. It was a soft, gentle kiss. He pulled back.
Milah sighed herself. "When are you going to do more than just kiss me?"
He quirked an eyebrow. "You want me to do more?" He smirked.
She laughed, swatting his arm. "Of course." Her eyes lit up with an idea. "Rumpel, if we were to do...more... than we would have to get married. My parents couldn't object. Not that they would anyway."
He smiled a little, lacing her hand with his. "So eager, are we? You're suggesting I take your virtue so your parents will agree to us getting married?"
She giggled. "No, I think we should do more because I want to be with you. In every way." This time, she leaned in to kiss him. The kiss was much more passionate than the first. She wrapped her arms around his neck, while he scooted her closer to him on the bench. He grabbed her waist, his hands right underneath her breasts. She blushed at the thought of him touching her there. But then she thought, to hell with it. She wanted his touch.
She lifted his hand to touch her breast. He pulled free of her kiss, smiling. "Are you sure?" She nodded, bringing her lips to his again. He trailed his lips down her neck. She arched her back into him. "You know, Milah," he murmured against her neck, "we are outside, my dear." He smirked. "I don't think you're parents would take a liking to seeing me deflower their daughter on a wicker bench out in their garden."
Milah pulled back a little, flushed. His smiled widened, making her blush. She sighed, straightening her hair. "All right. Not out in the garden. But you can come back later tonight. Meet me somewhere far away from this place."
His expression became soft. He held her face in his hands. "How will you sneak out?"
"I'll find a way," she smiled. "We can meet on the bridge that covers the distance between your house and mine."
He kissed her lightly on the lips, pulling away before she got any ideas. "I'll bring my carriage."
"Why not just a horse?" Milah asked.
"A carriage is less conspicuous. Not as obvious that we're about to depart to go off on a clandestine love affair."
Milah smirked. "But a horse is faster," she challenged him.
Rumpel laughed. "You have me there, dear Milah. You are very eager." He winked.
She blushed. "Just bring a horse. And it's not a love affair that we have between us." She cradled his face in her hands. "It's true love."
Rumpelstiltskin was having a good day.
No angry mistresses trying to kill his staff. No irritated wives or kind of step-daughters pitching for a fight. And no sweet little maids trying to make him feel...warm. Or comfortable. Or...nice.
Well, he wasn't exactly sure about the last one. After he gave Belle the necklace, she had been a lot more comfortable around him. Always finding, when not cleaning, some way to talk with him. They never really spoke about anything. She usually would just ask how his day was going.
He never understood why she would do that.
"To be nice?" His maid suggested one afternoon. She sat a basket of straw down next to his spinning wheel. He, of course, was spinning.
He furrowed his brow. "I never understood the need." His hands moving over the wheel, slowly, peaceful.
Belle giggled. "You don't understand why people feel the need to be nice?" She shook her head in mock exasperation. "People are nice, because it is a polite thing to do."
He paused in his spinning. "But I'm not nice."
She fingered the necklace he gave her. The other women hadn't noticed it yet. Belle usually hid it under the collar of her gown. "I think you do some nice things," she said, quietly. "When you want to."
He looked at her, assessing. "Well, don't tell anyone." He turned back to his wheel. "I have a reputation to uphold," he giggled. He nodded toward her empty hands. "You should get back to work. This castle won't clean itself, you know."
Belle just smiled one of her teasing grins he was becoming accustomed to. "Oh, all right. Duty calls." She started to turn on her heels, when she stopped, glancing back. "Rumpelstiltskin?" She asked. She hadn't called him 'Rumpel' since the day he gave her the necklace. He couldn't say if he missed it or not.
"What is it, dearie?"
She hesitated. "I know that I'm here to be a maid and caretaker of sorts, and should be focused on that, but I do get somewhat bored. I was wondering if you had any books lying around?"
He quirked an eyebrow. "Why would you need books?"
Belle blushed. "I love to read, and thought maybe when I was alone at night, before I went to sleep, I could spend that time reading." She hastily shook her hands. "I would read after I've finished my chores, of course."
He paused again in his spinning. "I...might have some books somewhere in this castle." He stopped, thinking. He had an idea. "Come meet me in my tower after you've finished your work."
"All right," Belle nodded. She pointed towards the kitchen. "I'll see you then."
Rumpelstiltskin smirked a little, feeling smug over his idea. He went to his tower to work on some spells, and concoctions he had been making. A few hours passed, when he heard someone enter. He didn't look up from the piece of paper he was writing spell ingredients on. "Finished already, dearie?" He asked, a smile in his voice.
"Finished what, exactly?" The voice wasn't Belle's.
It was Cora's.
Rumpelstiltskin slowly lifted his head. He saw his mistress standing in the doorway, her fingertips trailing down on the wood. He assumed it was mean to be a seductive look. Well, whatever it was, it was working. He felt a tightening in his pants. He had kept his distance from Cora somewhat since the day she tried to kill his little maid. That was to teach her a lesson. But he couldn't deny how much he missed touching his lover.
Fucking her, more precisely.
"Cora, lovely. How nice of you to make your presence known." He clapped his hands together, once.
She smirked, walking away from the door. "You're the one that's been keeping the distance between us, Rumpel." Somehow, when his mistress said his name, it wasn't as nice as a certain little maid. Interesting, he thought. And annoying.
He laughed. "That's because you did wrong, Cora. I was trying to teach you a lesson."
She reached the table he was at, stroking her hand down the length of it. "And what lesson was that? The one where you teach me what a bad girl I've been?"
He smirked. "No. The one where I teach you not to disobey my rules." He reached out and grabbed her hand, pulling her closer. She gasped, smiling wickedly. He wrapped his arms around her waist.
She trailed her fingers down his chest, looking up at him, slyly. "Why, Rumpel, is this where you give my punishment? Are you going to give me a spanking?" She asked, mocking.
He lifted up her skirt, to touch her bare thighs. "See, you're teasing, but I will spank you if you keep it up."
She laughed, smacking him on the chest. "You are so bad."
He grinned, knowing it looked dangerous. "That's why they call me the Dark One, dearie."
He pulled her hips against his, bringing his head down, so their lips collided. They battled for dominance. He reached up to her chest, ripping her bodice open, her chemise underneath. Cora moaned when he put his mouth to her right nipple, through the fabric. He moved his mouth away, lifting her up on the bench. She leaned on the table, head falling back.
Rumpelstiltskin was about to curse these blasted clothes away and reach in between Cora's thighs, when he heard a gasp.
He lifted his head to catch the sight of brown hair whipping around, a light blue dress twirling, as his little maid, hastily turned away. Cora turned as well, and Rumpelstiltskin realized the mistake he made. He told Belle to meet him in his tower after she finished her work, and clearly she was doing just that. He hadn't expected Cora to make an appearance. He just became caught up in his lust.
He saw that Belle had her hands clamped over her face, said face beet red. Which was to say, his mistress was the same. But unlike Belle, Cora wasn't embarrassed. Cora was livid.
She pushed Rumpelstiltskin away, not even bothering to straighten her clothes. She marched up to Belle, grabbing the young girl by the arm and pulling her father into the room. Rumpelstiltskin felt his eyes narrow. Cora thrust the girl in his direction.
"I'm so sorry!" Belle exclaimed.
"Sorry?" Cora asked. "You want to watch this, little girl. Does that bring you pleasure? Watching other people get off?" She tossed Belle's arm away.
Belle was furiously shaking her head. "No, of course not! I didn't know what was happening until-,"
"Until, what?" Cora demanded. "Until you decided to come snooping around where you don't belong?"
"Cora, enough," Rumpelstiltskin growled. "What did I tell you about breaking my rules?"
Cora huffed. "You saw what happened, Rumpel. Don't tell me it doesn't bother you that she interrupted us."
He crossed his arms. "I actually told her to come up here."
Cora blinked. "What?" She asked, quietly, deadly.
"Belle and I arranged to meet up. I had something I wanted to show her." He settled his hands down on the table.
Belle was breathing fast, clearly shocked. And probably traumatized, he thought, with an internal chuckle. He was sure seeing him about to fuck his mistress on a work bench would leave an affect on anyone. Especially someone as innocent as Belle. He felt a little...bad for his maid. But then again, it was his castle. He could damn well please to do whatever he wanted. And it wasn't as if Cora or himself were naked, which was something.
Cora sneered. "Show her what?" She glared, looking Rumpelstiltskin up and down. Her eyes widened. "Did you ask her to come up here to fuck her as well?"
Belle blushed ten shades deeper. Rumpelstiltskin just laughed, surprised. "No, Cora. Unlike you, I'm not going to scare the poor girl."
"Well then, what did you want to show her?" Cora's glared deepened.
He held up a finger, taking in a breath as if he was going to tell her. Then he paused. "I'm not telling," he grinned.
Cora was flushed. "You son of a-," she broke off. She was looking at Belle's neck. Or more precisely, the necklace around her neck. In all the tussle, it must have slipped from underneath Belle's dress.
Belle took a step back, fingering the necklace. Cora slowly spoke. "Where did you get that?"
Belle gulped, looking at Rumpelstiltskin. He stepped in, standing between Cora and Belle. "I gave a gift to the little maid. No need to make things into a bigger deal."
Cora sputtered. "You decided to give her a gift?"
He shrugged. "She's been working hard around here. I thought I would reward her." He tilted his head and smiled, clearly mocking his mistress.
Cora reached around him and attempted to grab the item from Belle's neck. But, of course, like he planned, Cora wasn't able to touch the necklace or Belle. Her hand came inches from his little maid's neck, said maid cringing back. Cora tried to wrap her hand in a fist, but to no avail.
"Why isn't this working?" Cora seethed.
Rumpelstiltskin giggled. "Because I might have enchanted the necklace with a spell, preventing any magic from harming Belle." At Cora's surprised glare, he continued speaking. "Oh, and no one can take the necklace off except for the little maid." He clucked his tongue, eyeing Cora's outstretched hand, still trying to curl in a fist. "And I don't think she'll be wanting to take it off anytime soon." He shrugged, looking from side to side, settling his gaze back on his mistress. "Did I forget to mention that?"
Cora's eyes widened, as she stepped back. "You're seriously going to play that game, Rumpelstiltskin?"
He remained calm. "I have no idea what you're talking about, lovely. As I've said many times before, and which you've refused to listen," he stepped right up to Cora, crowding her, growling, "don't kill my maid." He eyed the necklace he gave to Belle. "That's just insuring that you won't succeed." He stepped back, smirking. "Run along now, dearie. I have to give Belle her other gift."
Cora scowled, rolling her eyes. "This isn't over, Rumpel."
He laughed. "It never is with you."
Cora stormed away, muttering. Belle snuck a glance at him, her breath calming down. "Thank you, again," she said, sheepishly. "I didn't know what was happening up here. If I had known, I wouldn't have come."
He waved a hand. "I told you to meet me here." He glanced around, pretending to whisper. "I guess I just got carried away."
Belle smiled, blushing again. "I guess I should have knocked."
He eyed her. "You weren't too frightened?"
Belle shook her head, a teasing grin starting to cross her face. "I wasn't frightened by what I saw." She paused. "I was traumatized."
He smirked. "You're mocking me," he pretended to sound upset.
She giggled, holding up two fingers, a space between them. "Maybe a little. That's what you get for making sure I'm not able to eat at all anymore."
He laughed, billowing. He hadn't genuinely laughed like that in a long time. "That's what you get for snooping."
Her mouth dropped open, mock gasping. "You invited me!"
He tilted his head. "So I did." He nodded towards the doors. "I have to show you something."
They left his tower, walking down a hallway he knew Belle had never been before. He led them up a flight of stairs, into a luxurious, grand library.
Belle gasped, her eyes lighting up. She really loved books, like she said. Just the sight of them made her happy. He was smug. Of course, he wasn't showing it, though.
Belle drifted up to the cases of books. "There are so many books! More than I've seen in my entire life." She turned to him. "I didn't know you had a library."
He shrugged. "Not many of the women that live here like to read. Regina on occasion comes here, but not often." His eyes became sly. "But I'm not giving this to you so you can shirk in your duties. This is just another room for you to clean in." He waved his hand over a stack of books, letting up dust. "It's quite dusty in here."
Belle smiled. "Thank you. This is the best gift anyone's ever given me." She hugged him, like she did when he gave her the necklace. Impulsively, and quickly. He remained frozen again, not responding to her hug. He pulled back, tisking at her.
"This isn't a gift. I just figured the room needs cleaning."
Belle eyed him slyly, another teasing grin hovering over her lips. "You say that, but you just happened to show me this room after I told you that I love to read. I'm thinking this is a gift, but you're too stubborn to admit it."
He paused, not knowing what to say. "Just clean the room," he finally muttered. He turned away from his maid, rolling his eyes.
What was he becoming? How did she keep on managing to make him speechless? That habit of her's was getting on his nerves. He had to make sure it stopped. He was the Dark One after all. One little maid, wasn't going to get under his skin.
Milah was waiting anxiously for Rumpel, out in her mother's garden. He was speaking with her parents, asking for permission to marry her.
He walked outside, thankfully grinning. She laughed, running up to him. "Did they say yes?"
He caught her in a hug, nodding. "They agreed, thinking me a better match."
She was still laughing. "Probably because you're so rich."
He smirked. "Well, that doesn't hurt."
It had been a few weeks ago since they had made love for the first time. They continued to meet up, until finally Rumpel was given the chance to ask for her hand.
Milah wasn't just anxious to marry the Scots man because she loved him, she also was carrying a secret she hadn't told anyone yet.
She had been waking up sick these past few days. She knew enough about childbirth to recognize the signs. She went to a nurse, to be a sure, and her suspicions were confirmed. She hadn't told Rumpel yet, since she didn't want to pressure him into marriage. But now that her parents consented, she could come clean.
"Rumpel," she said, still hugging him. He glanced down at her. "There was something I wanted to tell you."
"What is it?" He murmured, rubbing her back.
She took a deep breath. "I was nervous to tell you, but...I'm expecting."
His eyebrows shot up to his hairline. "Expecting?"
She nodded. "Yes, you know, a baby?"
He flicked his eyes to her stomach. He hesitantly touch her abdomen. He raised his eyes back to her. "A baby?"
She smiled. "Yes. And will you stop repeating everything I say?" She said, teasingly.
He shook his head. "Impossible for me. I...just don't know what to say."
"Say you're happy."
His expression became soft. "I am happy, my dear. I just wasn't expecting this so soon."
She grinned, smirking. "Well, you do know the mechanics of it." She lifted a finger to her chin, pursing her lips. "I distinctly remember you showing me how it works. A few times actually. It shouldn't come as a surprise."
He smirked as well, while looking sheepish. "I guess, you're right." He became guilty. "I'm sorry I wasn't more carful with you."
She scoffed. "I'm not. I asked you to do...that..to me, Rumpel."
He grinned. "If you can't say sex, my dear, then we shouldn't be having it in the first place."
She giggled, rolling her eyes. "Fine. Sex." She became serious. "I don't regret what happened." She put her hands on her stomach. "I don't regret this baby."
He put his hands over her's. "And neither do I." He was fervent. "I promise I will be the best father to our child, dear Milah. He will grow up strong, and brave."
Tears started to form in her eyes. "I know you will be. And I'll be the best mother to our child, Rumpel. Have no fear."
He shook his head. "With you, fear doesn't exist."
"I love you, Rumpelstiltskin."
"And I love you, Milah."
They looked down at their hands, covering Milah's stomach. In that moment, everything was peaceful. Neither of them knew what would lay ahead.
Belle, having finished all her chores for the day, was sitting in the Great Hall, reading. It was much preferable to her cell. She was just polishing off her chapter, when she heard the knocker on the front doors pound. Rumpelstiltskin told her to answer it if he wasn't around. Since he was back in his lab, she figured it was her turn to answer the door.
She set her book down, and went to greet the visitor. Of course, she had no idea the visitor would be...Gaston. Her eyes widened when she saw him standing on the front step.
"Gaston?" She asked, hardly believing her eyes. How did he find this place? And why is he here?
"Belle!" Gaston exclaimed. He puffed up his chest. "I have come to rescue you." That answered one of her questions.
"Umm," was all she could manage.
"Who's at the door, dearie?" Rumpelstiltskin came strolling up. He paused when he saw Gaston. The other man whipped out his sword, pointing it at Rumpelstiltskin's chest. The Dark One eyed the sword, using one finger to move the tip away from his throat. "Is it just me, or whenever we meet you're always pointing a sword at me?" He turned to Belle. "I don't think he likes me."
Gaston flushed. "I have come to rescue my beloved fiancé from your clutches. So...unhand her, you fiend."
Rumpelstiltskin looked like had better things to do with his time, than stay here and listen to Gaston. "I'm not touching her."
Gaston looked between Belle and Rumpelstiltskin. "Well, you're not right now, but...release her." He shook his sword.
Rumpelstiltskin held up one finger. "I think you're forgetting that I made a deal with Belle to save the lot of you, and that she chose to stay here with me." Belle closed her eyes in exasperation. Rumpelstiltskin stating the truth wasn't going to help matters.
"What's going on here?" Cora waltzed into the foyer, her two daughters following in tow. Milah made her way after them. "A new client that wants to make a deal?"
Rumpelstiltskin snorted. "Just a buffoon fiancé that thinks he can take back what doesn't belong to him." He furrowed his brows looking at the all the women who entered the foyer. "What are all you doing here?"
"Uh, we live here?" Regina asked, sarcastically.
Rumpelstiltskin rolled his eyes. "What are all you doing here in the foyer? It's not as if anything interesting is going on."
Zelena eyed Gaston, looking at him appreciatively. "Now, we wouldn't say that." Regina rolled her eyes at Zelena's blatant show of admiring Gaston's looks. Zelena's expression made Belle want to laugh and vomit at the same time.
"I was just taking the girls outside to practice some spells," Cora said. She nodded at Milah. "This one wanted some fresh air, as well. Who knew we would be walking into something...fascinating."
Gaston was silent a moment, taking in all the other women. He shook himself. "I've come to rescue Belle," he repeated.
Rumpelstiltskin turned back to him. "Well, that's not going to happen."
"Why not?" demanded Gaston.
"Did you not hear the part where I said we made a deal?" Rumpelstiltskin waved a hand between Belle and himself. "Your fiancé isn't going anywhere."
Zelena's eyes became round. "That's the maid's fiancé?" She turned to Belle. "I thought you said you didn't have anyone back home?"
Belle blushed when all eyes turned on her. "I didn't say I didn't have anyone back home. I said that I didn't love anyone back home."
Gaston flushed again. "She doesn't mean that," he said to the rest of the group.
Rumpelstiltskin looked smug, and pleased by Belle's answer. "Oh, I think she does, dearie."
Cora rolled her eyes. "Enough of this adolescent drama. If this man wants to take the girl, than let him, Rumpel."
Rumpelstiltskin turned on Cora. "You keep trying to fight me on this Cora, but the girl isn't going anywhere. So, stop trying to pawn her off on the highest bidder," he growled in disgust. Cora just glared.
"I'm not leaving without Belle," Gaston threatened.
Rumpelstiltskin looked around the room, his eyes shifting sarcastically. "Well, you're not staying here."
Gaston puffed up his chest even more, trying to intimidate the physically smaller man. "I'll stay on this step until you release Belle to me. And then, I'll kill you for taking my love away from me."
Rumpelstiltskin paused, looking confused. Belle wanted to laugh. Gaston was so silly. "You're threatening me?" Rumpelstiltskin asked. He then proceeded to laugh. For a very long time. Big, huge, billowing laughs.
Gaston just stood in confusion. Cora rolled her eyes. Zelena looked extremely interested in the situation, her eyes alight. Regina was amused, while also trying not to roll her eyes. And Milah sighed in annoyance.
Rumpelstiltskin straightened up from his bent over position he was in, from laughing. He literally wiped his eyes from the tears that escaped, he was laughing so hard. He became serious in an instant. "Don't threaten me, dearie. You won't like the outcome."
"And you won't like the outcome when my sword is through your heart," Gaston replied. "If you even have one."
Rumpelstiltskin pretended to look hurt, putting a hand to his chest, his mouth dropping open. He turned to Belle. "He's not exactly nice. I can see why you don't love him." Belle rolled her eyes.
She looked at her ex-fiancé. "Gaston, go home," she sighed. "I don't need your help. I'm fine here." She, of course, didn't look in Cora's direction.
Gaston spluttered. "B-but, you're a damsel in distress. You need to come home."
She shook her head, a sad look crossing her face. "I can't. If I break my deal with Rumpelstiltskin, we'll have another Ogre problem on our hands."
Gaston was grasping at straws. "What about your father?"
Belle hesitated. "I miss him, but he'll be all right. Just go home, Gaston."
"You heard your betrothed." At Gaston's pathetic look, Rumpelstiltskin giggled. "Well, I guess she isn't your betrothed any longer, is she?"
Gaston sneered. "You monster!" He exclaimed, swinging his sword in Rumpelstiltskin's direction. The Dark One waved a hand, preventing Gaston from hitting him. Mostly because, Rumpelstiltskin just turned Gaston into a statue. The size of a gnome.
Belle gasped. "What did you do?"
Rumpelstiltskin shrugged. "Preventing your little love interest from hurting me."
"He's not my love interest," she grumbled. "But you didn't have to turn him into a statue."
He paused, thinking. He then snapped his fingers, turning Gaston into a rose. He lifted it up, handing it to her. "There, is that better?"
She stared at the rose, shocked. "No, that's not better."
He shrugged again, tossing the rose away. Belle couldn't believe that was Gaston. It was slightly horrifying and yet, also slightly amusing, if she admitted it to herself.
Cora snorted, walking outside. "Come along, girls."
Zelena pouted, like she wanted more to happen, but followed obediently. Regina gave Belle a sympathetic look, following her mother. Milah stayed put.
"I think I'm going to stay in," Milah murmured.
Rumpelstiltskin rolled his eyes. "Afraid I'll turn you into a flower as well?"
Milah huffed. "No, I just decided I don't want to listen to Zelena and Cora any longer. I wanted space. I'm going back to my room."
She walked away, while Belle turned to the Dark One. She crossed her arms.
"How could you turn Gaston into a rose?!" She exclaimed.
"He was annoying," Rumpelstiltskin answered simply. "And I received the impression that you didn't like him."
"That doesn't mean I wanted him turned into an inanimate object," Belle said, frustrated.
Rumpelstiltskin looked at the rose on the ground. "Technically, I turned him into a rose."
Belle just huffed. "Don't be know-it-all."
His eyebrows rose. "A know-it-all? I wasn't aware I was one." He stepped closer to her, making her feel flustered.
Belle shook her head, her arms flapping down at her sides in annoyance. "Well, you are." That was all she could think to comeback with. She nodded towards the Great Hall. "I was reading, so..." She looked at the rose.
Rumpelstiltskin wave a hand. "By all means, dearie. Go continue."
"I'll do that," she said, keeping her head held up. A smirk started to form on his lips, when she didn't move.
"Are you waiting for something?" He teased.
Belle blushed, rolling her eyes. "I'm going back to my book." This time she actually moved.
Rumpelstiltskin was starting to get under her skin. She wasn't sure if she liked it or not. But if she admitted to herself, she was leaning towards like.
As Belle was heading back to her book, she saw Milah hovering by a corner. Belle picked up her book, sitting down.
"Milah, is everything all right?" The woman hesitantly walked towards Belle.
"Yes, I'm fine," Milah said. "I guess I just realized that you and I haven't really talked since you've been here."
"Oh," Belle said, She patted the seat next to her. "You can sit down if you like." Milah smiled slightly, sitting next to Belle. "Was there something you wanted to talk about?" Belle asked. The other woman seemed like something was bothering her.
Milah sighed. "Actually, there is." At Belle's quirked eyebrow, she continued. "I wanted to talk to you about my husband."
"Rumpelstiltskin?" Belle asked. "What about him?"
Milah hesitated. "Just now, I saw the way you two interact. It...concerns me."
Belle was confused. "How do we interact?"
"Well," Milah bit her lip, "I know my husband. I know when he wants something he'll go after it, and wont stop until he has it."
Belle didn't understand where Milah was going with this conversation. "What does he want?"
Milah looked steadily into Belle's eyes. "You."
Belle was taken aback. "What are you talking about?"
Milah shook her head. "I don't think he knows it yet, but I saw the way he was looking at you back in the foyer. It's a look I've never seen him give Cora, or any other women."
Belle was speechless. She was not expecting this. "How do you know?"
Milah's expression became wistful. "Because, it was how he used to look at me when we first met." She laughed a little. "When we could actually stand each other."
Belle shook her head. "I don't think Rumpelstiltskin looks at me any differently than anyone else." She was adamant.
A pity look form Milah. "Oh, Belle. You are so young. You don't know the ways of men yet."
Belle frowned. She was a little offended. "I think I can figure it out. I'm not a child."
"Of course you're not," Milah agreed. "But, trust me, when I say that my husband looks at you in an...interesting way."
"How does he look at me?" Belle asked, quietly.
"Peaceful. Soft. His hard expression goes away when he turns and sees you," Milah said. "But, like I said, I don't think he knows he's doing that."
"Why wouldn't he realize?" Belle wrung her hands together.
Milah grimaced. "Rumpelstiltskin has a tough shell around him. He doesn't normally show his true emotions."
Belle didn't want to let herself hope..what? Hope that Rumpelstiltskin really did look at her the way Milah described. Why would that make her happy? She didn't know.
Milah continued speaking. "All this concerns me, because I don't want you to get hurt in the process."
"Why would you care in the first place?"
Milah sighed. "Because you're just an innocent in all this. I don't want Rumpelstiltskin to break your heart."
Belle frowned again. "How could he break my heart? None of this makes any sense."
"Because I see the way you look at him too," Milah said, softly. Belle paused, surprised. Milah smiled, pityingly. "I see the way you look at him, Belle. If you let yourself feel anything for my husband..." Milah trailed off.
Belle shook her head. "Milah, I think you're mistaken."
"Am I?" The other woman asked, sadly.
Belle hesitated. "Doesn't it bother you, though? He's your husband. You two are married. He shouldn't be having feelings other people."
Milah sighed. "Just because Rumpelstiltskin and I are married, doesn't mean we love each other. If I could be separated from him, I would be."
"Why can't you?" Belle asked, slowly.
Milah smiled pathetically. She patted Belle's hand. "It's a long story. I'll tell you another time." She then stood up. "Keep in mind what I said, Belle." She left after that, leaving Belle to think.
Belle had no idea how to feel. She had never noticed any special looks between herself and Rumpelstiltskin. Rumpel, she thought. She hadn't called him that since he gave her the necklace. She thought it was too out of place, and inappropriate for where they stood. But she wouldn't mind calling him that again. She could in her mind at least. She didn't understand what was happening. All she could do was hope that everything would make clear sense someday.
Wow, Milah is very observant. Too bad Belle isn't.
I had originally planned for Belle to walk in on Rumpel and Cora doing the dirty but that seemed too mean...so Belle just walks in on them making out instead. I mean, that would still be awkward and uncomfortable for anyone, but at least it wasn't as bad. Ok, it was still bad, but I couldn't help myself.
Upcoming: Cora takes Regina and Zelena on a field trip, Belle falls, and Rumpel tries to learn more about his maid.