Four Months Later.

Belle hummed to herself as she dusted the fireplace and large display case in the main room of the castle. She had been at the Dark Castle for over half a year and, strangely, it had almost begun to feel familiar to her, like home. She found that she could be herself here. At first, she was anxious and frightened. Being away from her family, friends, and village and being thrust into an enormous castle with the Dark One "forever" was anything but comforting; however, Rumplestiltskin was not the terrible monster that everybody perceived him to be. He was kind to her; he didn't treat her like a housekeeper or a maid, even though that's what she was there for. He treated her like a companion, a friend, a-

The sudden sound of the castle doors opening and his boots moving down the hall shook her out of her thoughts. Belle continued to dust, even though she knew everything was spotless.

"Belle, Belle, Belle." Rumplestiltskin said in a sing-song voice as he sat in the large chair at the head of the table. Somebody was in a rather good mood, it appeared.

"You made a deal today?" Belle asked as she put the duster back in its case along with the other cleaning supplies.

"I did indeed. I made a small farm owner very happy today." He replied with a grin, twiddling his thumbs.

Whenever Rumplestiltskin left to strike a deal with somebody, he always came back immensely pleased. Of course, he did have a use for everything he gained in deals; she was flesh-and-blood proof. She never asked what he won or what the client had asked for. If he wanted to tell her, he did; if not, he didn't. It was as simple as that.

"I am glad for him. I hope what he asked for was worth what he lost." She said, thinking about her father. She couldn't have cared less about Gaston; he was dreadful and she was glad to be away from him. Her father, however, was different. They had always been close. Ever since her mother had passed away, she was all that Maurice had. She was her father's daughter, but she was brave and she accepted the sacrifice that would keep her village safe. It was worth it.

"It wasn't at all, actually." Rumplestiltskin answered simply. He sat back in his chair and looked at her, his golden eyes staring straight into hers. Belle cocked her head confusedly.

"It wasn't?"

"Technically speaking, it was not even marginally equal." He said with a grin. Rumplestiltskin accepted uneven payment for a deal? That was unheard of. Belle moved closer and sat on the table a few feet away from him. "May I ask why you seem satisfied with the deal then?" she asked inquiringly. He smirked at her.

"I was feeling generous today." He replied with a snicker.

"Oh really?" Belle asked with a chuckle. Rumplestiltskin made her laugh. He had these small and simple ways of bringing such amusement into her heart. She had never met anybody like him.

"Yes indeed, really. I let him off easy."

"And why is that?"

"Like I said, I was feeling generous and in rather good spirits. In fact, there's a place I'd like to show you, if you're willing. Somewhere you have yet to see. Something maybe you'd be able to…assist me with." He said mysteriously, leaning forward. Belle looked at him curiously. He needed her help with something?

"It is here, in the castle?" she asked. Rumplestiltskin nodded. He could sense her interest.

"Well, yes, alright." She said, getting off the table.

"Then follow me, dearie." He said, pushing the chair back and standing up tall. He pulled his jacket tight and turned on his heel, beginning to stride smoothly toward the large spiral staircase that led upstairs.

Belle shook her head, gazing after him. This man was a mystery.