When morning came Belle woke with the sun, her first thoughts as she rubbed her eyes were of the beautiful dress she had been gifted. Stretching and stepping out of bed she opened the box and unfurled the material her fingers running along the seamless silk. What a charming notion, being able to feel like a princess again. Why was Rumpelstiltskin so kind to her? He asked for nothing in return besides her company, it had made no sense.
Mrs. Potts came in with her morning coffee and Belle sunk into a large hot bath wishing that the sun was lower in the sky. Drying off and putting curlers in her hair as she admired the gown once again. There was no sign of Rumpelstiltskin, she assumed that she would not see him until sunset.
The day passed at a snails pace she had curled her hair and done herself up, having some difficulty tying the corseted top around herself Lumier lead a hand. "What a vision." the Candelabra commented as she spun on the spot adoring how light the fabric felt on her frame.
"Thank you." She smiled brightly stepping towards the full length mirror in her room, uncovering it. She never felt more beautiful than in this moment, how could she ever thank Rumpelstiltskin for this gift?
Looking out towards the window Belle beamed as she saw the setting sun lighting the sky with an array of vibrant pinks melding with orange and red. Eagerly heading towards the ballroom, careful not to catch the hem of her dress under the matching heels as she scurried down the stone hall.
Belle entered the marble floored dance hall and gasped as she saw it was lit up for the first time since she had came here. The chandelier that hung from the ceiling sparkled with light reflecting from a thousand crystals. Her eyes scanning the room and at the bottom of the staircase was Rumpelstiltskin. The light from the chandelier seemed to make his green-gold skin glisten more than usual. She admired the handsomely stitched blue dress coat he was wearing, a pressed clean , ruffled white shirt tucked neatly under a vest of gold. She couldn't help but give a delighted giggle as she met his eyes.
Rumpelstiltskin drank in how radiant his little house keeper looked in that gown. Her normal garb did her no justice. Blinking back at her and running his tongue against the bottom of his lip in an almost nervous fashion, he snapped his fingers softly. Belle looked around in confusion as an elegant melody was being composed by instruments with no musicians. Her heart leapt as the sweet sound of the violin reached her ears. The beauty took this as her cue to start descending the stairs. Resting her delicate digits on the polish oak banister, eyes firmly fixed on Rumpelstiltskin. With out of character grace she almost began to glide down towards the imp disguised as a gentleman.
The gold trim of her dress swept smoothly with each step, Rumpelstiltskin watched her in a daze. Extending his hand as she reached the last step, Belle gladly gave him hold of her delicate palm. He kissed the top of her hand and then released it, bowing grandly at the waist. The beauty mimicked the beast, curtseying to the host of this wonderful evening. Without a thought the question slipped out. "Do you know how to dance?" she blushed brilliantly immediately, realizing the implied insult.
Rumpelstiltskin giggled kindly and gave her a small nod. "Aye, I've learned a few steps in my years." He stepped up closely and peered down into those oceanic eyes, resting one of his clever hands on her waist. His other hand taking her hand in his. Belle in turn placed her fingers lightly on his shoulder. The music was filling the ballroom, the tempo a steady, slow, romantic waltz. Belle's lips curled into an amused bow as he began to lead her in the dance. Her fingers running along the smooth velvet texture of his royal blue coat.
Keeping in tandem with the orchestra he guided her in a sweeping circle around the glossy marble floor. Belle's dress flowing around her, the gold thread catching flickers of light from the crystals above them. She couldn't contain how absolutely delighted she was as he spun her as expertly as he did the straw. The music soon changed, a bit quicker pace this time but still just as exquisite as the first tune. With the change of tempo Rumpelstiltskin also switched the dance step to the foxtrot. She gasped when he suddenly twirled her in place, a light laughed bubbling from her plush lips as he did so. The sound of her laughter made it hard to draw breath for a moment. Belle was speechless, beyond impressed with the command Rumpelstiltskin had as they both glided around the room. Without noticing the distance between the pair began to close, both becoming more relaxed as they danced.
The sun was set by the time the next melody began to come from the magically played instruments. The stars visible in the blanket of the dark night just outside of the many windows above them. The music was much more playful this time, their steps quickening into a jovial promenade. Belle stumbled only slightly and Rumpelstiltskin could not bite back the smirk crossed his lips. "Am I going too fast for you, Dearie?" amused at his own little joke since she had after all asked him if he knew how to dance.
"I'm a quick study." she returned his smile and with that she moved with him in liquid tandem once more.
It was truly something to be admired, she was stunning in the satin gold gown. A gorgeous young princess alight in his arms was a sight the old imp never thought he would have the privilege of experiencing. In his many years in this world he had many ventures but tonight was perhaps the most magical moment in centuries. He felt like a man again, an ordinary man with an extraordinary woman to keep him company. Rumpelstiltskin nearly forgot himself as he saw the joy reflecting off of Belle's face back at him.
Holding her closely, he dare not kiss this wonderful creature but he longed to. Belle's heart melting with the romance of it all as well. An entire ball simply for her, a night that no other was fortunate enough to drink in. Still they danced, late into the night hours being swallowed whole in the blink of an eye. As the sky began to lighten with the dawn and Belle's feet ached, Rumpelstiltskin brought the instruments to a rest.
Belle brought her fingers to cover her mouth as she let out a small yawn, elated but exhausted after such a marvelous evening. Rumpelstiltskin escorted her upstairs to her bedroom. "I simply can not thank you enough Rumpelstiltskin, for the first time since I've come here with you. I've felt like this could be….like it could be a home." The familiar and sweet flush crept across her cheeks again.
"I'm glad to have brought you some comfort, dearie." he spoke almost dismissively, finding it hard to accept her gratitude.
They approached her door and Belle leaned against the frame, her chestnut curls slightly tousled from being spun all night. "You're an intriguing man Rumpelstiltskin, absolutely fascinating . Just when I think I have you figured out, you change unexpectedly." she nipped at her baby-pink bottom lip hesitating for only a moment before she straightened up and leant forward.
Rumpelstiltskin was dumbfounded as he felt her supple lips meet the line of his jaw, feeling her place a kiss upon his cheek. The air caught in his lungs and the mere moment felt stretched out into a generous eternity. The beauty pulled away and blinked meeting his eyes once more. "Thank you again. Goodnight, Rumpelstiltskin." she turned to face her door and in an instant vanished behind it.
"Goodnight, Belle." he whispered and stood there for a half a second longer before heading down to his spindle. Though his body was spent, his mind was now racing and wide awake. He was convinced though, no matter how much gold he spun he would never forget how human he felt with her or the softness of those petal lips upon his cheek.