Belle had cleaned most of the castle but there was one room that she had avoided. Mostly because of it's size and how unlikely it was to get used. The ballroom.
However, that changed when she was looking after Grace one day though the work was split more evenly between her and Rumple given what a shine the girl had taken to the imp and the fact that Rumple seemed to have deemed it too much trouble to keep pretending that he minded having Grace around.
Today Belle and Grace were playing hide and seek while Rumple finished something in his tower.
Belle was beginning to think she probably should have limited the little girl to one section of the castle when she came to the ballroom doors and noticed they were slightly cracked. Smiling she opened them and stepped inside.
She surveyed the dusty, gold gilt room which would have been gorgeous in it's hay day. At the end of the hall was what looked like a harpsicord covered in a sheet. Belle moved closer guessing her young charge's location and then with one swift movement whipped the sheet off the harpsicord in a flurry of dust.
Sure, enough underneath the instrument crouched the little blond.
"Found you," she half-coughed through the dust cloud. Grace sneezed a few times as she crawled out of her hiding spot
"You're good Auntie Belle." Belle smiled at the title.
"Well, you certainly gave me a run for my money. Maybe next time though you might hide somewhere that's less sneeze inducing?" Grace shrugged.
"I've never seen this room before it looked pretty."
"Well, I'm certain it would be were it cleaned up." admitted Belle.
"Why isn't it clean?" asked Grace.
"Because that's generally the responsibility of the maid and said maid has been a bit lax with her dusting lately." rang out a familiar voice and the two women turned to see Rumple in the doorway to the ballroom.
"Uncle Rumple!" Grace exclaimed running across the room to hug the sorcerer. Rumple froze for a moment before slightly awkwardly returning the embrace. Clearly the words "Uncle Rumple" had thrown him for a loop and Belle shot him an amused smile over Grace's head.
"Hello, your ladyship," he replied as he detached himself from the girl who smiled widely at the term of endearment.
"Of all the rooms in the castle this is the one least likely to get any use. Why put my energy into cleaning it?" countered Belle.
"It's what I hired you to do," pointed out Rumple.
"You didn't hire me, you dealt for me. Hired implies being paid," replied Belle.
"Semantics," scoffed Rumple with a wave of his hand.
"Why is it so unused?" asked Grace.
"Well, nobody wants to come to a ball hosted at the home of the Dark One dear one." Rumple explained to Grace.
"I would," the little girl said stubbornly.
"Well you, Lady Grace, are both brave and an oddity. Ordinary people would be terrified." Grace scrunched up her nose.
"Being ordinary sounds awful." Belle laughed an idea forming.
"Perish the thought."
OUAT
"Did you go to ball's when you were a Princess Auntie Belle?" asked Grace and Rumple glanced at Belle watching her for any hint of resentment at the reminder of what she had been taken away from. Belle smiled sweetly.
"Yes, I attended several back in Avalonea before the war, in fact," and here her blue eyes lit up, "How would you like it if I taught you how to dance and then tomorrow night for your birthday your parents and you come here, and the five of us will have a little ball of our own?"
Any plans to object were swiftly derailed as Grace turned doe-like eyes on him.
"Could we please Uncle Rumple?" That Uncle Rumple was still going to take some getting used to. Rumple glanced up at Belle who was grinning and sighed. That woman was making him go soft.
"As your ladyship wishes. I'll even provide you, Belle, and your mother with the proper attire."
"Oh, thank you!" exclaimed Grace once again hugging him. This time prepared Rumple returned the embrace slightly more readily. Though it still seemed foreign. The last child to hug him had been Bae and even then Rumple had been the Dark One meaning Bae was becoming rather wary of him. Grace's hugs were more akin to those he had shared with Bae before he ever even heard of the blasted dagger.
"You're very welcome. I'll leave you to your dance lesson then," he waved a hand and a small music box appeared.
"This one won't try and put us to sleep?" asked Belle teasingly in reference to a semi recent incident involving a far more malevolent music box meant to charm the listener into an eternal slumber. Rumple had blasted the thing to smithereens before it had a chance to get too much of a grip on Belle but it had been a close call.
"Certainly not. I can't have you falling asleep on the job it would be counterproductive," he scoffed.
"Well, thank you."
"Of course," Rumple bowed to them both and then left the two to their practice hoping he wasn't going to regret this.
OUAT
"One, two, three. One, two, three. And spin," Belle twirled Grace. Teaching her to dance was a little trickier than anticipated as Belle had to take the male part while teaching the female side but Grace picked up the waltz fairly quickly.
"This is fun!" exclaimed Grace and Belle smiled. Dancing was about the only thing she'd ever found enjoyable about balls.
"Yes, it is, and you're doing a wonderful job."
"That she is!" came Jefferson's voice from behind them and the two women turned to see the Hatter and Piper standing in the doorway.
"Papa!" said Grace running to her father who picked her up and spun her around.
"Hello rabbit." he said.
"Auntie Belle was teaching me how to dance," explained Grace.
"Yes, Rum told us all about your little idea for a ball to celebrate Gracie's name day." said Piper with a smile.
"I thought it would be fun for everyone."
"Uncle Rumple said we could use the ballroom and that he'd provide us with clothes!" said Grace grinning.
"Uncle Rumple did that?" said Jefferson smirking.
"You laugh you die Hatter," came Rumple's impish voice as he too entered the room. Jefferson placed a hand to his chest in mock offense.
"Why Rumple I would NEVER!" Both Belle and Piper were having a difficult time containing their laughter at this point.
"Well, if you want us to have this place ready in time I suggest you lot leave now." said Rumple irritably.
"As you wish Rum. We'll see you tomorrow night then," answered Piper shepherding her stepdaughter and husband out of the room.
"At least one of them is sensible," grumbled Rumple and Belle nudged him with her shoulder.
"You know you like them."
"Preposterous. I tolerate them," said Rumple but she could see he was repressing a smile.
"I'd best start getting things ready," said Belle. Rumple cleared his throat.
"Yes, a good idea."
OUAT
As it turned out it didn't take as much effort to clean the ballroom as expected. Rumple had used magic to get rid of the dust so it was mostly moving bits of furniture and adding some decorations.
Belle even managed to make a small cake without burning down the kitchen. Her cooking skills were never going to be fantastic if she was fairly proud of the round chocolate confection with eight candles.
Early evening came and Jefferson, Piper, and Grace all arrived. The three women swiftly went upstairs to get dressed in the outfits Rumple had provided.
Grace had a lovely fuchsia ballgown. The bodice was beaded with silver and the skirt had little silver dots sprinkled across it like stars. there was also a matching pink bolero with cap sleeves. Along with the dress Rumple had provided a pretty silver and diamond encrusted tiara for the occasion that Belle was fairly sure was real.
Piper's had a light blue underlay with a sheer royal blue overlay of fabric. It was an off the shoulder gown and the bodice had royal blue piping as well as some decorations of what looked like dark blue holly leaves studded with little white pearls. There were similar decorations decorating the hem of the dress.
Belle's dress was not dissimilar from the one she had worn the day she had made her deal with rumple although it was more of a light spring yellow than a gold. the skirt was made of several layers of light yellow tulle topped with some silvery sparkles. Like piper's it was off the should although the shoulders were more poofy. There was also a bustle in the back. Belle loved it and remarkably, be it through magic or simply excellent craftmanship the dress felt fairly light. She also had a pair of matching yellow gloves.
"I must say, Rum certainly knows what he's doing when it comes to designing dresses. The man always did have good taste in fashion." commented Piper, or Alice as Belle had been given permission to call her now, as she arranged Grace's hair in a pretty updo.
"Yes, he does doesn't he?" commented Belle as she put on some rouge.
"Are you excited to dance with Rum tonight?" asked Alice. Belle nearly dropped the make-up she was holding.
"What?"
"Just a question," said Alice a small knowing smirk on her face as she came up behind Belle and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I've known Rum for a while and I've never seen him happier than when he's with you. That can't be inconsequential." Belle glanced down.
"We're friends," although you'd like more wouldn't you? said a traitorous little voice in her head.
"Belle, Rum and I are friends. You two have something a little more special." said Alice gently.
"You think so?" asked Belle softly.
"I know so. Now I think if everyone is ready it's time to knock our boys off their feet."
OUAT
Rumple and Jefferson didn't need anywhere near as much time as the women who seemed to prefer getting ready on their own. Rumple for his part had simply poofed himself and Jefferson into their fancy clothes.
Tonight, he was wearing a gold embroidered waistcoat with a brown pants and boots, a creme colored shirt and a gold tailcoat.
The Hatter was dressed similarly although his waistcoat was black and his coat dark blue.
"Nervous for tonight?" asked Jefferson from his seat at the long table on which he had his feet propped.
"Why would I be nervous?" asked Rumple a little too sharply as he paced. A part of him wondered if Belle liked the dress. Maybe he should have picked something different. Truthfully the idea of spending a night doing something as arguably romantic as dancing with Belle did have him on edge.
"Oh no reason. I mean you literally shouldn't have any reason to be nervous. This whole thing was Belle's idea in the first place. She certainly wouldn't have suggested it if she was opposed to the idea of dancing with you." said the Hatter.
"This is for Grace's sake Hatter," scoffed Rumple.
"Yes in part. But it also has the benefit of giving her an excuse to dance with you."
"You're acting on the assumption that she even wanted to dance with me." said Rumple. The Hatter rolled his eyes.
"Because she's in love with you. Plain as the nose on my face." Rumple shook his head. He still couldn't bring himself to believe it.
"I think you're delusional."
"And I think you're the most pig-headed man I've ever met," quipped Jefferson and Rumple glared at him.
Suddenly footsteps could be heard on the stairs. Jefferson stood and they both turned to see the three women come down. Grace was first looking quite adorable in her pink dress and tiara.
She was followed by Pip who looked admittedly quite lovely in her blue gown though Rumple felt no romantic feelings towards the woman.
And then there was Belle descending the stairs with the poise and grace of a princess and looking radiant in the yellow gown. She smiled at him and Rumple felt his dark heart skip a beat.
"Wow," said Jefferson.
"What do you think Papa?" asked Grace.
"I think I'm looking at the three loveliest ladies in the entire Enchanted Forest." said Jefferson before nudging Rumple out of his awestruck state.
"Yes, you all look wonderful. Especially her Ladyship," said Rumple a bit too quickly and turning the compliment more towards Grace in an attempt to cover.
"Thank you, Uncle Rumple."
"Shall we proceed to the ballroom then?" suggested Belle.
"Excellent idea!" said Jefferson offering an arm to his wife and a hand to his daughter before taking the lead leaving Rumple to slightly awkwardly offer Belle his arm which she took without a second thought.
"The dresses really are beautiful Rumple," she said quietly to him.
"I'm glad you like it, though I do think it's nothing compared to the woman wearing it," he said and was pleased to see Belle blush.
"Thank you."
They entered the ballroom which was no longer dusty and instead shone. The marble floor was so shiny that one could see their reflection in it the candles in the crystal chandeliers cast an angelic glow over the room.
Rumple snapped his fingers and the harpsicord began to play a lively tune of it's own accord.
"May I have this dance?" he asked Belle with a bow as Jefferson did the same to Grace and Belle curtsied.
"I would love to," she answered softly looking up at him with genuine blue eyes. They all began to dance around the room. Partner's shifted with either Pip or Belle usually sitting on of the dances out given the uneven number although a few times although they managed a few multi partner dances.
A while in during a slower dance with Pip the blond looked up at him and smirked.
"So, enjoying the evening Rum?"
"It's certainly more pleasant than anticipated," he replied jokingly.
"You and Belle seem to be getting on quite nicely," she added.
"You are as delusional as your husband," he hissed softly.
"Is it a crime for us to wish you happiness?" she asked and he found no mockery in her tone as she gazed at him with grey eyes.
"Hope is a dangerous thing Pip. Besides, I know now Belle will never run. She's a woman of her word."
"But you want her to stay because she wants to. You aren't sure how to tell the difference," said Pip perceptively.
"Hmm." answered Rumple. Pip at least was a little less irritating in the dispensing of her advice than her husband.
"Let her go," said Pip softly.
"What?" said Rumple nearly tripping.
"That's the only way you'll know. Bear in mind I wouldn't suggest this if I were certain it would end in pain for you," she added gently.
Rumple glanced over at Belle who was laughing at something Jefferson said. He was a selfish and cowardly man. He knew that. The idea of letting Belle go and never seeing her again terrified him.
"I'll think on it. Thank you Pip."
"Anytime Rum." she answered as he spun her.
OUAT
The party continued until Grace fell asleep on the little settee.
"It seems her Ladyship has tired herself out," said Rumplestiltskin and Belle detected a hint of fondness in his tone.
"I think this was the best night of her life," said Alice with smile as Jefferson picked up the little girl.
"Why don't you three stay the night in some of the spare rooms it's getting late," suggested Belle.
"If his Darkness agrees," quipped Jefferson. Rumple snorted and waved a hand.
"Feel free, we don't want to wake the little one with the journey back."
"No indeed."
"Goodnight Belle, Rum," said Alice softly and the three departed the room leave Rumple and Belle alone.
The two of them strolled out onto the balcony outside looking up at the starry sky.
"Tonight was wonderful, thank you." said Belle.
"It was your idea," said Rumple with a shrug.
"But you enjoyed yourself too," Belle said with a little grin. Multiple times that night she'd seen Rumplestiltskin genuinely smile. She'd especially loved it when that smile had been directed at her as they danced together.
"Indeed," answered Rumple not meeting her gaze. "Though I suppose this paled in comparison to the balls you attended prior to coming here. Belle laughed.
"Honestly, I loved dancing, but I never really enjoyed the balls. They were always nothing but a chance for me to be trotted out for potential fiancée's like a horse at market. This was the most pleasant one I've ever been to. For one thing the company was certainly superior."
OUAT
"Honestly, I loved dancing, but I never really enjoyed the balls. They were always nothing but a chance for me to be trotted out for potential fiancée's like a horse at market. This was the most pleasant one I've ever been to. For one thing the company was certainly superior."
Rumple chuckled the answer was so incredibly Belle. Of course, she wouldn't be fond of getting treated like a piece of meat to be bartered for.
"I'm glad to hear it," he told her then after a pause asked.
"Belle are you happy here?" Belle turned her blue gaze from the stars and onto him.
"Yes. I admit I didn't expect to be when I first came. But now, I have found myself quite contented with my life here," she answered.
Rumple looked over at Belle he could see her words were genuine. She was at least contented with the life she knew she would have to live here with him. Illuminated in the moonlight the young woman appeared almost angelic. She was the most beautiful creature he'd ever laid eyes upon and also the kindest. Through their deal he had the ability to keep her here with him for the rest of her life and she might not even resent it.
And yet, that was the only reason he knew for sure she was staying with him. As he stared at her Rumplestiltskin at last accepted full a part of what Jefferson had been telling him for months. He loved Belle.
And because he loved her he needed to let her go. To give her the choice. But not yet. Not tonight which had been so perfect. He was not brave enough for that. So instead he held out his hand.
"Well, then, shall we have one last dance?" Belle beamed at him and took his hand as he guided her back to the dance floor and a smooth slow tune began to play.
Rumple focused all his attention on Belle. On memorizing everything about her from the bright blue of her eyes, to the softness of her chestnut locks which reached her waist and brushed his hand. And perhaps most importantly the way instead of shying away she seemed to press closer to him gazing up into his eyes and for a moment he could pretend that she loved him in return.
OUAT
Belle had been honest in her answer. She was happy where she was here at the castle. In some ways what should have been considered an imprisonment gave her more freedom than she'd had at home. She did miss some things about home like her Papa and the few friends she had had. But on the whole, she was content here.
And that wasn't taking into account her growing feelings for Rumplestiltskin feelings that as they now danced and he held her close she was tempted to believe might be reciprocated as Alice seemed to imply.
Author's Note: This was one of my favorite fluffy chapters so I hope everyone liked it and that some people will let me know what you think in the comments. I'm trying to further demonstrate a bit on the closeness between the Hatter family and Belle and Rumple (Plus Grace saying Uncle Rumple just sounds adorable in my head) Some of this is obviously a bit of a nod to the Disney movie here (thats always been one of my favorite disney moments). Also how I refer to Piper/Alice will shift depending on the person as what name they use is an indicator of how much she trusts/cares for them with Rumple being the exception since Pip is a nickname he alone uses for her. I hope that doesn't cause too much confusion. Thanks again to everyone who has left their thoughts please continue to do so! Until next time