"And I closed my eyes because I wanted to know nothing but her arms."
Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Rumpelstiltskin eagerly wrapped his arms around Belle, his shock disappearing as he felt the warmth of her lips against his. The poor woman didn't know she was playing with fire that was eternal and damning. He wanted to pull away, but couldn't. His body and mind were at war with each other, but he'd discovered that the body…the desire of flesh would usually win. And for once, for a brief period in his long life, he wanted it to. Common sense and rationality never existed when Belle held him or touched him. Peace and serenity filled him. For this moment, he closed his eyes tightly, wanting nothing more than to forget the world that existed outside of the glade. Right now, right at this moment, there was only them. Only now.
Belle gently pulled him on top of her, her body underneath his. Rumpelstiltskin's mind flashed to the night they had made love, remembering how soft she felt- how beautiful she was. Belle moaned, unaware if Rumpelstiltskin knew she was feeling his emotions of the beautiful memory.
Rumpelstiltskin pulled away reluctantly, knowing if this went any further there'd be no stopping him. He still lay on top of her, stroking her hair, smiling softly as the silver glow misted around her. She placed a hand lovingly on his cheek, gasping when she saw the glow around her.
"Wh…what is this?" she asked, her voice shaky.
Rumpelstiltskin kissed her palm as he pulled her upwards, his hand still holding hers.
"Something I've seen you do when you're…content, I suppose could be an appropriate word."
"Have I done it before?" she asked.
Rumpelstiltskin smiled impishly, causing Belle to laugh. She watched in fascination as the silver glow snaked around Rumpelstiltskin's hand to his arm, briefly touching his shoulder before disappearing into the air.
Belle looked at him questioningly, unaware and curious as to what happened.
Rumpelstiltskin lifted Belle up and led her back to the castle. "For all those lovely little books you enjoy reading, you don't seem to have come across anything interesting, dearie. Tsk, tsk, tsk. It just so happens I know of a lovely little book with certain information you might like," he said, leading her off, her cloak left on the ground, forgotten.
Moments passed before the Blue Faerie materialized into the clearing. She smiled sadly, knowing that at this point, there was only so much that could be done on her part…and on his. She sat on the cloak, hugging her knees to her chest. For all the power she had, she could only do so much. Everything else had to be left for chance, for free will.
She felt a whisper in her ear: "Pentru a nu face nimic este uneori un bun remediu."
The Blue Faerie nodded, knowing the wisdom in the words: Sometimes doing nothing is the best remedy. Sometimes we have to make our own mistakes to see where we can end up.
Red and Jiminy rode their horses from the camp to the waterfall he had been wanting to show her since setting the camp up. The camp was generally for pariahs- people who had been cast out either socially, physically, or cursed. Red and Jiminy were the de facto leaders of the camp and took their responsibility seriously, to the point where one of the campers pointed out that for once, all was well and maintained and they should have some free time. Jiminy smiled at the older woman- a woman who had been set aside by her family for fear that she had a dark power inside her. That was the reason given to the city council, at least. The older woman knew it was for her home and her money.
"In truth, young one, I believe you and your lovely friend deserve some time alone. It can't be easy for two youths to take care of an entire camp of the lost," she said to Jiminy, patting his hand before walking to her tent and sitting inside.
Jiminy knew the woman spoke the truth. It had taken very little to convince Red to go to the waterfall with him- Red had been wanting a reprieve from her duties, in truth.
For the first time in months, they felt free of the burdens of their world and pasts. They'd raced each other at different points, the sound of their laughter ringing through the woods.
"You seem to be slacking, my love," Red said to Jiminy as she reached the waterfall first, smiling at him as he caught up to her.
Jiminy returned her smile, enjoying her teasing.
"Come with me," he said, holding his hand out. Red took it and he pulled her close, walking them to a spot where the waterfall could be seen clearly, turning the large pond shades of turquoise and aquamarine.
"It's beautiful," Red whispered in awe. She'd never seen anything as tranquil as this spot and it comforted her. Jiminy held her in his arms as she rested her head on his chest, her eyes on the cascading waterfall.
"This is the first time in days I've felt at peace," she whispered, fighting back her tears.
Jiminy held her tighter and nodded against her head, knowing what she spoke of.
Her grandmother had send her a letter, letting her know of what was happening in the world Red had been exiled from. She had memorized the letter, not wanting to ever forget the words.
"Dearest Red,
First of all, words and words alone can never express how much I miss you, my dear granddaughter.
Snow is still in hiding from the Queen- but still involved with Prince James, and I believe the dwarves of the mines have taken her in to protect her. When I last spoke to her, she wished you well, along with Jiminy. She too, understands the path to perdition we all seem to be doomed to dwell under this rule.
The Huntsman has been taken by the Queen, as you might already know. I know he was a dear friend to you and your pack, and I understand the rage and anger you feel. But you mustn't let your anger or need for revenge against the Queen overtake your common sense, child. I too understand the bond of the wolf and the ties that are formed, but it is through our loyalty to others that we remain tied to them.
The rebellion against the Queen is growing, Snow and Prince James at the masthead of it, and the Huntsman has been providing valuable information, so all is not lost.
In many ways, my dear child, it seems fitting for you to be a wolf- loyalty, courage, intelligence, and compassion are not curses, although your stubbornness seems to be. It must run in the family.
Patience, love. I understand patience has never been a strong suit of yours, but it is something I'm sure Jiminy can help you learn, as patient and kind as he is.
I love you, darling granddaughter. Give Jiminy my best.
-Granny"
"It does seem I'm a bit impulsive at times," Red admitted, pulling away from Jiminy and laughing softly. Jiminy stroked hr hair out of her face, kissing her cheek.
"Just a bit?" he teased.
"Well, the student can only learn so much from the teacher, love," Red replied with a straight face.
They both laughed, enjoying a moment of well-deserved peace.
Rumpelstiltskin had given Belle the small book, saying nothing. Belle was slightly taken aback by the coldness of it- such a change from the warmth of their actions earlier. It hurt her. She merely thanked him and departed to her chambers, fighting back her confusion and frustration.
Rumpelstiltskin waited until he was sure he was alone before disappearing. He had another day of deals ahead of him. From the deals he would have to make today, he had no choice but to act cold to Belle. True, he had put his guard down with her earlier in the glade, but he didn't want her to grow to accustomed to it. He was a maelstrom of darkness, a tempest of passion. When the two collided, it proved dangerous- to everyone. He'd much rather take that frustration out on someone else- not his lovely Belle.
He lounged in a comfortable chair in the Queen's sitting room, an air of nonchalant indifference about him. He had thought about what he could take from her for this deal.
"How did you get here?" he heard her ask, her voice deadly.
"Ah, Your Majesty. Flimsy locks and all," he tittered. The Queen rolled her eyes, merely walking in front of him.
"Well, do you have what I've asked for?"
"But of course. But I believe the true question is whether or not you have what I have asked for in return," The Dark One said.
Regina took a deep breath, knowing this would be a cost she'd have to pay. But magic will always have its cost. She handed Rumpelstiltskin a small, blood red parcel. Rumpelstiltskin took it gladly and disappeared, a small book in the chair.
Regina grabbed it greedily, searching for the passages she needed. An evil smile stretched across her face when she saw the passage she had been looking for.
"Durere Mâncător," Regina whispered, running her fingers over the words, her smile growing. She no longer thought of what she had given the imp, only what she would get from this…if it was worked to her advantage.
The tensions in the camp had been building slowly. Many of the males cursed by the moon had begun to resent Red- the fact that she- a mere woman was the leader. The fact that she had the power to shift and control. More importantly, the fact that she had chosen a simple human as a mate.
It disgusted them. Red was a beautiful creature, one they had desired. They also knew that should they mate with her…the power shift would be considerably in their favor. In truth, all that stood in the way was Jiminy.
Belle was amazed with the information from the small book. She'd never known of her potential- of the potential the power gave her. She was saddened after reading the passage of the Dark Pain Eater- this particular Pain-Eater had used the power for evil and darkness. She had taken away all happiness and hope from others in order to preserve her own life. The Dark Pain Eater, who was slowly dying, needed souls of light. She had taken their lives in the process of absorbing their essence. Only to die in the end- the light could not live within her dark, tattered soul.
Belle closed the book, not caring to read anymore. She was now beginning to understand Rumpelstiltskin's words from earlier.
But she still believed he was capable of redemption- however small.
Belle walked down the steps to the spinning room, discovering Rumpelstiltskin spinning at his wheel, a dark intensity on his face. He seemed perturbed, something Belle didn't understand. Usually, spinning helped him. But this…something must have happened when he had left.
She approached him slowly, expecting him to bark out orders at her. He didn't. She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, leaving it there to let him know she could give him any form of comfort.
"Dearie, I'm really in no mood tonight. When are you ever going to learn?" he asked, standing up and looking at her.
"You can't save everyone," he said, pushing her aside before leaving the room.
Belle remained rooted to the floor, hurt and bewildered.
"When are you going to learn that redemption is much easier than you choose to believe?" she called after him.
Rumpelstiltskin walked back into the room, a furious look on his face.
"Think very, very carefully of what you choose to say next, Belle," he said, venom in his voice.
"I don't think I'll ever understand you, Rumpelstiltskin. You act childish. Cruel. Then you shift drastically- tenderness and and even affection. Will there ever be a consistent point with you?" Belle challenged.
"You made your choice, dearie. I've made mine," he shot back cruelly.
Belle gave him a scathing look and sighed heavily before walking away, her hand clutched over her bleeding heart.