Author's Note; ***Blushes*** Shucks, thanks for the lovely reviews guys. Y'all put a massive smile on my face! xxx
Their eyes met across the room. It wasn't who she hoped to see behind that glittering mask. It was Jefferson but he would do. He'd been a good friend to her during her time at the Dark Castle and she needed a good friend more than anything. She strode towards him paying no heed to the prattling of the court. In turn they paid no attention to her. They'd satisfied their curiosity in her servitude at the Dark Castle and were now savouring the heady delights of gossip. Her heartbeat steadied despite the anticipation of news of her Rumple.
"Jefferson! How did you get here? How did you get through the gates? Belle had a million questions on her lips but unfortunately Jefferson could only answer one at a time.
"I hitched a ride. I snuck in." Jefferson allowed the smugness he was feeling about this to settle on his face.
Belle, in her best attempt at disinterestedness asked "And what about Rumple? Have you seen him?"
Jefferson smiled. "Yes, I've seen him." He smoothed his coat down waiting for her next question. He wasn't kept waiting long.
"How is he?" She looked away. Suddenly the pattern to her dress was a source of endless fascination. Anything to continue the disinterested air.
"Quite barmy. Yes, yes, I know. Pot, kettle and black." He added quickly at Belle's look.
In direct contradiction of courtly etiquette for the hostess of the ball she led Jefferson out to a balcony and closed the doors behind them.
"So, what happened? The castle is in ruins, Rumplestiltskin has reverted to monosyllablism and casual violence, and there was no tea to be found." Jefferson still hadn't recovered from his disappointment at the lack of hospitality he had become used to at the dark castle when Belle was resident.
Belle recounted the story..."and then I kissed him and it all fell apart". Jefferson gawped. He remembered to pull his jaw back up. Belle made the first move? Really? Belle? Jefferson hadn't expected that. He had always thought that Rumplestiltskin would be the one to make the first move, but stranger things had happened. Belle reciprocating Rumplestiltskin's feelings, to name one.
Jefferson quirked a sardonic eyebrow at Belle. "So after months of barely disguised sexual tension you're telling me you went for just a kiss? One kiss?"
"He pushed me away. He realised the curse was beginning to break and he pushed me away. Believe me, I was hoping for more. Before I knew it I was back here and my father is trying to marry me off yet again." Belle gestured at the guests back in the ballroom.
"Old habits die hard I suppose." Jefferson followed Belle's gaze with distaste through the balcony doors at the choice of suitors Belle's father hoped she would pick from. Really it was a poor choice. Too old. Too young. Too self obsessed. Jefferson pitied her. Or would have had she been anyone else.
"Well, I've been thinking of a way out of here before Papa can put his plan into action. Now I've seen a life outside the kingdom I want to experience it again."
"Where were you thinking of going?" Jefferson asked, knowing full well Belle would jump at the offer he was about to make.
"Anywhere other than here!" Belle exclaimed. "You know what my father is planning. He'll never rest until I'm married, docile and with heirs to joint kingdoms. I'll go anywhere rather than stay here. And anywhere other than back to Rumplestiltskin. I don't want him thinking I'm crawling back to him. If he wants me, he can come find me" Belle fingered her mask. She hadn't put it on but had stood around carrying it. It seemed pointless wearing it. Everyone knew her, but for tonight she'd have given anything to be anonymous.
"I can play the hero for now, provide you with an easy escape route if you'd like?" Jefferson tried for a look of modesty but failed, instead allowing the smug expression to return happily to where it belonged. Belle's eyes lit up. "How?"
"Magic. My hat. It's a portal link but it can also transport between just places, rather than whole worlds. If I didn't keep losing it so much I probably wouldn't need Rumplestiltskin to bail me out of trouble so often, but I've always found it hard to resist a pretty face, and well, the hat's one of the first things to go..."
"Enough Hatter! Keep your sordid tales to yourself. I'll take you up on your offer" Belle swiped his arm in exasperation. One of Jefferson's manias at the dark castle had been to regale her and Rumplestiltskin with his amorous adventures. Rumplestiltskin usually disappeared to his workrooms during these times to escape the tedious details, but Belle? Well, she was a captive audience.
"I'll want something in return" Jefferson grinned longingly, thirstier by the second.
"You've been friends with Rumple too long" Belle teased
"Just tell me where I can get a cup of tea". Belle glared at the Hatter. Snatching his proffered hat she set it to spin on the floor and jumped.
Beaming with mischievousness, Jefferson opened the door to the balcony and sauntered back into the ballroom. He was very pleased with himself. Belle had fallen for it, hook line and sinker. If there was no danger of a cup of tea accosting him any time soon he would take a risk with the punch bowl. Belle's absence had gone unnoticed by all but one, the guests talking in hushed whispers of the lurid things they heard the Dark One enjoyed. Grinning at some of the more perverted imaginings spilling forth from obviously frustrated minds, Jefferson scanned the room in search of those blood red lips to corrupt and caught sight of his reflection in the mirrored wall. Yes, his brocade coat was as extravagant as anyone else's here, and provided a sharp contrast to the black of the leather trousers. Jefferson frowned. Leather trousers? Tight black leather trousers? Gods, Belle was right, I have been friends with Rumplestiltskin too long. I'm even taking fashion tips from him. Straight from the Dark One's Winter Collection, exquisitely tailored and hardy enough to withstand even the most diabolical deal making. His wardrobe needed an overhaul. Never mind. If he could find that young maid to corrupt he could probably persuade her to divest him of the now offending leather trousers.
Regina appeared in a whirl of smoke in her castle. Pacing, alone, and overcome with fury. Belle had disappeared from the ball. No doubt on her way back to the imp. No happy ending she vowed. My curse still stands and he will remain alone, in perpetuity. Steeling herself for what she had to do, she called for her father.