Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Something was off. Something was very very off. Rumpelstiltskin tore his eyes from his wheel and looked around. Where was Belle? He couldn't hear her moving around, but she was definitely still near by. The Dark One stood up and looked out of the open window. There she was. Down below the window, Belle sat with her hands in the dirt. Rumpel easily jumped from the window and landed beside her.

"What are you doing?"

She jumped, sending a bit of mud onto his boots, before looking up at him."I hate it when you do that. It's spring, so I'm planting a garden. There's a cherry tree in the corner of the yard that looks as though it could make it, and I got a few vegetables so I won't have to go to town so much."

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you liked being here."

"Perish the thought. It's hard to believe it's been an entire year."

He sat himself down beside her and looked at what she'd done."Any regrets?"

Belle gave him a sideways glance."Not a single one. Do you need anything from town? I'll need to go today if you want dessert, and I have to get your straw."

A content smile formed on his face."What is this time?"

"I was thinking cherry pie. I know how much love it, and the tree will make things easier if I can get it to grow."

"Mmm. You're trying to make me fat,"he accused.

She patted his stomach with a laugh."You make yourself fat. No one tells you to eat so much."

"Magic takes energy, dearie. I have to eat to keep up my strength."

"Whatever you say."

He stood back up with a grin."I eat no more than that bottomless pit of a dragon you have."

At this, Belle laughed."No, but you're pretty close."

She then cleaned her hands on a rag, and Rumpelstiltskin helped her up. Her dress and stockings were muddy, and she was sweaty from being in the sun most of the morning. He still had to hold back a smile. Even covered in dirt, Belle was beautiful.

"Is there anything you need?"she asked after a while.

You. You and only you. Forever."Actually, I have a client in town. I suppose I'll be accompanying you today. That is, if you don't mind."

She looped her arm with his."Of course not. It'll be nice to go out with you."

Belle smiled at her surroundings as she and Rumpel made their way to town. She enjoyed the spring time more than anything. The world around her seem to come alive. The flowers were blooming, giving off wonderful scents, the birds were singing, and the air was finally warm. Beside her, Rumpelstiltskin smiled and watched her. She seemed so happy even after being away from her home and family for a year.

They reached their destination, and he could feel the eyes automatically glance at them. Belle had come her numerous times before but never with him at her side. He smiled to himself and politely tipped his head at two women before placing his hand on Belle's back lightly. She stared at first but soon understood and slowed her pace to match his.

"I'll be at the inn if you need me. The owner owes me, and I intend to collect."

"Don't scare the man to badly, Rum,"she chided."You have a habit of striking fear into people."

"As I recall, it didn't work on you, dearie."

"No, it did not, but some people aren't nearly as brave I am."

He smiled at this. She'd never been more right. He'd never met a braver person than Belle. To come with him to save others knowing she'd never go home took courage. She did something he doubted he'd be able to do himself had he been in her shoes.

"True. I might just have to tell him just that."

"And here I wondered why people dislike you."

"I truly haven't a single idea why,"he said completely innocent.

They both began to laugh, oblivious to the stares."At least try not to cause trouble."

"I make you no promises, but I'll try. Now go on, I want my dessert before sunset."

"Yes, Rum."

Now in the middle of town, the two parted ways. Rumpelstiltskin silently watched her make her way through the bustling crowd until she was out of sight. When she was completely out of his view, he turned and made his way to to the inn.

Dealing with the innkeeper took longer than Rumpelstiltskin had expected. There was no one harder to make deals with than an idiot with a conscience. No matter. He still got what he wanted. Now, he needed to find Belle, and he wouldn't need magic to find her. He knew exactly where she'd be.

Turning a corner, he spotted her inside the small bookshop the town had. He could see her through the shop window browsing the shelves for another book. She wasn't watching where she was going and ended up bumping into someone. Part of him wanted to move, but something told Rumpelstiltskin to stay in place. He watched Belle apologize to the man. He was tall with blonde hair, but Rumpel couldn't see his face. He used his powers to listen to them instead.

"It's alright. I'm Edward by the way."

"Belle."

"I've never seen you in the village before. Are you new in town?"

"No. I stay a little ways away. I just moved there last fall though."

"That explains it. Do you come here often?"

"Whenever I can. I usually stop by after I pick up straw."

"That explains the basket then. I'm here with my sister. I'll never understand why she reads so much. Her husband agrees with me, and yours must be looking for you."

Rumpelstiltskin's eyes narrowed when heard her laugh."I'm not married."

"I'm sorry. I just assumed. I mean a woman as pretty as you should have had men begging to marry you."

Rumpel's hands clenched into fists. This idiot was flirting with his Belle. Wait. His Belle? When did she become his Belle? The minute you saved her from falling, that's when. He shook his head to clear his thoughts. He hadn't been looking for love when he took her, and he sure as hell didn't need it now. He sat down on a bench across from the shop and looked back up at Belle and Edward.

"I had a suitor once, but it was an arranged marriage. I came here to get away from him and my father."

"So you're single now?"

Belle mentally cursed herself for saying that. Edward was attractive, but he reminded her too much of Gaston. She let her eyes wander for a second and spotted her salvation."No. There's someone. He's right outside."

"I don't see anyone."Edward stepped towards her."You wouldn't be lying to me, would you?"

Rumpelstiltskin took this as his cue to step in. He quickly came up behind Edward and addressed Belle.

"There you are, love. Oh good, you got my straw."

The large man looked down at the imp, and his eyes widened. Belle pushed passed him and wrapped her arms around Rumpel's waist. He then threw his arm around her shoulders despite his confusion. She rested her head on his chest and smiled.

"Just go with this okay,"she whispered. He nodded slightly and looked back up at Edward."Edward, this is-"

"T-t-the Dark One."

Rumpelstiltskin smiled evilly, scaring the man even more."My reputation precedes me. You may call me Rumpelstiltskin. I see you've already met Belle. She always comes here even though we have a large library at home."

Belle looked up him then."You know I like to browse for new books when I can."

"Yes I do, dearie. If you keep this up, you're going to run out of space."

"There are dozens of empty rooms in the castle."

"Yes, but they are my rooms."

Belle turned her back to Edward and wrapped her arms around Rumple's neck."I'm sure I can persuade you to give up one room."His arms circled her waist, and he felt himself heat up under her gaze and touch."I mean when two people both want something the other has, a deal can always be struck. Isn't that what you always tell people?"

He gulped and looked down at her."That I do, dearie. But what do you have that I want?"

Without warning, she pressed her body closer to his and began running her fingers up and down his neck making him shiver."I'm sure I'll find something."

Rumpelstiltskin saw her smile and realized that she was enjoying this."I'm sure you can, dearie, but let's save that for later when we're alone. You're scaring the poor boy in front of us."

Belle turned her head to see Edward. He was obviously flustered and staring at the floor."He's still here?"

The man's head snapped up."I-I'll just be going then."

He then left quickly. When he was out of range, Belle threw her head back and laughed.

"That was evil, conniving, and down right vicious,"Rumpelstiltskin said. A smile broke out on his face, and he transported them both back home."I approve."

"And I thank you for playing along."

"No need, dearie. Anything to get that buffoon away from you."

Belle looked at him for a moment before gasping."You were jealous."

He let her go and took a step back."I was not!"

"Yes, you were. You thought I was interested in Edward. Was it because his dazzling smile or those sparkling blue eyes? Maybe it was the way his hair fell across his cheeks."

"If you like him so much, why did you pretend you were with me?"

Instead of flinching at his outburst, Belle laughed at him and pulled him back into a hug."You silly man, I don't like him. He's just like Gaston, brawny and brainless. I'd choose you over a hundred Edwards.

Rumpelstiltskin felt like a fool but hugged her back still."Your reputation is ruined now, Belle. News will spread of your little lie. Your father will be distraught at the thought of you in my bed."

There it was. That beautiful smile that made his heart melt."Then I guess I really am stuck with you."Belle then raised herself so that her mouth was by his ear."And does it have to be a lie? I'm sure your bed is much more comfortable than mine."

His eyes widened, and she gave him a kiss on the cheek before releasing him. A feather could have knocked him off his feet after hearing that. Draco, who had watched the entire thing, broke him from his trance. The Dark One fell back into his chair and looked at the dragon. The damn thing was smirking at him. Instead of being angry, Rumpelstiltskin began to smile.

"No. It doesn't have to be a lie at all."

TBC