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.

Sometimes living in a castle wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Sure, Rumpelstiltskin used magic to heat the floors, but that was little help when it rained. The huge stone building turned into an ice box. Belle shuddered as the wind blew against the castle and silently prayed the Rumpel was alright wherever he was. She then snuggled tighter into her blankets and inched closer to the fire. Just as she was about to fall asleep, Belle heard a loud crash come from downstairs.

Part of her hoped that it was just Rumpel, but when he didn't call for her like he always did, a sliver of fear ran down her spine. Dozens of scenarios ran through Belle's mind about what could have caused the crash, but she knew there was only one way to find out the truth. Grabbing one of the lit candelabras, Belle stood and began her trip downstairs in the darkness. After nearly falling because of the stairs, she finally reached the Main Hall.

A flash of light lit the room for a second, and Belle was relieved to find that the crash had been caused by one of the windows opening. With a sigh, she then laughed at herself for being so jumpy. She'd had braved living with the Dark One for over a year. A little storm shouldn't scare her. Belle stopped laughing when gust of wind chilled the room due to the open window. Carefully crossing the room, she managed to close the window but not before another gust of wind blew out her candles.

Now in complete darkness, that feeling of fear returned to Belle. It was only intensified by the small thump she heard to her left. Belle stood frozen for a moment before a familiar deranged giggle rang out in the dark. Her eyes widened at the sound, and she turned away from the window.

"Rum! This isn't funny!"

The giggle sounded off again."I'd say it is, dearie. You should see the look on your face."

"And I suppose you can?"

"Of course. I'm the Dark One, remember? The darkness like daylight to me only less annoying."Of course it was. Taking careful steps, Belle reached out blindly in the dark for him. Rumpelstiltskin saw this from his spot atop the table and smiled."Here, dearie. Maybe this will help."

With a snap of his fingers, a white aura enveloped Belle. It glowed bright enough for her to see what was close to her but not much else. Rumpel watched her examine her hands and smiled sadly. This was how things would always be. He belonged darkness while she deserved to be in the light. An evil creature such a he would only taint her. A rumble of thunder was followed by a flash of lightning, and he watched her jump. The light did little to calm Belle. She could still barely see what was around her. Outside, another loud clap of thunder was heard, and Belle shivered.

"Rum. Please."

After hearing her soft plea, Rumpelstiltskin made his way over to her without thinking. He soon came close enough for her to see him thanks to her light. If she was startled by his sudden appearance, she didn't show it. Instead, she pulled him to her, enveloping him in her light as well. Slowly, he made the light extend until the entire room was lit by the white light.

"Better?"

Belle rested her chin on his chest and looked up at him."Don't ever do that to me again."

"I won't."

"Good. I hate the dark."

"I'm sorry, dearie. I had no idea. I got you a gift."

"It's alright."She yawned and rested her head on his shoulder."What did you get me?"

"You'll get it in the morning. Right now, you're going to bed. You're tired, dearie."

She yawned again."No I'm not."

Carefully, Rumpelstiltskin picked her up and chuckled."Sure your not."

Belle weakly protested before relaxing. With a smile, he started upstairs. Maybe there was a place for him in her world or vice versa. If there wasn't, he was sure they'd find their own place.

TBC

I'm not dead! I've been in a coma like state caused by school.