A/N: I am so sorry my abscence! Writers block hit me hard for this story and then I did not end up liking how I wrote this chapter! I hope there are still some of you out there who will continue to read this story till the end!

The castle's atmosphere began to change a few days after Snow and her baboon of a husband came to visit and Rumpel knew why. Today was the end of his little deal with Belle and he could feel how that saddened her. He never thought about what would happen after the week was up. He had been content to stay here with her until she would cast him out. As he went to go visit some of the animals, their eyes begged him to stay and they looked just as hers did. He wanted to go speak with her, but she was in yet another council meeting. He knew he could stroll in, she would not mind, but he did not want to. He wanted time to think about everything. Going into this deal he was sure he would be giddy when it was over, little did he know how Belle would sneak her way into his very heart. He was wrapped around her thin finger, Jefferson did not forget to tell him in the moments they were alone together. He sat on the chairs that were outside, the sky above him darkened by the clouds that refused to let the sun shine. He knew what he wanted, he knew he loved her as she loved him and that was not the problem. The problem was he knew what would happen if he decided to stay, he knew the trouble he would cause her. Look at all that had happened in just a week. She would be harmed, he had so many enemies. He also knew how strong she was and that she could indeed take care of herself, but there was so much darkness that could harm her. He could possibly harm her, the very thought made him shudder. He paced outside as Jefferson comes strolling in. He was wearing pants much too long for him and a jacket that looked like it could fit three men in it as well. He was shoving muffins in his mouth, which caused his cheeks to become very full. Jefferson plops himself down on one of the chairs and grins at him. Rumpel wanted to growl, he truly did not want to deal with the Mad Hatter right now.

"Go away, Hatter." The Imp growled as he crossed his arms over his chest and turned his back to his friend.

"You are worried, aren't you? Now that you deal with her is up." Jefferson spoke around a mouthful of food.

"What ever gave you that idea?" He scoffed, though he knew Jefferson could tell he was lying.

"She is worried too, you know. She told me. She is scared you won't stay." This time his friend sounded serious for once in his life. Rumple had no reply. He knew something was off, he felt it and he could see it. Why should he stay away? He knew how she felt. She loved him despite his green, scaley skin and large reptile looking eyes. Despite his dark humor and soul. She always saw the good in him. He was a flawed human being and she did not seem to mind, she seemed to prefer it that way. Perhaps because she was different herself. He wanted to be with her and he knew that's what she wanted too. He shook off his fears, or he tried to. He puffed his chest out and marched right into the castle towards the room she was in. He slammed the door open to see Belle looking out the window. He didn't even realize the meeting she was in was over. He walked right over and took her in his arms. He pressed his lips against hers and poured every bit of love he had for her into this kiss. She gasped, but soon melted into his arms, completely willing before she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him even closer. They stood like this while sparks appeared behind his eyelids. When they broke apart, they were breathing heavily and her cheeks were stained pink. He began to speak before she even had the chance to.

"Lady Belle, I love you more than I can express. I know we have only known each other for a short time, but I cannot stay away. All I ask is that you allow me to standby yourside for all eternity. I will protect you, love you and will always be loyal to you and you alone." He had moved down to his knee as he swore himself to her, when he finished speaking, he bowed his head as he held both her hands.

"Rise, Dark One." Was all she said, before he did as she requested. He opened his mouth, but she simply shook her head as if telling him not to speak. "I will allow you to stand by my side, but as my equal and nothing less. You have captured my heart and I could not bear to see you leave. Stay with me, my love and I will never let you go. I will be yours as you shall be mine." She leaned in to press her lips against his and he pulled her into his arms. He would never let her go. Just as they kissed, a burst of light came through him. They stumbled apart as this light shined through his darkness and settled. He knew it was because of her, they swore themselves to each other and because of the bond they had, it was permanent. He was smiling like a fool as he was feeling a rush of relief. It was only when he heard a cry of pain did he look at Belle. She was on the floor as tendrils of darkness wrapped around her body, slicing her skin and drinking from her blood like the demons they were. In the distance he heard the roar of animals and the sound of them trampling. He ran to her and tried to hold her, but the darkness threw him off. He could feel the absolute pain she was in and he could do nothing to help her. This was his darkness coursing through her and he hated himself. She brought him relief and he brought her pain. The animals were on the roof and trying to break through the windows to help her, but it was useless. Seconds felt like hours and the tendrils slowly disappeared. She lay on the ground and he fell to her side, before pulling her in his arms. Her eyes were opened, but they were completely black. He stroked her hair, whispering her name softly as he willed her to heal using his magic. The black turned back to her brilliant blue and she looked at him, before her eyes shut and he felt her heartbeat stop.

"Belle! Belle! Open your eyes! Please!" He screamed, what had he done? He did not think this would kill her! He heard the animals calm down, but he had no idea if they could tell she had stopped breathing. He felt his tears rush down his face. He picked her up in his arms, before walking to the field where her animals waited for something to happen. He laid her down in the middle of the field and the animals began to surround her and he heard Jefferson run up. He gasped as he saw the cuts on her body and knelt down to her side, putting two fingers to the side of her neck and when he felt nothing he saw him crying. The animals parted as he heard Farrah land and come up beside them. She lowered her head and used her nose to nudge Belle, but when Belle did nothing, Farrah knew. Rumple knew she did. They had a stronger bond, than the rest of the animals. Farrah let out a terrible cry and the rest followed. They all laid down and did not move. Everyone in the castle finally came out and began speaking, but Rumple had no idea what they were saying. He was watching his lifeless love begin to grow cold in his arms. He had killed her. He took her light out and she was paying the price. He wanted to die as well. He did not want to live without her. Jefferson knelt back down beside him after addressing the help and telling them what had happened to their Mistress. He took Belle's hand in his.

"Rumple..." Jefferson spoke, but he did not care. His tears were rolling down her cheeks and he leaned down to kiss her lips once more.

"Rumple.." Jefferson spoke yet again, but still Rumple did not look away from his beloved Belle. How could he? He did not want Jefferson's useless words of comfort.

"Rumplestiltskin!" He yelled before hitting him hard in the head. Rumple snapped and looked up to see Jefferson holding the dagger in his hands.

"How did you get that?" He yelled and his body began to shake with anger.

"She was holding it, you need to look at it." Rumple quickly took it out of his hands and looked down at it. He felt his breath get caught in his throat. How could this be? His hands began to shake again, but not out of anger, only relief. Engraved in the jagged dagger was his name, but also Belle's. Which meant she could not be dead. She was simply in between transformation.

"Does this mean she is...?" Jeffersons voice trailed off without finishing the question, but Rumple knew what he was asking. She was not a Dark One, there could only be one. It was against the laws of nature to have two. If another one was created, the first one would die. Magic has its rules and limits.

"No, it does not mean she is a Dark One... It means she is alive."