"Rumple!" exclaimed Belle as the smoke cleared to reveal the disappearance of the Piper and the Hatter.

"Calm yourself Belle they'll find themselves outside their cottage not a swamp," said Rumple and Belle relaxed slightly. She'd never expected that he'd harm them but Rumple did have a dark sense of humor and she wouldn't have put it past him to drop the pair somewhere mildly inconvenient.

"I'll trust you to be telling the truth on that," she said wryly. Rumple took on a look of mock offense.

"I'll have you know I NEVER lie. I may twist or omit portions of the truth but you will not hear me outright lie. It's bad for business." Belle laughed

"Good to know. Although you have been omitting the fact that you do actually have friends from me." Rumple scoffed.

"If you are referring to Pip and the Hatter the first is a useful business partner and the second a necessary nuisance."

"They teased you and nobody got turned into a toad. For you that's a blatant expression of friendship," countered Belle with a smirk.

"Since when was not turning someone into an amphibian the bar for friendship?"

"Well, with you the parameters for everything normal need to be adjusted," replied Belle with a shrug. Rumplestiltskin looked like he didn't quite know what to make of that.

"What I'm more interested in is what you and Pip discussed." Belle was about to answer when an idea came to her and she gave him a mischievous smile.

"Hmm. Not telling."

"What?" asked Rumplestiltskin looking a bit affronted.

"Well certainly not for free. Aren't you the one saying everything comes with a price."

"Now you're just being impertinent," argued Rumple

"Or maybe I've been spending too much time with you. Either way you certainly aren't getting that information for free." Belle had an idea of what she might ask for and she knew the longer she held off the more not knowing would drive Rumple up the wall.

OUAT

"Now you're just being impertinent," Rumple replied as Belle refused to tell him the content of her discussion with Pip. He also attempted to how attractive Belle was when she was being mischievous. Her troublemaking causing her blue eyes to sparkle.

"Or maybe I've been spending too much time with you. Either way you aren't getting that information for free." Rumple for his part was far too proud to give in to her request. Surely, she'd come around or he'd trick it out of her.

"Fine. It doesn't matter all that much anyway," he told her ignoring the smug look on her face.

"Of course, it doesn't," she answered in an infuriatingly indulgent tone.

"Well, now that's cleared up perhaps you can clean up the tea set. The Hatter always makes a mess when he's here." He said changing the subject.

"Certainly," answered Belle clearing away the tea things and taking them down towards the kitchen. As she departed Rumple did his best to push the idea of her conversation with Pip out of his mind.

OUAT

Belle knew she shouldn't enjoy stringing Rumple along quite as much as she did but really how often was it that one had one up on the Dark One. Over the following days he continued to ask her at random times about the conversation as if hoping to surprise her into an answer.

He was clearly growing more frustrated with each failed attempt as evidenced by the way he spun more obsessively than usual. That alone almost made Belle take pity on him. Almost.

Finally on the third day it during tea time he took the bait.

"You do realize that you aren't going to be able to exact your freedom for the price of a simple piece of gossip," he told her. Belle tilted her head as she sat on the side of the table in front of his high-backed chair. Honestly the idea hadn't even occurred to her.

"Oh, that was never my idea. It wouldn't be fair to undo such a large deal as the one we stuck for such a minor cost." Rumplestiltskin blinked at her and Belle held back a sigh he really was used to people trying to worm their way out of deals. It was honestly a sad reflection on humanity that one's word meant so little.

"Then what is it that you desire. Within reason?" asked Rumple steepling his fingers. Belle took a deep breath.

"I'd like to go to the village at the bottom of the mountain," she held up her hand to forestall interruptions. "With your supervision of course, not that I had any plans of running."

OUAT

Rumple felt slightly embarrassed at how short a time it took to give in to his curiosity but damn it all! Pip was extremely unpredictable and there was no telling what she might have said to Belle.

Well, he wasn't giving in yet. That entirely depended on Belle's price. Though he wasn't sure what she would want. Her freedom was the only thing he could think of and he wondered if that was her game. Even if it wasn't he couldn't be shown as giving in too easily so he phrased his words sharply.

"You do realize that you aren't going to be able to exact your freedom for the price of a simple piece of gossip," he told her. Belle tilted her head and appeared genuinely surprised at the suggestion.

"Oh, that was never my idea. It wouldn't be fair to undo such a large deal as the one we stuck for such a minor cost." Rumple was a little dumbstruck by her sound but unique reasoning. Not many people considered the great value of what they were asking for in relation to him.

"Then what is it that you desire. Within reason?" he asked observing the way that she seemed to be gathering her courage before her proposal.

"I'd like to go to the village at the bottom of the mountain." he opened his mouth immediately to object but she help up a hand. "With your supervision of course, not that I had any plans of running."

He closed his mouth the idea of letting Belle out of the castle grounds was an exceptionally displeasing one on several levels. For one who knows what harm might befall her outside his wards and for another he selfishly wanted to keep this wonderful woman to himself.

"I believe our deal was you giving up your freedom forever to come with me." he said.

"Technically according to the wording of our deal, it was for me to come and act as caretaker of your castle forever. There was nothing in it about staying locked up in your castle forever explicitly stated in the deal." Pointed out Belle.

And he supposed she was right. They didn't have a physical contract, though their verbal one was just as magically binding. Damn that beautiful brilliant girl. Only Belle would have thought her way around the deal like that.

"Perhaps," mused Rumple. Belle took his hand.

"Look. I knew what I was doing when I made our deal. I don't regret it and I don't intend to break it. But unlike all the other items you've acquired in your deals, I'm not some trinket that can be locked away in a cupboard for eternity. I'm a human being and honestly if all I see for the rest of my life are these stone walls, I may go mad."

Rumple gazed at Belle only now noticing that her cheeks were a little unnaturally pale. She wasn't wrong. Someone and bright and vibrant as Belle needed to be allowed room to breathe and grow or she'd wilt like a rose in winter. Even if it was just the village. And who could blame her for wanting to speak with normal people again anyway.

He knew he could never expect Belle to be truly happy here with him but perhaps if he indulged her wish a little, she might at least not be unhappy.

"Very well, we can go to the village tomorrow. But there will be certain conditions." This did not seem to matter to Belle as soon as he acquiesced her face lit up like a candle.

"Oh, thank you!" she gave his scaled hand a squeeze.

"It's a deal Belle not a gift. NOW what was it that Pip said to you?"

"I'll tell you when we get back from the village. I'm not risking you thinking it's not worth the price." answered Belle and Rumple would have been irritated if he weren't so impressed.

"Fine. We'll leave tomorrow after breakfast."

"Perfect!" said Belle hopping off the table and collecting the finished tea things.

OUAT

Belle was antsy the following morning and was certain that Rumplestiltskin was purposely taking extra time eating his breakfast. When at last, he'd finally finished she swiftly cleared away the dishes and bounded back into the Great Hall pulling on her cloak.

Rumplestiltskin was waiting for her dressed in the same burgundy cloak he'd worn on their pursuit of Robin Hood.

"I'm ready Rumple."

"No need to be quite so excited dearie. This little day trip just means that you're going to have more work to do when you get back." he told her and Belle giggled.

"I'm sure I'll manage. Forever gives me plenty of time to clean." Rumplestiltskin waved his hand and the two of them were immediately teleported to right outside the village. Belle smiled. The town at the base of the mountain appeared to be fairly well off.

As they entered, she observed that the houses all appeared sturdily built. The clothes that the people wore weren't what you would call fine but by people here clearly weren't struggling to survive unlike the abject poverty Belle had observed in some towns she'd ridden through.

People gave them a healthy distance when they saw Rumplestiltskin but to her slight surprise they didn't seem overly perturbed by his presence. A few even gave him respectful nods of acknowledgement. Honestly if there was any staring going on it was at her.

"Do you come into the town often?" she asked.

"Not really, but they know me given that when took over the Dark Castle the lands below including this town technically belong to me."

After walking for a while, they came to the main square which was set up for with a market. Different vendors stood at their cart's peddling their wares. Belle opened her mouth to ask if they could go an explore when a tall blond man walked up to Rumplestiltskin and bowed respectfully.

"My Lord Rumplestiltskin and..." the man trailed of unsure of how to address Belle.

"My maid Belle." answered Rumplestiltskin. "Belle, Master Williams the blacksmith." Belle curtsied.

"It's nice to meet you."

"The same to you," answered the man before turning back to Rumplestiltskin. "My Lord it's fortuitous that you should come today. I was actually planning to call on you."

"Oh?"

"My daughter she's, she's fallen gravely ill and the doctor says that they won't be able to cure her. I was hoping that you might be able to assist." Belle's eyes widened in concern but she knew better than to interfere when Rumplestiltskin was discussing a possible deal. She also didn't miss the look of worry which briefly flashed across Rumple's face at the man's words.

"I see. Give me a moment," said Rumple and then he turned to Belle pulling out a pouch of money.

"Peruse the market as you wish but stay in the square. I shall return." Belle considered it a sign of their slowing improving friendship that he didn't add a warning about running off.

"Thank you, I will." Rumple gave a curt nod and then allowed himself to be led away by Master Williams. Belle watched the pair leave concern in her heart hoping that Rumple would be able to help. To distract herself she began to walk around the market examining the different items but what caught her eye was a bookshop. She made her way over to the proprietor and couldn't help the smile that spread across her face as she looked at the books.

"Can I help you?" asked the merchant a kindly looking woman with white hair and spectacles.

"Oh I don't have anything specific in mind." answered Belle.

"Feel free to browse. I see you arrived with his Lordship."

"Yes, I'm the caretake for his castle," answered Belle pleasantly then she paused.

"I must say despite his reputation everywhere else nobody here seems in fear of him." The old woman smiled.

"Why fear what isn't a threat to you? My family's lived in this town for decades and for as long as he's been in charge our little town has prospered. We've never had anything to complain about. Our taxes are the lowest in the land, he pays well for anything he has taken up to the castle especially straw and that's not to mention how this town practically seems charmed.

"What do you mean?" asked Belle.

"Droughts, famines, and plagues, that hit other towns nearby all seem to just fly past us. And I'm not fool enough just to put that down to luck. He doesn't come down in person often except to settle major disputes, and in those he's always fair, or if someone calls for him. But he's never given anyone in the village cause to be anything but grateful. So why fear him?"

"That's very sensible. I didn't realize how kind he was to the village."

"Aye we have much to be thankful for. I will say this is the first time he's ever come down accompanied by someone."

"I'm still slightly new to my job. He probably didn't want me getting lost in case he ever needs me to fetch something from here."

Belle picked up a large red leather volume with gold writing for she recognized the book. It was the same one that her mother had first read to her as a child. Her Handsome Hero.

Belle ended up choosing a few more books and chatting with the seller for a while longer before walking over to the fountain in the middle of the square and taking a seat. She'd just opened up Her Handsome hero when a few children came up to her.

"What are you reading?"

"Oh, it's one of my favorite childhood stories," answered Belle showing them the book. "Would you like to hear it?"

The children seemed interested and clustered around her as Belle began to read. It was nice to see such carefree children again. Those back in Avalonea of late had been forced to grow up far too quickly thanks to the ogre's attack. Although she supposed thanks to Rumple that will have changed. The thought cheered her.

OUAT

Rumplestiltskin had been more than willing to help Master Williams and his daughter. No parent should be forced to bury their child. Especially at such a young age. Rumple had only just departed after accepting the copious thanks of Master Williams.

Over the centuries he'd found that peasants tended to be slightly more grateful for his assistance than nobility who usually struck a deal without any form of thanks. Not that he required any. A deal was a deal but still it was ironic that those of lower birth should often show better manners than those who supposedly had them drilled into them practically from birth.

He headed back to the market his eyes scanning the crowd for his chestnut haired beauty of a maid. Her excitement about coming today had really been quite adorable. Finally, he spotted her seated on a fountain and surrounded by children as she read to them from a large red book.

Rumple watched for a while as she interacted with the children doing different voices for the characters and making sure all that had gathered felt included. He wondered what it would be like if she met Bae. Then he shook his head. Why the hell was he thinking about her meeting Bae?

"Belle," he called and she looked up. Immediately all the children stood and most avoided his gaze. While the town wasn't scared of him per se he could hardly blame the children for being wary. Belle smiled at him as she closed the book.

"You're back."

"Indeed, and it would be best that we be returning to the Dark Castle dearie."

"Alright, I'll just say my goodbyes." He watched her turn back to the children smiling and even accepting hugs from a few.

"Will you come back to finish the story?" he heard one child ask. Belle glanced at him and then turned back to the child.

"We'll see." She ruffled the child's hair and then picked up the few packages she had next to her on the fountain, almost all of which looked like books, and walked towards Rumplestiltskin.

"Ready," she said.

"Really Belle? An entire library and you STILL need to get more books?" he said though his tone was slightly teasing.

"One can never have too many books Rumplestiltskin." She told him firmly. Personally, Rumple agreed. Knowledge was power and books were an excellent way of improving the mind. However simply to be contrary he answered.

"If you say so dearie," and then teleported them back to the castle in a swirl of crimson smoke.

Once they returned Belle left to put away her books and prepared dinner. She served it to him and then paused.

"Where you able to help the little girl in the village?"

"Yes," he answered shortly.

"What was the price? Life saving magic can't be cheap," Belle said continuing to probe. Rumple considered not answering but it was a harmless enough question.

"A bowl of stew."

"Thats not a very steep price," commented Belle looking strangely pleased.

"On the contrary Mistress Williams is a far superior cook to yourself." Belle only giggled at his insult to her cooking.

"I'm sure she is. You know the people in the village respect you. I spoke with some of them and apparently your a very benevolent liege lord." Rumplestiltskin pursed his lips.

"I am not benevolent I'm the Dark One."

"And yet that village has prospered under your generous rule."

"Life for peasants is difficult enough without a blasted noble wringing every last penny out of them for personal gain." he said slightly sharply. "What's your point?"

"I just think it's interesting that's all," said Belle holding her hands up in surrender.

"Well think again. Speaking of which you still owe me an answer to what you and Pip talked about."

"You mean what did she say to me about you?" asked Belle teasingly and Rumplestiltksin shot her a withering look.

"Obviously."

"She said you were a complicated man and to be patient with you."

"Why that impertinent little banshee," grumbled Rumple and Belle laughed.

"She's not wrong."

"And what's that supposed to mean?" he demanded.

"That there's more to you than just 'The Dark One'. And that you can be a tad temperamental when the mood strikes you." answered Belle a small smirk on her lips. Rumplestiltskin opened his mouth to contradict her but found himself at a loss for a reply. Finally, he said.

"I can see introducing you to Pip is going to cause all kinds of trouble."

"Well, what's life without a little trouble?" answered Belle before her smile softened slightly.

"Thank you for today. It was wonderful."

"You're welcome." Rumple paused and then before he could think better of it added. "Perhaps the next time I have to go into the village you can accompany me."

"I would love that," said Belle and the smile she gave him drove away any doubts he had about the decision.

Author's Note: Well, Belle's getting out a bit more. I thought it would be interesting to explore how Rumple would treat the peasants who are in the same position he once was based on his experiences and how he likely would be a lot more sympathetic to them. Let me know what you think of the story in the comments! Until next week!