Belle was curled up on the couch in the library reading Her Handsome Hero. It was evening and she had completed all of her daily chores. Footsteps could be heard on the staircase and Belle glanced over the top of her book to see Rumple enter the tower.

"Good evening," she said with a small smile.

"Good evening," answered Rumple. He glanced at the title of her book.

"A bit cliched even for you dearie?" he said but unlike a similar comment once made by Gaston his tone was playful rather than derogatory.

"I'll have you know it's far more than a cliche, its not just amazing travels and exciting battles, it actually goes beyond the surface and..." Belle broke off her analysis. Rumple raised an eyebrow.

"Why do you do that?"

"Do what?" asked Belle.

"You begin to get passionate about discussing a book and then will cut yourself off." observed Rumple. Belle bit her lip and looked down at her lap.

"Well, no man likes a woman who goes on about books, it gives the impression she thinks she's smarter than him." Belle dared to glance up at him and found that he was looking at her as if she'd grown a second head.

"What absolute nimrod told you that?" Belle shrugged.

"Nearly everyone. My governess, Gaston, even Papa suggested I ought to be more reserved." Rumplestiltskin rolled his eyes.

"Any man who is intimidated by a woman expressing some form of opinion on any matter of consequence is no true man at all." His lips quirked upward.

"Believe me Belle I've met many a man in my 300 years who are far more dull than you could ever be. Quite frankly I'll take an interesting conversation over mindless chatter any day regardless of gender."

Belle felt her heart swell at his kind words. In truth it was rare a man ever treated her with any sort of equality in her old life. Even as a Princess she was usually the pretty object to be protected and bartered for alliances. She loved her father but even he became slightly patronizing after the death of her mother.

"Thank you," said Belle softly. Shifting her feet from the couch she gestured to it. "Would you care to join me?" Rumplestiltskin appeared to internally debate the matter before taking a seat on the very opposite end of the couch.

"Now what were so you vehemently going on about?" he asked. Belle was almost taken aback by how he was so genuinely interested in what she had to say.

"Oh, well, as I was saying the book is more than just a simple adventure story where the prince gets the girl. Its about compassion and forgiveness but perhaps most importantly being able to see past appearances and reputation. People aren't always what they seem."

Rumple had a strange expression on his face as she spoke she'd almost call it admiring were the idea not so ridiculous.

OUAT

Rumple felt a rush of anger as Belle spoke of those who had belittled her. How dare they try and stifle her brilliant mind! Did they not realize what a true treasure they had had? Belle was so much more than a pretty face, though pretty she was, an irritating voice in his mind reminded him.

Rumple had no idea where these protective feelings came from. They were similar to the ones he had felt when the Queens of Darkness had taken Belle. However, he'd long since given up trying to figure out their exact source. Pip and the Hatter of course would claim it was because he was falling in love with Belle. The idea was foolish of course, nonetheless he felt the need to boost her spirits.

Any man who is intimidated by a woman expressing some form of opinion on any matter of consequence is no true man at all." She still appeared slightly unsure so he plowed on.

"Believe me Belle I've met many a man in my 300 years who are far more dull than you could ever be. Quite frankly I'll take an interesting conversation over mindless chatter any day regardless of gender."

This finally elicited a small smile from her.

"Thank you," she said then to his surprise she shifted from her position which had taken up a large portion of the couch to sit up straighter and gestured for him to take a seat.

"Would you care to join me?"

Rumplestiltskin debated the matter in his mind. Part of him greatly desired to do so but another was worried. He was finding himself getting closer and closer to Belle and that was both wonderful and utterly terrifying. Finally selfish desire won out and he perched cautiously on the far end of the couch.

"Now what were so you vehemently going on about?" he asked.

"Oh, well, as I was saying the book is more than just a simple adventure story where the prince gets the girl. It's about compassion and forgiveness but perhaps most importantly being able to see past appearances and reputation. People aren't always what they seem."

Belle's face was alight with excitement and passion as she explained her reasons for loving the book the passion in her voice nearly infectious. Rumple watched her fondly taking in every word.

"Certainly, a deeper lesson than most children's tales. Usually, they run the bar between the hero rescues the damsel or behave yourself lest the Dark One steal you away." Rumplestiltskin chuckled at this last one.

"Ah yes, I had plenty of nannies regale me with such stories and warnings. Though they seem far less threatening now." replied Belle

"I beg your pardon?" said Rumple in mock offense though a part of him did feel some slight shock. Belle smiled softly.

"Those stories are based solely on your reputation told to people who have no real knowledge of you as a person. Naturally they held some sway back then. But knowing you now, after having spent so much time in your company I'm afraid I can't exactly bring myself to be frightened."

"I've done plenty that should frighten you Belle. If you even knew the half of it you'd never wish so much as be in the same room as me again." scoffed Rumple a part of him praying Belle never did find out the depths of the darkness inside of him.

"Perhaps," conceded Belle. "I don't claim to know all of you. But I do think I have known you long enough to judge your character. In fact, I'd say you're a prime example of what my book taught about not judging people based on reputation and appearances."

"Oh really?" Rumple gave her a disbelieving look.

"Even if half the stories about your supposed dark deeds are true, they don't account for the fact that there is more to you than just being the Dark One. You can be cruel, but you can also be funny, kind, generous, and protective. Things I wouldn't know if I hadn't had the chance to truly become acquainted with you. And quite frankly. I'm grateful for that chance."

"Grateful you were forced to come and serve a monster?" countered Rumple.

"You aren't a monster," Belle chided taking his hand. "But if I hadn't made that deal with you I would have missed out on a dear friend." Rumple felt his blacked heart swell with affection for this amazing young woman.

"As would I," he answered simply then shook his head.

"You truly do try and see the best in others."

"You say that as if it's a bad thing. Is it not better to think the best in someone than to forever believe the worst?" countered Belle. Without realizing it Rumplestiltskin ran his thumb along the back of her hand.

"Perhaps not. But the trouble comes when there truly isn't an good in someone. It makes it far too easy to get hurt. If you believe the worst you can never be disappointed." Belle regarded him pensively then leaned in.

"Then it's a good thing I have you to look out for me isn't it?" Rumple could only gaze at her in wonder.

OUAT

"Perhaps not. But the trouble comes when there truly isn't any good in someone. It makes it far too easy to get hurt. If you believe the worst you can never be disappointed."

Belle was touched by the concern she could hear in his tone during the first part of his speech but also couldn't help but feel slightly saddened by his words. What kind of hurts must he have suffered so much to become so jaded? She might never change his outlook but perhaps she could make him feel better.

"Then it's a good thing I have you to look out for me isn't it?" Rumple looked at her with what she could almost describe as a mix of shock and awe though Belle wasn't quite certain what was so special about her or her words. Unsure of how to proceed Belle simply continued to hold his hand. Content to sit there with him as the night went on.

Author's note: So a little dip into Belle and Rumple's opposing world views which will likely end up as a running theme. Hope you all like the story so far if you do please leave your thoughts in the comments so I know what sort of things I should continue with! Until next time!