Chapter One: Nightmare

She was gone. And because of this, he was heartless.

Rumpelstiltskin walked forward slowly, knowing deep down that he was too late, but unwilling to accept the truth. He couldn't. . . He just couldn't.

A looming tower stretched ahead of him, a hundred feet tall, with large stones placed to perfection. And at the top of the tower, was the accursed window. The accursed window, that let her take her life.

The Dark One approached her, with a cry on his lips. Her delicate body was broken beyond repair. Her neck was tipped to the side, from the impact of her fall. And drops of blood dribbled from the corner of her mouth.

Rumpelstiltskin slumped down next to her, and picked her up in his arms.

"Belle," he whispered anxiously shaking her as if the simple gesture would revive her.

But the woman did not stir.

"Belle," he yelled. "Open your eyes!"

But Belle didn't respond to his call. She lay limp in his arms, oblivious to the world. Her body naught but a shell that had once housed a spirit. But the spirit was gone . . . Belle was gone.

Rumpelstiltskin cried, his tears painting his golden face, with dark stains.

"I'm sorry," he sobbed. "I'm so sorry."

Belle's blue eyes seemed to stare right through him, as he mourned her.

Why had he turned her away? Why couldn't he have trusted her? He had always loved her, and yet because of his decisions, she was gone.

"Belle, forgive me." He pleaded in a choked whisper. "Please. . ."

The Dark One leaned down and planted a small kiss on her bloody lip, and he knew now more than ever, that he had loved her.

As he held the body, of the dead beauty to his chest, the words he had said so jovially, now echoed in his mind tauntingly.

"No choice comes without repercussions. And nothing comes without a price."

Emma Swan opened the door with steady hands, and entered the Pawn Shop. As she closed the door, a bell sounded above her head.

"Damn Gold, and his bell!"

Emma hadn't initially wanted her presence known, but the bell had given her away. Internally cursing, Emma walked towards the main counter.

"Sherriff Swan."

Emma turned around to see Gold walking out of the back room, and as always he was the perfect picture of the human species. Today he wore a dark maroon tie, and matching dress shirt, which was concealed underneath a top brand black suit. He finished the ensemble with black classy shoes, and a maroon handkerchief hanging out of his breast pocket.

The woman nodded to him, as a way of greeting. And when she stood silent at the counter, Gold took it as an indication to speak.

"What do I owe this . . . Unexpected visit?"

Emma held out the papers in her hand, "Mr. French is pressing charges against you."

Gold smirked, but she could tell he was still angry. "Of course he is."

The woman waited for him to take the papers, but he made no movements.

"Mr. Gold, I honestly don't know what happened between you two, but you'll only make it worse for yourself if you don't answer to these papers."

Gold reached out his gloved hand and took the papers. But he looked malicious.

"You know nothing, Miss Swan. And I don't need a pep-talk from you. So please, if that's all?"

"Yes, that's all."

"Good," he answered. "Then I will ask you to please leave. I have business to attend to."

Emma wanted to ask him why he held such hostility towards the simple Florist, but knew that now was not the time.

"Alright then," Emma sighed. "I'll leave you to your work."

"Yes, yes, thank you." Gold said impatiently. "Have a good day, Miss Swan."

"You too Mr. Gold," Emma said, and she found that she actually meant it. Even though he gave her the creeps, she still wondered what Mr. French had done to him. And what item had been so important to him that he would beat a man half to death for?

Emma brushed the thoughts from her head. Now was not the time for them. So she merely nodded Gold, and walked briskly to the door.

As soon as the bell jingled and the door was closed, Mr. Golds' eyes shifted to the counter top. The beautiful tea cup sat solemnly, in absolute elegance, as the man observed it.

He gently ran his fingers long the rim, but stopped when it felt uneven.

The chip in the cup wasn't severe, but to Gold it meant everything.

He felt tears prick in his eyes, but he shoved them back.

"She's gone. . . She's gone. . . She's been gone." He reminded himself. "And she didn't love you. She never loved you."

Gold closed his eyes, and fought to regain his composure.

He was Mr. Gold, owner of StoryBrooke. He was the most successful man in the entire upper half of Maine.

He was Rumpelstiltskin!

I love the TV Show Once Upon a Time, so I had to tribute to this lovely fandom! My favorite episode by far, is 'Skin Deep,' hense why this is a Rumpelstiltskin/Belle based fanfiction.

I know the chapter was short, but the next one will be longer, I promise. :D Please let me know how you liked it, and your thoughts on the Rumpelle's relationship. Where do you think the OUAT writers will take their story now?

Anyway, food for thought!

~Lyn Harkeran