"Woah... did you... did you make all of this?" Belle said in awe as she looked at all of the gold surrounding the floor, overflowing from the small basket that she assumed was supposed to catch it all.

Rumplestiltskin perked his head up at the sudden noise, startled a little as he stopped the wheel with his hand. "Uh... Yes..." Came his reply as he looked over all the gold, seeming surprised himself by how he'd spun that much.

"This is incredible." Belle said happily as she lifted a section up, weighing it. "Can all this be turned into galleons?"

"Never tried that before, but I suppose it could be." A long pause as he sighed quietly and began to spin again. "It's just a habit I picked up over the years... I suppose the rumors are true."

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone about the gold." Belle said smirking, watching the wheel go around and around.

"I meant about the curse... My curse..." The man said wearily, avoiding eye contact with her. "I guess you haven't heard about it yet... I'm a monster..." His voice was sad.

"But... You're not a monster. You're really the kindest man I've ever met." Belle blushed, sort of disappointed when he wouldn't look at her.

"I don't know why you continue to stand by my side." Rumple said with another audible sigh, only spinning faster now. Then abruptly he stopped, catching the wheel with his hand and looking at Belle. Brown eyes met green with intensity, and he almost forgot what he was going to say. "Do you believe in true love?"

"Of course I do..." Belle said, a hint of confusion crossing her face as she watched him with those adorable green eyes.

"Then you know how they feel that connection, and they can't be separated?"

Belle nodded, then realization came over her and she gasped in shock. "Is that how you feel about me?" All of these strange feelings finally made sense, and she smiled.

The man could only nod in happiness, standing up to embrace Belle. She hugged him back with equal force, smiling happily. "I love you, Rumple."

"Yes... And I love you too." Rumple said, seeming not able to believe that she accepted him like this. That was not expected.

After a long moment, Rumple pulled away, a hint of fear crossing his features. "We can't be together..."

"What? Why?" Belle protested. She was hurt, and disappointed that he was letting her go like this. If he was her true love, why didn't he seem happy?

"Because I'm a monster, Belle... I'll only end up hurting you. I can't risk that."

"You won't hurt me." Belle said with confidence. "And you're not a monster. At least try before you give up, please..."

"I-I'm sorry..." Rumple said, looking angry at himself, but also hurt.

"I will find a way for us to be together. I will prove to you that you're not a monster."

"It's no use. I've tried everything." Rumple interrupted her, frowning.

"No, Rumple. Let me explain. This whole time I've been hiding my true feelings, and now I know for sure that you are my true love. I will find a way. I will never stop fighting for you!"