Rumbelle One-shots

Save the Last Dance

"Hold still, Rumplestiltskin, or you're going to make me mess up!"

"I'm sorry, Belle. I'm just a bit nervous, I guess."

"Just a bit? Rumple, I haven't seen you this nervous in years!" Belle reassured her husband while adjusting his tie. Tonight was a "Daddy Daughter Dance" at Rose's school and it was nearly time for them to leave.

"Mommy, I need help!"

Both parents grinned at the cry for help from upstairs. Belle handed Rumple his suit jacket and headed off to answer her daughter's call. He shrugged on his jacket and faced himself in the mirror. Belle was right, he hadn't been this nervous since Rose was born seven years ago. He gave one last adjustment to his tie and the rose in his lapel as he heard footsteps at the top of the stairs. What he saw when he turned around made his heart melt.

Rose stood, one hand held by her mother and the other hand twirling one of her curly, chestnut locks of hair. In her yellow gown, she looked exactly like Belle. Still holding her mother's hand, she descended the stairs to where her father stood. Rumple knelt down to her level and presented her with a rose to match his own.

"You look beautiful, princess."

"Thank you, daddy," she blushed and kissed his cheek.

*****

Rumplestiltskin watched his young daughter dance with a couple boys from her class before it was time for the fathers to dance with their daughters. He offered to let Rose stand on his shoes as he danced, but she politely refused, telling him she wanted to show him something. As the slow music started, Rumple was surprised as Rose began dancing on her own. She was concentrating, making sure she got it right before looking to her father for approval.

"Where'd you learn to do that, sweetheart?"

"Mommy taught me! She said you'd be surprised," she boasted.

"I certainly am," he smiled down at her.

Rose fell asleep on the car ride home and Rumple was left to carry up to her room, still in her gown. He silently shut the door and went downstairs to where Belle was reading on the couch. Without a word, he stood in front of her, waiting for her to notice. When she did, he simply offered his hand. With a wary glance, Belle accepted and stood.

Rumple drew her close and began swaying to unheard music. Belle melted into his arms as he continued.

"I take it you had a good time tonight?"

"Magical," he quipped.

"Aren't you tired of dancing?"

"I wouldn't be able to sleep without dancing with both my girls," he said, kissing her forehead. And together, they danced to the rhythm of each other's hearts.