He's Not Always A Beast (Rumplestiltskin x Reader)

Chapter 11: Crashing The Ball

(1694 words) 

Your POV 

Huffing gently, I looked at Rumple. He smiled at me as I leaned against the table. We've been practicing once the storm had started, now it's been well over and the sun is shining outside. 

"One more time." 

Looking at him I shook my head. "I feel like my feet are going to fall off from these shoes." 

"I can give you shoes that are more comfortable for tomorrow." 

"Can't we practice before we leave for the ball tomorrow?" 

"I suppose so, but practice makes perfect." 

"Practice makes better, it never makes perfect. Nothing is ever perfect in this world." 

He smirked and stepped over to me slowly, staring me down. 

"On the contrary, there is something in this world that is perfect." 

"What would that be?" 

"Dance with me once more, and I'll tell you." 

Sighing gently as he held his hand out I took it and he pulled me towards him. Landing in the starting position, I smiled as the music started to play and we started to move around the floor. Spinning me a couple of times when he had the opportunity to do it, he pulled me back and we had a couple more steps before he spun me towards him and dipped me. 

Smiling as I looked at him, I got lost in his eyes. Pulling me upright he looked down at me and I looked back. Leaning down he kissed me gently, I nearly melted into the kiss as I returned it. Pulling away I hummed. 

"Don't you have something to tell me?" Looking at him for a moment as he hummed gently. 

"there's only one thing in this realm that's perfect." 

"What is that?"

"You, dearie." 

Looking at him for a moment, I rose a brow. "How am I perfect?" 

He looked away for a moment before he looked back at me. "You're the only person in the last 300 years that can see the man behind the beast. You're even the only one who has shown me any kindness." 

His face fell as he said that, raising my hand to him, I cupped his cheek and turned his head to look at him. 

"You were a man before you became the beast. People have always had this thing where they fear the things that they do not understand." 

"What makes you understand?" 

Holding his hands for a moment, I walked him over to the chair a the table and sat him down, kneeling in front of him I held his hands gently. 

"I do, there's always more to someone than meets the eye. Someone could be the prettiest in the kingdom but ends up having the personality of a wet mop. Other people may not like the way you look, but I certainly do. I know you have a big heart, one that is empty. I won't try to replace those you've lost in your life, but I will try and help you get through it." 

Giving a reassuring smile, I looked at him as he stood. Standing I held his hands before I kissed his cheek. "I should get some rest for tomorrow." 

He looked at me for a moment before he looked nervous. "Do you mind if I join you?" 

Feeling my cheeks heat up a little I looked at him. Smiling a little I nodded. Taking his hand we went to my room where he snapped his fingers to change our clothes. Looking down, I was wearing a nightgown with sleeves. Little flowers around the hem and the ends of the sleeves.