Reply To: Better, But Not Different

[PriceofMagic]

Interesting points on both sides.

I think both Belle and Rumple are right in what they both say, however I think the conflict between them is in how they view what the darkness/being the dark one actually is.

Rumple sees it as part of his identity. He’s been the dark one for so long that it’s literally become a part of him. That is who he is. I don’t think he’s necessarily telling Belle that she has to accept he’s going to go out murdering the peasants, but he’s essentially saying “I am the dark one and you need to accept that if this relationship is going to work”. The only thing I can liken it to as such is being part of a religion. Eg Rumple has been part of a religion for many years before he met Belle who is an atheist. Rumple loves Belle and Belle loves him but she wants him to give up his religion for her. Rumple has tried but it never felt right because he felt he was trying to deny a part of himself. He knew Belle would be upset that he hadn’t given up his religion for her so he lied to her because he wanted her to be happy whilst he indulged in his religion on the sly. Belle found out about the lies then got upset.

Belle see it as an addiction that has taken hold of Rumple. She wants him to get better so she is constantly encouraging him to fight his addiction. When she finds out Rumple is still “using”, she gets upset that Rumple has lied to her. She gives him ultimatums “tough love” to try and force him to give up because his addiction isn’t good for him. Belle loves him but she can’t condone him being an addict.