The Best Tea Cup is Chipped Book 1

Winter

Winter had come in full force to the Dark Castle and Belle awoke one day to find the Dark Castle buried in more layers of snow than she had ever seen in her life.

Rumplestiltskin had chuckled in amusement when she expressed her wonder over breakfast.

"It's only snow Belle."

"To you perhaps but we never got anything close to this much back home Avalonea is a far more temperate climate. At best we would get an inch or two."

"Your ability to find wonder in the simplest of things never ceases entertain," snorted Rumple though there was a fond edge to his tone.

"Have you really lived so long that nothing surprises you anymore? That you can't even comprehend that amazement?" asked Belle. Rumplestiltskin gazed at her for a moment.

"It's rare but there are a few things every now and then that manage to surprise or impress me." He admitted.

"Like what?" asked Belle leaning closer. Rumplestiltskin smirked and bopped her nose.

"Now that would be telling." Belle giggled. Rumplestiltskin then gave an exaggerated look of exasperation.

"However, if you are so enthralled with the inclement conditions outside you can have the day off to go enjoy it." Belle jumped up.

"Oh thank you!"

"You won't be saying that when you come in cold, wet, and stiff," Rumple snorted and Belle smiled.

"We'll see. What do you plan to do today?"

"I have work to do in my tower. It's the winter solstice and that has some specific ramifications on a spell I'm creating right now." answered Rumple. Belle was pleased he was becoming a little more open with her about sharing his activities as she truly found some of his magic rather fascinating. She also got the sense he enjoyed showing off.

"Well do try not to blow up the tower while you're at it."

"It was one time!" huffed Rumple in reference to a semi recent accident in which a haywire spell had destroyed most of the west tower.

"One time too many." answered Belle. "I'll see you at dinner then?"

"Yes." answered Rumple. The two of them had since taken to sharing meals as well as tea. Of course, Belle still took care of the cooking and clean up but it was nice to spend her mornings and evenings conversing with Rumplestiltskin who truly was the most interesting man she'd ever met. With his wide depth of knowledge, she'd never known a more intriguing conversationalist.

Belle collected the breakfast dishes and after cleaning up went to dress warmly so she could head outside.

OUAT

Rumple headed up to his tower. In truth he did have a spell he needed to work on as he stepped away from one of his spell books Rumple glanced outside and saw a green cloaked figure out in the snow.

He walked to the window and looked down at Belle who was spinning around laughing. White snowflakes speckled her chestnut locks and her cheeks were already pink with cold. The cheerful sight of her in the snow brought a small smile to Rumple's face.

It still amazed him how she managed to find so much joy despite being it what many might argue was a less than pleasant situation. She'd left her home and family to come stay with a monster who had certainly treated her exceptionally poorly in the beginning and while Rumple had actually tried to treat her far better lately being a maid was a severe step down from a princess.

Despite all that she remained optimistic, though not entirely naively so, and had even made the effort to befriend him and treat him with kindness despite his beastly behavior to her.