The Best Tea Cup is Chipped Book 1

Chronicles and Consequences

Now it was clear to Belle. After listening to Rumple's story she couldn't blame him for wanting to keep his power. It wasn't a simple matter of choosing it over her. He had also been choosing his son.

She also was beginning to get an idea of why he was so determined to believe himself unlovable. He'd been abandoned first by his parent the person meant to unconditionally care for you, and then his wife who had pledged fidelity in their wedding vows. No wonder he questioned her love.

She also suspected there was probably more to it but she wasn't going to press him further on the subject now. He'd revealed enough for one day.

Belle also hoped that Rumple was correct. She loved him and if not kissing him was the price to pay for helping him find his son so be it but she'd rather be able to do both.

Ever so gently their lips met. She felt a spark between them but this time made sure her mind was set on NOT breaking his curse. They pulled apart and she found herself looking up into the slightly sparkling face of her true love. She smiled and caressed his cheek.

"My Rumple."

"It seems we can kiss."

"Well thank goodness for that. I was rather concerned about my self control." she said teasingly.

"I don't think I'll ever understand how you can love this." He said gesturing towards his appearance.

"Well, I've always been considered a woman of strange tastes." giggled Belle.

"And now it's time for said woman to rest some more. You can tell me your tale later." Belle pouted slightly but didn't fight him on it and laid back on his chest finding sleep easily.

OUAT

The next several days consisted of Rumple fussing over her with a variety of potions and much bed rest.

Eventually it came time for her to tell her story.

"Well, it isn't all that long. I travelled for a while after I left here. Gave some advice for a dwarf to go be with his true love a fairy."

"How unusual. I bet the Blue bug didn't take that one well," said Rumple with a smirk.

"I'm not sure. I do hope they're happy. Anyway, I joined a party hunting a Yaoguai but they kicked me out for being female."

"Idiotic on their part," snorted Rumple.

"I teamed up with a warrior named Mulan to find it. Only it turned out it was a Prince named Phillip who was cursed by Maleficent so he couldn't find his true love." At this Rumple burst out laughing.

"So YOU were the one behind that! Maleficent was raging and came to me furious because Aurora's Prince had awoken her from her sleeping curse! Quite the revenge for that stunt she pulled with you!" Belle joined his laughter.

"I was happy to help him. But I do find it ironic. Well, after that I realized I needed to come home and work things out with you rather than running from my troubles so I began to head back only to be captured by Regina."

Rumple's mirth disappeared.

"She'll pay for that one."

"Don't kill her Rumple please. Although I won't deny I'm surprised you haven't gone after her already."

"I won't kill her, unfortunately she's a necessary evil at the moment. Something I'll explain later. Do continue." Belle had noticed his slight avoidance but as he had promised to explain fully later, she let it drop.

"I'd rather not go into her exact methods. I know you healed my wounds so you have an idea of what she did. She was trying to get me to reveal your weakness's." Belle glanced down feeling guilty.