The Best Tea Cup is Chipped Book 1

Cora

Belle's speculation that there was more to Rumple's fear of being rejected than what he'd already told her finally came out about month after she was back when she walked in on Alice and Rumple talking together in the Great Hall.

Rumple was seated at his wheel while Grace, who Belle had been quite thrilled to see again mind you was seated at his feet helping wind the gold into a ball. Alice was seated on the table one leg crossed over the other. It seemed only Jefferson had gone on a trip this time.

"I don't think it should be a concern but the last time Hattie and I were in Wonderland Cora seemed to be gaining some power from what I heard."

"Yes well, she's welcome to try and conquer that madland if she wants. We needn't worry unless she show's signs of escaping." Rumple answered with a shake of his head.

"That madland used to be my home," pointed out Alice.

"Yes and would you want to live there?" asked Rumple.

"Oh GODS NO!" the blond scoffed. Sending her Rumple and Grace into peels of laughter.

"Is Wonderland truly that bad?" asked Belle as she approached.

"It's...unique." said Alice.

"Your stories about the talking Caterpillars and the March Hare sounded fun Mama," said Grace.

"Yes but there's also Bandersnatch's and Jabberwockies who would eat you up in a second your Ladyship," said Rumple and Grace scrunched her nose.

"Most born there are a less than sane and those who come and stay for long periods of time soon lose their sanity due to how little sense everything in that realm actually makes," explained Alice.

"This of course explains why Pip here is in the less than sane category," smirked Rumple.

"Well, given my association with you lack of sanity is practically a forgone conclusion," snarked Alice making Belle giggle. She did enjoy watching the two banter.

"So in short Wonderland is not the next relaxing travel destination?" quipped Belle.

"Certainly not." scoffed Rumple.

"And you mind not want to go to Randland either," came a familiar voice as Jefferson appeared in the Hall.

"Papa!" exclaimed Grace running to hug her father.

"Hello my girl," said the Hatter. Belle observed the slightly nostalgic look in Rumple's gaze at the reunion between father and child and knew he was imagining a reunion with Bae.

"Problems?" asked Alice.

"Nothing I couldn't take care of. I don't always need you to save my neck," chuckled Jefferson.

"No only most of the time," answered Alice. Jefferson turned back to Rumple and held out a pouch.

"Here you go. Just as you asked."

"Excellent work as usual Hatter." said Rumple taking the pouch, checking it, then vanishing it most likely up to his work room and handing the other man a ball of gold.

"I take it that's our cue to leave," said Alice. Grace turned and ran to hug first Belle and then Rumple.

"Goodbye Auntie Belle. Goodbye Uncle Rumple!" she said cheerfully.

"Farfarren to the both of you," said Alice and the three left.

"Well, that was a pleasant visit," said Belle.

"Yes, I admit they might be a bit of an annoyance. But a welcome one at times."

"Oh come on you like them! Why is it so hard to admit?" exclaimed Belle.