Title: Bones and the Beast
Author: Lifeguard
Rating: G
Disclaimer: I own nothing. I don't own any of the characters from Bones, or the rights to Beauty & the Beast.
Spoilers: None
Summary: This is Beauty & the Beast Bones style! It's a little Beaumont, a little Disney, a little "Rose Daughter" and some liberties taken, but it has the characters from Bones that you know and love. It is B&B's relationship as seen through the classic fairy tale. Enjoy!
Author's Note: I was thinking about Disney characters awhile back and somehow came to the conclusion that Bones would be Belle and then I just had to write this story. Enjoy!
***
Bones & the Beast
***
Once upon a time, in a small town in France, lived a young maiden named Temperance, though the town folk called her Belle because of her beauty. Temperance was the daughter of an inventor and she shared her father's love of science and knowledge. Though she was beautiful, her fixation on science and her father made her strange to those in town, yet they were still oddly drawn to her.
One ordinary sunny day Temperance wandered into town to complete her errands. She swept gracefully along the cobblestone, her blue skirt swishing around her delicate legs. She observed the every day bustle of the people, wondering if she would ever be able to see the rest of the world. How she longed to travel as her father did, selling his inventions in far off places she could only dream of. If it wasn't for her father and his good nature she would resent her life in this small place, but it was her duty as a daughter to keep house and home for the only family she had left. Finally she reached her destination, her favourite place besides the open fields around her home, the bookstore. Smiling, she inhaled the scent of the books, hundreds, waiting to be read, waiting to take her to places beyond her wildest dreams and teach her things that she yearned to know.
"Good morning Bell-I mean Temperance," the elderly shop keeper greeted her, stopping himself as he used her common name. Being that she frequented the shop so often he'd had grown fond of her and obeyed her wish to be called by her real name, not the one she had been christened by the town with.
"Good morning," she grinned at him, "Got anything new?"
"Not since the last time you came by," he replied chuckling.
Temperance scanned the shelves, her fingers tracing the worn spines of stories she knew all to well. Stopping at a thick blue one, she pulled it out and cracked it open.
"I'll take this one," she declared.
"But you've read it a dozen times."
"It's my favourite."
"Well if you like it so much, it's yours."
Her face lit up, "Really?"
"Of course Temperance, enjoy it."
"Oh thank you," she beamed and almost danced out of the shop.
Lost in the big book Temperance walked down the street, ignoring the gazes of the towns-people. She was absorbed in the scientific theories of chapter two when she nearly collided with another woman.
"Whoa, sweetie, you really need to take your nose out of that thing or you're going to run someone down, that or trip and hurt yourself," her best friend Angela greeted her.
Pulling herself away from the paragraph she looked up at her raven haired friend.
"Sorry Ange, this is so very interesting."
"Haven't you memorized that book yet?"
Temperance laughed, "A few months ago, but the theories are still so captivating. It's the most enlightened book I've read in a long time."
Angela yawned and adjusted her gorgeous green gown that complimented her eyes, "You, sweetie," she pointed a finger at her friend, "need a life and I happen to know how to get one started for you," a sly grin spread across her face.
Temperance winced slightly, "You're not going to drag me to the city again to go dress shopping, are you?"
"No, that would be fun but I've got something better planned. Jack and I are having a ball and you must come to it!"
Angela was engaged to the rich Count Jack Hodgins who lived in the most enormous palace outside of the town. Angela was the daughter of a musician; she herself was a painter from Temperance's town who had sold the Count one of her works of art, thus winning his heart in the process.
"Another ball?" she sighed, "Didn't you just have one last month?"
"Everyone loves a good party. Who knows, maybe you'll find a nice Count of your own there. Jack's inviting a bunch of people from court."
"None of the men you've introduced me to are interested in science or the world. They only care to spend their money on frivolous things and then flaunt them. You managed to catch the only one who isn't like the rest," she answered, rolling her eyes.
Count Jack Hodgins was just as interested in science as Temperance. The two would spend hours discussing theories, much to Angela's dismay. Though Jack was a good man who Temperance respected, he loved his fiancé and Temperance had yet to find any other man like him.
"Then we shall venture out to the university after the ball and you can go discuss whatever it is you want while I go dress shopping in the city."
Temperance sighed again, "You know I can't leave my father for too long, he'd kill himself with one of his inventions if I wasn't there to oversee his work."
Angela looked un-impressed, "Well you could always settle for Sullivan Gaston then, you know he fancies you."
"Never!" Temperance cried in revulsion.
Sullivan Gaston was the most handsome man in the town and he knew it. He was the best hunter, the best fighter and the best catch for anyone but Temperance. Where every other girl fawned over his good looks, she hated his ego, his self-assurance, his constant need to look down his nose at everyone, except her. Sullivan Gaston was infatuated with Temperance; in fact he had coined the name Belle for her. He was determined to make her his wife, she was repulsed by him. Temperance did her best to avoid Sullivan Gaston whenever possible.
Angela giggled, "Don't look now sweetie but the object of your affection is headed this way."
She whipped around in time to see Gaston himself rounding the corner. He hadn't noticed her yet, she still had time.
"Hide!" she hissed, beginning to move quickly towards an alley way.
Half way there and it was too late.
"Belle!" his deep voice boomed across the street, "Belle my beautiful darling, will you not come and say good morning to me?"
With her back turned she grimaced at the nick name and slowly turned around to face him, a scowl on her face.
"Sullivan Gaston, my name is Temperance, not Belle. Do not call me Belle and I am not your darling," she stressed the word not.
That did not deter him. Gaston moved closer and draped his muscled arm around her. She attempted to push him away.
"Belle, when will you realize that we are perfect together? Why, with your beauty and my rugged good looks, could you even begin to imagine the perfect children we would produce?"
She nearly gagged, "I wish not to envision that," she replied icily.
Angela was in near hysterics at this point watching the scene in front of her. Temperance shot her the same glare.
"Now if you'll excuse me Gaston, I must be going," she continued in the same cold tone as she finally broke free of his grip.
He gave her a mock wounded look, "One day Belle, one day you'll realize that you're in love with me."
Temperance gave him one last death stare before stalking off down the street, leaving Angela to jog to catch up with her.
"I despise him," Temperance fumed when her friend caught up.
"He is handsome," the artist joked.
"And arrogant and shallow and pig headed…"
Angela just shook her head as Temperance continued to rant the entire way home.
________________________________________________________________________
Her foul mood had not dissipated as she arrived at the small cottage she shared with her father. Dumping her basket from town on the porch she made her way to the small barn and grabbed the chicken feed. Roughly she threw handfuls of the grain to the birds that scattered around her.
"Who does he think he is?" she continued to mutter, "Me? Sullivan Gaston's wife, why that is the most absurd thing I've ever heard," she told the fowl.
Slamming the bucket down she wandered away from the barn heading toward the field. It was peaceful, what she needed after that incident in town.
"I want so much more than this provincial life…" her words echoed through the breeze as she settled on the grass, her hand brushing the daisies.
Horse hooves echoed in the distance and she sat up straight, looking around. The horse gave a loud "neigh" as it grew closer and Temperance was on her feet. The chestnut brown mare crested the hill, speeding towards the barn, her father on its back.
She waved, glad that he was finally home but something wasn't right. Her father and the horse looked spooked as they skidded to a halt in front of her.
The older man dismounted and she laid her hands on his shoulders, "I'm so happy you're home," she murmured to him.
He turned into her embrace, returning it, "I wish I could say the same my dear daughter."
Temperance pulled away, "Father, what's wrong?" she searched his face.
"A terrible thing happened, a terrible, horrible thing and I've doomed both of us," he pushed away from her, grief etched on his face.
She gripped his shoulder, "Father, tell me, please, what happened?"
He sighed; he looked tired and older than she had ever seen him.
"I was riding home two nights ago when I got caught in a bad storm. I lost my way and was wandering the forest, I was afraid I'd be eaten by wolves when I saw a great castle. I found the gates open and rode inside, hoping the master of the house would be friendly, but I found no one, not a soul. Yet strangely, the fire was lit, food was set on the table and clean, dry clothes were placed on a chair. I checked for the master again and found no one, so I helped myself to the food and dried myself by the fire. I curled up on the couch and slept the night. In the morning there was more food set out, but still I'd seen or heard no one. I ate again, thanked and blessed the house and its spirit occupants, then made to leave. I was on my way out when I saw the most beautiful roses and Temperance, I thought only of you. You never ask anything of me, you give so much, I thought the least I could do was bring you something of such beauty. There were so many roses on the bush and I plucked only one when an icy breeze blew past my neck. I heard a low growl and froze, there was something behind me. When I turned around," he paused, obviously shaken by the memory, "there was a horrible beast standing in the shadows of the door way. He was large and ugly; he was baring his teeth at me, looking as though I was his next meal."
Temperance gasped, grabbing her father's hand, "What happened? How did you get away?"
"I was going to run when it spoke."
Her eyebrows shot up at the thought of a talking beast. It made no sense at all.
"It said, 'I sheltered you from the storm, fed you, provided you nothing but the best in hospitality and this is how you repay me? You would steal my most prized possession from me? Thief, you will pay for your actions with your life!' I dropped to my knees and begged him to be merciful. I said I was nothing but a poor inventor with a daughter to take care of. I tried to explain that I wanted only one rose for you Temperance. The beast paused when I mentioned you…" he trailed off, not meeting his daughter's eyes.
"Father?"
"He bargained with me, a devil's bargain and I won't take it."
"What was it?"
"The beast said that if you went to live with him for a month, he would not kill me. I was sent back here to make my decision. Either I send you to him or I die and I would rather die than make you go."
"Father no! I will not let you die, I will go!"
He shook his head, "No Temperance, you'll not go to that monster!"
"And you shall not go to your death. If the beast was merciful enough to spare your life now, he should certainly spare mine. It would only be a month, I could do it father, I would do anything for you," she brushed his cheek lightly with her fingers.
His hand caressed hers on his cheek, "I cannot ask this of you…"
"And I cannot ask you to die for me. I'll go."
Her father knew better than to argue with his daughter when she had made up her mind. She was strong and stubborn; two attributes that he hoped would help her when she went to the beast.
"He has given me three days to make my choice; we'll ride out at day break on the third if that is your choice."
"It is."
So, on the third morning, Temperance and her father rode out in search of the mysterious castle to trade the inventor's life for his daughter's.
They rode for hours, the forest becoming denser around them as the inventor tried in vain to remember where he had ended up. When it seemed as though they were hopelessly lost a small trail appeared, leading even deeper into a darker part of the woods, somehow the inventor knew this was the way. As the trail went on the forest opened up around them into a great clearing and suddenly the massive castle was before them. Temperance gaped at the size as she dismounted from her horse, walking the animal slowly closer to the structure. As they approached the entrance her father stepped in front of her, shielding her as he called out, "Beast, I've returned with my decision."
The large double doors seemed to open on their own and in the darkness of the door way a set of eyes appeared.
"I see you've not returned alone," a deep voice answered.
Temperance stepped out from behind her father, "Beast, I wish to trade my life for my father's. I will stay with you for a month if you will spare him."
She could feel the beast's eyes on her; she could almost hear his breathing.
"So be it," he finally called out, "you shall be mine for the next month."
"After which I am free?" Temperance challenged.
"I will keep my word," replied the beast, "Now old man, ride away quickly before I change my mind."
Temperance turned to embrace her father and wipe the tears from his eyes.
"I'll be alright father, I promise," she whispered in his ear.
"Just come back to me, I love you."
"I love you too, now go," she gently pushed him towards his horse before he could see her tears.
Her father slowly walked away, mounted his horse and rode off. Temperance swiped at her tears and waved before turning back to the beast. She glared at the eyes in the doorway.
"What shall I do now Beast?" she addressed him coldly.
"Come inside," he answered gruffly.
She took a hesitant step towards the front doors, wondering if she'd see the sun again. Taking a deep breath she walked inside, the beast already ahead of her.
"What is your name?" the beast snorted at her.
"Temperance."
The beast seemed to consider this for a moment then shrugged, "I'll show you your room."
The castle was dim and Temperance could only make out the outline of the beast before her. He was massive and walked on all fours; she heard his claws on the marble staircase.
The beast led her down a grand hallway and finally to a shut door.
"You shall stay in this room, mine is on the other end of the estate," the beast said from the shadows, "I'll expect that you stay away from my wing."
His nonchalance to her being there made her angry, "If I am to be your prisoner then shall I not stay in a cell?"
"You chose to come here," he shot back.
"It was no choice, it was a threat. I would rather be the beast's prisoner than have my father murdered," she spat at him.
The beast let out a low growl, "If you would prefer the cell in the tower than you may have it."
Temperance turned her back to the beast, "Which way is the tower?"
She felt him brush past her, his hair standing on end. He stalked quickly down the hall and up a flight of stairs, she hurried to follow him. They ascended quickly and finally came to a small wooden door with a barred window. The beast wrenched it open and showed her the tiny room with the pile of hay for a bed.
"As you wish," he said, his voice laced with sarcasm.
The beast stood behind the door as Temperance stepped inside. She still had not seen him clearly. Facing the wall she sat on the pile of hay, "I'll not bother you by setting foot in your house."
The beast huffed and closed the door, then left. When she could no longer here his footsteps she allowed herself to break down and cry.
________________________________________________________________________
A light tapping roused her from her dreamless sleep. She did not know if it was night or day, there were no windows in her prison.
"Cherie," a woman's voice called.
The door to the cell creaked open and Temperance sat up. A middle aged woman with short, dark red hair stood in the doorway and smiled at her.
"Good morning Cherie," she greeted Temperance.
"My name isn't Cherie. Who are you?"
"I'm Caroline, the housekeeper. What shall I call you?"
"My name is Temperance. You're the housekeeper? I thought no one but the beast lived here."
"The master likes to think he's the only one here, but he's not alone. Besides me there's the butler and servant boy as well, but that's all."
"How come I didn't see you before?"
"The master gave us orders to stay away when you got here, but now he's changed his mind. Typical."
"What do you mean he's changed his mind? Has he decided to free me?"
Caroline came to sit next to Temperance on the hay, "Sorry Cherie, no freedom yet, you did make a deal with him. The master is a man of his word though, so he'll let you go when your time is up. He asked me to come up here and reason with you, he said you're a stubborn spit fire. He was up half the night pacing and cursing about you, he was," she chuckled, "No one has done that to him in a long time. Maybe he'll regret bringing you here and let you go early, who knows."
A small smug smile came to Temperance's face at the thought of making the beast angry.
"The master would like you to come back downstairs, stay in the room he provided for you. He also wishes that you come and eat, he doesn't want you staying up here for the month."
"First he wishes me his prisoner, and then he wants me as a house guest. Which am I, ask him that."
Caroline laughed again, "You really are a spit fire. Now Cherie, do you really want to spend the month up here in this drafty, damp, awful place or would you rather sleep in a nice bed, eat some good food and," she turned up her nose as she sniffed the room, "bathe? You can't be so stubborn as to give up living well for this."
"What does the master wish me to do? I am his for the month," she replied, her voice drenched with contempt.
The housekeeper rolled her eyes, "Good Lord you are a difficult one. Fine. The master wishes that you take up residence in a nice room and eat something. Satisfied?"
"Will the master be making his presence known to me?"
"I don't know, depends on his mood."
"Hopefully not, but I'll come," Temperance concluded.
"Good, cause I don't want to bring you bread and water every day, those stairs will be the death of me."
________________________________________________________________________
Later, Temperance made her way to the grand dining room where breakfast had been set out.
"Help yourself," Caroline told her as she left for the kitchen to grab some tea.
Grabbing some toast and fruit Temperance settled in to the welcome meal. Yet as she took the first bites she felt eyes on her again and heard his breathing.
"I don't enjoy being examined while I eat," she said aloud.
He snorted from somewhere behind her, "I see you came down from the tower."
"Your wish is my command master," she replied mockingly.
"I don't wish to keep you as a prisoner."
"Yet you keep me anyways. What do you wish?"
"I only ask that you live well while you are here. The castle is yours to explore, what you find you may use, I only request that you stay out of my wing."
"So you will treat me like a guest but you will stalk me like a prison guard?"
"You do not want to see me."
"I never said that, I'd rather face the thing holding me hostage."
A low growl escaped his lips, "I am a fearful creature, uglier than you could imagine."
"I am not afraid of you."
"Then turn around."
Temperance slowly pivoted in her chair to face the shaded area of the room. The beast moved towards the light and she withheld a gasp.
He was larger than she imagined, toned and muscled, his body pure power. His paws were enormous; they ended in razor sharp claws. He was covered in thick brown fur and on his head were a set of horns. She dared to look at his face, his teeth shining in his mouth, his nostrils flaring. But his eyes, they were different; they were a lighter brown than his fur and they studied her as she studied him. There was something in his eyes; some form of emotion that she couldn't identify that was remarkably human.
"Are you afraid?"
Temperance held his gaze and knew her answer, "No."
The beast seemed confused for a second before lowering into a crouch, "You should be. I could kill you instantly," he barred his teeth at her, but she held her ground.
"I'm not afraid," she repeated.
"Everyone is afraid of me. Why are you not?"
"You have shown me no reason to fear you. You have not harmed me, though you've had plenty of opportunity. You spared my father's life and have promised me freedom in a month. You've shown compassion, as twisted as it was, so why should I fear you?"
"Because I am the beast! I am the master of this castle!"
She did not recoil at his raised tone, only retorted, "I only fear that I'll have to put up with your arrogance for this month."
Temperance turned around then and went back to her food, ignoring his muttered curses under his breath. He paced a few seconds and then she heard him walk quickly away.
From the kitchen, three sets of shocked eyes stared at the scene before them. Never before had someone challenged the master and lived. This girl, she dared to defy him and they wondered if there would be consequences later. The butler quickly rushed after the master, knowing he would be in for an earful.
Like it? Love it? Hate it? Let me know!