single fear
Disclaimer: I do not own Hunchback of Notre Dame/Beauty and the Beast
Warnings: angst, non/implied character death
Summary: You don't me not to be afraid.
-x-
"Don't be afraid."
That's what you told me. You remember, don't you? I walked through those huge doors from the cold and terror outside and entered your world of bitterness and orders. But there was one thing you offered as some sort of comfort: don't be afraid.
It felt right when you said it. A small, soft part of compassion echoed through your normal, intimidating and deep voice. It was as if you pitied me. Or maybe you thought I was braver than the rest, since I didn't flee at the sight of your large, ten feet tall form, your fangs and black eyes.
But I'll tell you the truth, I wasn't afraid. There wasn't anything you could do that made me frightened of you. I knew you weren't going to hurt a helpless woman. You called yourself Beast, but you wouldn't harm anyone. And you didn't when you brought me to a room where I would stay. It was fine then, because the real thing I feared was the outside.
Don't be afraid, right?
Yeah, I wasn't afraid when you told me I was going to live here as your servant for as long as you live. Angry, irritated, a little bemused, yes. But not afraid. I coudn't be afraid to live a life of injustice because I was already living that out there, where bitter leaders ruled and soldiers couldn't say anything about it. But you saw through me, didn't you? Or perhaps I just got through to you. Because you finally began to treat me as an equal. Imagine that! A prince treating a lowly gypsy as an equal! But you didn't even start to notice what I was to you until tonight, huh?
Don't be afraid, don't be afraid, don' be afraid...
Hey, Beast, I have something to tell you: I'm afraid now. I'm so scared, I don't know what to do as you lay here, bleeding and dying underneath me. I'm trying, so hard, not to be afraid. But you're slipping away and I can't help it. Those bastards thought you were plotting against them because I was in your house. It's my fault, I'm sorry. I tend to bring bad luck to others. So sorry...
I feel like nothing right now. There's an emptiness inside me and I can't stop it from overtaking me.
So, let me tell you something, Beast. Listen carefully and if you do this, I won't have to fear any longer.
"Don't die."
You smile and hold my hand before you close your eyes for good.
Don't be afraid, don't be afraid, don't be afraid...
-x-
It's up to you if Beast died or not.
Enjoy.