Hello, everybody! This is my second Beauty and the Beast (live-action 2017) fanfic and my very first Cinderella (live-action 2015) fanfic! I hope you like it! My sister and I are big fans of both movies, and we just watched Beauty and the Beast at the movies for the third time! This idea has been coming together in my imagination and I wanted to share it with you. I do not own Beauty and the Beast or Cinderella.

This plot will mainly be the story of Beauty and the Beast based from the film, but with some changes here and there, with some Cinderella content in it. It's about Belle and Ella, and the two men who grow to love them! Please do leave reviews!

I think we can all agree that Luke Evans was outstanding for his role in the film, but hey, the character of Gaston was so evil I can't stop getting upset with him! Heartless people like him rub me the wrong way. He will be in this story, don't worry! And so will Lefou and the other characters.

How and where does Ella fit in? Will Maurice still be greatly antagonized? Will Kit be in this story? Will Gaston and the village still go after the Beast? Is Gaston going to be evil? Please read and find out!

The title of this story comes from a line in Cinderella 2015, where she asked Kit if he would take her for who she was, a country girl and not a princess. I thought it was fitting for her in this story, but mostly also for Belle and the Beast who desire someone to know them for who they truly are, and not by mere outward appearances.

Belle longed with all her heart for adventure, something exciting, something new, something different than the routine life she knew. She'd wished for and dreamed for it as long as she could remember. But her father had chosen to stay in their small, narrow-minded village for years. Why? She could never understand, but she loved her father dearly and knew better than to argue with him. Her great escape and delight in life were books. They took her to faraway places in her mind and imagination, with marvelous adventures. Belle could not imagine life without books! They were her friends. And her father, Maurice created the most exquisite, intricate music boxes, models of other countries: it was also his way of helping Belle visit other places beyond their small world and Belle appreciated it so much.

Belle's chance for something new came in a very unexpected way. One night Maurice was having a serious conversation with her. "Belle?" He asked in that gripping tone that made her curious.

"Yes?" She asked eagerly, anxious to know what he sounded so intriguing about.

"How would you feel...if..." Maurice paused.

"If what?" Belle prodded, anxious for him to continue.

"How would you like to have a friend? Someone to talk to?" Then he looked at her with eyebrows arched. "A sister?" Belle's eyes widened and her jaw dropped. She rose to her feet in astonishment.

"A...a sister?" She sputtered. "How is that possible?"

"First you answer my question." Maurice responded calmly. "Belle, you know I love you. And I don't want to make any more choices that would burden you or make you unhappy." He said sadly. He felt bad that she felt confined in this village, and he wanted to do whatever he possibly could to add happiness to her daily life.

"Oh, Papa," Belle moaned. "You have made me happy. I just have itchy feet. You say...a sister? Who is she?"

Maurice sighed, slightly relieved. "Do you remember, in my travels I made the acquaintance of a merchant from another kingdom? The one with the young daughter he always speaks of."

"The widower." Belle added.

"Yes. As I told you, he died three months ago." Maurice continued. "And his widow, Lady Tremaine, has no desire to be responsible for his only child, Ella. She is just your age. Her father spoke dearly of her always. Now, she has nowhere to go, and after meeting her stepmother, I honestly believe the woman would toss the girl out in the streets, if she wasn't so afraid of it damaging her reputation."

"How terrible!" Belle clenched her teeth. "That's not right. She's sending the girl away from her own home?"

"It certainly looks that way." Maurice sighed.

Belle's eyes narrowed and she walked over to the window. She stared outside at the village that she felt so smothered in. It was not her idea of paradise, but it was their home. It would be so nice to have something different to think about every day, besides the same old tedious village life, where people treated her as if she was a freak, just because she chose to go beyond their man-made boundaries. It would be nice to have a companion, someone to talk to, someone to share dreams with, someone to share her love of books with. Belle's main goal in life was to make a difference in the world, a difference that would make the lives of others better, whatever it was. If it came in small ways or big ways, if she could be used to leave a wonderful impact in the world, she would do it! She sharply turned her head and gazed at Maurice. He smiled. He did so love that determined look she got when she made up her mind. "When will you bring her?" Belle asked, with a smile.

"Really?" Maurice asked.

"Really." Belle nodded emphatically. "This girl deserves so much better than the life she's been forced into, Papa! It's not even her fault. She must be allowed to live, and be happy. If bringing her here to live is what it will take, then I say, let's do it!" Maurice smiled warmly at his headstrong, brave, and vibrant daughter. "One question." Belle said.

"What is that?" Maurice quipped.

"Does she like books?"

Maurice waited at the harbor dock for his friend's daughter to arrive. She was arriving by boat where he would pick her up and bring her to Villeneuve with him. Finally, he saw a beautiful young girl with blonde hair and soft brown eyes appear. Her father had not exaggerated in describing her beauty and gentle countenance. She did not carry much with her, only a small trunk, and a shawl tied around her waist. She glanced around as if expecting to meet someone. Maurice smiled as he watched. Her eyes were filled with wonder and awe, just like Belle's, but at the moment, she looked quite lost. He approached her as he removed his hat. "Excuse me," he spoke up.

"Yes?" The girl asked curiously.

"Are you Ella?" Maurice asked.

"I am." The girl nodded. "And you are..."

"Monsieur Maurice Pister." Maurice answered. "I've been waiting for you, Miss."

"You're Mr. Pister?" Ella asked, for clarification. "I'm happy to meet you." She smiled.

"Have you no luggage?"

"Oh no." Ella shook her head with a chuckle. "I'm afraid this is all I've brought with me. And me. I hope it's not too much."

"Not at all, my dear." Maurice laughed. "Come."

The drive back to Villeneuve was partly quiet, partly filled with memorable stories, and many, many questions on both ends. When she wasn't quietly pondering the beauty of the countryside, Ella was most inquisitive about Maurice, his life's work, his family, his home, and most of all, Belle his daughter. Maurice answered her questions with no reservation, then asked her about her life. She gladly told him about her family and their lovely home, but when it came to Lady Tremaine, Ella ended her conversation.

"Do your little friends always travel with you?" Maurice chuckled, eying the small cage of mice she had bundled up in the shawl on her back. He'd noticed them as he'd put her trunk in the carriage, but hadn't said anything about it till now. Ella laughed.

"They've never been anywhere beyond our property." She answered. "I think they look on it as an adventure. Will your daughter mind that I'm bringing them?"

"Oh, I wouldn't worry." Maurice said playfully. "Belle is very hospitable, though we don't have many guests. I'm sure she won't mind having extra company for a change." He felt amused to imagine the look on his daughter's face when she'd see Ella's traveling companions!

Belle had made the house ready for their new guest. Everything was spik and span, and Belle's stomach was giddy with excitement and nervousness at meeting the newcomer. She could hardly wait, so she contented herself with one of her books as she waited for Maurice to return. Gaston had tried to come calling, but Belle had remained silent and not answered the door. He'd finally given up and departed. Belle had then received another knock at the door and was peeved thinking it was the gentleman caller coming back for a rematch but it turned out to be Agathe, asking if she may borrow some food. Belle had gladly consented, making sure she had everything she wanted. Then the two said good-bye.

Belle finally heard the familiar cart wheels down in the drive and her father calling for her. She gladly tossed her book aside and rushed outside. "Belle! Where is my girl? My beautiful girl?!" Maurice called excitedly. Belle rushed down into the yard.

"Papa!" She waved. She noticed the pretty young girl sitting beside him. She smiled nervously at Belle who smiled back warmly. Maurice hopped down from the cart and hugged Belle.

"Oh, Belle. How have you been?" He asked.

"Fine, Papa." Belle said. "I missed you."

"And I always miss you." Maurice said tenderly. Ella watched the sweet moment with fondness and a bit of sadness. How she remembered those happy days when her own father would return from a trip and greet her and her mother warmly. Belle broke away from Maurice gently and approached her with a large smile on her face.

"You must be Ella." She said.

"Yes." Ella nodded. Have courage and be kind, she repeatedly told herself in her mind.

"I am Belle. Welcome to our home." Belle said cheerfully.

"Thank you." Ella nodded and climbed down from the cart. "Your father was right. You are very pretty."

"Oh," Belle smiled sheepishly. "I'm glad you think so. Oh, I just love your hair!" She commented.

"Oh, thank you." Ella said nervously. The last time a stranger had complimented her hair, from that moment on her home life had changed drastically in tragedy.

"Can I help you bring your things in?" Belle offered.

"Oh, thank you, no." Ella shook her head. "I've got it." She pulled her small trunk down and attempted to carry it herself.

"Well, let me show you where you'll be staying." Belle said. "Just follow me." Both girls unexpectedly glanced back at Maurice, and he nodded reassuringly to both of them. Ella's stomach filled with extra butterflies as she climbed up the steps. This family certainly seemed very kind and warm, but she still told herself that she was a stranger to them, and prepared her in her mind to be assigned the attic again as a bedroom. "I'm afraid it's small, and quaint," Belle said as they entered the house, "but we're quite comfortable." Ella gazed around at the humble home, but as she stepped inside she could feel a strong sense that it was a home, not just a house. She smiled. "This is Papa's workshop," Belle said proudly. "This is where he makes his music boxes. He makes only the best." Ella observed the many tiny trinkets and odds and ends on the crafting table. She found herself smiling again. It was the picture of a man who took great care and pride in his work.

Belle finally showed her to a bed upstairs in the corner opposite the wall of her own. "This will be your bed." She said. "I hope you'll be comfortable." Ella nearly gaped. She wouldn't be staying in the attic after all!

"It's perfect." She said with satisfaction. "Thank you. Ah, look. There is even a spot underneath where I can keep my life's storage safe!" Belle was glad their newcomer was feeling at home, and Belle herself was beginning to feel quite at ease with her. Ella set down her trunk and sat on the bed. She giggled at the familiar comfort of the mattress that she'd missed from being in the attic. "It's fine." She said. "Thank you very much."

"You must be famished. Come, let's get something to eat." Belle pulled her to follow. Downstairs, Ella untied her shawl and put down the tiny cage with her little friends. Belle jumped back. Gus Gus flipped the lid open before Ella could stop him and the mice all escaped from their confinement. Belle shrieked at the sight of the tiny rodents scrambling around outside of their little cage. "Papa!" She screeched and rushed for the broom. Then she came at them with it, yelping loudly.

"Oh, no! No, no!" Ella begged. "Don't worry, they won't hurt anything. They're just curious about their new home. They're my friends." Ella smiled fondly.

Belle stared at her skeptically, still gripping the broom. Who was this girl? What kind of person was she, that kept mice for pets? Belle's wide eyes shifted to her father questioningly. He grinned and shrugged with a facial expression that seemed to say, You're the one who's always wanted something new and exciting! Belle slowly set down the broom and stood there.

Ella chuckled and cupped her hands. Her little mice all hopped into them. Ella brought them to Belle. "This is Gus Gus, and Jacqueline...everyone? This is Belle. She is our new friend. And she is the lady of the house, so we must treat her accordingly. Is that clear?" Belle looked at the girl and couldn't help smiling. She cautiously reached out her hand.

"Hello." She said nervously and gently began to stroke Gus Gus. "He's so soft." Belle remarked.

"And he is the most greedy, troublesome one too. Just so you know." Belle joked. Maurice chuckled. The meeting was going very well, as he knew it would.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Belle answered it. She opened it, to find Gaston standing there. Oh no, Belle groaned in thought. Not him again! "Gaston!" She sputtered in surprise. "What brings you here?" Though inwardly she'd rather not find out.

"I heard you scream, Belle." Gaston said, sounding worried. "Is everything all right?"

Really? Belle nearly rolled her eyes. He doesn't think Father will protect me if the need arises? I may be a girl, but I'm not that fragile a flower. It's none of his business, coming to my rescue as if I needed it! He's only trying to show off. "Yes," She said slowly, "just a small domestic disturbance. Nothing to worry about."

"Ah. Perhaps I can be of assistance." Gaston said in a high voice and actually began to march inside! But Belle shoved the door against his heavy boot.

"Oh no! No, that's all right," She said as politely as possible. "It's all taken care of now. Thank you. I'm sure you must be going." She tried to push him out as courteously as possible without appearing rude. But he didn't seem to be taking the hint.

"Perhaps I could be of service!" Gaston persisted.

Belle gritted her teeth to keep from growling at him. "Uh...thank you, Gaston," she said quickly, "but I believe it'd do more service to us if you didn't." And she finally fully closed the door.

"I'm sorry." Ella said. "I didn't know my friends could cause such unwanted attention."

"Oh no, my dear." Maurice laughed. "They're a welcome distraction. Well, as long as they stay away from my crafting table."

"And as long as they don't eat the pages out of my books." Belle added. Ella chuckled.

"I believe they will be too busy exploring their new surroundings." She said.

"Well, how about some bread and jam?" Belle offered. "I'm sure you both must be hungry."

Ella gladly helped Belle prepare supper and Belle was grateful for the assistance. But come meal time, Ella retreated to her bed upstairs as Belle and Maurice prepared to eat. Belle followed and found her sitting on the bed. "I'm sure you're tired, but is something wrong?" Belle asked.

"No," Ella shook her head. "It's just that, I thought you might want to eat alone with your father."

Belle raised her eyebrows. "Oh, well thank you for thinking of us. But, you must eat. Come, you'll feel much better after a good meal."

"You mean, you don't mind if I share your table?" Ella asked. She had been half-expecting to be sent to her room to eat alone, though these kind people hadn't given her any indication that they thought of her so.

"What kind of a question is that?" Belle sputtered. "Of course you may."

"After a while, my stepmother did not permit me to eat in the dining room anymore." Ella sighed. "They said I would make the place dirty, because I was covered in soot." Belle pursed her lips. She was peeved that Lady Tremaine would drive Ella away from her own place in the house, when it had been Ella's home in the first place!

"Well," Belle cleared her throat. "This is your home now. Well, until you decide what you want to do with your life. You are welcome to eat with us, if you'd like."

"I would like that very much." Ella smiled. Belle squeezed her hands and led her down to the dinner table. She and her father would share a delightful private conversation after Ella retired for the night-which she was tired. Maurice smiled warmly as he saw the two girls step in.

"Ah, what a lovely evening this shall be." He cocked his head. "How can it be anything else when I am surrounded by all this beauty?"

"So, Belle? What do you think? How do you feel?" Maurice asked later that night while Ella was in bed.

"She's had an unfair life of late, Papa." Belle sighed. "But I'm glad you chose to help her."

"No. You chose to help her." Maurice corrected.

"She seems polite and kind." Belle said. "She doesn't put on airs. It may too early to tell, after all, she just arrived. But I like her. And she seems to be very respectful of our time together." Maurice gripped Belle's hand fondly.

"Where would we be without that?"

"I don't know. But today was delightful, Papa. Thank you." Belle stroked his hand. Maurice gazed at her proudly. The villagers were right: Belle was different than them. But her loving father wouldn't have it any other way!

The quiet, caring voices from downstairs soothed Ella. She pulled out her diary and wrote down her many thoughts from the day. She still felt a bit unsure about what all would happen, but she felt confident that she'd found a loving home to stay in, where she was welcome and treated like on of the family, so unlike her recent life change by Lady Tremaine and her daughters! Ella's heart overflowed with gratefulness at the kindness she had received today, and she hoped that she could make their lives better by returning it. In her heart she firmly believed that her mother and father would be happy to know that she was here now. She finished just as her little mice friends crawled up to her over the blanket.

"Oh, hello!" Ella greeted cheerfully. "It's been quite a day, hasn't it? But I feel safe here. This is a home, I don't see how anyone could see it as anything less. I think it's wonderful. Don't you?" The mice just jibbed-jabbered in their animal talk. "Well, I guess we shall see what the new day shall bring." Then she placed them on the floor so they could go to the little box they'd found and made their bed. "Good-night!" Ella whispered to them, then she blew out the candle, snuggled comfortably under her covers and drifted off to sleep.

In no time, Belle and Ella became good friends. Oh, they had their disagreements and their moments that they desired solitude, but all in all, they had become like sisters. Ella's presence certainly gave Belle something new to think about and look forward to every day, besides the usual stuff. And Ella was grateful to feel not only truly useful again but also loved. This was the happiest she had been in a long time.

Both girls liked books, but Belle was absolutely the bookworm of the family. Ella had her favorites, but she read them when she was in the mood. Belle loved them so much: they were her friends, and if this village did not have any, she was sure she would go insane. Sometimes the girls would read aloud to each other, or they would catch Maurice by surprise with a quote they both liked and couldn't help repeating often. Still, there were times that Belle would be up reading during bedtime while although Ella was glad her friend found such delight in the stories-especially as she'd come to see how much Belle felt confined in this village and longed for travel and adventure-, it would sometimes get on her nerves.

"Think of the happiest things,

It's the same as having wings,

Take the path that moonbeams make,

If the moon is still awake,

You'll see him wink his eye..."

Ella sang happily while she tended the weeds in their little garden. Belle cocked her head curiously and stepped down from the front door to help in the patch. Ella continued to sing the sweet melody.

"When there's a smile in your heart,

There's no better time to start,

Think of all the joy you'll find,

When you leave the world behind,

And bid your cares good-bye,

You can fly! You can fly! You can fly!"

"What's that?" Belle asked eagerly. "I like it."

"Oh." Ella smiled. "I don't know. Something I heard a long time ago. I've always liked it. It's helped me through some hard times. And, it's true. Thinking of what makes you happy, does feel like an escape from the woes of the world."

"That it does!" Belle smiled widely. "That's why I like stories so much. The words you were singing, that is exactly the way I feel when I read books!"

"Yes!" Ella nodded.

"Only someday, I really am going to travel far and wide, and a long way from here!" Belle took on a faraway look.

"How?" Ella asked.

"I don't know." Belle shook her head. "But I'm going to make it happen, someday. And someday, I'll meet someone who doesn't disapprove of girls reading, and won't think I'm odd because I do."

"My hope is to go back to my childhood home." Ella sighed wistfully. "Only this time, it'll be my house again! There won't be unkindness there, and cruelty any more. Not if I can help it. And others will get to experience the joy I did as a girl, living there." Belle listened quietly. They both had big dreams and ambitions, ones that many of their townsfolk would consider foolish. "Even if it takes many years to come true, it's wonderful to think about now."

"Definitely." Belle nodded.

Ella was fascinated with Maurice's music boxes, that he had made with his own hands. Belle eventually grew accustomed to the mice scampering around the house, and no longer thought of them as pests, but pets. Once she'd caught Gus Gus trying to nibble the page of her book and she'd punished him by withholding cheese from him the rest of the night, and he never did it again after that!

Belle and Ella bonded easily through the fact that both of them were motherless. Ella could not imagine never knowing a mother's love ever, the thought alone frightened her. Her mother's love and advice is what had carried her so much over the years and had helped make her into the caring person she was. And Belle could not imagine what it had been like for Ella, to have a loving mother of her own, and then to lose her at a young age! She didn't want to fathom it, though she still never knew what happened to her own mother. Both girls comforted each other in knowing that they were not alone it their grief about their mothers, and both of them did not press Maurice to tell what had happened to his wife.

The people in the village snubbed Maurice and his family even more after Ella came to live with them. They had always called Maurice and Belle odd, but now they thought they were downright nuts to invite a stranger, and an orphan to live in their house! To make matters worse, Ella was pretty like Belle and also read books. Maurice simply responded to the townsfolk with reminding them that the Good Book said to look out for the orphans and the widows. Jean the Potter minded his own business about the matter, but Pere Robert fully supported them. He thought it was wonderful that Maurice and Belle had gone the extra mile to help another person when they didn't have to, and every time he saw Ella's happy face, he knew that God's blessing was on that tinker father and his bookish daughter, even if the people's blessing of the village was not!

One thing that bugged Belle was that Ella seemed to be a pushover. She was sweet and not malicious, which was wonderful and admirable, but Belle couldn't understand some instances where Ella could've said something and not let the villagers walk all over her case because they were being nosy. "My mother told me a great lesson," Ella said softly. "She told me to, have courage and be kind."

"Of course!" Belle agreed wholeheartedly. "But there are times where you can say something. If you never say anything, people will own you." Ella grew quiet. She knew exactly what that kind of life was like. "And you can say it kindly." Belle reassured her. Ella decided to give it a try when the chance arose. One of the village girls, one of the many who were so jealous of Belle for her beauty and catching Gaston's eye, made a snobbish remark to Ella that she and her 'sister' were feathered brained oddballs. Ella stared at her unhappily. Then she put on her best smile and simply quoted to the girl, in French, The Golden Rule. The girl shut up and turned her nose in the air then turned on her heel. But Ella held her head high and skipped on home. For the first time she could remember, she'd stood up for herself and people she cared about in the midst of unkindness, and it gave her an impending sense of freedom she couldn't remember experiencing!

Maurice loved Belle with all his heart, and always would, and his love for her grew more each day. But he'd grown to think of Ella as his own 'adopted' daughter, and loved her dearly too. Both girls lavished him with kindness and affection. They were one small, humble but happy family.

Ella never failed to cry when Maurice went away, when he left to sell his music boxes. She would hug him good-bye inside, but lingered at the door while Belle and Maurice had their moment. Ella knew how special it was for them, and wanted to give them as much space as possible, never wanting to make them feel intruded on. But it never failed to remind her of the last time she had seen her own father, how she didn't want him to go away, and how things had turned to tragedy for her after that. Belle was brave as he drove away but Ella could never stop a few tears from falling. The first time it happened after she'd been living with them for quite some time, Belle was very concerned about what troubled her so. When Ella explained, Belle's heart ached for her. She couldn't imagine. "Are you ever afraid?" Ella asked her that time. "Afraid that he won't..."

"No." Belle said confidently. Oh, she knew of the many dangers that Maurice could encounter on his travels but he always came back to her. "No, because he always comes back." Belle said softly. "If he wasn't going to, I think I would know it somehow in my heart. Don't fret. Father will come back. He always does!" That had been two years ago now.

Well, what do you think so far? I can't wait to post more!

"...to visit orphans and widows in their trouble," James 1:27