The live action Beauty and the Beast inspired me and I just wanted so much more of their characters. I'm not sure where this is going or if it will ever be finished. But I have hope to find there's something there that wasn't there before.
Gaston slammed his arm into the church wall, blocking Belle from leaving.
"Belle, let's end this game. Think of your realistic options in this town. One day, soon, if you do not give your value to a honorable man, a less honorable man will take it from you." He tried to press himself into her, but Belle put the book she just borrowed between them. The subtle threat he was giving her made her shudder, the revulsion quickly turning itself over to anger.
She pushed the book into his chest. "I would so pity the man who is foolish enough to think he can take me from myself." Belle let her threat sit in the air, squinting her eyes hoping to will it deep enough into his brain so that even Gaston understood she would bow to no man.
Gaston grabbed the book, tossing it over his shoulder, wrapping an arm around her waist and bringing her close, he lips traveling up her neck to her ear.
"Belle, you are a woman, not a man. That weakness is an asset that only your kind possess. It intoxicates a man, leaves us uncontrollable. Marry me, and you'll want for nothing. There will always be children to tend, a house to keep, food to cook. You can always delight in arousing my affections." Gaston breathed deeply in from her neck, squeezing her waist slightly too tight, only releasing when Belle made a sound. Belle stepped back.
"One day, perhaps. But it will be a day I pick, a life I want, with a man I choose." Belle stepped beside him, bending down to pick up her book, brushing it off with her apron. Gaston's shadow stole the light from her, his hand on her shoulder, holding her down.
"Women, are to be like flowers. They bloom only to be plucked. You Belle, have bloomed far too long already." His fingers began to tighten on her shoulder as his anger increased. Belle let herself fall and quickly rolled herself up to begin walking away, putting the water well between them.
"Gaston, you are neither a gardener, nor a honorable man, please do no longer mock yourself by pretending to be either. Good day."
Belle ran slightly faster than normal to her cottage, slamming the door shut, leaning against it letting the idea of a door protecting her calm her fears. Gaston was always a problem, but now he was becoming less of a problem and more terrifying. And he was interrupting her studies. Papa had left a note on the table, with the map she asked for. In the history book on Villeneuve it mentioned a royal ruling family, but offers nothing on what happened to them. Her father promised her a map of the castle once he returned. Adventure could often be found in your own backyard, if one had a destination. Belle tucked her skirt into the waist and mounted Philippe, ready for adventure of her own choosing.
