It had been a wonderful evening, though a little different to say the least. For example having the room full of human beings rather than pots, pans and other nick knacks. The room seemed a lot smaller than it used to be. It had been more than ten years since he had been around more than one person and he had to admit that even he, the major domo, was beginning to feel overwhelmed.
So, when all of his duties had been performed Cogsworth decided that he could afford to go and get some fresh air. Even though he was entitled to a break, he decided that he should be as quiet as possible so as not to draw attention to himself. It was always his luck to get called back to complete another task when he was trying to get a little personal time.
This time his luck seemed to have changed and he made it out to the small balcony with no trouble at all. As he reached the railing he let out a sigh, his whole body slumping as he leaned his elbows on the metal stopping him from falling over the edge. His bones and his muscles were weary. Maybe that was because he hadn't had a human body for ten years or simply because he worked hard that evening. It could even have been a combination of both, he really had no idea. All he knew was that he could sure use a warm bath and a good night's sleep in a proper bed.
He knew that it would be rude to leave the party however, so instead enjoyed his time out on the balcony, staring out at the gardens, highlighted beautifully by a glorious full moon and the many twinkling stars surrounding it. He sighed again. Knowing how important the celebration was, he couldn't see it ending until late into the morning, possibly even lunch time. Not that everyone else minded; they had friends to catch up with, food to eat and dancing to be done. Cogsworth didn't want any of that.
He didn't have anyone outside of the castle and everyone here saw him as more of a boss than a friend. He hadn't eaten much since turning back. As a clock, well, you didn't need to eat so it was a hard habit to start again. Now he'd just drearily pick at something here or there when he was hungry, he supposed that would be enough. As for dancing, he would rather not. If needed he could dance very well. However his partners were usually forced to dance with him and often complained that he was rather mechanical in his movements, that he had no passion. He saw no joy in frolicking about the floor, it only made one look silly.
He supposed he would just have to stand in a corner awaiting orders for what was left of the party. As he resigned himself to the fact that he would have sore feet tomorrow, he felt a hand on his back and he started.
"Relax mon ami, tis only me." It was Lumiere, standing there looking ruffled from all the work he had done that evening. He undid his necktie and top two buttons, fluffing his shirt to let in some of the cool breeze. Cogsworth couldn't help but look, it was rare to see him let his guard down as he was always prepared to impress and constantly dressed to the nines. Even though it was Lumiere who was vulnerable at the moment, Cogsworth couldn't help but feel at a loss himself. He had to admit, out of everyone in the castle, Lumiere was the only person that he considered a friend, and though he wouldn't admit it to anyone, he actually found the slender man attractive. Not that that would amount to anything but still, the sight of his collarbone was oddly…stirring.
"Busy night so far?" Cogsworth asked, his voice cracking slightly. He blamed it on all of the conversations he had had to take part in; an outsider would say he was nervous. But Cogsworth never got nervous, it wasn't befitting of a gentlemen.
"Oh, is it ever! There is definitely reason to celebrate but work has never been so hard," he paused, then gestured to his legs with his flamboyant hands. "For example, I now have two legs." Cogsworth chuckled. Yes, at least when he was a clock he had two feet like things. Lumiere was forced to hop everywhere for ten years.
Cogsworth rubbed at one of his shoulders and rolled his head around on his neck, trying to ease the tension.
"Ah, feeling the tension of hard work huh?" Lumiere stood up straighter and came around behind Cogsworth, a new spring in his step, flexing his hands together to stretch them out, his joint cracking slightly. He then rested his hands on Cogsworth's tired aching shoulders. Cogsworth blushed slightly. He was used to the usual friendly gesture, but feeling his warm hands on his back sent a tingly sensation racing from where Lumiere touched, throughout his entire body. He could feel his whole body heating up; he just hoped that Lumiere wouldn't notice. It became harder to hide his blush however when Lumiere started to move his hands across his back, working on the tight muscles with his fingertips. Lumiere was just being a good friend, Cogsworth thought, but why did it have to feel so sinful. Was he doing that on purpose or was it simply because it was Lumiere. Either way, it felt very nice to his sore body. He sighed and relaxed more on his elbows, leaning forward to rest his head on his forearms.
"That's it mon ami, relax. No one will see us, its ok to let your guard down sometimes." Lumiere leaned in and softly whispered in Cogsworth's ear. It tickled and sent more of those tingly feelings through him. He moaned a little, but then started. What did Lumiere just say? About no one seeing us?
"Lumiere, not that it's any of my business but uh…you and Fifi." His voice got softer as he became more apprehensive. "I would have thought that the two of you would have plans for this evening. You know, now that you can go on a proper human date." Cogsworth's voice sped up, trying to get past the difficult conversation. Lumiere sighed, his hands stopping their movements and leaned on his elbows at Cogsworth's side. Cogsworth looked up and waited for his friend to say something. Lumiere wasn't this quiet unless something was wrong and that made him worried.
"Lumiere?" he asked gently, not wanting to seem pushy but knowing that he couldn't help him unless he spoke up.
"It's funny," Lumiere said, sadness and disappointment laced through his words. "I thought that after all we had been though, she would have stayed with me. It has been about five years since we started dating," he paused. "Apparently not only am I less of a man than I used to be, but apparently my promiscuity has been beaten. She has already found another lover," he added.
"After only a day?" Cogsworth was astounded. The two had been so very close, how could she suddenly give up on him.
" She told me that during those five years she put all of her effort into keeping the emotions of love alive, but that it was all for nothing. She said that times had changed; she would rather be seen with that pig head Gaston than with me. I can't help but feel that my use by date has been reached," he sighed, looking thoroughly depressed.
"What a load of nonsense." Cogsworth piped up, rubbing his friend's shoulders as they sagged in sadness. "That…that-tart doesn't know what she's missing. As for being out of date, poppycock! Being a gentleman never gets old. We have to consider ourselves lucky. We could be ten years older but we haven't aged a year since we turned into household objects. All this means is you have a fresh start. You may date whomever you please now, and you don't have to change to do that. You are fine the way you are." Cogsworth added shyly. He had to say, in a way he was pleased that the two weren't together anymore. She had always been a bad influence on him. Lumiere deserved better.
"You think so mon ami?" Lumiere said, pushing himself up a little. It seems as though what hit him most wasn't losing his girlfriend to another but the insults to his soul. To know that who you are is not good enough is a horrible thing to experience. He just hoped he could get Lumiere to see the truth.
"Absolutely," Cogsworth said with sincerity. Lumiere perked up and put on his dazzling smile. Cogsworth repressed a shiver which was odd as it wasn't cold.
"Cogsworth, you will always be my friend, won't you? Despite how we argue sometimes?" he grasped Cogsworth's hands in his own warm ones and held them close to his heart, accidently pulling Cogsworth towards Lumiere until they were standing nearly nose to nose.
"Well of course," he said nervously, adding quickly, "who else could put up with your ways?" Lumiere smiled sweetly, his eyes soft and caring. His eyelashes kissed his cheeks as he leaned forward and pressed his soft lips against Cogsworth's.