DISCLAIMERS/NOTES

1. This is a fan fiction based on properties/characters and/or versions of, owned by Disney, as well as characters owned by other companies. I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THEM. This is just for fun.

2. This is partly a femslash story. If you don't like that sort of thing, you won't like this.

3. IMPORTANT: There are some elements in this story some might find questionable or even bizarre. Some of them I do or do not necessarily agree with myself. Please just remember this is FICTION and FICTION ONLY.

4. In conjunction with the above, there are some canon divergences her and there. So you could consider this abit of a "crackfic", if you wish.

PART 1

It was not like Lumiere to be worried.

Well, worried would not be the right word. More like... nervous.

No, still too much. Anxious? No, not that either...

Concerned? Sacrebleu, no! Far too far.

Maybe Lumiere should be more worried/nervous/anxious/concerned about being indecisive.

Before the valet could ponder the matter further, he heard the familiar mutterings signalling the presence of the majordomo. "Lumiere!" cried Cogsworth, dashing upto him. "Lumiere, the first of the guests has arrived!"

Well, this was it. No more time to, well, concern himself with how he felt. With the first guests here, the grand unveiling was only a matter of hours. And it would be a grand unveiling indeed. After all, none of them thought this day would ever come.

This was the day the Prince - their master - and the beautiful Princess were presenting their firstborn to the world.

"Do you know who exactly?" the former candlestick asked.

"How should I know?" snapped Cogsworth. "I think the lady is a Gy... Romani, but... look, I wasn't in charge of the guest list. You know how many people the Master and Mistress invited. Why, they practically held an open invitation to everyone... even seemingly from other worlds! Have you seen some of the people invited?"

Despite the tension, Lumiere chuckled. "You're just freaked out at the security the Mistress hired."

"They're mostly animals, Lumiere! Beasts - literally!"

Raising a brow, the valet smirked. "I wouldn't let the Master hear you say that word in that tone."

Bristling at Lumiere's nonchelance, Cogsworth let it go. "That's not all. Some of the guests are just plain odd, Lumiere. It's like they're from different times and places entirely. Or just... backwards. Take the Claytons, for example. They apparently live in a blasted jungle! With monkeys!"

Now Lumiere was trying to stifle a laugh. Trust Cogsworth's crankiness to bring him out of his own reverie.

"Then there's the entertainment we've ordered. Like that magic box that shows drawings coming to life. Which can be controlled! And what kind of a name is 'Ralph' anyway?"

"Calm yourself, Cogsworth. We have planned everything down to the last detail. Everything will be perfect. Just perfect." Lumiere put a hand over his cantankerous friend's shoulder, much easier now without the danger of setting him on fire. "Just perfect."

The former clock just glared at him. "Oh my... you're worried too!""

Lumiere blinked. "Come again?"

"I didn't believe Plumette when she said you were worried," Cogsworth stressed, more to himself. "Didn't want to. But she was right!"

Now Lumiere was confused. "Cogsworth, what are you talking about?"

To that, Cogsworth folded his arms in irritation. "Your wife saw how I was running around like arms were still spinning on my face, and she told me, like it would actually calm me down, that you were just as frazzled as I!"

"Cogsworth, I assure you... "

"I saw it too, but hoped I was just imagining it," the majordomo continued. "But you're about as convincing as the Master trying to be nice during trade negotiations."

Lumiere should have known. Obviously his desperation to make sure this grand day was "just perfect" was clear as day to Fifi - his petname for his beloved Plumette - but he really should have known Cogsworth saw it also. Though the two rarely acted like it, the truth was they were the best of friends. The years spent under the curse brought the entire household together.

Well, apart from the Prince himself, obviously. It took a village inventor's beautiful daughter to crack his shell.

Sighing, Lumiere dropped the facade. "You're right, mon ami. I am anxious." At least he picked a word. "I want this day to go as smooth as you do. We all do. That is why we cannot give into... " Great. Another conundrum. OK... panic? Fear? Terror... ?

Fortunately, the sound of footsteps broke Lumiere's latest word crisis. Both he and Cogsworth looked in the direction of the sound to see their guest-turned-mistress heading up the corridor towards them. "Lumiere, Cogsworth - I was beginning to worry." Her smile was wide and genuine, almost dispelling any discontent the two servants had.

"Lady Belle," began the former candlestick, bowing out of habit. "Is everything alright? Where is Mrs. Potts?" Everyone knew the cook was currently serving double duty as the Princess' personal aide. Belle only gave birth a week ago, after all.

"She's tending to little Adam," Belle answered warmly. "I just wanted to see you before the guests started arriving."

Cogsworth started stammering. "Um, well, actually, Your Highness... the first have arrived." He braced himself for the scolding he was sure to receive for not informing her immedi...

"Oh, that's wonderful!" beamed Belle, clapping her hands in joy. "Tell me, was it the doctor?"

Of course she would not scold him. She was not her husband. "Um, I'm not sure, my lady," said the majordomo apologetically. "I shall find out at once."

"Please do, Cogsworth. If it is him, he'll be here with his partner." Her smile actually seemed to widen. "She's with child herself, so they must be given the best accommodation while they're here."

"I have personally made sure they receive the finest guest room, Your Highness," said Lumiere. "But I shall doublecheck."

Belle frowned. "I'm sure there's no need for that, Lumiere. You've done such a wonderful job preparing everything... all of you have."

"Our humblest thank yous, my lady," said Cogsworth reverently. In a way, the entire palace was in love with her. Not difficult, obviously. "Now please, is there anything else we can do? Forgive us, but you seemed rather eager when you approached." Despite the two servants' conversation not two minutes ago, their first thoughts always went to Belle's welfare and how they could serve her more.

"Oh, yes, well... " Belle placed a hand on each of the two men's shoulders. "I have a request. Actually, more a royal order."

They both blinked. A royal order? That was unlike...

"I order you both to relax," came Belle's next words. "You've done such a wonderful job for today. But I shouldn't have to tell you that. Trust in yourselves. So I'm ordering you to relax and enjoy the day. You've surpassed your own high standards to ensure the young prince will be welcomed by all of our neighbours, and those beyond. This is your day as much as it is mine and my husband's. Everything will be perfect. Trust in that." She then gave a playful wink. "Order received?"

Blushing, both men nodded. "Yes, Your Highness," they said in unison.

Belle nodded approvingly. "Good. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go to my son again. I've already gone too long without seeing him." She put a hand to her chin. "Did that sound too possessive? Should I be worried about that?"

"As you said, my lady, there's nothing to be worried about." Lumiere smiled sincerely.

"Quite right!" Belle almost squealed. "Again, please send the doctor to me as soon as he arrives." A momentary bite of her lip. "I'll see you later, gentlemen. Enjoy the day!" She turned to head back the way she came, then paused and looked over her shoulder at them. "And please stop with that 'majesty' and 'my lady' nonsense. You know I hate that." Giving another wink, she left as quickly as her still-sore body allowed.

Once alone again, Lumiere felt his earlier tension gone. Trust the flawless Princess to have that effect. "See, I told you, Cogsworth. Everything will be just perfect."

Surprisingly, the former clock just sighed. "Perhaps. At least it puts our own worries into perspective."

"What does that mean?" Lumiere quizzed.

"You didn't see it, did you?"

"See what?"

Sighing again, Cogsworth looked almost sad. "My friend, she and the Master are about to present their child to every kingdom in the land, and lands beyond. A child we both know is... " He fell silent.

Lumiere shook his head. "Cogsworth, surely you don't think... "

Cogsworth looked back down the corridor where the Princess disappeared down. "She's more scared than the rest of us put together... "

TO BE CONTINUED