Male Belle/Reader - A Book for Two

(Belle = Bellsen) (Gaston = Gastonia) (LeFou = LeFouna)

There he was again. Peeking shyly around the corner of the bakery, you watched him sit there at the town's fountain with a bunch of sheep gathered around him. He was reading a lengthy book that he's probably read about three times by now. You never spoke to the one named Bellsen but you knew quite a bit about him from watching from afar. His father was an inventor of the town who many people downplayed to being an eccentric nutcase. You didn't believe that though. You've seen some of the things Bellsen's father had made and every single one of them were truly amazing. You also knew Bellsen was very distracted, he always had his head in the clouds dreaming of adventures and wonders far from this little town full of little people. He walked around in a dream world that you just wished you could step into with him.

Sighing longingly for the short brunette haired boy with the biggest brightest brown eyes ever. You kept watching him for while as he read to the sheep in an excited dramatic voice with sweeping hand motions that showed just how truly passionate he was with the fairytales he loved reading. You smiled to yourself and even giggled when you noticed one of the sheep step forward to take a big bite out of one of the pages of the book. Bellsen gave the sheep an irritated look before bursting out in laughter. You wanted to go over there and laugh with him. His laughter was contagious and sounded like small chiming bells that was sweet to the ear. Pressing your cheek against the stone wall you kept watching him fondly until your least favorite person in the world showed up.

The most popular and beautiful pony-tailed black-haired girl named Gastonia began strutting up with her little short chubby sidekick LeFouna. The popular woman wore a bright red dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. She was the most beautiful girl and everyone in town knew it. Sensing a feeling of jealousy boil in your blood, you glare Gastonia from afar as she approached the boy you had your eyes on for as long as you could remember. Gastonia smirked smugly with her bright red lips and then snatched the book away from Bellsen's hands. Bellsen was in such a daze, he was startled when Gastonia stole his book. Bellsen jumped and then looked up as Gastonia held the book by the ends of her fingers. "Reading again are we? Shouldn't you be out and hunting or something like the rest of the boys do?" Gastonia said while she scoffed at the book and threw it into the fountain carelessly.

Bellsen gasped as he noticed his book being tossed into the water of the fountain. As quickly as possible he reached forwards into the water to grab the book from being ruined beyond repair. "Gastonia!" Bellsen exclaimed with a faint sound of annoyance.

"Yup, that's my name. Don't wear it out!" Gastonia laughed airily and glanced at LeFouna who was staring blankly at Gastonia. It took Gastonia glaring at her with her icy blue eyes and stomping on her foot to get her to start laughing awkwardly alongside her. Bellsen stood up with his damp book in his hands and was staring at it with sad sparkling brown eyes. It was ruined! The print on it was all blurred because of the water. You frowned in sympathy for Bellsen. The poor boy was Gastonia's new target to seduce. She claimed that Bellsen was the most handsome boy in the town (and herself the most beautiful). You couldn't disagree with that but Bellsen obviously had no attraction to Gastonia and she just wasn't giving in!

Sighing you watched as Bellsen tensed up and was attempting to speed walk away from Gastonia. She didn't give in that easily though as she called out to Bellsen. "Where are you going, Bellsen? Surely, you want to stay here with me. Don't you, darling~? Bellsen!"

"Uhm, maybe another time Gastonia. Sorry!" Bellsen piped up sheepishly and began running through the crowded cobblestone streets with his ruined book under his arm. You frown again and begin trying to follow after Bellsen through the crowds who were all staring at him and gossiping about how odd he was. You hated that everyone talked so lowly of Bellsen! He had dreams and aspirations that might have not been the most rational but they were still dreams! You admired him for stepping out of the box and wanting to follow his dreams not matter what anyone said about him. You admired everything about Bellsen, it was too bad he didn't even know you existed…

Keeping up with Bellsen through the hordes of many busy people. You saw Bellsen running towards his cottage but stopping once he was in front of it. Leaning against a large tree, he sighed and lowered his eyes down to his book with a sad frown. You felt so awful for him. How you wish you had the courage to go speak to him. He looked like he was in need of comforting but being the shy person you were. You hung back in the shadows like always and watched as Bellsen groaned and then leaned off the tree to go walk into his cottage. "I'm so sorry, Bellsen." You murmur before you start walking away with a single tear cascading down your cheek and chin and down onto the ground below you.

The next day you were pulled away from your outside chores when you saw Bellsen once again strolling on by with a new book in his hands. His nose was practically in the book as he walked and stared down at the pages in deep concentration. You smiled dreamily to yourself as you put down the wet laundry you held back onto the clothing line to dry off. You didn't mean to stalk the boy but you just couldn't help yourself. You were truly hoping one of these times he'd actually look up from that book for once and notice you. It would make things so much easier if he took notice of you first, so you didn't have to initiate the conversation. You chase after the boy for awhile as he walks through the streets, you see him walking towards the local book store to probably get more books.

You stop in front of the book shop as he enters through the front door. Should you go in? Gulping nervously, you fumbled with your hands in front of you with uncertainty and a blush. Walking up to the window of the book store. You instead step up onto a bench and peer through the window with your hands over your (e/c) eyes to help you get a better look. You saw Bellsen talking with the book shop owner and laughing together. You smiled and loved to see Bellsen laugh. It was the most adorable sight. You then watch him barely gaze at the supplies of books before he quickly nabs one without even looking at the title. Shaking your head, you smirk in amusement as the book shop owner looks surprised by Bellsen picking out a book he's probably already read countless times. You were so busy giggling over the fact Bellsen was smiling sheepishly at the old man in the store. You hardly noticed when the bell to the door jingled as the door flung open. When you finally stop laughing you were taken by surprise when someone nudged you from behind.

Gasping out loud, you nearly fall off the bench in a stupor. You hear another gasp that sounded more masculine and familiar. "Be careful!" The voice cautioned but it was too late. You went stumbled backwards in a wobbly fashion before falling backwards towards the ground. You thought you were going to plummet down to the rough surface of the ground but instead you felt two warm arms wrap around your waist and pull you backwards from collapsing. The person had you steadied you so that you weren't off balance. You whirl around in the person's arms and come face to face with big bright brown doe eyes. Your (e/c) eyes widen immediately and your face heats up into a blush. "Are you okay, Madame!? I was so worried!" The boy, better known as Bellsen said with a look of concern written all across his face.

You open your mouth to speak but nothing comes out except embarrassing breathy noises. You didn't know what would have knocked the wind out of you more, the hard rough ground or being in the very arms of the boy you've crushed on for ages! "Mademoiselle?" He questioned again since he wasn't getting a proper answer.

"Uh-um sorry! I mean… yes! I'm fine!" You finally reply. Bellsen still doesn't let you go just quite yet. You begin to blush as he still had his arms around you. When he finally notices, he too blushes and backs off while rubbing the back of his head nervously.

"I'm certainly glad you are. You almost fell and hurt yourself! Just what were you doing?" Belslen asks as he goes to pick up the books he had dropped since he so hurriedly came to your rescue. You watch him pick up his fallen books before looking back at you with a skeptical look. Your face reddens more if possible. How were you going to explain to him that you have been sorta stalking him? He would think you're a creep and never want to see your face again! You didn't want to be shunned away from him like Gastonia! No, that would break your heart into pieces!

"I-I was… I was looking through the window." You reply to him with honesty while at the same time leaving out the fact you were staring at him from afar. He raises an eyebrow in skepticism.

"Really now? Why exactly?"

Of course, he had to go and keep prying! Now what were you going to say!? "I was just looking around?" You say dumbly and lower your eyes away from him as you begin to feel stupid.

Bellsen stares at you for a moment before chuckling, "You do know you can enter the book shop, right? You don't have to go browsing though the window!" He said and smiled at you which made your insides twist and turn violently. How you loved that smile! It was even better because you knew it was directed towards you. This certainly was not the way you wanted to meet Bellsen but him being such a sweetheart, he wasn't making fun of you are thinking you were a weirdo.

"Um, yes of course. I should do that next time." You stammer which makes him chuckle some more at your very cute demeanor.

"It certainly would help. And if you don't mind me asking. Who are you? I swear, I've seen you somewhere before. You look very familiar." Bellsen says as he tucks his books under his arm and begins studying you closely.

You smile sweetly at him and reply, "My name is (Y/n) (L/n). You are Bellsen right? The son of the inventor?"

Bellsen smiled back and nodded, "I sure am. I didn't know so many people knew about me."

"Your father is quite a well-known person in town." You respond and he nods with a thoughtful look appearing on his near perfect face.

"I um like your name by the way. (Y/n)… That's a very beautiful name." He says as he tries out your name of his tongue and finds that he likes it and thinks it suits you.

You blush deeply an nod, "T-thank you."

"You're very welcome." He says with a grin and then suddenly frowns. You think for a moment he was frowning at you until he suddenly looked you in the eyes and grabbed your shoulders and began pushing you away with him. Your eyes are wide and you were quite surprise that he was literally pushing you away past a corner and behind some stack of large boxes. "Shhh, be very quiet!" He whispers to you and places a finger to his mouth. You don't know why he's wanting you to do this but you play along and fall silent. You and Bellsen glance in front of the crates you were hiding behind as Gastonia and LeFouna amble on by.

"Where is Bellsen? I've looked everywhere! Where could that boy be?" Gastonia huffed poutingly and crossed her arms.

"U-Uhhh, I don't know Gastonia! Maybe we should keep lookin'! He's gotta' be around here somewhere!" LeFouna replied and shrunk back at the deep penetrating glare she was getting by the much taller Gastonia.

"He better show up soon! How am I supposed to get him to marry me if he's not around!?"

"Uhhh-… I don't know! L-let's look over there!" LeFouna pointed in a random direction. Gastonia glared over in the direction she was pointing and scoffed obnoxiously loud.

"Fine, but hurry up! ... I will find you Bellsen and when I do you're gonna' fall head over heels for me! Because who wouldn't!?" Gastonia laughed wickedly to herself and began storming away in the direction Lefouna had directed.

Bellsen sighed in relief and wiped his brow, "That was close. Sorry, to bring you into that but I didn't want Gastonia to see me." Bellsen said to you. You gave him a sympathetic look and shook your head.

"Its fine. She sounds like a real witch." You say and he chuckles.

"She kinda is but you didn't hear it from me." Belsen jokes back and then stands up and helps you with his hand. You blush from the contact of hands but even more from the charming smile he was now giving you.

"It has been really nice meeting you, (Y/n). I'm sorry to do this to you but I need to go back home. I told Father I wouldn't be out long."

Internally, you were disappointed he had to go to soon but you reasoned that maybe tomorrow you could see him again. Smiling towards him you nod your head, "Its so nice to meet you too, Bellsen. Perhaps, tomorrow we can see each other again?"

Bellsen grin and nods eagerly, "Yes, of course! Then we could talk more."

The both of you smile at each other before Bellsen waves you a farewell and takes his leave. You watch him walk away and let out a long sigh. He was even sweeter than you imagined he would be. "I can't wait." You mummer and walk back home to finish your chores that you've already put off long enough.

The very next day you went to the book shop and went looking for a book to gift Bellsen with. He did love his books after all! It would be a great way to repay him for saving you yesterday! You settle on a book that has far out places, daring sword fights, magic spells, and a prince in disguise! It was one of your personal favorites that you had read once. You had a feeling Belsen would love it too!

Walking out of the book shop with the book you paid for. You start looking around for Bellsen and there he was sitting at the town's fountain and as always stuffing his nose into a book. You chuckle and begin making your ways over to sit next to him. He doesn't notice you right away and it takes you nudging his shoulder to get his attention. He looks up a bit startled but calms down when he sees its you. "Oh, (Y/n)! You made it!" He said excitedly and smiled with closed eyes.

You smiled back and then take your book you purchased and drop it onto his lap. He looks surprised for a moment as he glances down at it. "What's this?" He asks as he looks between the look and you. You keep smiling at him and reply.

"Its for you! Its for saving me yesterday from falling. So thank you, Bellsen."

His big brown eyes were wide and sparkling, he looked so surprised but grateful by your gift to him. "How did you know I liked books!?"

"Lucky guess." You teased as you gestured to his other book that he had been reading.

He blushes at this and laughs airily, "Well, thank you! Thank you very much, (Y/n)! I kinda thought you'd think I was strange for reading books. Since most guys my age are out hunting or doing something sportive... unlike me." Bellsen says and looks down at your book with a sadder expression. You shake your head and place a hand on his shoulder.

"I don't think it is strange at all. I think it is admirable that you do what you love no matter what others say. Plus, books are great! They take you to incredible places and let you meet interesting people that you could never meet in reality. Books are what inspire our soul and let us take glimpse into our dreams we all aspire to live and adventure through!"

Bellsen's eyes were wide as he stared at you in admiration. No one ever cherished books the way he did or understood them for that matter. Bellsen blushed and smiled brightly. "You couldn't be more right, (Y/n)! Its so nice to meet someone who actually understands."

You nod at him and he smiles gently as he gets an idea. Opening your book that you had gotten him, it rests in his lap on the front page. You look at him with curiosity as he turns his big shining eyes over to you. "(Y/n)... Would you... Would you want me to read to you? I cannot thank you enough for actually getting me this. It means so much to me."

You've read the book before but the fact Bellsen was offering to read it to you was too enticing. You quickly nod your head and scoot closer to him so that your bodies were touching. The both of you blush from the contact as Bellsen clears his throat and looks somewhat shy. "Okay then! If you're sure." Bellsen glanced at your face that he found really pretty, especially your (h/l) (h/c) hair that shined bright from the sun's light hitting it. You seemed to glow which made him blush even more. He only just met you and was getting to know you but he couldn't help but feel drawn in to you. You were the only girl who seemed to understand him and not think he was odd for diving into books, dreaming, and wanting adventure in the great wide somewhere.

Bellsen sat up as he cleared his throat one more time before beginning to read to you, "Once upon a time in a land far, far away..." He started reading aloud so you could hear him. You stare entranced by his passionate voice that was full of longing. It was then you could truly see him speaking out his dreams that he wanted to experience for himself. You listened to him and couldn't keep your eyes off of his expressive face that altered and changed to something different from every word he read. You soon lean your head towards him and lie your head against his shoulder. He was so invested in his book reading he didn't seem to mind it in the least. He did blush but he kept reading with so much exhilaration and life! Hearing him was investing and put you on the edge of your seat!

The two of you remained reading and listening to the riveting whimsical fairytale of the book you both found to love. Bellsen never read a book he adored so much, it certainly was becoming his favorite. It was even more special since you bestowed it to him from the kindness of your heart.

Once Bellsen read a couple chapters to you, he finally turned his gaze to look at you. Only, to find you had fallen asleep on his shoulder! Bellsen smiled softly and with a blush he leaned in and placed a soft and very gentle kiss on your cheek. "Sweet dreams, (Y/n)." Bellsen whispered and then stuck his nose back into the book while your head was still resting soundly on his shoulder. When you woke up he had to thank you again for the present. He had a feeling you two would become the best of friends, unlike everyone else in this provincial life.

And for once it was grand because he had someone who understands. Perhaps, one day the two of you could set off on an adventure like no other. Just the two of you. Even, if that meant it was just reading a book for two.

What an adventure to share.