Chapter 2: Bloody Pirates

Belle had just reached the outskirts of town before she heard a familiar voice call to her.
"Hello Belle." The deep voice boomed.
"Oh, no." She groaned under her breath. Not him, please not him.

Gaston was a tall, dark-haired nobleman, acclaimed as the most handsome man in the village. Women swooned over him, men admired him. Gaston considered Belle the most beautiful girl in town, and by his reasoning that meant she was meant to be his. Belle did not share his opinion.
"Hello, Gaston." Belle tried to say pleasantly, or as pleasantly as you can through gritted teeth.
Gaston was momentarily distracted from staring at her lovely figure by noticing that Belle was attempting to read while carrying a heavy basket, which was absurd. It wasn't right for a woman to read. He would have to stamp that out once they were married.

"Belle, it's time you got your head out of these books and started to think about more important things, like me." Before Belle could reply, he had snatched the book out of her hands and was flipping through the pages. "How can you read this? There aren't any pictures!" He snorted disapprovingly.
"Some people use their imagination" she said, placing her basket down on the path. "Gaston, may I have my book back please?" She tried to sound as patient as possible. Gaston smiled wickedly and held the book even higher, and Belle tried in vain to retrieve it. "Gaston, please, I have to get home to my Father, he needs me" she panted, jumping even higher to retrieve her book.
"Wouldn't you rather be spending some time with me?"
"No I wouldn't!" She yelled, surprising herself.

"The lady said no." Another voice said confidently. Both Belle and Gaston turned around and saw Killian, sword drawn, ready to challenge Gaston.
"Who the hell are you?" Gaston growled, clearly caught off his guard.
"I'm Killian Jones, Captain to the Jolly Roger. I believe the lady asked for her book back." Killian kept a cool expression while he watched Gaston work himself into a rage. He was clearly enjoying himself.
"How dare you come into my town and tell me how I am to treat my property?" Gaston growled.
Killian let out a hearty laugh. "Oh dear, if you think she is your property, you don't seem to have a good handle on it. I was under the impression Belle was not spoken for."
Belle could only stare, such manners! She had never heard such a thing in her life!
"Now, off with you, unless you want to challenge a pirate." Killian grinned. Since the pirate was armed with a sword and Gaston only had his hunting knife, he thought better than to accept the challenge "I will have Belle for my own, make not mistake about that." He stormed off, throwing Belle's book on the dirty path.

Killian picked the book from the ground and dusted it off "I believe this is yours." He said gallantly, before handing it back to Belle.
"Thank you. Now I really have to get going, I'm so late." She quickly picked up her basket and began walking home again. She was furious. Gaston had as good as claimed her, and then she had a pirate fight her battles for her!
"Leaving so soon?" The cocky voice of the pirate rang behind her.
"I told you, I really need to get home to father." She said, not slowing her pace. Since the pirate was unburdened with a heavy load he kept up with her easily.
"You know, other girls would have repaid my kindness with a night in their bed." Belle stood frozen, staring horrified at the pirate who had just propositioned her in the most inappropriate way.
"Although, I can see you aren't that kind of lady." He offered, seeing her distress.
Belle let out a visible sigh of relief. "Is that all you men think about?" Her frustration getting the better of her.
"Oh my dear, there are so few pleasures in this world, a woman's touch being one of them. Do you really expect me to deny that, especially when they are so willing?"
"I can't imagine there would be many willing women." Belle said indignantly.
Killian chucked "tell me Belle, if a woman comes to you and begs you to take her, is it really that wrong?" He was now standing very close to her, his eyes piercing though hers.
"Yes." She said, voice quavering "it's wrong because I still believe in marriage."
"Me too, I love married women, and they make the most enthusiastic lovers." He grinned.

Belle lost herself, and actually slapped the pirate right in the face. She jumped back, horrified.
Killian blinked a few times, very surprised that this little girl had the nerve to slap a pirate. It gave him an idea.
"Oh my dear girl, you will pay for that." He said wickedly, rubbing his face and the stubble along his jaw.
"H-how?" Belle's courage failed. She had her arms in front of her body acting as a shield, expecting the worst. She was visibly trembling by the time he closed in on her.
"I'll let you off easy. One kiss from you, and I'll be on my way."
He was so close to her Belle could feel it. "No, please don't."
Killian took his time, slowly running his hands up her arms towards her neck. Gods, she was lovely, and scared out of her wits. "Hmm maybe not today, it's not fun if the woman isn't willing." He whispered to her lips. She gulped as he stepped back, releasing her from his spell.
"Until next time, Belle, remember that you owe me a kiss." Killian wasted no time and turned back towards town, singing as he walked.

Belle waited until he was out of sight and then leaned against a tree for support, breathing heavily. She had slapped a pirate, SLAPPED A PIRATE! She yelled to herself. "Bloody pirates" she murmured under her breath.