Disclaimer: I don't own anything from Beauty and the Beast or Romeo and Juliet

Different Circumstances

Chapter 9: Questionable Sanity

They shared their meal and then Belle proceeded upstairs to change into something more suitable for the weather while Vincent set about preparing everything for the afternoon.

Belle quickly donned a pair of boots and a thick cloak and was soon downstairs only to find Vincent awaiting her at the bottom of the stairs, already in his cloak and set to depart.

"I had thought it would take you longer," she said, surprise in her tone.

"Well it really doesn't take long to get anything organized when one has a household of servants."

She nodded in agreement, "I hope you didn't scare any of them this time." This was said only partially in jest and she awaited the reprisal she suspected she would receive.

For a moment Vincent felt his old temper coming on at her statement but it was soon quelled by his affections for her and knowing that she wasn't saying it to goad him, but more out of concern for those in his service and to remind him she would not stand for the abuse of any she could help. Deciding against a formal reply he simply shook his head 'no' before offering her his arm. She accepted and the pair made their way out to the castle grounds.

Belle took in the elaborate, snow-white sleigh with wonder. It was beautiful, and really did not suit the rest of the castle. In fact it seemed quite the opposite to what Belle had become accustomed to from Vincent's taste regarding everything in his home. Philippe was hooked up to pull the sleigh and for a moment she was ashamed of herself for since the night of her attempted escape she had barely seen her beloved Philippe. For another moment she mused on the occurrences of that night, it seemed so far distant now and she could no longer imagine trying to escape Vincent.

"Belle?"

She smiled in delight at Vincent, "It's beautiful Vincent."

"I'm glad you like it, now shall we be off?"

She moved forward to greet her horse and then turned to Vincent, "Alright, I'm ready."

He held her small hand within his own and was forced to think of their differences yet again but pushed those thoughts aside and helped her into the sleigh before following suite.

XXX

Gaston and LeFou had searched the forest in vain and had since moved on to the towns that lay beyond. They were now in a village probably a third of the size of their own and Gaston was furious that there was still no sign of her.

"Gaston, perhaps we should stop-" he was abruptly cut off by Gaston's cold stare.

"Stop what LeFou? That we should stop searching for Belle? Don't be ridiculous! She is going to be mine and I will not let her escape me. Mark my words I will continue to search for her until my dying day if need be."

"But Gaston!"

"No! I have told you over and over these past weeks, Belle is mine. She cannot have gone too far, true she has not been here, but there are any number of hamlets and villages around here we have not yet searched. Any day now LeFou we will find that wretch of a girl and she will be mine."

LeFou simply nodded dispassionately. Who knew where the girl had gotten to, for all they knew she and her father had left for good and they may never find her. He feared for Gaston's sanity as well. The man he had always looked up to, his role model in life, had been consumed by thoughts of rage and revenge. When… if they ever found Belle, LeFou did not wish to know what Gaston would do to the girl.

XXX

Belle and Vincent had been enjoying the snow-coated scenery for over an hour in relative silence. Though both had gone to speak several times over it was decided through their unspoken words that they would not spoil this afternoon with unnecessary words. Both were relaxed and simply taking in their surroundings and each other.

Vincent was guiding Philippe but only to an extent, as they had no true destination. This left him able to fully enjoy having Belle beside him, leaning her head against him. He loved simply being in her presence, no matter that they were not speaking nor really doing anything much at all. She was there, and in that moment that was all he needed.

Belle felt no different. She was comfortable in the silence, simply listening to the other sounds of the world around her. At first she had been sitting beside Vincent, but at a slight distance. It hadn't taken her long to settle herself comfortably close to him and gently rest her head on his shoulder. She let the scenery, and her company, take over her thoughts and reveled in the feeling of Vincent's arm as he wrapped it around her. Through all her doubts and fears she knew she loved him. No longer was there any denying it. She wasn't crazy, as she had first thought. In fact, it was quite the opposite. She felt happier than ever before and knew this was what she had been missing.

XXX

After that first day of searching Maurice he had wandered aimlessly for days and then upon finding no trace of the castle that was home to that beast holding his daughter captive, he returned home to restock so he may begin to search again.

He pleaded with several of the villagers but was laughed off as crazy. He attempted several more times and while a few times it seemed as if one or two of the villagers would concede and travel with him, they were quickly deterred by their friends and family.

Another week passed and Maurice gave up on finding a companion. He had secretly hoped that Gaston would help him, he knew the man wanted his daughter, and as much as Belle despised him Maurice thought she wouldn't mind if he saved her. But he was gone and nobody knew where he was.

Dressed in as many layers of clothing as would allow him to move relatively freely Maurice set out once again, alone, to find his Belle.

Once again he searched but found only dead ends. Eventually after traveling for days in the freezing snow he stumbled upon a run-down, abandoned shack that perhaps would have once been a cottage. Had he been more coherent he may have questioned there being such a place in the middle of the woods but as it was he simply entered and after gathering all the blankets and rags he could find he settled himself on what had once been a mattress and fell into unconsciousness, unaware of how close to his prize he truly was.

AN: Thank you to my readers and reviews once more for your encouraging comments. I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint. I regret that I've been neglecting the other characters quite a bit and so attempted to catch up with their present situations as well. I would have liked more of Maurice's thoughts but it didn't sound right when I tried to work it in. Anyway I have 2 weeks holidays now so I will try and update soon. Your comments are always greatly appreciated.