I swear I haven't died! I've just been really busy lately, and sort of lost ideas for this story. But now they are back and hopefully you like them! :D

Chapter 11 – The Fair

The following weeks after Gaston's gallant act in helping Maurice in fixing the roof, led Belle to be more and more shocked at his ever growing caring and friendly ways. And it wouldn't be a lie if Gaston said he wasn't surprised himself at his sudden change. He found himself wanting to spend time with Belle and Maurice just for the conversation and the books they read, instead of just a plot to get her to fall for him.

On one particularly bright morning Gaston entered the house, dropping a rolled up piece of paper onto the table in front of Belle.

"Gaston? What's this?" she opened it up, her eyes scanning over it before looking to him, rather confused.

"It's the last fair of the season Belle!" he looked around before sitting down, keeping his voice low as he leaned in. Maurice was just outside feeding the chickens and Gaston didn't want him to overhear.

"If we can get your father's invention down there he'd be sure to win more than enough money to fix this place up." He motioned towards the roof and the recently broken window from a freak hail storm.

"Gaston! You're a genius! I have to tell Papa!" Belle was up, and so quick that it was almost missed, placed a light kiss on Gaston's cheek before rushing out, hurrying to her father, flyer in hand. For one of the extremely few times in his life, Gaston was surprised. He lifted his hand to his cheek as he looked out the window, smirking with an added chuckle as he shook his head.

The sun was just barely rising as Gaston finished hitching up Philippe to the cart, double-checking the ties of Maurice's invention to the wagon. Belle quietly made her way down to Gaston, a small basket in her hands. From beneath the towel, she produced a fresh muffin, handing it over to him.

"Thank you, for all of this. It really means a lot to my father…a-and to me." She managed a small smile, mentally kicking herself for feeling nervous. It's just a fair Belle, he's your friend, there's no reason to be nervous. She was suddenly aware of the silence and for lack of anything to talk about looked towards Phillipe, tilting her head so slightly to the side.

"Are you sure Phillipe will be able to pull us all and that machine?"

"Of course! That's what his breed does Belle."

"Well… if you say so."

"Well I do say so, and I say that it's time to get on the wagon and get going."

It hadn't taken terribly long to get to the fair, and by the time Philippe was set into a stable and the invention brought over to the contest grounds, Belle and Gaston found themselves with quite a few hours to spare. Maurice had to stay with his invention to display it for the judges and fair guests, and the official presentation would not begin until later in the afternoon. Gaston had taken to leading Belle around the fair, and she was quickly catching on that he was somewhat of a celebrity in the celebrations. It shocked her even more however, that he was more toned down than he would have been in the past, and was not showing off. He'd wave and smile, he'd greet those who approached, and all the time never pushed her aside. Belle was also learning, as she had in the past months, that she really could learn from Gaston. She realized she truly had sheltered herself, hiding behind her books, and was truly unaware of how fun such a simple thing like a fair could really be. In one short afternoon she had already seen vegetables as big as houses, enjoyed all sorts of fair food, had watched several contests of strength and endurance, the few of which Gaston competed in he had won, danced to lively folk music, and had all around had an extremely enjoyable time.

She was contemplating the same thought over again, her hand lightly placed in the crook of Gaston's arm when he led her off to the side, a quiet "a-ha" bringing her from her thoughts.

"A milk bottle stand?"

"Well sure! I figured since you're here, you might as well come away with a prize!" he handed the man behind the counter a few coins and was in return handed three balls. He set aside two, smirking. "We'll just be needing one of these.." Belle stood back with a smirk, raising an eyebrow as she watched Gaston wind up, aiming for the stack of bottles before setting the ball firmly into the tower, sending them all scattering down. Picking a stuffed brown bear with a little blue vest from the chain hanging above, he handed it to Belle with a wide grin, startling her.

"Wow…thank you Gaston."

"Well…ahem…you're welcome. We should get headed over to your father's stand though; it's not much longer until the show begins."

The entirety of the judging left Belle wringing her hands; she'd have been lying to herself if she were to say the other inventions were no good. In the end however, it did not matter in the least, as Maurice came out on top over everyone else. He was rewarded a healthy amount of money, as well as a full patent for his invention. And even though it was extremely late by the time they all left the fair, not a single complaint could be heard from any of the exhausted members of the happy group as they headed back home.

I know..it's terribly short. But I wanted to cut it off here before starting the next one :) RxR please! :)