GastonXSarah AdamXBelle RobertXLissa fluff

Robert walked with Lissa to her bedroom door. Had Gaston been there watching, he would've made his intimidating presence very known! "Lis, are you all right?" Robert asked.

"I don't know." Lissa blubbered. "Everything is all so wonderful, and...terrible at the same time!" She covered her face with her hands.

"Life does have a way of doing that." Robert nodded. "Oh, come here." He hugged her warmly. "Shh." Lissa held him closely as she tried to stop crying. She finally began to calm. Robert handed her back his hankie. She wiped her eyes.

"Thank you." Lissa sniffled.

"That's what a doctor's job is: to make people feel better," he flashed her his toothy grin. Lissa giggled and blushed. But then she felt slightly sad again.

He's only acting as a physician toward me? She thought worriedly. No, I don't believe that! "Thank you." She said aloud. "You do make me feel better."

"Good." Robert gripped her hands. "Look, I'm sorry about everything that's happened. And you probably aren't ready to talk about it. But I just want you to know how happy I am that you're here."

"So am I." Lissa smiled.

"Oh! Before I forget..." Robert gasped, reaching inside his coat. He pulled out a bouquet of lovely flowers. "Here, these are for you."

"Ohh..." Lissa smiled, trying hard not to shed more tears. "Merci." She whispered. "They're pretty. I'm sorry...I'm sorry I'm not more pleasant company right now."

"Hey, no. It's all right." Robert assured her. "Sometimes bad things happen, and we need to let it out. Don't feel bad. Heck, I do it myself sometimes!" Lissa laughed. "Here, take this in your next cup of tea. It'll help you sleep." He slipped a powdered remedy into her hand. "You need some rest. Maybe next time, you'll feel a bit better."

"Thank you, Robert." Lissa sighed. At first she hesitated, then she just went for it and threw her arms around his neck. "I may not look it, but your presence really did cheer me up!"

"I'm just glad to be able to lay eyes on you again." Robert whispered somberly. Lissa wasn't sure what to say to that, but it meant more to her than words could express. He gripped her hand and she slowly entered her room.

Maurice knocked on Lissa's door. "Come in." She said. He slowly entered.

"I hope I'm not disturbing you." He said.

"No, no." Lissa shook her head, smiling.

"Child, I hope nothing Adam or Belle said has hurt you."

"Oh, no! No, Maurice. That's not it at all! I feel honored that they would ask such a thing of me, truly! I just wasn't sure how to respond at the time. I'm a bit overwhelmed right now." Lissa replied.

"Of course. We all are." Maurice smiled kindly. "Well, I'm glad to know that it actually made you happy. Adam and Belle were a bit concerned. Shall I tell them for you?"

"Oh no! Please, I want to do that myself." Lissa smiled. "Oh, Maurice! You'll never guess what has happened!" She eagerly clasped his hands.

"What is it, dear girl?" Maurice smiled at her excitement.

"Gaston has given me his blessing to marry Robert! If...he loves me too, that is! Isn't that wonderful?!" Lissa cried, her eyes all lit up.

"It is indeed." Maurice agreed. "That is such good news, Lissa. I'm happy for you."

"Thank you." Lissa beamed, with red eyes.

The next few days were loaded. The whole kingdom was abuzz with the excitement of the arrival of their new baby princess. There would be an enormous celebration exactly one week's time from her birth date, to give Belle time to rest and regain her strength. Gaston's heroic rescue and apprehension of his sister's kidnapper was also the talk of the town. The whole village wanted to come see him but he was instructed to rest first. Lefou reluctantly returned to Villenueve, as he was not bedridden as his friends were. Agathe tended to his burned arm, and to his astonishment, his arm began rapidly healing, faster than he could expect or imagine!

Adam, Belle, and Maurice were overjoyed over their new baby. They doted on her with passionate affection. Adam read aloud to Ella every night. Mrs. Potts, Plumette, and the other ladies of the castle all argued over who was going to take care of Ella when Belle needed her rest. Belle laughed but was grateful for their love. However, she still insisted on doing as much of the mother work as possible. She was itching to get back on her feet and get back in shape. Adam however, grinned and said he was kind of going to miss her sweet baby bump. "Don't worry. It'll be back when the time comes that we have another one!" She giggled, throwing her arms around her neck.

The housemaids greatly appreciated Belle's washing machine as it immensely cut down on the laundry work and all the bending aches and cramps that came with it. In fact, the ladies in the village finally were crying for one at the village well. Adam gladly complied. At first the husbands felt it pampered their wives too much, taking away their hardworking streak. But when they found their wives less cross with them at supper time, and a little extra free quality together because they had a little less work to do, the men began to think maybe the princess's invention wasn't such a silly idea after all. And the caring husbands with pregnant wives really appreciated it as it helped their sweethearts get more rest and not push themselves harder than they should.

Gaston was growing restless being stuck in bed. He relished in all the doting and special attention he got, especially from Sarah, but he had a dangerous amount of bottled up energy waiting to be let out but he wasn't allowed to. He did a lot of pondering on the whole mess with Andre. Gaston truly wished he could've helped the guy in some way, to see the error of his ways and with his consuming grief over his brother's death. But every time Gaston remembered the fear in Lissa's voice and her face, the frightening helplessness he'd witnessed, and all the moments he'd seen that fiend abusing his sister, Gaston felt angry again and was satisfied that Andre would get what he deserved. Gaston bore his injuries quietly, telling himself that he deserved it, after the anger and grief he'd caused Andre. But Lissa did not! Gaston was just thankful that she was safe.

Lissa was a wreck. She was so relieved to be home, safe and loved, and she couldn't get over how exciting it was getting to share in Adam and Belle's happiness over baby Ella. Plus, Gaston had given her his blessing to give her heart to Robert. However, on the other hand, Lissa felt incredibly sad, scared, and very lonely. She was still afraid that at any moment, some blackguard would pop out again to hurt her and her family, like he had been. She was worried every time Jesse wasn't in her sight. Though she was getting better, her body was still sore, a vivid reminder of the abuse that had been inflicted on her. No one had ever treated her so cruelly. Well, Gaston had done his share in the past, but never to that point like that!

It had been three days since Lissa had been saved and brought home. Adam had to go down to Villeneuve today to see Lt. Bouvier regarding Officer Rousseau and what was going to be done about Andre. He hated leaving Belle and Ella. He wanted to spend every moment with them. He promised to return as soon as he was finished.

Dr. Tanner visited the castle today to follow up on his patients and also see how the new little princess and Belle were doing. He was pleased at how rosy and happy Belle looked and Ella was anything but unhealthy! Lissa was glad to see another friendly face, and Dr. Tanner told her that though she was still bruised up, her infirmities were healing, slowly but surely. He didn't find any signs of internal bleeding, so he told Lissa that she could get up more if she felt like it. He did notice that she was more subdued than usual, but he didn't blame her after what she'd been through. Gaston's progress however, was much slower, seeing as he'd actually broken some bones. He fussed when the physician told him that he'd still have to remain in bed for at least seven more days.

Gaston and Sarah were enjoying their friends' kindness and hospitality, but they couldn't wait to go home and begin their new life together. Sarah kept telling him that so far their marriage had been quite the adventure, but even she was anxious to be in her new house and take care of her husband like a good wife should.

Belle was sitting on the bed in the West Wing, playing with Ella who was lying down on the huge mattress. Belle was making faces at her, making her daughter laugh. "Oh! Hello, Agathe." Belle smiled warmly when she turned her head. "It's so good to see you! But, what are you doing here?"

"Hello, my dear girl." Agathe smiled warmly as she ventured closer. "I brought you a couple sachets to help your nerves. You'll be needing them soon enough!"

"Oh, Merci." Belle smiled. "I'm so glad you're here. It feels like it's been ages since I've seen you. Would you like to meet Ella?"

"Yes, I would." Agathe beamed. Belle slowly picked up the baby and carried her to her old friend.

"Ella, this is Agathe." Belle cooed to the infant. "She's an old friend of your momma's. I want you two to get to know each other very well, all right?" Agathe smiled at the little girl and ever so gently ran her finger across the baby's soft face. Ella just stared at Agathe, but she didn't cry nor shy away.

"She's perfect." Agathe murmured. "She's going to be strong and noble, like her parents." Belle blushed.

"How have you been, Agathe?"

"I've been just fine. Don't worry about me. How are you feeling, Belle?"

"Tired, restless, but so happy." Belle replied wistfully. "Would you like to see the nursery? I'd love to show it to you!"

"Thank you." Agathe agreed. "I'd love to!"

Lissa lay in her bed, biting her lip. The events of the passed six days kept vividly replaying in her mind over and over again, especially the gruesome moments. She hated dwelling on these things, but the were still so fresh on her. It hadn't even been a week for pity's sake! She longed to be held and spoken softly to, especially right now. But the servants were incredibly busy, tending to their usual jobs plus the new responsibilities that came with Ella's arrival and she didn't want to bother them. Lissa felt incredibly lonely. She tried to think on all the many blessings she had to be thankful for, but they seemed to come as a blur to her. She gazed up at the painting of her mother that Maurice had made for her. Tears instantly came to her eyes. "Ohhh, Mother!" She cried.

Agathe knocked on Gaston and Sarah's door. Sarah let her in. "Agathe!" Gaston sputtered. "This is a surprise. What brings you here?"

"Doing errands for my neighbors and friends." Agathe smiled. "I brought you some of these." She handed Sarah a pouch with a strong woodsy scent. "It's one of my remedies. It should help with the pain."

"Thank you. That was very thoughtful of you." Sarah said. She reached into her pocket to pay Agathe for them.

"So, how is our big hero?" Agathe grinned knowingly at Gaston.

"As fussy and glum as a sick dog." Sarah shook her head. "I can barely keep him in bed!"

"Darling, I have biceps to spare. They're going to waste just lying around like this." Gaston corrected her.

"The whole town is proud of you for how you saved your sister." Agathe said.

"Well, I couldn't have done it alone!" Gaston exclaimed firmly. "It was really Lefou. He was the one who actually figured things out, and he was the one who gave me the answer we needed to find where Lissa was." Agathe smiled warmly at him. He may still be cocky and outspoken, but this was such a different Gaston than the one she used to know!

"You two make an excellent pair when you put your heads together." She said. "You try my remedy and see if you don't begin to feel different in a couple days!"

"Thank you, Agathe." Gaston said quietly. "I really do appreciate it. I'd give anything to speed up my recovery period!"

"Have you seen Ella yet?" Sarah asked.

"Yes. She's such a cutie! Such a dear." Agathe beamed. "She's going to be a fine woman. And don't you two worry. I'll look after your house until you return home."

"You will?" Sarah arched her eyebrows.

"Agathe was our housekeeper a while back. It was temporary, but..." Gaston explained.

"Thank you." Sarah said. "I cannot wait to go home."

Jesse had just bounded back inside the castle after romping outside with Chip and Froufrou. After stealing into the royal kitchen, hoping for a handout, he trotted up the stairs to the West Wing. Belle had just gotten Ella settled to sleep and was going to try and stretch her legs when she looked down and saw the big black dog just sitting there. "Jesse!" She laughed. "You startled me! What are you doing in here?" Jesse came to the bed and rested his head on the edge. He stared at Ella. Belle chuckled and scratched behind his ears. "She's precious, isn't she?" Belle whispered to him. "Thanks for the visit, boy. But why don't you go see Lissa, hmm? I'm sure she can use some company. Go on now."

When Jesse reached Lissa's door, he whimpered and scratched at it. Agathe just happened to be there. She heard weeping from behind the door. She slowly opened it. Jesse hurried in and placed his large paws on the bed. Agathe shut the door behind her and waited. Jesse whined and licked Lissa's face. "Oh, Jesse..." She cried as she looked up and hugged his head. Agathe stepped to the bed.

"Lissa, what is the matter, child?" She asked softly.

"Agathe? I'm sorry." Lissa sniffled. "Just...so much going on..." She tried to wipe her eyes but couldn't catch her breath.

"It's all right." Agathe assured her. "You've had too much to handle in such a short time."

"I...I didn't know you were here." Lissa mumbled. Agathe sat down on the bed next to her.

"How are you handling all of this?" She asked.

"Terribly, I'm afraid." Lissa glanced up at her with red, wet eyes.

"That's understandable. You went through quite an ordeal, and so did the people who care about you, because they were worried."

"Do you think I'm a fraidy cat, to still be afraid of Andre even though he's been arrested?"

"Oh, not at all, dear child." Agathe shook her head, patting her shoulder. "What you are feeling is perfectly natural. You have every right to be afraid and cry over what happened. But you were very lucky. Not many people in your position make it out alive and in such good condition as you did!"

"Gaston saved my life! I thought I was really going to die. But he got me out of there. And now he's hurt. But..." Lissa gulped. Agathe waited for her to continue. "All of this, my family, and good friends: Lefou, Sarah, Robert...I thought I was never going to see any of them ever again! I thought they were all gone from me forever!"

"Shh." Agathe gripped her hand. "This is going to take time to recover from. It was very heavy, almost like a turbulent illness. You're going to have to take one day at a time, and so is your brother."

"Do you think I'll be able to go back to normal life?"

"In time, child. Give it time. And don't forget how blessed you are."

"If only Mother was here." Lissa started weeping again. "Oh, Agathe." Lissa sniffled. "I am so happy for Belle and Adam's baby! She's been such a joy. And Gaston is alive, and Jesse's better! But at the same time, I feel so sad, lonely, and scared. I know Andre's gone now, but I'm still afraid of him lurking around, waiting to hurt us! I may sound childish, but...I...I just want my mother! I really miss her!"

Agathe kindly gripped Lissa's arm. "I know you do, dear." She said quietly. "I miss her too. She was always very generous to me."

"Why did she have to die on us? We need her! I need her." Lissa wept. "I just miss her...so much."

"Would this help?" Agathe asked as she reached down and took Lissa in her arms, just letting her cry and hug on her. Lissa sobbed her heart out, extremely grateful for the gesture. Though the issues were still rolling through her mind, the physical release of the burden seemed to have calmed.

"So many wonderful things are happening, with Robert and everybody." Lissa mentioned. "It's all happening so fast though."

"You're overwhelmed. It will be all right. You know, 'new beginnings are often disguised as painful endings', dear one."

"But why?"

"Bad times make us stronger." Agathe said simply.

"But why does it have to be hard things that strengthen us?"

"They build us up. They force us to persevere, and sometimes it brings inner courage and strength that otherwise we sometimes don't even know is there." Agathe told her. Lissa finally began to calm down though there were still tears in her eyes.

"Well, that doesn't mean we enjoy it!" Lissa blurted out.

"No, no. Of course not. Nobody enjoys pain." Agathe shushed her. "But have you ever noticed the worthwhile lessons we glean from it?"

"Yes." Lissa nodded glumly. "It still hurts very much though."

"Naturally, dear. When Belle took Maurice's place in the dungeon, I'm sure the last thing she expected to come out of that was the life she knows here now. But look how rightly things turned out. Lissa, look at me. You will most likely be scarred by this, possibly for the rest of your life, but in time you'll be able to be happy again. And who knows? Maybe someday...maybe you were put through this trial to help someone else, to empathize with another hurting one in the future who you'll be able to encourage to live their lives again! You'll be able to comfort and weep with them because you've lived it, so you know exactly what they're going through."

"Maybe." Lissa sighed heavily.

"In this life, we have to know some bad times, or our lives are incomplete."

"Mph." Lissa sniffled.

"Your body needs to recover from what happened. But more importantly, your mind needs to heal." Agathe said gently. "Do you want to forget it?"

"Yes! Well, to be honest, no." Lissa sighed, exasperated. "I'm afraid to dream about it at night. And I don't want to keep remembering it. It was awful! But, I never, ever want to forget what it meant to me and how it made me feel when I knew Gaston had come! He came for me, because he cared, and as you know, the passed few years it wasn't like that at all! And this time it wasn't to be the big hero. He did it out of pure love and worry. I don't ever want to lose that! And he did everything he could to bring me back home. He's the best brother I could ever ask for!"

"He was certainly in great distress when he couldn't find you, and was afraid he'd never see you again, love." Agathe explained. "Everybody was. But if you could have seen how feverishly Gaston stressed himself to bring you to safety..." Agathe would gladly grant Lissa's wish to wipe out her memories of that horrible time, if Lissa were to ask for it. But it appeared that she wasn't, as much as she would've liked to. Well, she could at least assure that she'd have a proper rest. "Just take one day at a time. All of you!"

"Thank you, Agathe, for visiting and talking with me. It helps."

"You're welcome, my dear." Agathe smiled and hugged her again. Then she gently set her back down in the pillows. "Now, I want you to rest and get some sleep."

"But Dr. Tanner said I don't have to stay in bed as much now." Lissa said.

"One more day won't hurt you." Agathe argued. "Just relax. Close your eyes and go to sleep." Lissa slowly obeyed. "That's it." Agathe stroked her hair and rubbed her shoulder. When Lissa wasn't looking, she waved her hand in the air and a breezy but soothing tune played above Lissa's head, only to her it sounded as if Agathe was humming. The music was sad but peaceful, glad but melancholy all at the same time. It made Lissa feel safe and very drowsy. Soon enough, she was dozing. Agathe kissed her cheek and quietly departed.

Lissa had the sweetest dreams, of Gaston and Sarah raising a family and being so happy; Belle and Adam ruling graciously and justly, with children who went out to change the world; Maurice became world famous with his art; Lefou became an ambassador for Adam; best of all, Lissa and Robert changing people's lives with his medicine and her books, instilling creative imaginations in their sons and daughters. Lissa slept all afternoon.

Agathe bid Belle and Ella goodbye, and made sure she was out of sight before Adam returned. Adam found Belle walking along the hallways upstairs, trying to stretch her legs, and telling Ella what artifacts had been in the family for hundreds of years. Adam smiled warmly and hurried over to greet them. He hugged Belle and kissed her cheek then leaned his head down and kissed Ella's forehead. She gurgled happily at the sight of her daddy and reached up for him. Belle gladly handed her over as her arms were aching. Adam cradled Ella in his strong arms and grinned down at her. "How are my beautiful girls?" He asked, looking at Belle.

"Fine." Belle sighed, resting her head on his shoulder. "I really wanted to get some exercise."

"Just don't overdue it." Adam warned her gently.

"I won't!" Belle assured him. "Agathe came by for a visit. I showed her the nursery and she thought it was very special."

"Splendid." Adam nodded. "One of these days I should meet this Agathe friend of yours."

"Hmph."

"How are our patients doing?"

"Mrs. Potts said they're resting. Dr. Tanner was by this morning and said that they're improving, but Gaston is going to take a little longer with his more serious injuries."

"Ooo. He's not going to like that!" Adam grinned evilly. Ella giggled at him when he made that face.

"I think you're enjoying him being off his feet." Belle teased.

"Well..." Adam shrugged.

"So, how are things in town? How did it go with Lt. Bouvier?" Belle asked more somberly.

"Well, Rousseau is going back to his usual duties at the prison when he returns to Marseille." Adam rolled his eyes. "He was severely lectured about his behavior. And he will not be getting the reward for Andre's capture!"

"I'm glad to hear that." Belle puffed. "What are they going to do with the reward?"

"Seeing as Gaston and Sarah just got married, and seeing that he went through so much trying to save Lissa, Bouvier suggested we give it to them, to help start their new life."

"That is very generous of him!"

"I think he just wanted justice regarding Andre more than anything. He's a good lawman." Adam said.

"Uhm...what is going to happen to Andre?" Belle looked up at him grimly. Adam sighed glumly.

"He's going to be executed in a week." Adam pursed his lips. "They'd hold him for life, but he's escaped too many times and is very vindictive. He was still threatening everybody as they dragged him back to prison."

"Oh." Belle hung her head. "The whole thing is just terrible."

"Oui." Adam agreed. "Well, let's take a short stroll around this place, shall we?" Belle nodded, smiling. "What do you say, Precious?" He looked down at Ella, who only sucked on his large thumb.

"Darling?" Gaston turned his head toward Sarah who was writing to her family back in Paris.

"Yes, dear?" Sarah slightly turned her head.

"I feel badly that our married life together got off to such a rough start. I'd like to try to make it up to you. What would you like?"

"What do you mean?" Sarah looked at him.

"How can I make you feel better about missing your first week at home?" Gaston asked curiously. "A trip to the seaside again? The loveliest perfume in all of France? The most gorgeous, elaborate gown in Paris, to equal my heart-stopping beauty, which could never measure up to your gorgeous features?"

"Gaston," Sarah playfully scolded, giggling, blushing, and twirling on her chair.

"Please let me do something for you!" Gaston fussed. "Tell me, Sweetheart, what would you really like?" Sarah smirked and came to the bedside, sitting close to him.

"Well, what I really want?" She squinted at him.

"Name it, my love, and it is yours." Gaston whispered flirtatiously.

"Well, I don't want to appear as a spoiled rich girl," Sarah began.

"You could never act spoiled." Gaston interrupted her.

"But, life here is going to be much different from what I knew in Paris." Sarah continued. "More vigorous work than I'm accustomed to, though it feels satisfying. I've noticed that...hard work is part of life, and I know I had maids back in Paris, but the maids here...even they have their workload made more considerably accommodated than even some of the village women! If...if I could have a modern tool like they do, you and I could spend more time together!" Sarah looked at him sheepishly.

Gaston cleared his throat. Sarah was hinting that she wanted to have a washing machine. Gaston remembered the day that Belle had exposed her idea and how she'd paid for it with bigots. Gaston's face went hot as he remembered how he'd made fun of her for trying to bring change when the people didn't ask for it. The thought made him ashamed now. "Really? That is your request?" He finally asked incredulously.

"Yes." Sarah said casually. Gaston sighed and grunted. "Am I asking too much?" Sarah teased.

Gaston winced. How I wish she hadn't asked that! "N-n-no!" He blurted out. "Nothing is too good for Madame Gaston! N-nothing." Sarah snickered with her arms crossed at how pitifully guilty he looked.

"What are you hiding from me? Hmm?" She squinted at him. Gaston bit his lip like a guilty little boy.

"I'd be lying if I said I was in complete favor of that contraption when Belle first tried it." Gaston mumbled shamefully.

"That's nonsense!" Sarah shook her head. "Why in the world would people look down so unfavorably on something that could help ease their workload, especially in a country town like this?"

"Because they're stubborn. And absent-minded when they get a notion." Gaston said dryly. Sarah tickled his chin. "Hey." He narrowed his eyes at her. "Please, none of that!"

"But you're not one of those people...are you?" She gave him the fish-eye.

"Not anymore...at least I hope not!" Gaston replied.

"That's my Muscles." Sarah ran her finger down his nose and kissed it.

"You know, I kind of hate to get back on my feet." Gaston laid his head back contentedly. "What am I going to do for pleasure when I'm no longer in desperate need of this sweet medical attention?"

"That is my department, silly." Sarah whispered, kissing his lips.