3.5k words. How is this that many words?! That is a lot of words and you better enjoy these words because I worked really hard on this. Without further ado, please enjoy the Beauty and the Beast AU with our favorite teens who hate but are actually attracted to each other.

- Mossy

Phoenix- Thank you! I still think Ray is a cool characters though

Minty- Really, one of your favorites? Why thank you! I tried to make Ray and creepy as possible.

Lucy- Thanks! I wanted it to be scary for Halloween, glad to hear I succeeded. And yeah, Troutpaw needs all the love :(.

There was a knock on the palace door. "Hello? Servant?" Prince Brent called, "Anyone?" He let out a long groan and went to open the door. Outside, standing in the pouring rain was a stout, old woman.

"Please give me shelter, good prince," she wheezed and then broke into a coughing fit. The prince dusted off his satin tunic, disgusted.

"Ew, you're old," he said, and slammed the door in her face. There was a knock again.

"Please prince, the rain tires my old bones," the woman reached for Brent with shaking hands and he stepped back to avoid her touch. She pulled out the most beautiful rose the prince had ever laid eyes on, "Please, I will give you this rose in return."

"You want me to let you stay in my castle, in exchange for plant life that's going to die in a week? I have a garden full of roses!" he laughed in the old woman's face, "Yeah, right lady."

Brent's eyes widened as the age melted off the old woman and she turned into a very beautiful, regal lady with long, golden curls and flawless features. His sister probably would have fainted.

"Why didn't you say you were the flower?" Brent smirked, attempting to hide his fear.

The woman turned her cold, icy gaze upon him. "You are selfish and rude," she spat, "You will not even give an old woman shelter. It you find someone to love you before the last petal of this rose falls, your curse will be broken, Prince Brent."

"What curse?" Brent raised an eyebrow. The woman turned towards him and began to chant. Brent felt light-headed and felt his bones begin to crack and reform. The normally cool and confident prince screamed in horror.

…

Tristan smiled softly as Ray grinned at him from across the carriage. He couldn't help but flush slightly and look away, Ray was one of the most handsome and wealthy bachelors in town and he had been blatantly pursuing Tristan for a while. Tristan was flattered by the advances, but he wasn't sure how he felt about the whole thing. Yes, Ray was wealthy and kind to him, but Tristan wasn't sure if his heart belonged to him.

Still, he appreciated the attention. It was a nice distraction from his mother, who ran the local tavern. He wished she'd hire some help, it was difficult to be the chef, barkeep, and innkeeper while she spent her days "entertaining" their attractive male guests.

Ray placed his hand on his, "What are you thinking about, love?"

"Oh, nothing," Tristan said awkwardly, "Just… about you."

Ray smiled and ran a finger gently down Tristan's cheek, "I think about you all the time, you are always on my mind."

Tristan gave Ray a weak smile, flushing at the older gentleman's touch. Well, not too much older. Tristan had seen worse age gaps among courting pairs, particularly with those who married for money. He flinched when Ray grabbed one of his curls and began to play with it. Tristan wasn't entirely comfortable with the close proximity, but he might not get another chance to get away from his mother's tavern.

Ray provided him with an escape, and Tristan didn't want to squander that chance. He was sure he could learn to love Ray in time.

There was a bump and the road and the carriage lurched. Tristan had to grab the sides to keep his balance. "Woah!" he exclaimed. Ray gripped his shoulder to steady him.

"Careful, my Tristan," the young, golden haired man smiled, "We wouldn't want you to fall." Tristan just nodded, holding Ray with a shaky hand.

"Come on, we've arrived at my estate," Ray told him and helped Tristan out of the carriage. "Watch your step," he said with a wink.

Tristan frowned, just because he was short didn't mean he couldn't get out of a carriage!

Ray just stifled a laugh and helped Tristan into the house.

Later that night, after an exhausting evening of managing the tavern, Tristan thought he heard a horse whinny. He looked out the window and saw his aunt's horse walking into camp. He hadn't really spoken to his aunt since his other aunt- and her wife- passed away a couple years ago, but he was sure he would want her horse back. He walked out of his room in the tavern and grabbed the mare by the reins. He stroked the beast's nose and whispered, "It's okay girl, I'll get you home." He knocked on the door, but no one answered. He only heard a quiet sobbing coming from inside. He wondered if one of his cousins would let him in.

They didn't really interact, on account of Tristan being "born out of wedlock." At least, that was his aunt's excuse. He just thought she didn't want to deal with him. She didn't want to deal with anyone anymore, not even her own kids. Unfortunately, that was something Tristan and his cousins could relate to. Speaking of my cousins…

He remembered that Willow had decided to go out riding today. He only remembered because she had come by and eaten at the tavern, while telling him about it. But if her horse is here, then where's Willow?

He had a sudden sinking feeling in his stomach that something awful must have happened to his cousin. He leapt up on the mare and whipped the reins. "Go!" he called, and galloped through the cold night air.

The wood was dark and shadowy, but Tristan knew he had to find Willow. It wasn't safe for a twelve year old girl to be out in the woods alone. He looked all over, but there was no sign of her. He wasn't sure how far he rode, but soon dawn was approaching. He thought he saw, in a sliver of morning light, Willow's brown riding cloak. Up ahead was a massive castle and Tristan had to blink twice. This was the haunted castle that everyone was told to stay away from. Rumor was that there had been a horrible accident one night, and the royal family had never been heard from again. The princess was the only one who survived, because she had been off visiting a dear friend. Now she was preparing to wed that same friend.

Cautiously, Tristan pushed the iron gate, which opened with a long creak. His legs were trembling as he stepped inside. "W-Willow?" he called, "W-W-Willow?"

Fallen leaves crunched under his feet and he winced at the sound. Carefully, he made his way up to the palace steps. He knocked on the door, and it swayed open. Tristan stepped inside, his lip quivering. He saw a large living area complete with a velvet sofa, but no Willow. He went up the stairs, and heard cries echoing from around a corridor. "Willow!" Tristan called and rushed up the steps.

He saw her hunched over in a small cell behind bars, her hair was in her eyes. Tear streaks marked her face as she met his gaze. "Tristan, is that you?" she asked, "You have to get out of here!"

"No, I'm n-not leaving you," Tristan tumbled over his words as he attempted to quell his fear, "W-Who did this?"

"I did," a voice boomed from the back of the hall, and Willow screamed.

Tristan turned around and saw a horrid creature towering over him. His heart skipped three beats. Dark brown fur coated the monster, who had long fangs and sharp claws. A thick, scaly tail swept along the floor as the creature walked. He glared down at Tristan with cold, blue eyes. "Who do you people think you are?" the monster snapped, placing a hand in it's hip, "Coming into my castle uninvited!"

"I-I did?" Tristan stuttered, tripping over his feet in fear. He fell backwards in his butt and cowered as the monster came towards him.

"I will give you till the count of three to leave," the beast growled.

"M-My cousin… I can't leave her here!" Tristan cried and looked at Willow.

"Nope, she's being punished for trespassing," the beast sighed in annoyance, "Leave now."

"I-I'll take her place!" Tristan yelled suddenly, and Willow looked at him with wide eyes, "Please, she's only a kid."

Willow cried as the beast grabbed her and shoved her towards the stairs. She took one last look at Tristan and ran down the steps. Tristan got in the cage, not sure what he was thinking.

He slumped down against the wall, and couldn't help it as tears began to fall down his face. Now he was stuck in prison forever with a monster.

The beast crossed it's arms. "Don't cry," he grunted, "It's annoying."

"Then just eat my and get it over with," Tristan sobbed, "Why else would you want me?"

"Nah, you'd be too stringy," the beast muttered, "Besides, a small morsel like you wouldn't fill me up. You got a name, twerp?"

Tristan glared at him. "Y-You trap m-me in h-here," he spat, "And n-now you i-insult me?" His legs were still trembling.

"You came into my castle and decided to stay!" the beast growled, "Stop acting like you're the victim here!"

"You're t-the one who said o-one if h-had to stay!" Tristan yelled back, his face flushed with anger, "Y-You beast!"

The monster raised a paw and Tristan flinched, ready to die…

Only to be lifted up and out of the cage. "Put me d-down," he sputtered, shaking and struggling.

"No," the monster smirked, and began to swing his back and forth, "Hey, you're a lightweight."

Tristan looked at him indignantly, "And you're a monster!"

Cold blue eyes bore into his hazel ones. "It's Brent," the creature growled.

Tristan was carried down the corridor by his shirt and he was incredibly uncomfortable.

"Alright, this is your guest bedroom," Brent sighed, "You'll stay in here so you don't annoy me."

Tristan stopped his foot. "So I don't annoy y-you?" he huffed, "You're literally a hideous beast!"

"Well… you're an annoying speck!" Brent growled and shoved Tristan into the room. He walked off, muttering under his breath.

Tristan looked around at the bedroom and noticed that it was huge. At least he was staying in a nice prison. He walked over to the large bed and collapsed, sobbing into the silk pillows.

Somehow, Tristan ended up falling asleep. He was rudely awoken by a banging on his door.

"G-Go away!" he yelled, and curled up in a ball. The door opened despite his protests.

Brent stood there, lashing his tail. "You, dinner, now," he growled.

"No," Tristan crossed his arms and turned his head. He was picked up again and forcefully carried to the dining room.

"Is this going to become a habit?" he frowned as he sat down.

Brent gritted his teeth, "It wouldn't if you would just walk where you're supposed to go!"

"Well, sorry I don't want to listen to the giant monster who's imprisoning me!" Tristan yelled and slammed his hands on the table, "You're horrible!"

Brent placed some soup in front of Tristan. "Eat," he hissed and loudly plopped down in a chair.

Tristan begrudgingly ate his soup. Brent looked at him, disgusted. "You don't slurp it," he said, utterly mortified, "You have the manners of a plebian!"

Tristan began to slurp the soup even louder than before.

This was very much how the next couple weeks went. Tristan would be as much of an annoyance as possible to Brent as revenge for trapping him in the castle. Sure, he was afraid of the beast, but once he figured out Brent wasn't going to hurt him he had nothing to lose.

So, they continued this careful dance of grinding on each other's nerves. Both found the other infuriating for different reasons, and yet their annoyance was the same. Both Brent and Tristan figured out that they loathed the other, and they believed that was never going to change.

Tristan was sitting in his bedroom, bored out of his mind. He had already finished the three books on the shelf in his room and Brent was in no mood to give him more.

He frowned and pushed a stray curl out of his face. Tristan got out of bed, deciding to explore the castle to ease his boredom. He hadn't gotten far when he noticed one room that he had never been inside. He turned the handle, and was surprised to find the door was locked. "What do you think you're doing?" a voice growled from behind him, "That rooms off limits, lightweight."

"Why?" Tristan asked, his teeth gritting at the insult. His curiosity had been peaked. "What's in there?" he asked a little too eagerly.

"Nosy much?" Brent huffed, stepping in front of the door, "It's none of your business." He smugly gestured towards the key that hung around his neck, "And you're not getting in anytime soon."

Tristan immediately figured there was treasure in that room. Why else would such a hideous monster be guarding it? Quickly, he ran under Brent's chin and snatched the key. Brent pulled back and the string snapped. "Guess being short is good for something," Tristan smirked and unlocked the door.

Inside the room there were a lot of dusty old tables and chairs, he looked on the wall and saw a portrait of a young man- a very handsome young man. Tristan stared at the painting for longer than he should have and turned his gaze upon the rest of the room. On an old wooden table was a beautiful rose that had faint, glowing petals scattered around it. He went over to smell it when a clawed paw shoved him to the ground.

"I told you not to come in here," Brent snarled in Tristan's face, "You could have doomed me, you insolent prick!" He bared his teeth and growled.

Tristan wasn't waiting around to die. He sprinted out of the room, down the stairs, and out the front door. He ran through the snow, shivering and looking for help. There was no one in these parts of the woods.

He looked around desperately, his teeth chattering. He's gonna find me and kill me, he's probably the monster that killed the prince!

Tristan willed his feet to move faster. He didn't notice the shadow stalking him.

He ran down the path, only to be sprung upon a ball of muscle and claws. A cougar! He gulped as the large cat hissed and pulled back to bite his throat. Tristan closed his eyes, ready to die.

He heard a pained squeak as the pressure in his chest was suddenly removed. He opened his eyes, feeling a little dizzy at the sight of blood on his chest where the cougar had clawed him.

He saw Brent standing over the cougar, heaving. He roared at the cat, who scurried off. Tristan looked at him warily. "Thanks…" he whispered, "I-I thought I was going to d-die."

"You were," Brent grunted and lifted Tristan over his shoulder. Tristan was quiet as he was carried back to the castle.

He was placed in his bed and Brent came back with a steaming cup of tea. "It's willow tea," he explained, "Drink it."

Tristan drank the tea, not sure what to say. Brent gently took his shirt off and cleaned his wounds. Tristan couldn't help but notice the care that he used when placing bandages in the damaged skin. He flushed a little at the fluttery touch.

He wasn't permitted from leaving the bed for a couple days, and both Brent and Tristan were quiet as Brent brought him tea and food. He couldn't help but notice that he was feeling more... clammy, when Brent was around. He couldn't place his finger on it.

One day, after his wounds had healed somewhat, Brent dragged him out of bed. "Follow me bookworm," he smirked and Tristan sighed. He stumbled forward on legs that were shaky from disuse.

"Where are we going?" he asked, looking up at Brent.

"Like I'd tell you," he laughed and slapped Tristan on the back, causing him to stumble forward. He glared at Brent and kept walking. Brent led him to a large set of double doors. Tristan's eyes widened as he looked at the largest library he had ever seen. There were just so many books.

"Why have you been hiding this from me?" he whispered.

"You were an annoying prick," Brent said, rubbing the back of his neck and avoiding Tristan's gaze, "Now you're… less annoying."

"Gee, thanks," Tristan muttered and looked around, starry-eyed at the books surrounding him. He spent hours reading and browsing among the shelves.

"You really like to read, huh?" Brent chuckled, and said stiffly, "Well, you may come in here and read whenever you please."

"R-really?" Tristan looked like a child who had just received a new toy.

There was a shift in their dynamic after that. They still threw jabs at each other, but the barbs were less sharp. Tristan even noticed that he found Brent mildly funny, something he was not expecting. They went from avoiding each until dinner to speaked throughout the day.

It was nice, and for the first time in his life Tristan actually felt like he might belong somewhere. Then, Brent asked him to dance over dinner one night. Tristan had somehow stuttered out a yes amid his storm of feelings.

He put on a black suit with a yellow tie, feeling oddly self-conscious for a dance among friends. He blinked for a moment, wondering when Brent had become his friend.

They met in the ballroom. "There's no one to play music," Tristan looked around. It was just him and Brent in the castle as far as he knew.

"I will," Brent cracked an arrogant smirk that Tristan would have flinched at in the past due to the visibility of Brent's fangs, but now he smiled back without a second thought.

They entered a slow waltz as Brent serenaded Tristan, who laid his head on Brent's chest. He could hear the rhythm of Brent's heart and he closed his eyes. In that moment, everything was perfect.

Then a voice called from the doorway, "Release him from under your spell, monster." There stood a young man with look golden hair and green eyes aflame with rage. He had a musket pointed right at Brent.

Brent let go of Tristan and turned to face Ray. "Who do you think you are?" he exclaimed, "You don't kill a man in his own home!"

Ray walked towards them, his wet rain boots squeaking against the ballroom floor. Tristan saw Brent glare at the mud that was on the floor.

"You are a flithy beast who has captured my beloved," Ray snarled, "Now you must die."

"I'm flithy? You got dirt all over the floor!" Brent growled, raising up a clawed hand. Tristan stepped in front of Brent.

"D-don't do this Ray," he begged, "Please!"

"You must be free, you must be mine," Ray said throw gritted teeth. He fired at Brent's leg, who howled in pain and stumbled backwards into the balcony.

Tristan looked in horror as Ray lunged at Brent with a knife but fell over the railing. He was holding onto the slippery stone with one hand. "Ray!" he called, not wanting to lose his friend.

Brent grabbed Ray by the arm and pulled him up, and Tristan gasped as Ray raised his knife up. It gleamed for a second in the moonlight, before it was jammed into Brent's side. Brent screamed and Tristan reached out for him. Brent's grip on Ray slackened as he fell to his knees and Ray gave Tristan one last look, his green eyes filled with a swirl of emotions before plummeting to his doom. Tristan held him last with a sickening splat.

He didn't have much time though, he ran over to Brent, tears running down his face. "Nononono," he whispered, "Please don't leave me too." He couldn't lose Ray and Brent, definitely not Brent.

Brent gently ran his hand on Tristan's cheek, whipping the tears away. He coughing, blood trickling at the corner of his mouth. "Heh, never thought you'd cry for me," he whispered.

"No, you c-can't go," Tristan buried his face in Brent's chest, "N-not when I…"

He realized in that moment that he didn't want to live without Brent, he wanted to spend the rest of his life chatting and joking in the castle, or blushing when Brent pushed a stray curl out of his face, or read a book while sitting beside the hulking beast. "I-I love y-you," Tristan whispered, his voice pained as he realized he was losing the future he now wanted more than anything. Brent's heart came to a slow stop and Tristan let out a weak sob.

He wanted as Brent seemed to shrink before his eyes, his fur falling off and his claws and fangs receding. The tail shrank until it disappeared. Tristan was left sitting next to the most beautiful boy he had ever seen, and confusion flickered across his features. He was even more shocked when the dead boy open his eyes and shot up, placing his lips on Tristan's. Tristan couldn't help but lean into the kiss, his heart racing.

"Brent?" he asked, though he was sure about the answer to the question.

"It's me shorty," Brent smirked and ruffled Tristan's hair, "And I love you too."

I did it, it's done