Chapter 18- Something Strange
(chapter inspired by the Haley Reinhart song of the same title)
It was a beautiful October day. The sun was shining off the dew across the field behind the cottage, creating the illusion of a sparkling sea. Belle felt lighter than she had in weeks, and greeted the day with newfound optimism. She had no specific plans with anyone, but with energy coursing through her, she promptly completed her daily chores, fixed a hearty breakfast for Papa and Maman, and was out the door just as her parents came down to enjoy the meal.
Her dark green velvet cloak billowed in the wind, and her fingers brushed absently over the cloak's gold clasp. She galloped down the trail she had taken last week, looking for that perfect reading spot she'd seen along the riverbank. Today was just for her. No obligations, no urgent matters to see to, just the book she had gotten from Oncle Levi yesterday, a small picnic lunch, and resting in a beautiful spot, alone.
White fluffy clouds drifted across the brilliant blue sky, hiding the sun's blinding light from time to time. Belle tied Lisette to the tree branch and settled in; leaning against the trunk of the tree. The tall, twisting willow shielded her from view of the path, offering seclusion and privacy. Settling into her spot, she opened the new book and smiled at the crack of the fresh pages, taking in the smell of paper and ink.
Lost in the world of Gulliver's Travels, Belle remained oblivious to the large storm clouds rolled in hours later. A distant crack of thunder made Lisette rear up, and her reins untangled from the branch. Before Belle could react, the horse freed itself and sprinted off, back the way they had come.
Another boom of thunder shook the ground just before the skies gave way, unleashing a torrential downpour beyond her imagination. She frantically tucked her book into her basket and skirted around to the backside of the tree, opposite the riverbank. As she pulled the hood of her cloak over her head, she squinted through the sheets of rain, searching for some form of shelter. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck the willow with a deafening crack, and Belle dove out of the way. The tree split down the middle like a cracked egg, and the bank began to slide into the now raging river.
Belle screamed as she lost her footing, falling into the river along with the tree. She grasped for the willow, the only thing within her reach that could help her stay afloat. But her cloak got caught on a branch as the tree rolled over, dragging her under. She held her breath, waiting for the tree to finish its rotation, but the added weight of her and the cloak kept it from continuing. She was pinned under the water, with nothing but her wits to save her.
Frantically, she tried to release the clasp on the cloak, but her hands were going numb in the frigid water. She couldn't get it to open. For the first time, she wished she hadn't discovered Tobias's spying. If only he was still trailing her.
Kicking against the tree, trying now to rip the cloak free, she was quickly losing strength and her breath. Her lungs burned with the need for oxygen, and her body tingled from the cold of the rushing waters.
Faintly, she heard a splash, then felt a disturbance in the surrounding water. A large, strong hand grabbed hold of her arm and yanked her towards the surface, turning the tree along with it. One more yank, and the cloak finally ripped free. Belle breached the surface, gasping for air, clinging to her rescuer. They carried her out of the river with ease, setting her down a safe distance from the edge.
Belle coughed up a fair amount of water onto the grass while a firm hand patted her back. Once she could breathe easier, she turned around and looked into the familiar light blue eyes hovering over her. They were stricken with worry and exhaustion.
"Are you alright?" Gaston asked as he tried catching his own breath.
She could hardly look at him. The rain poured down so hard and fast, forcing her face to stay fixed on the ground. "Yes, thanks to you." She coughed again. "How did you find me?"
"Your horse," he explained, pulling her up onto her feet. When he let go, she wavered and fell into him. Her feet were so cold she couldn't feel them, but his arms came around her, holding her up against his chest. "Let's get you inside. You can ask all the questions you'd like there."
In one swift move, he swooped Belle up into his arms and carried her to Axel, who was tied to a tree just beyond the trail. Without letting her go, he expertly mounted and set off into the forest, holding her tightly, her arms wrapped around his thick neck.
Belle felt her body warming simply from the close contact with Gaston as they made their way to what she assumed would be his hunting lodge. She had a vague memory of being held in thick, strong arms and feeling safe, warm and loved, but was it Gaston who'd held her? The face of the man wouldn't appear. Her head hurt and she felt drained of all energy. Leaning against Gaston's wide chest, she forced herself to relax for the rest of the short ride.
Belle woke in a strange bed. Concern struck her when she didn't recognize her surroundings. The walls were covered in wood paneling and adorned with nothing but antlers and a few tapestries. A stone fireplace held a well-tended fire that warmed the single room cabin. The bed she lay in was tucked in the corner furthest from the door, pushed against the opposite wall. The mattress was soft and wide, and a beautiful quilt made of intricate squares had been draped over her. Across from her, she noticed metal rings attached to the wall, and wondered at their use. Her gaze then traveled along that wall to a sweet little kitchen. This was clearly not a permanent residence, but it still seemed like a comfortable place.
Two high-backed armchairs flanked the fireplace, and she saw a pair of familiar black boots attached to thick legs stretched out in front. "Gaston?" her voice squeaked. Her throat felt raw, and it hurt to speak.
Gaston stood, his rough features softened with relief as he looked her over. "You're awake!" He strode over to the bed and sat at the foot of it. "You fell asleep on the way here and I thought I should let you rest. But I've been worried about you. Didn't think you'd sleep this long."
His eyes drifted down her frame and she realized she was only wearing her shift and chemise. A blush stole up her cheeks as she pulled the blanket up to cover herself.
"Sorry." He coughed, diverting his eyes from her. His hand rubbed at the back of his neck, and the gesture felt so familiar, even comforting, that it put her more at ease.
"I had to get you out of that soaking wet dress before you caught cold," he explained as he continued to avert his gaze. There was a hint of shyness in his voice, something she never imagined a braggart like him to be capable of. "It should be dry by now. The rain stopped about an hour ago, and the sun made quick work of drying off both of our things."
She saw that he was fully dressed in a teal tunic and his typical brown breeches, which corroborated his story. A smile spread across her face, touched to know that he had taken care of her things.
"I appreciate that. And thank you again for rescuing me." She tucked her loose hair behind her ear and grinned up at him. "I suppose you think me incredibly foolish for being out here alone again."
"No. Not at all." His eyes softened even more. "When I found you the day before yesterday, I wondered why you hadn't taken advantage of that little spot under the willow. I've passed it so many times and imagined you sitting beside it with one of your books. It's how I knew where to find you after I saw your horse running down the path when the storm started."
Belle felt a fluttering in her stomach at how well he knew her. What remained of her apprehension melted away. He'd always shown such disgust
"Is Lisette safe?" she asked, looking for a distraction from her new, unsettling feelings.
"Your horse? Not to worry, Belle. She's safe and sound. As soon as the rain stopped, I went to fetch her. She was a skittish little thing after that storm, but nothing a man with my strength and expert horsemanship couldn't handle. A few sugar cubes and she was smitten. No horse can resist Gaston." He grinned with a flirty lilt to his voice, sending Belle's stomach all aflutter again. Even though he was boasting about himself, she couldn't deny that that roguish smile of his was beginning to have an effect on her. Especially when he seemed to be teasing himself.
"She's tied up out back," he went on. "Where, might I ask, did you come by such a fine mare?"
"She was a gift…" Belle trailed off, unable to finish the thought, for the memory of who had given it to her turned hazy and evaporated like a cloud in the wind.
He whistled. "That's some gift. Who gave it to you?"
"It was..." She shook her head, but it didn't help her recall the information. "Sorry, I must still be a bit waterlogged from my fall into the river. Where are we again?"
"My hunting cabin. I'm making us some tea. You sure you're alright?" Worry was back in his brow, and Belle didn't shy away when he placed a hand over her forehead. It wasn't the right way to check her for a fever, but she found the attempt sweet.
"I'm fine." Belle looked at him curiously, then her eyes flicked to the kettle over the fire. "That's very considerate. But if you wouldn't mind, could you bring me my dress? I really should get home. I'm sure Papa and Maman are worried sick about me."
"Don't be silly," he dismissed. "I've already sent LeFou ahead to let them know you're safe. Trust me, they'll be glad to see you spending time with a real man for a change. Besides, the tea's already on, and it'll help warm you up."
Belle bit her lip, considering his reasoning. Truthfully, she was cold, and he was being very kind, if she ignored that little jab at Edmund. "I know, but…" She couldn't really think of a good reason after everything he'd said, even if she was concerned about being alone with him. Propriety notwithstanding, she still struggled to reconcile this Gaston with the one she'd known for so long.
Pathetically, she made one last attempt. "It's just, I've been gone much longer than I'd planned."
An eyebrow arched at her. "You're shaking like a leaf and look as pale as death. If you fall ill because of my carelessness, I'll never forgive myself." She saw genuine concern in his eyes, and dammit, that was far too endearing. "Would it really kill you to have tea with me?"
Yes! A little voice shouted in her head, but another quickly muted it. He saved your life; you owe him at least that much. Belle shifted, unable to hold his pleading gaze. "Of course it wouldn't. I'm sorry… I just, I've never been in this situation before, falling into rivers and being rescued like some scatterbrained damsel in distress. Let me get dressed, then I can finish up the tea."
He smiled at her, and what little tension had built from her refusals disappeared.
In a few strides, he crossed the room back to the fireplace where her dress was draped over the other armchair. "Here you go, but don't worry about the tea. I can make tea, ya know. My mother used to make it for me all the time when I'd get sick as a boy. And then I'd make it for her. It's not hard to learn." His grin was charming, and Belle grinned back at him.
"I didn't doubt it. And again, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to reject your hospitality. Of course, I'm grateful to the man who just saved my life."
"I think you mean 'the hero' who saved your life." He flexed his boulder like biceps and winked at her. Belle laughed but resisted rolling her eyes at him. So there was still a little of the old Gaston in there somewhere.
He then handed her her dress, saying, "I'll be right outside. Shout when you're ready."
She watched him walk out and her mind reeled at the day's events. If she hadn't seen him with her own eyes and heard him with her own ears, she'd never have believed this was Gaston. He was so different but also still him… It was unsettling, but also—sweet? Could fighting for something bigger than himself really have changed him so much? Maybe she'd just inhaled too much water. That had to be it. Or had she hit her head? Or had he?! Because the man with her was not the Gaston she'd known for the better part of a decade.
She quickly dressed, and they shared tea and some canned biscuits he had in the cupboard. What should have been a harrowing experience turned into a remarkably pleasant afternoon of them chatting about their adjustments being back in Villeneuve. He inquired about the school some more, and she asked what he'd been doing with his spare time. When Gaston returned her home, she was more confused than ever. He'd definitely changed. She just couldn't tell if it was permanent or not.
A few days later, Belle was having another cheerful morning. She'd finished her chores and breezed through the kitchen, grabbing breakfast to go. "I'll be out today," she said, giving both her parents a hug as they sat down to eat.
"And where are you off to?" Maurice asked, chuckling at her chipper attitude.
"Nowhere special," she answered, then bit into an apple.
Her answer drew concern from her mother, but before Rosalind could question her further, Belle was out the door with a basket in hand.
Rosalind turned to her husband and asked, "What's gotten into her?"
Maurice shrugged, swallowing the bite he just took. "Not sure. She's been in a better mood ever since she visited with Levi last week. She's been spending more time with Edmund, and I even saw her talking to Gaston the other day. While I'm grateful for his well timed rescue, I don't trust him."
"I don't either. But Belle is a smart girl. I'm sure she's just humoring him—especially after saving her from the river. You raised a very polite girl after all."
Maurice tried to smile at that, but it still hurt them both that she'd missed out on so much of their daughter's life. "I did my best. But you don't think she's actually given up on the Beast, do you? I haven't heard her cry in almost a week, and she hasn't asked about him once."
"No. She could never do that. Could she?" Rosalind shook her head in disbelief and stabbed a fork full of eggs before continuing. "I should tell her myself what happened, but I wanted to give Beast the chance to do it himself. I thought she deserved to hear it from him. I never imagined it would take this long for him to recover. He relapsed when he tried doing too much too soon and has only just left his room for the first time the other day. He barely got halfway down the hall before Tobias and Lumière had to help him back." Concern etched lines in her forehead.
"I didn't realize it was that bad. Who's running the day to day while he is convalescing?"
"Tobias and Lumière are overseeing anything of importance and keeping the council off his back. But they can consult Beast when absolutely necessary. Kara's looking after him and making sure he doesn't overdo it again. I should probably check in on them and give Kara a respite."
She stood—having finished her meal—and took a basket off the shelf. Carefully, she filled it with some new tonics and a few jars of healing balm.
"I'll say again, I think you should tell Belle. She'd want to be there, taking care of him herself. She's going to be upset that we kept this from her. And the longer it goes on, the longer it will take to regain her trust." Maurice ran a guilty hand over his head, his dark eyes pleading with his wife. "I've never lied to her like this before. I don't like it."
Rosalind paused and looked down at him. Leaning over to kiss his head, she said, "You're right. I'll tell her everything tonight when I get home. And I'm sorry for dragging you into this."
"As long as we make it right…" He tilted his head up and his wife gave him a kiss before heading out.
Belle's laughter filled the small room as Gaston rocked back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest. "It's not funny," he grumbled.
She wiped a tear from her eye as she tried to calm herself. "I'm sorry. But the image of you in that mud puddle, tail end up, it just…" She cracked up again, and he continued to pout.
"You broke my heart," he huffed.
A snort escaped, and her hazel eyes sparkled. "I did not! Your ego was bruised."
He finally grinned at her, and she knew he was just putting on a show of being actually hurt. "That too…"
"Did you really think I'd be impressed with a wedding attack?"
He opened his mouth for a moment, but snapped it shut, and his grin spread into a smirk. "Wedding 'attack'? Is that any way to show your appreciation for all the planning, effort, and cost I put into such a romantic gesture? Any other girl would have been thrilled. If only I'd used a book to lure you out first. We could have been married in minutes."
She wiggled her eyebrows teasingly. "Just one book? It would have taken a lot more than that." A slim finger tapped her lips. "I'm thinking a full, multi-story library would have been necessary if you were serious about making my dreams come true."
Now it was Gaston's turn to laugh. "Oh, Belle, who knew you had such a keen sense of humor! Who has space for something like that? My home was built for raising strapping boys, not to house books."
A jarring pulse of pain rocketed through her head, and Belle gasped. An image tried breaking through, but it was trapped. She pinched her eyes closed, trying to force it to the forefront, but it dissolved before she could get a clear picture.
Gaston jumped to his feet, his chair falling to the floor behind him. He crouched beside her, his hand cupping the back of her head. "What was that? Are you alright?"
Belle waved him off, and his hand dropped. "It was nothing. Just a sudden pain, but it's gone." The compassion in his eyes was something she didn't know if she'd ever get used to seeing. But she leaned forward and placed a peck on his cheek. "But thank you for your concern."
He snorted, getting back to his feet. "You say that as if you're surprised I care. I've always cared, Belle, even if you didn't take it that way."
She hadn't meant to offend him. Leaving her seat, she followed him as he paced into his kitchen. "I'm sorry, Gaston. I didn't mean it like that." Her hand touched his shoulder, and he turned towards her, leaning against the counter.
"I know I didn't give the best impression before, but trust me, I'm a changed man now." Belle felt drawn to him as he gazed into her eyes, and she took a step closer. His fingers brushed through her hair and she turned her cheek into the caress. "If you'd give me another chance, I know I could prove it to you."
For a moment the earth stilled, and Belle held her breath. Was he going to kiss her? Did she want him to? So many confusing feelings had been bouncing around in her head the last few days and she didn't understand what was happening. This was Gaston! But it wasn't. He was better, kinder, smarter.
A knock on the door interrupted, and Belle jumped back, out of Gaston's hold.
He gave an exasperated sigh and walked to the door, opening it.
"Mornin' Gaston!" cheerfully came out of LeFou as he walked in. His eyes flew wide when they landed on Belle, and her cheeks flared. She shouldn't be alone like this with Gaston in his house. People would talk.
Bashfully, the small man said, "Hi, Belle."
"Bonjour, LeFou. I was just dropping off some fresh jam I made to thank Gaston." She picked her basket up off the floor and grabbed the flowers on the table. Her eyes moved to Gaston, and she smiled. "Thank you for the flowers."
"Of course. Have a good afternoon. I can't wait to try the jam." He reached for her, but stopped halfway, his gaze sliding to Lefou's stunned face. "I'll see you tonight, for dinner?"
With a small dip of a curtsy, Belle said, "You will. Bonne journée, boys." and walked out.
The door flew closed, slamming, making Belle jump. Gaston didn't know his own strength sometimes, she figured, and headed on her way. A smile found its way to her lips as she recalled the longing in his eyes just before LeFou arrived. If they hadn't been interrupted, what would have happened? Would she really have let Gaston kiss her? The answer was as disturbing as the strange feelings she'd been having about him.
The nightmares of being his subservient wife no longer plagued her. Instead, dreams of a life where she was happily married and settled came to her at night. Sometimes Edmund was her husband, and they taught side by side every day. Other times, there was this shadowed figure that seemed too large to be human but made her feel like she was home. A few times that shadowed figure stepped forward, and it was Gaston. He held his arms open, and she gladly walked into them, letting him hold her. She felt so content in those dreams, like she was where she belonged.
But something was missing, and when she tried reaching for it, she'd wake with a throbbing headache. So she tried not to think too hard about it. For the first time in a long time she was happy, and she wished to remain that way.
Massive thanks to TheGreenArcher for her incredible beta work with me on this chapter! And to WhiteButterfly as well. This was desperatly needed from its first draft, and I'm so much happier with it now.