Disclaimer: I own nothing except for my OC Cosette and the alterations in the storyline plot her presence provides to various readers amusment everywhere across the globe.

Innocence Of A Child Chapter 19

After the unexpected and welcome trip to Paris Belle, Beast, and Cosette kind of went their own ways. The Beast went to have some time alone with whatever he does in the Castle, Belle went to make some finishing touches in the ballroom now that preparations in cleaning the grand room are finished, and Cosette went to go play.

Cosette was lucky enough to somehow locate a vase filled to the brim with fresh flowers. A feat she has no clue came to be because the Castle is always constantly surrounded by snow. Maybe the magic makes the flowers so like this all the time. That's why she really loves this place. So quite unceremoniously Cosette gets most of the flowers out of the vase miraculously without spilling it. Here on the floor she sits and works to create a flower garland. By the time Cosette is done it's a lot bigger than she anticipated it to be, but given this is her first try creating one it's unsurprising. Cosette sat there in indignation, wondering what good this is to her now. That is until she saw Beast walking by in the hallway. Cosette was unseen to him given her position and height.

Making her presence known as she stood up, an idea suddenly coming to her, Cosette said "Hello."

Turning abruptly at the sound of her voice, spotting her, Beast said "Cosette, shouldn't you be with your sister?"

Shrugging, Cosette said "Belle is busy. I wanted to play."

Noticing the flower garland dangling in her grip, Beast said "What do you have there?"

Holding it up higher, Cosette said "It's a flower necklace. Do you like it?"

Kneeling down to be more at her height, touching the petals with his fingertips, Beast said "It's quite nice."

Faster than he can react Cosette then slips the flower garland over his massive head to where it's now hanging on his neck.

Smiling impishly at Beast, kissing his furry cheek, Cosette said "For you."

Taken aback Beast casts his eyes back and forth between her and the floors temporarily unable to form words. Cosette patiently waits for him do say something.

Softening more, Beast said "Thank you, Cosette."

Cosette bouncing on the balls of her feet giggling.

Taking hold of Cosette's hand the two then make their way to the ballroom together.

Belle has cleaned it spectacularly well. Everything sparkles, glistening all over the place.

Eyes wide at the sight, Cosette gasped "So pretty!"

"I know! It's so wonderful, especially with the sunlight from outside streaming in through the glass," said Belle, walking over.

Unable to contain herself Cosette releases Beasts hand to run at the center of the room and twirl around.

Grinning at the flowers dangling from his neck, Belle teased "New ornament?"

Clearing his throat uncomfortably at the question in order to act all tough and keep his composure, Beast said "Not really. You're sister made this for me and insists that I wear it."

"And you don't want to hurt her feelings by taking it off," surmises Belle.

Shaking his head, watching Cosette at play from the corner of his eye, Beast said "I wouldn't say that. I could tell that Cosette put a lot of hard work into crafting this. I must admit that this is…nice."

"I'm glad you think so," said Belle, tracing one of the petals and then waving her hand at the new and improved ballroom. Really with all the hard work she put into it with the held of the maids and Cosette she should be very proud of herself and this accomplishment. "So what do you think?"

Taking it all fully in, impressed, Beast admits "It's very well done. Truth be told I haven't seen it look this good in years. Brings back memory's."

"Really," said Belle, intrigued.

Nodding, Beast said "Definitely reminds me of old times. Makes me want to do something about it."

Cocking her head to the side in puzzlement, Belle asks "What do you mean by that?"

Shrugging, eyes traveling over the marvelously shining ballroom, offhandedly, the Beast said "You've been making everything so beautiful. Might be fitting for us to have a dance tonight to celebrate all the hard work you and Cosette have done putting into this."

Beast then froze catching himself. Much to his displeasure the words were already out so it's too late to alter them.

"A dance! Hooray! Are we going to have a party," said Cosette, skipping over to them.

Picking Cosette up and spinning her around to the point where Cosette is laughing hard in glee, Belle said "Yes, it looks like we are."

"Yeah! I've never been to a dance," said Cosette, excitedly.

"What fun this will be," agreed Belle.

A strained smile forming on his lips, Beast said "So happy you like the idea."

Oh boy. He's truly stuck in a bind now this time.

Authors Note:

Hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D

The dress that Cosette is going to war in the next segment is the pink one Snow White wears ass a child in the show Once Upon A Time episode 15: The Queen Is Dead. Thought it would be a fitting ensemble for Cosette to wear for this grand occasion.

I'm glad to have finally gotten back to this after such a long absence compared to some others on my profile. I've been meaning to for a while and only now I've managed to find time and inspiration for it. Still in the beginning stages, but I'm very satisfied and happy about it.

Heads up everyone. Article 13 is rearing its ugly head again. So those of you who can find a legitimate petition and sign it so we can help prevent Article 13 from passing.