AN: For the sake of clarity, when I do Belle's POV she will refer to herself in the feminine form, because that is what she grew up with and mostly how she thinks of herself. But everyone in the castle calls her Ben, and by masculine pronouns.
Ch 5: Stay
~Belle's POV~
As Belle continued to get better, she found herself wishing she wasn't healing so quickly. She was no longer feverish and the cut on her arm was now closed and scabbing over nicely. Though she was nearly better, the thought brought her little joy. Because that would mean she'd have to leave the strange castle and journey forth on her own again.
The prospect was not just terrifying because she had no idea what the future held, but because she had grown to love being in the castle over the past week. Mrs. Potts and Lumiere had visited her often, telling her about all that happened in the castle.
Lumiere was a true lover to his core. Belle failed at keeping a straight face whenever he would go on about another one of his lady loves. He was particularly enamored with a feather duster named Babette, who according to Lumiere, was just resisting his charms for now.
And Mrs. Potts was a dear. She would tell Belle about workers she was friends with and her son, Chip. An adorable teacup with a propensity of asking silly questions. Just yesterday he had completely flustered his mother when asked how baby teacups were made. Her kettle had glowed red, and a more than a little steam came from her spout as she used the age old saying 'I'll tell you when you're older'. Though truthfully, Belle was more than a little curious herself.
Then there was Cogsworth, a rather stuffy old clock at first impression. But his passion really shined when you got him talking about architecture. He had a love or art and history; and enjoyed more than one little joke about something being 'baroque', which apparently didn't mean it was broken.
Though she had not ventured far from her room, Belle had also started to make friends with various other members of the castle. All of them were lovely, kind, and warm. They had made Belle feel so accepted and comfortable even just the few days she had been there. And they in return seemed to love spending time with her.
It had all started innocently enough, when she had complained about not being able to leave the bed, dubbing herself 'sleeping beauty' or beau rather. Mrs. Potts and Lumiere had no idea what she was referring to and encouraged her to tell the tale of the sleeping princess. Since then various object would gather around and beg for another story. Belle gathered it was a good thing she loved to read and happened to know more than a few tales. She loved telling them though, loved seeing their eager faces as she started a new adventure.
But more than anything, Belle had to admit, she loved it when Beast would slip in unnoticed by the others. Belle tried to watch for him, but somehow it always seemed when she'd start the story he was nowhere to be found. Then she would get carried away, and suddenly look up. He'd be there, across the room watching in quiet fascination.
It made her heart beat rapidly every time.
She didn't know why, but something about him just appealed to her. Maybe it was his beautiful coat she itched to stroke, or how warm and big his paws felt. Or perhaps it was the intensity of his piercing blue eyes, that seemed to follow her every movement. Belle thought she could get lost staring into them. More than once, she'd had to remind herself to look away or he'd think she was being rude.
And that was when others were around.
When he'd visit on his own, even just for a few minutes several times a day, Belle had to remember to breathe. The heat that radiated from him, made her flush with warmth. And a very strong part of her had to hold back from touching him whenever he came within reach. She had looked forward to the times he would change her bandage, reveling in his touch.
But now, her arm no longer needed the wrap. She felt a sense of loss, knowing he wouldn't need to touch her again. But even more, her heart panged knowing she wouldn't be able to stay any longer either.
Belle tried to hold back her sigh, as she glanced out the window watching the sun dance across the lawn and castle. Her thoughts turned sad, knowing in the morning she would have to bid it all goodbye.
It was only the sound of a knock at the door that kept her from indulging in a good cry.
"Come in." She called, trying to put on a cheery voice, but it wasn't too convincing.
"Ben? Are you okay?"
The concern in Beast's voice warmed her from head to toe as he made his way over to where she was standing by the window.
Belle put on a brave face, knowing it was time.
"Yes, I'm wonderful actually."
Beast's eyes were unreadable as he looked her over. Something in his stance seemed tense though.
"You feel better?" His words were carefully chosen, and Belle had to wonder if he was simply being polite by making sure, instead of just kicking her out.
She gave him her best attempt at an encouraging smile, but the warmth there was real.
"Yes. Very much so. I owe a great deal to you and your staff for letting me stay as long here as you have." She tried to not let any sadness show through.
"You want to leave?" There was a note of surprise, and something that sounded a lot like distress to Belle. But that couldn't be right. It was his castle; surely he was ready for his unexpected visitor to get on their way.
"I'm not sure if want is the right word. But I am all healed. It would be wrong of me to take advantage of your kindness any longer. I was thinking in the morning I could get an early start, if you don't mind me staying another night." Though it was still bright out, nightfall was coming soon, and Belle didn't want to risk spending the night in the dark. Though that was probably inevitable.
He was quiet as he examined her for a long moment. It made Belle feel nervous and twitchy. She resisted to urge to play with the hem of her shirt.
"I'd like to think on this more. Would you have dinner with me tonight and we can discuss it then? If you still feel like leaving in the morning, you will be free to do so."
Belle was so surprised she could only nod. What more was there to think about? She had healed, that was the terms of their arrangement. And even before she had become his prisoner, he had only offered her one night of rest. Perhaps he was still feeling guilty about the incident? Or maybe he wanted to be certain she was better?
"Would you like to eat in main hall? Or I can have dinner brought here again."
Belle genuinely smiled at the thought of getting out of the room. She had only been allowed just outside her room this past week, and a change of scenery would be nice.
"The main hall would be great. Thank you."
She saw as his eyes softened momentarily. His nod was brief before he strode back to the other side of the room.
"Till later."
His warm deep words slithered through her as he walked out the door. Belle suppressed a groan, wondering how this evening was going to go.
…
~Beast's POV~
Beast paced his room, eyes shifting back and forth rapidly as his mind whirled back and forth between thought and emotion.
Ben was going to leave.
Ben should leave.
But he didn't want Ben to leave. And it didn't seem as if the boy had anywhere to go.
Perhaps he was mistaken, maybe the boy did have a family waiting on him somewhere.
But if that was true, why weren't they mentioned during this past week?
Beast's head was filled with arguments and counter arguments. He couldn't say why he wanted Ben to stay, only that he did; however wrong that might be.
What kind of life could he really offer?
But then again, what kind of life had led the boy here in the first place?
Groaning, Beast took his head in his paws. He needed to figure this out, and soon. Dinner would come shortly, and he needed to make a decision before that happened.
"Master?" The cautious, but open voice, had Beast turning to look on at the candelabra with a face of utter confusion. "You are conflicted about Ben." He told Beast knowingly.
"He said he feels better. I should let him leave in the morning."
Lumiere gave Beast a disagreeing look.
"Why should you? I would think if he had anywhere to go, he would have wanted to be there before now anyways."
Beast sighed again.
Even if that was true, what could he say to make Ben stay?
"Why wouldn't he want to leave? What can we offer him here? A prison?"
Lumiere was quiet, and Beast wondered for a moment if he knew something.
"I think we have more to offer then we even know. He showed up here for a reason. Maybe it feels like a prison to us, but to him, a sanctuary."
Beast wanted to believe it.
"Everyone loves him." Lumiere said after a moment. Beast looked up at the shining eyes of his friend. "Even sick, he has brought so much happiness in this past week. And the castle feels more alive than ever. I feel more alive. Don't you?"
Beast couldn't deny what his friend was saying. Over the years, hopelessness had taken root. And slowly the spirit had dwindled to nearly nothing. They had all felt the change when Ben found them. A certain energy was in the air, and every day Beast had found something new that once was dark and grey. A corridor near Ben's room, that was dim and dank, was now clean and bright. Anyone who had visited the boy, seemed more vibrant with color than before. More lively and human than they had been in so long.
But it wasn't just the changes. It was Ben, himself. He was so kind, and yet full of energy. The stories he told took them places they had never dared. Each night they all longed to listen to the soft voice that painted vivid pictures of the places they had never seen. Of the people they never knew. And Ben cared. He cared about every person that he spoke with. Looked at them as if they were the most important person in the world.
Beast's heart ached every time Ben's eyes found him. The way they pierced right through, as if he could see something more than the literal beast before him.
Hope had sprung anew.
Maybe they would all be damned to this life. But with Ben, maybe it could be better.
"I think you should ask him to stay." Lumiere said bringing Beast out of his thoughts. "If he says no, then we can deal with it. But you should ask."
Beast nodded, knowing he had to at least try.
…
Beast remined himself for at least the tenth time not to stare. But even as he was reprimanding himself, he looked up again.
Ben was sitting across the table, just within arm's reach, and looking better than ever.
He was dressed handsomely in ivory pants and a brown vest over a light shirt. His hair was, as always, a crop of wild brown locks that were just a little longer than fashionable. Beast had, on more than one occasion, wanted to touch the strands to see if they were as soft as they looked.
He cleared his throat, causing two rich brown eyes to look up at him curiously.
"Ben," Beast started, trying to find the words he needed to say. "How has your week been here? Enjoyable?"
Ben's eyes brightened a fraction, making Beast's stomach clench.
"Very much so. Everyone has been so wonderful. And of course, you have a lovely home." Then his eyes turned sad. "I can't say that I won't miss it."
It gave Beast hope.
"Do you have family waiting for your return?"
Beast decidedly did not like the sad, lost look that came into Ben's eyes. The boy shook his head, hair shaking slightly.
"No. My parents passed away when I was younger."
The words moved Beast deeply; caused him pain in the far reaches of his soul. He reached paw out to gently pat Ben's hand. They boy looked up surprised, but he didn't move away.
"I am sorry. That is a loss I too have felt. It is not easy."
Bright eyes watched him.
"No. It isn't. Were you young when they passed?" The concern in his voice was evident, as they shared a moment of heartache.
"I was. Even though it has been a long time, the pain never really goes away. But it does get better." He offered the encouragement. "Where were you before you came here Ben?"
Uncertainty clouded his eyes, more pain lurked beneath the surface.
"Nowhere," he said quietly. His eyes had fallen to the table. It hurt Beast to see Ben so sad. He had been nothing but a ray of sunshine these past days, it pained him to see that light dim.
"Do you have anywhere to go?"
He sighed deeply. And when he looked up, Beast could see the false brightness.
"I'll be fine. I've gotten by before. And being here has given me more than I can even express. I can't thank you enough for all your kindness." His voice had grown tight, as if he was holding back a flood of emotion.
"What if you didn't leave?" Beast started, watching Ben's head come up. "What if you were to stay?"
His eyes held something Beast had come to readily recognize in his own face recently; hope.
"Stay?" he echoed, clearly uncertain.
Beast nodded, knowing it was time to lay out his plan. A plan he was now thinking had a chance.
"If you don't have anywhere to go, I was wondering if you would like to stay here with us. You have made quite an impression on my staff. They have been moping about all day when I told them you were thinking of leaving us."
Emotions were flitting across his face, as if he was trying to think about so many things at once.
"You don't have to make a decision now. You can sleep on it, or for a few days if you like." Beast offered, not wanting to cause the boy distress.
Ben looked conflicted but he nodded.
"I'm sorry. You surprised me is all."
Beast thought that was reasonable, and not a bad reaction.
"You have nothing to be sorry for. If anyone should be sorry, it is me." He gave Ben's arm a pointed look.
"You're not just offering me a place to live because you feel bad about what happened right?"
It was a fair question. But it wasn't remotely true.
"No. I am sorry about what happened and I do still feel terrible about it. But, if anything, it made me hesitate to ask you to stay."
Ben's eyes widened as he considered Beast's words.
"Because you think you might hurt me?"
Beast didn't even want to consider the possibility. He was glad to see, at least by the look on Ben's face, that the boy didn't think that was a concern.
"I will never hurt you, but it does require caution and adherence to certain rules on your part."
Understanding was starting to show on the boy's face.
"Staying out of the West Wing."
Beast nodded affirming.
"You would have complete run of the rest of the castle. You would be free to do as you please with your days. Anything you want really."
"That's such a generous offer."
Beast could see how overwhelming it seemed.
"To be honest I don't think it is all that generous on my part. Everyone here has come to care for you a great deal, even in this short time. The household seems much happier with you here. Not to mention, I think there will be a mutiny if story time ends," he joked, earning a small smile from Ben. Still there was a small amount of uncertainty there.
"What about you? Do you want me to stay?"
Beast's chest ached. There was something in Ben's question that begged for his approval. As if it was the most important thing. It made Beast want to reach across the table and pull him into his arms.
"Yes. I have come to enjoy your presence here. I would like you to stay."
Beast was immediately rewarded with a warmth that filled Ben's eyes.
"Then I'll stay." He said simply.
Beast almost couldn't believe it had all been so simple.
"Really?"
Ben cracked a smile.
"Really. But on one condition." His eyes twinkled with humor.
Beast wondered what he could possibly want.
"What's that?"
"Can we move story time to a bigger room? My bed had gotten very crowded of late."
And just like that they were both laughing.
"I think I can arrange something."
Ben smiled and Beast's heart felt fuller than it had in ages.
AN: Thanks for your patience as I slowly get these chapters out! Lots going on.. sigh. But I've been enjoying writing and I hope you like this chapter.
Thank you for the reviews. It has been great motivation.