Look at Me
By Sarajane
Author's Note: Whoo, Gaston's thoughts right after the Beast releases him.
Why won't she look at me?
What have I done except try and make her realize her love doesn't belong to a monstrous creature with claws and fangs? That she belongs with ME? That it's destined? That beauty is connected to other beauty? Hasn't she been paying attention to her books? Doesn't the worthy man always get the girl?
But now she's looking away from me, like I'm not there.
What have I done except try again and again to turn her heart my way? Even when I could have any other girl in the village, I looked for her. Instead she's gazing into the eyes of that creature. Why is she spitting in my face like this?
If only I had another chance to stab that beast. Why did I beg for my life? Why did I let down my guard and make myself look like a fool in front of Belle AND that thing?
I have no intention of leaving this castle without doing what I came here to do. I rallied the town with cries of "Kill the Beast!", how can I be expected to return and explain that the beast had let me go? That I NEEDED to beg for my life?
That I was afraid to die?
I'm Gaston. I am NEVER afraid.
Is this wrong?
I'm reaching in my pocket and grabbing hold of my dagger.
There isn't any other way, is there?
I want to shout, "BELLE! Look at me! Why won't you just look me in the eye and say you'll do what I'm been asking you to do for so long?" I reached up with my other hand and touch the rough skin on the bottom of my neck. A thin trail of blood forms on my finger. I take a deep breath and reach out with the knife. It plunges deep inside the beast…
Belle only looks at me for a moment before returning her gaze to the creature… I reach forward again and feel myself lose my footing as the creature lurches up in shock.
"BELLE!" I want to scream. I want to beg her to save me, as I know what's about to happen even before it does. But she can't look at me.
Now I'm falling… At least I got him too… But I'm screaming… Why am I screaming? I am Gaston, I do not scream, I do not… I am not afraid…
I hit the ground at full speed. I close my eyes.
Belle, why won't you look at me?