Thank you all for the continued support! ImagineATale for once it wasn't intended as a cliffhanger, though it did turn out to become a mild one compared to the usual ones. And one of your ideas I nearly implemented last chapter but deemed it too early for it, so don't be surprised to see something of the list to pop up eventually. And I don't believe in backseat driving, I call it backseat suggestions. So don't be shy to try and give ideas about what you'd like to see, I do try to please my readers after all.

Yinlai especially for you Gaston comments on thinking in this chapter ;)

Chapter 14

Silence fell after Gaston's shout. Belle wanted to kick herself for her slip up and Beast couldn't believe what was more surprising, the fact that Belle had nearly said Agathe's name or that Gaston had actually figured out the enchantress' name. They were waiting anxiously to see if Agathe would actually show up.

Gaston on the other hand grinned, "I take it by your silence that I am correct." If there was one thing he knew well it was how to manipulate people to do what he wanted. While that might be difficult with these two, he could still use that ability to try and read their thoughts. Knowing ones opinion and going along with it was not an unfamiliar tactic of his, but now he had to use that skill to get answers. Just a little push...

"Shocked? Thinking might make my head hurt, but I'm not a complete idiot."

Belle was the first to speak, "I-I don't know what you're talking about."

"I am sure you do," he replied in return. "Now if she would come back for a little chat, perhaps bringing an end to the curse..." he suggested.

"That is not within her power," Beast said, might as well say it out loud. Gaston would not give up until he had it confirmed, why delay the inevitable?

Belle looked shocked at Beast, "You shouldn't have said that, now he knows!"

Beast just sighed, "He wouldn't give up until he knew Belle, besides what could he possibly do to her. And while I'm grateful for the mild curse she put you under, I'm still suffering for the one she put on me and the servants a decade ago." He may have had it coming but the servants certainly didn't. "The guilt for what happened to them is worse than looking like this, Belle."

"Very touching, do you know when she'll be coming back?" Along with my sight, he mentally added.

"She can't just bring your sight back, only lifting the curse in time will. She has expressed her regrets in the fate she dealt the servants, but made it quite clear that she couldn't undo it." Beast added, he knew what game Gaston was playing having played it himself years ago. He couldn't fault him in wanting to try though, "Why don't you just ask whatever it is you want to ask, without trying to manipulate us to get your answer? Wouldn't that be easier?"

"Fine, have it your way. Why didn't she curse me before? I've treated her horribly enough in the village before, if she does this to people who wrong others. I know I haven't exactly been the most...civil person." He wasn't going to admit that he could be an outright bastard. He wanted something, he took it, his methods never mattered much to him. It were the results that mattered after all, though he didn't like the result he was dealing with now.

Really, not the most civil, that was an understatement, Belle thought. He had been downright obnoxious, but he was starting to show a different side of himself. One that could be bearable to be around, she had to admit to herself.

"I don't really know how to say this gently..." she took a deep breath, but luckily Beast took over.

"She said you were incapable of changing your ways and didn't want to waste her time on a lost cause," Beast casually said, "but first attempting murder on Maurice, then sending him to the asylum when that failed, that was too much. Then continuing on trying to kill me, that was the last straw for her apparently."

"You mean she believes I will fail? That there I'll never see again?" Gaston looked horrified at the prospect. "She can't do that to me! I want my sight back!"

"And I want my servants back, but I don't see that happening either!" Beast was starting to become angry with Gaston, feeling his temper flaring up again. Remembering his promise just in time and seeing Gaston take a few steps back, he took a few seconds to calm himself down. "My apologies, it wasn't supposed to come out like that."

Considering the faith of the servants and himself depended on Gaston, Belle thought Beast was controlling himself remarkably well. If Gaston didn't believe in himself, they would get nowhere, they couldn't afford to let the man give up. "But she was wrong Gaston, you have changed. Not enough to meet the requirements just yet, but we can work on it together. I told you I would help you and I'm not giving up on you, you shouldn't either." Smirking at Beast she added, "Besides Beast is angry he couldn't break his curse, maybe he's afraid that you can." If there was one thing she knew that would motivate him, it was to show he was better than anyone else. She could manipulate just as good as the two men.

Gaston immediately perked up, "You're right, I will prove that hag wrong! I mean, Agathe." Better to correct myself in case she heard that. "I'll show who's the best! No one breaks curses like Gaston! Everyone will talk of it someday, they already talk of all my other qualities, it would be nice to add something to the list."

Beast just stared incredulously at the man, was his ego really that big? Apparently so, and Belle just used it as a weapon to get him to do something about his curse. He laughed, "I agree, when you break it everyone in the area, not just the village will talk about it!" He was sure about that, considering he and his servants would be freed when Gaston broke his curse. Belle could be a devious little minx when she wanted to, did she ever use that tactic on him?

Feeling a lot better about himself and his chances Gaston gave a dazzling smile, "So where shall we start? What did I have to do again?"

"You don't remember? We've been telling you for weeks!" Belle exclaimed.

Gaston just shrugged, "I didn't think much of anything you've said actually, I was too busy trying to find a way to escape. But I'm listening now, so could you explain again?"

The pair just sighed, at least he was willing to listen now.

"Gaston, you have to accept the fact that not everyone wants to cater to your every whim. And that you were wrong in your treatment of those who did not do as you wanted." Beast simply told him.

He felt insulted by this, "Don't speak to me like that!"

"I just did to prove my point, you have to accept another's opinion without getting angry over it. As you can see, it is still a work in progress." Try to forget it this time, Beast thought.

Gaston huffed, "Fine, you've made your point. What else, furball?"

Beast just shrugged at Belle's look, "I've been called worse, also you could try to accept the fact that Belle prefers a furball, instead of your handsome looks."

Gaston looked pensive, "Yes, I've heard enough to know about that 'love' of yours. Though I still think she looks better on my arm. But I believe I can honestly say, I've met that requirement."

Belle was surprised, "You do?!"

"As much as it pains me to admit it." He did feel better admitting it, maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all. He could admit about things he did wrong and no one would judge him for it. He was nearly knocked back by the force of someone bumping into him.

"Thank you!" Belle had flown into Gaston's arms and was embracing him and thanking him over and over. She didn't need his consent, but it did make things less awkward between the three of them.

"You're eh..welcome." She had never shown any sign of respect for him in the village. Well, she had been nice to him, and if he did think about it, he was to blame for the lack of respect she held for him. But the happiness she showed now, told him that he had to let her go. He wasn't the man she wanted. So he did meet one requirement, this gave him hope, "Anything else, Beast?"

Beast himself was taken aback with Gaston's acceptance as well. "Yes, you have to admit your wrongs. How you've mistreated people and take responsibility for the consequences it might have had."

"Isn't that the same as the first one?" Gaston added.

"No, with the first one it was for contradicting you. This is for the people you've hurt just because you felt like it. I'm sure you could think of something."

"Maybe Agathe should be here then. I did say she was a hag, just because she was begging on the streets. I'm sure she would love to hear me begging for forgiveness in return." He snorted, like she didn't do worse to me. "But that was about it I presume?"

Belle had to laugh at Gaston's look on his face as he talked about begging to Agathe. The woman would think Gaston had lost his mind. "Yes, that's it basically, as long as you're truly remorseful. Just saying the words isn't enough."

He just nodded, "I'd like to go back inside, I think I can mange on my own. I didn't notice any turns after we passed the stables."

"You're right, it's a straight road with a few slight curves. Just feel the hedges and you'll be fine." Beast instructed.

He nodded and left, he had a lot to think about.

Finally they were alone, but they did check Gaston's retreating back to see if he followed the correct path back to the entrance.

Beast just exploded into laughter "He called me a furball. I did say he could insult me all he wanted, but I actually found I really didn't mind it."

"I found it rather endearing, and don't forget, he admitted that you're my furball. That was the biggest surprise to me, but a very welcome one." Her face turned serious, "Do you think he meant it though? He'll really try this time?"

"We can only hope, but I believe he is sincere this time. Are you alright though? I know you didn't mean to accidentally slip Agathe's name."

"No, I hoped he didn't notice, but I suppose I haven't given him a lot of credit. He's never been much of a thinker, but if he sets his mind to it, he smarter than we thought. I wonder what Agathe will do now, will she come to talk or will she stay away?"

Beast agreed, "You're right, but that also makes him easy to underestimate, which only makes him more dangerous. But only time will tell if he is sincere."

Inside the castle Gaston had found his own room, what was he going to do with this new knowledge? He had deduced that Belle and Beast had told him the truth and that although Beast had raised his voice again, he apologised for it. Neither did he seem to mind to be called a furball, he had laughed it off instead.

There was one thing that bothered him though, Agathe. Did they speak the truth, when they said Agathe didn't believe he could change. Because he could, he had changed, slightly. Beast had been annoyed with him, when he had to repeat himself again. But he wouldn't forget it this time and if he was honest with himself, Beast had taken the best approach by confronting him. By flatly stating the requirements and riling him up, he was sure to remember it. He grinned, he would do what Beast couldn't, break his curse. He would show them who was the better man.

In the forest Agathe looked in the direction of the castle and suppressed a small smile. She had heard it all and was pleasantly surprised, maybe he isn't such a lost cause after all.