Esmeralda ate tersely, often looking up to meet a pair of curious eyes that had been caught staring for too long. The stragglers tried to act as if the odd sight of Gypsy and Minister side by side was normal, but Esmeralda knew better. The Romani woman found herself trying to meet Frollo's gaze for some kind of acknowledgement, that he too found this highly uncomfortable. He barely even glanced at her, and that was being generous. She wasn't sure why he was so keen on avoiding her while they ate, he'd been practically at her skirt tails since he locked her up in here and now that he was under the direct watch of the public, he looked like he'd rather be anywhere but next to her.

Esmeralda sighed stirring her lumpy bowl of porridge absentmindedly. She wanted to call out Ethel on her terrible cooking, especially after she forced her to cut off the Minister's toes. Esmeralda looked down into the bowl and shoved it away. After all she did for him, he suddenly wanted to ignore the fact she was sitting next to him? The nerve! She wasn't quite sure why she was so bothered by his sudden detachment, in fact she prayed for him to leave her be for the longest time, but now...it was different.

She sighed, softly, letting her built up tension dissipate around her like a wave. If Minister Frollo wanted to play his little games, so be it. He could find help with Sister Ethel. Esmeralda certainly wasn't his personal nurse, and it began to disturb her how much power she was giving him in the situation. She had to be smart, and attempting to find his humanity in a captor-hostage situation wasn't working.

Madellaine awoke to the frigid cold of her cell. After parting with Quasimodo last evening she felt… at peace. Everything about the bellringer's demeanor was so different from the rough environment she was accustomed too. Sarousch was never a warm or caring figure in her life. Any instances of paternal affection usually came at a price, whether it be attempting a dangerous stunt to procure a measly tip or out-right steal for him.

Apart of the circus performer wondered what her life would have been like if circumstances had not become so dire…

Shaking away her past, she smiled thinking about Quasimodo's kindness and modesty. Surely he'd find it annoying if she checked on him, yet again. The nuns would have done it already...but the desire to talk with the man won over her doubts. Willing herself up from the cot, she dressed herself and sought out the bellringer once more.

Padding through the freezing corridors she opened Quasimodo's cell, only to find him mid-dress.

Quasimodo startled, a gasp escaping him as the blonde came into view. Just as quickly as she came in, she squeaked and stumbled out.

"Goodness! I am so sorry!"

Madellaine was besides herself. She had seen him shirtless twice in a span of two days. What was wrong with her?!

She could hear a soft chuckle through the door as the bellringer opened it and poked his head through.

"Are you alright?" a small smile graced his crooked mouth.

Madellaine was quite flustered.

"Yes! I am, thank you. I see you are feeling much better! I was just coming to check in and see if you needed any help. I-I'm sorry I walked in on you!"

He definitely wasn't handsome in the slightest, but something about his genuine warmth was contagious.

"It's quite alright, you are very kind, Madellaine. I am able to walk, a little w-wobbly I admit, but nothing dire. T-thank goodness for that!" nervous laughter escaped him as he rubbed his neck gingerly.

"I'm so glad to hear! D-did you want to head to the kitchens? We can walk together." She smiled sheepishly.

"Yes, I'd like that." Quasimodo offered her his arm as they made their way down the corridor.

The hall filled with the soft chatter of their voices as they approached the kitchens. Upon entering the doorway, all heads turned in their direction. The room became deathly silent as the commoners eyes grew, glancing amongst one another at the sight of the hunchback. Hushed whispers began to grow and Madellaine looked towards Quasi to gauge his reaction.

His breath quickened ever so slightly as he staggered away from the rude stares and chattering. Madellaine saw Esmeralda seated next to the menacing Judge, glancing towards their arrival as well. Before the Gypsy woman could speak up, Claude Frollo suddenly slammed down his wooden cup, startling everyone in the small dining hall. A horrible scowl etched onto his features as his teeth grit. A silence spread as fearful eyes looked towards the Minister of Justice.

Madellaine used the opportunity and quickly ushered Quasimodo to an available spot on the bench. His soft voice managed a hoarse, "Thank you Master", triggering an outburst from a shifty-eyed peasant down the table.

"Oy! Is this a twisted joke? Are we supposed to keep quiet to one of the biggest scandals in all of Paris since Louis of Valois lit those blimey dancers on fire!? You owe the people an explanation! Are we to believe our mighty Judge has been hiding a demon under Paris' midsts for 20 years?! And what of the witch-"

"SILENCE!"

Esmeralda jumped at the sound of Frollo's voice. His deep, bone chilling baritone reminded her of the incident in Notre Dame where he snuck up behind her. He gave her an uneasy sensation and she scooted further away from him. Regardless of their truce, Claude Frollo, Minister of Justice, managed to remind her what he was capable of with just the sound of his voice.

"The bellringer has maintained his residency in this Cathedral longer than your stay in France, Barrick Borde."

The man suddenly turned white.

"Ah. I see I've struck a chord with you. I find it humorous that you would dare speak up and further humiliate the bellringer considering you fled France before the Battle of Castillon. That, I'm afraid, is punishable by death. I have an impeccable keeper of scrolls. Avoiding the draft is not to be taken lightly...though, it is curious. I have seen so many people while guarding the streets of Paris and yet, all of you have very, very, distinct...features. It would be a shame if something unexpected were to happen to all of you. This blizzard is convenient, isn't it?"

Esmeralda felt herself grow queasy. Who was this man? The tormented soul she witnessed breaking down and confessing her love to her one day and threatening the lives of innocent people the next surely could not be the same person! Looking towards the bellringer and the circus performer, her musings were confirmed, they were terrified. This man was the Claude Frollo, Minister of Justice she was terrified of as a child.

Esmeralda let out a ragged breath. She no longer knew what to think.

The sound of clinking armour created a distraction from the thick tension created inside the small dining hall as Phoebus strode in. His golden hair glistened against the candle light and Esmeralda felt herself grow warm. Phoebus always seemed to come at the right time, brightening up rooms with his presence and making people feel at ease...making her feel at ease. He was a little arrogant, but charming and the light she so desperately needed seemed to be right in front of her. She didn't realize she missed him until she saw him standing there.

"Sir, I'm here to check-Whoa!"

Phoebus's eyes grew large seeing a slightly haggard, and bloodied, Esmeralda sitting next to a furious Claude Frollo. Quasimodo and Madellaine's terrified faces alerted the Captain of the Guards something was amiss.

"...Is this a bad time?"

The Judge gave the crowd a seething look and a smile that could wilt roses. Archdeacon Mathias quickly found the opportunity to usher out the townspeople, nuns and monks before things could turn bloody. He would need to discuss Frollo's permanent departure from the Cathedral as soon as matters cooled down.

In the meantime, he tried to assure the peasants of their safety in the church. Anything that happened outside, however, was out of his hands.

Frollo never thought the presence of Phoebus would ever be of use until this particular moment. Sighing he sipped his wine and motioned the Captain to sit.

"You missed a bit of a spectacle Captain", he chuckled.

"...Were you serious?"

Esmeralda's soft voice shook Frollo from his brief reverie.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Were you serious about murdering them?"

Claude contemplated her question for a moment.

"I believe you know the answer to that."

Esmeralda mulled over his response.

"...I see…."

Phoebus was clearly uncomfortable and the Minister reluctantly looked his way.

"I received the message you sent earlier. Thank you for the update. What can you report about the conditions?"

"It is still a disaster sir. The blizzard came very quickly and unexpectedly, many townsfolk are trying to clear the streets and their homes. A few of our horses died in the stables-"

Claude looked up in concern.

"And what of Snowball?"

Esmeralda chortled.

Claude gave her a scathing look and she chuckled into her hand.

"It appears you're on the right path under Minister Frollo's leadership Phoebus, you already fit the criteria for having a silly name for your horse", she giggled.

Phoebus lit up, much to Claude's horror at their blatant flirting, "I'll have you know Achilles is a very fitting name, it gives the pun life."

Claude Frollo cleared his throat, "If you are quite finished, I'd like to discuss pressing matters with Captain Phoebus."

Esmeralda rose, refusing to meet Claude's eyes. She quickly ushered herself out, Quasimodo and Madellaine finding an opening to escape with her.

Claude turned his attention to the Captain, caught in the act of watching Esmeralda leave.

"You never answered my question Captain, how is my horse?"

Phoebus turned his attention away quickly, a small blush tainting his cheeks much to Frollo's disgust.

"Snowball is in good health sir, we moved him to a spare room inside the Palace of Justice to ensure his safety".

"Very well. As much as I loathe to admit, I am glad you arrived when you did. I partook in yesterday's removal of the snow. It resulted in losing a few…phalanges to say the least."

"I'm very sorry to hear that Sir."

"Lying does not suit you well Phoebus. I need you to bring me my vials of poppy milk. They are in my personal quarters. I trust I do not need to remind you to refrain from touching anything in there?"

Phoebus quickly nodded his head. "No, Sir-I mean, yessir- I will head out immediately."

Claude Frollo's signature frown returned to his face as the Captain quickly made himself useful and left him. Days without seeing the blonde buffoon caused him to forget about the threat he posed in regards to Esmeralda. He sighed out of frustration and physical pain, as his feet continued to throb. Esmeralda's question bothered him, and he wondered if his answers were sufficient enough for her.

'Get a hold of yourself, the Gypsy should not have this much influence!' And yet, she did.

Witnessing a quick exchange between the bellringer and the fair Madellaine, Esmeralda soon began to ponder the current status of their friendship. Watching the blonde woman disappear around a dimly lit hall, she approached Quasimodo and softly touched his shoulder.

"I was hoping we could chat for a moment", Esmeralda's pleading eyes bore into Quasimodo searchingly.

His cheerful demeanor with Madellaine grew more serious as he nodded his head and walked toward an empty pew.

Esmeralda sighed.

"I...I wanted to apologize for how I treated you. You are truly one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever met. I am so sorry for not visiting you sooner, I wanted to assist you in anyway I could, but you were already well looked after by the nuns. I took it upon myself to help Frollo, but I'm no longer confident in my decision to have done anything for that man. I hope you can forgive me, you really are important to me Quasi."

The bellringer smiled momentarily.

"I-It's OK Esmeralda, really. I-I should have known better-I"

"But how could have you known better? I thought I knew what was best for you without considering how you would feel. For that, I can't forgive myself. What I did was wrong! I'm having a difficult time letting it go because..." Tears began welling into her eyes.

"Because I can't lose you as a friend!"

Quasimodo looked shaken as the Gypsy beauty tried to contain her composure.

He quivered, "E-Esmeralda, I don't want to lose you as a friend either...but please don't pity me. I...I saw you as my Angel, you know. You...you were the first woman, the first person, to ever make me consider my worth. I-I didn't know how to live until that fateful day. I-I-I'm still trying to find my voice in all of this, a-and I'm willing the courage to c-confront mast- Minister Frollo, but I need time."

He offered her a small smile as Esmeralda couldn't hold back her tears any longer. She quickly leaned into him and embraced the bellringer.

"Quasi, I...thank you"

Esmeralda smiled brilliantly, squeezing his hands in hers once more.

At least she could rely on her sincere friendship with Quasimodo.

A/N:

Hey guys…. *hides head in shame*

I'm so embarrassed that this took so long to post. I had half of it written, scrapped it because it made no sense, didn't look at it for basically a year and recently revisited it since I graduated college (Yay!).

Now I'm in grad school, so I'm technically STILL in college HAHAHAH

I now have some time to continue one of my favorite hobbies. I wanted to continuously thank you for your support and apologize for the periods in which I had nothing posted. I have sooo many ideas! SO MANY, and it's hard to fit them in when you need to also answer questions and complete arcs (which I'm learning!) Thank you for your continued support and patience!

I hope this isn't too fillery, but I need to get the ball rolling here, they all have cabin fever!