authors note: I am so so dreadfully sorry for not updating this in such a long time! I must admit, I lost my inspiration for this story, and also lost my ff password! But I am so so sorry, I do hope you can forgive me? Still love you guys! All the views and comments over the last 9 months is very much appreciated, and got me back into writing again!

I hope you enjoy the chapter...its a little short cause I wanted to post something as quickly as possible, but I still like it!

Disclaimer: these are not my characters or plot, but the adaptation and names are!

"Where the hell is she, I told her 7 o clock, for dinner, is that really, REALLY, so much to ask?" Shouted Benedict, as he stormed up and down the dining room. It was 7:30 and the frustration was reaching it's peak.

"Calm now, dearie, she'll be here soon," Mrs Potts tried to calm him.

"Yes, it does take time to find ones way about the place," Lum spoke gently from the corner of the room. Benedict shot him an angry look and paced even more fiercely.

"Um… sir. You do want her to like you, don't you?" Lum spoke slowly, careful not to push the Master too far. He stopped suddenly, and stood for a while before gradually nodding his head.

"Well then, let's think about this a bit... ladies don't often like angry, forceful men…they like gentle, kind men who can be their friend through all the rough times."

"A friend?!" Benedict burst out, spitting a little.

"Yes a friend, " stated Mrs Potts, catching on to Lums idea, "and firstly, friends always smile."

Benedict frowned. Smiling was not his forte. But, inside, he knew these two were right; he was going to have to smile if he wanted to earn the girls trust. Slowly, he opened his mouth and pulled each corner up towards his eyes using his face muscles.

It was a sight for sore eyes. Benedicts gums were a dark purple, and some teeth had started to blacken. Clearly, hygiene was not one of his top priorities.

"Urm," Lum grimaced, "maybe not a smile." Mrs Potts quickly nodded in agreement, and the 'smile' dropped off of his face.

Just then came a soft knock at the door. Everyone turned to face it, expecting Annabelle. Benedict stood up straight to greet her, his face frowning.

Bruce walked into the room; their faces fell.

"Where is the girl?" Benedict spoke through his teeth.

"Shes… shes… shes not coming."

"WHAT!" The masters scream echoed through the house. The large wooden doors to the dining room slammed open and Benedict sprinted out, racing three-at-a-time up the stairs. The other three were hot on his tail, desperate to stop him before he hurt somebody.

*KNOCK*

*KNOCK*

*KNOCK*

"YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE JOINING ME FOR DINNER. "

A voice called out from within the room they all stood outside. "I'm not hungry."

Benedict looked affronted.

"YOU COME OUT OR I'LL…I'LL BREAK DOWN THE DOOR!" He gestured maniacally.

Slowly approaching from behind, Lum tapped him on the shoulder as lightly as he could.

"Actually sir, I don't think that would be the best way to win the girls affections." He smiled as kindly as possible, tension causing his face to be taught.

"At least try to be gentle, sire," Bruce added, cringing at the awful situation. Benedict stared down at the lot of them, anger buring in his eyes.

"But she is being so difficult!" His voice raising again.

"Gently, gently." Mrs Potts pleaded.

"Would you care to join me for dinner?" Benedict addressed the door again.

"No!"came the voice behind the door. Benedicts eyes narrowed and it took all his willpower to stay calm.

"Will you join me for dinner?" Lum nudged him gently, "please?"

"No, thank you!" Annabelle shouted, her frustration rising too.

Something snapped inside Benedict and his face turned scarlet.

"Well you can't stay in there forever!"

"Yes I can!"

"Fine! Then go ahead and STARVE!"

Silence came from behind the door. Three shocked and disappointed faces stared up at him and he scowled.

"If she doesn't eat with me, then she doesn't eat at all." And without another look, he darted away, straight into the West Wing.

"Oh dear…"whispered Mrs Potts, her bottom lip wobbling. Bruce took hold of her arms and lead her back down the the stairs, speaking over his shoulder as he went, "Lum, stand guard over the door will you, we don't want her escaping."

Benedict shot through the double doors to the West Wing as quick as he could. They slammed against the walls with a clang, adding to the heavily visible dents already there.

"Invited her to dinner, she refused," he snarled to himself,"now what the hell can I do? Bake?!" He roared, exasperated, frustrated and angry.

The room he had burst was very different to the rest of the house. Only one beam of light shone through the broken net curtains and dust could be seen floating around in masses. Chairs were strewn around the dark room, some broken and splintered, and ancient portraits lined the walls, teared. Only one table in the centre was presentable; it held a tall vase holding a single rose, and a shining mirror that would catch the minimal light like a diamond in a mine.

That was where Benedict was headed. Taking one long stare at the lone red rose, he slinked back into the shadows.

"No matter what I do," he whispered to himself, voice rasping , "she'll only ever see me as a…monster."

He sank to his knees, shaking slightly.

"It's hopeless..."