The Way to a Man's Heart [Completed]

[beautiful-tale.livejournal.com]

Character(s): Belle, Beast, Lumière!
Content: Belle invites Beast to a picnic.
Setting: Starting in Iriela Apartments and ending up in Jogo da Crianca
Time: Noon-ish, Week 21
Warnings: None.

Belle finished tucking in the blue and white checked cloth over the food in the basket, checking off a list in her head. Since Beast was French as she was, she'd decided to prepare something wholly French for the outing -- pan bagnat, a sort of seafood sandwich; crudites with lemon oil; gougeres, a light, delicate cheese pastry; and the pride of her picnic basket, the item that she'd stayed up late to create, meringue calissons. With a satisfied nod, she reached up to tuck an errant strand of chestnut hair behind her ear, ignoring the surge of nervousness that lurked just below the surface.

Yes, she mused as she gathered up a bottle of wine to round out the meal, she was surprising Beast with this and he was clearly not a fan of surprises. It was very possible he'd turn her away the door, growling and snarling like an animal. But Belle had missed him more each day she couldn't find him and a good meal was the best way to deepen any bond.

She exited her apartment and quickly headed towards Beast's, thankful she didn't have to carry the big basket too far. When Belle drew up to his door, she hesitated for the barest moment...then, ducking her head and inhaling a steady, deep breath, she knocked.

Comments

[burningamour.livejournal.com]

He grinned and chuckled quietly to himself. Ah, yes. Lumiere could recall those many nights back in the castle where the young prince had insisted he read to him the Tales of King Arthur. It had always been a favourite of his. Why, the candelabra was certain he could recite the book word for word from memory if he tried. He, as well as the other servants, had always tried to introduce new books to him but the Master was reluctant and judged every book by its cover alone. It was true; the prince had never shown a particular interest in books but the stories themselves? He ate them up like Cogsworth ate Christmas pudding. The challenge was introducing the prince to them without immediate rejection. Belle, however, had managed to do a wonderful job of this.

Lumiere got as comfortable as a candlestick could and listened intently to the girl as she retold the story. He had never heard this particular tale before but considered it a pleasant change from the usual. There were even hints of romance in this story, something Lumiere immediately took interest in. He closed his eyes and pictured the fair princess in need. The loss of such a beauty struck him deeply and if he could, he too would have brought the princess a peach as well. He could not imagine why the first two eldest brothers had not just been honest with the elderly woman but considered it their own loss. The youngest had rightfully been rewarded for his honesty, though he could not help but wonder what the whistle the woman had awarded him with was for. Surely he would find out further in the story. That was if Belle actually finished the story. Just when Lumiere had become absorbed in the story he found it abruptly cut short. A look of alarm appeared on his face.

“Non, non! It is not boring at all.” Lumiere replied in place of the beast. He hopped closer to Belle and looked up at her eagerly. “Please, mademoiselle, you must continue the story. I wish to know what happens to the boy.” It was not until that point did the servant realize he had wrongly spoken out. Not only that, but completely revealed himself. He quickly covered his mouth to prevent further outburst, his gaze slowly turning up to the beast.