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]

Well, the prince was undoubtedly on the right path now. Charming, dashing, and why he was even polite! Oh, the very sight was enough to warm Lumiere’s heart alone. It took much restraint to hide his smile and remain as neutral as possible in the girl’s presence. He had always known his master had it in him to act in such a favourable fashion but there had been many times back in the castle where he had come to question it with the other servants. If only they could be there with him and watch as their greatest hope unravelled before his eyes. … Well, almost, anyway. They prince may not have broken the spell just yet but he was well on his way.

Watching Belle place her basket down on the table, the candelabrum fully opened his eyes as she passed him and allowed his gaze to follow her to the middle to the room. From there he continued to observe her, taking in every ounce of her beauty. There was no denying, the prince certainly knew how to pick them. This girl, she was heaven sent with looks of an angle. No wonder the master had taken an interest in her. Admittedly, Lumiere had as well and if not for this particular meeting he would not have known how grave a mistake it would have been to pursue her. Had the Beast found out he had had his eye on the same girl, well! Things would be uglier than the prince himself.

As the girl had mentioned, the apartment was in unimaginable great shape. Maybe the prince would learn something from this, the foremost being how to appreciate his property better. The mere sight of his bedroom at home brought discomfort to all who set foot in it - or at least those who still had feet. But here? Lumiere could honestly admit he enjoyed spending time in these well kept rooms, even if the wallpaper was a little questionable. A bright and cheery atmosphere was exactly what they all needed.

Lumiere gave a silent sigh and casually leaned against the picnic basket while he watched the two speak with one another. It was a shame they would be leaving so soon. He wanted to see how this picnic played out and knew the prince would be in need of his guidance at some point. This was when it mattered most, when the girl was surly about to let go of all her fears and fall hopelessly in love for the master. If only there were some way he could possibly join them. He looked over Belle’s basket thoughtfully then shrugged. It looked as though the prince would have to tell him all about it when he got back – not! Extinguishing his flames, the candlestick turned to look over at the pair to insure they were not watching before jumping into the basket.

In the name of amour, he had to attend this picnic!