great wide somewhere

@masterofhisfate

Belle gave him a gentle nudge with her shoulder as they sat together reading. He would sometimes speak the inscription out loud and she'd take note of her favorites. This was one of the first that had been about anything of this nature. Marriage wasn't something they'd discussed in the slightest and the idea of it absolutely terrified her. Things had been moving so quickly between them that she worried whey wouldn't stop to enjoy them. As much as she wanted to believe marriage would work for them she couldn't be sure. In fact, for years she didn't think she'd get married at all, that being something she put to the back of her mind. "Oh stop it, read your book," she said nodding towards the page he was on.

closed starter @rctherodd​ location: echo creek libarary

Despite Colette’s obvious disdain with Blaise, she liked one of his newer friends Belle. She was a very smart woman and she had good taste in books and Colette actually liked reading a lot in her downtime. Fantasy worlds were a secret joy of hers and she wasn’t embarrassed by it at all. Normally, her type of book was more thriller-based or murder-mystery kind of thing, but she was willing to take suggestions. Her only vice was most romance books because she found them to be silly. Still, if Belle really and truly asked her to read one, she would do it because she adored the woman. 

She made the trip to Echo Creek’s Library just to spend a few hours browsing the shelves with Belle. She was convinced the woman had the entire place memorized so if she needed help finding something, she knew who to turn to. They had only been there for a few minutes before Colette was going over to Belle to see what she had in her hands. “Is that a new book or something you have already read?” she teased with a smile. “You know the point in being here is finding something new, non?”

❧

Even though she somewhat understood the adversary between French eatery’s she wasn’t going to let it impact her opinion on them. As far as Belle was concerned they were both phenomenal chef’s and she’d happily eat anything either of them made. She figured they both would get along in another universe but in this one she wasn’t so sure. Between the two of them she had seen an improvement in her own cooking. They had a gift, if only they were able to see it in each other. Belle knew it simply wasn’t going to happen and wouldn’t be the one to pry further. It was normal by now. 

No matter if she was working or not Belle was usually able to be found at the library. On each of those shelves held entirely different universes that could take her to magical places. It was the only place she could stay for hours without tiring, though work had almost changed that until recently. She’d been getting back into reading outside of work or with friends, today it being Colette. Hearing her voice brought a smile and a soft laugh as she looked over her shoulder. “There’s no shame in rereading a book, I always get something new out of it.” She closed it to show her friend the cover. “Little Women, a classic.” And one of her favorites. 

Of course. He thought to himself, though this time he kept it to himself. Gaston had caught on to the cue that Belle doesn’t like it if he is obviously too self-absorbed. Nonetheless, of course he knew that he looked good. He always was. “Thank you.” He responded with a smile. Belle was quick to speak, which he was grateful for. When the conversation shifted towards the kids, he felt himself light up. “I’ve been teaching them how to hunt. It’s quite difficult, I have to admit. I have to keep an eye on them every second.” Most people do not understand that hunting was some kind of sport for men like him. There were rules and regulations, and it simply wasn’t something most people would approve of. Nonetheless, this was Gaston’s game, and he was good at it. It was also the only time that he allowed himself to be dirty and muddy. “Before you can complain, I’m teaching them first how to spot an animal and go unnoticed. I know you, you like to spoil my game.” He chuckled, squinting his eyes at her. He was finally getting her, somehow.

“Visit you?” He repeated, furrowing his brows. He could do that, if he had the time. Nonetheless, Gaston always had a time for Belle. “I know we’re not at the right foot at the moment, and you’ve had your share of controversies. I don’t want them to see any tension between us. I have slipped the last time, I know.” Gaston was particularly surprised that Belle danced well, she was actually keeping up with him. Her feet moved in unison with his, and Gaston found himself even more mesmerized. He didn’t like dancing that much, having had many women step on his shoe for missing a beat. Belle, on the other hand, was always wonderful. “Do you always dance?” He had to ask.

❧

Belle knew he was on another planet from her entirely. The only agenda Gaston followed was his own which included this very conversation with her. Everything he did she wondered what was the deeper meaning and what he wanted to get out of it. From all he’d ever said he had an idea about her but never knew who she truly was. She would be polite, there was a time when she was enjoying when she spent time with Gaston. Belle thought now that perhaps it could’ve all been a fluke, something else he used to get to her, not that anything else was hidden beneath the surface as she did. He’d almost fooled her. “Are you? Maybe all that hunting has come in handy to keep track of all of them.” Even though hunting wasn’t something that she participated in she knew how much the children must’ve enjoyed it. Lots of kids did growing up, though she usually stuck to her books. “I know it is a way of life, a waiting game,” she said looking back at him with a small smile. He was right but not about everything. 

“Well, yes.” Belle smiled, knowing it might be strange to invite Gaston and the children to come see her at work but meaning what the said. Then as he spoke his words weren’t those that she expected to hear but she tried to not overthink them. This was Gaston after all. “Perhaps we could go to dinner sometime and discuss it all. I think it’s long overdue.” It was time to put it all out there, they’d been skating around the truth for long enough. She moved with him through their conversation as she did on the dance floor. There was a grace about her that even carried out to there. “Not often,” she said honestly. It was special for Belle to dance as it reminded her so much of her childhood when her father would put her on his feet and dance around their small home. “But I make exceptions sometimes.”

//closed starter @rctherodd​

“Did you see her? Did you see her? She’s wonderful, isn’t she?” Blaise came up to Belle with a huge, proud grin on his face. He was out to get Meg some drinks when he happened to stumble over her other favorite female. He kissed her on both cheeks, the typical way a French guy like him does. “Are you with Adam? I’m surprised he came to this one. You know that guy is my modern day Bruce Wayne.” He teased, glad to finally see Belle again. The last time they saw each other was when he was having a difficult time in life. He and Adam haven’t been talking for a long time, and he’s guessing Belle still doesn’t know that. “Meg came with me today. I really would like you to meet her. I have to be honest with you, she’s a little different than the girls I usually date, but you’ll see why.” He winked, walking her over to the place he left her until he found that she wasn’t there. “Oh. I could swear she was just here a while ago.” Blaise chuckled, scratching his head.

❧

It had been strange between the group of friends that were originally Adam’s that adopted her in. Whatever had happened wasn’t explicitly told to her and she didn’t want to pry to ask. That being said, she did think Blaise would tell her if he was ever ready to do so. She knew she was nosy but there came a point where she only respected her friends space and wanted their happiness. Blaise deserved that after all he’d had to deal with as of late. Upon seeing him a smile immediately hit her face, going to meet him in the middle with her hands extended for his greeting against her cheeks. “I saw her, yes,” she said with a soft chuckle. “I’m sure I’ll get the opportunity to meet her. I don’t think either of you will be letting go of each other anytime soon.” Belle had seen them stuck together like glue since they arrived. Of course now she regretted not going over to say hello earlier but she got caught up talking to a few co-workers. “Just me tonight, I told him I’ll join him back at home later this evening. The library is giving a donation after our book fair to raise money,” she said with a small sense of pride at their success. “It’s so good to see you with a smile this time.”

//closed starter @rctherodd​

Gaston scanned the party, talking to men who he happened to do business with. He was particularly picky about whom he conversed with, hating to spend time with people who he thought didn’t deserve his time. He was conceited and cunning to a fault, but he wasn’t going to apologize for his own ways. While he spent some time making connections among the wealthiest people, the apple of his eye came in. Belle was so astoundingly beautiful that he had to pause the conversation because his eyes simply kept still on hers. He could feel a certain pressure on his chest, his undying adoration for her— one that she never really took the time to notice. Belle told her that he was in love with the idea of ‘her’ to which he thought was simply foolish.

Gaston excused himself from the group, making his way towards Belle. “May I have this dance?” He asked, offering his hand. Gaston smiled at her, nodding politely at the lady in front of him. “You look good. You always do.” He admitted. Belle was a star he always kept reaching for. He didn’t care that she had a boyfriend. For him, Adam was simply a phase she’d eventually pass by. “How have you been?” He asked, trying to lighten the conversation despite how deep they had been with each other’s feelings since they last spoke. 

❧

Belle knew this event was one that would be important for her to attend. Not only did she want to help but the library was making a big donation after fundraising all winter. Of course she made sure to be there along with some of the other staff to enjoy the festivities. On most occasions Belle wasn’t the type to enjoy putting on a beautiful dress and getting all ready for an evening of champagne and conversation. This was a special occasion so she put in a little extra effort. She hadn’t even considered the fact that Gaston would be there but it was no surprise that he was attending. He always seemed to show up places, at least this one seemed to make more sense than some. There was a time when she thought he might be different than what she’d seen from him and it was quick to be nipped in the bud. 

Seeing him approach she gave him a small nod with her head in greeting, taking a moment to tell herself to not be so sour tonight. It was supposed to be fun anyway. “Um...” She looked around for an excuse but came up empty handed. “Sure.” It was probably a bad idea to be dancing with Gaston, always having something to convince her that he was a better choice for her than Adam. A smile found it’s way to her features but she wasn’t sure if it was entirely real just yet. “Thank you, you look quite nice yourself.” She struggled sometimes to get around what they both knew to be true. It was difficult to trust his kindness when every move he made was so calculated. “I’ve been good, busy, you know. This time of year is always filled with so many other things to do before the year ends.” She made sure to leave out the detail that she’d moved into Adam’s home. “And what about you? How are the kids doing? They must come visit the library sometime for a reading, they’d love it.”

Peace. Things seemed to be at peace, well for Adam .. maybe at least. Celine wasn’t nearly as caught up or around with of the boys anything these days, and she took that as one, they just were out growing needing her, or two - there was calm in her world. Finally getting over her own little heart break, she took tonight with a few glasses of wine. it wasn’t till she found the savor herself that was bringing peace, “Belle!” Celine grinned as she walked over towards the other. “You look lovely as ever, dear. You know that certain glow of romance and a dash of excitement for a new shaper of life to start up.” She added knowing how cheesy it all sounded. || @rctherodd​

❧

Belle had been enjoying life as it offered her a time of happiness. Things weren’t perfect, as she searched for some sort of answer to the curse that haunted her friends, but it was a start. Even Adam seemed to be doing better and she was just happy to see him smiling more often. She did love his smile after all. One of her own appeared as soon as she heard Celine call her name, causing her to look in her direction as she came closer. “Says you, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you with even a single strand of hair out of place,” she said motioning to her friend in front of her. “I can’t say there isn’t more truth to that than you know. Do you know what he got me for Christmas? A puppy. Can you believe it? Adam, our Adam.”

@rctherodd​

Holidays were usually quiet at Adam’s house aside from Celine who made sure that Adam always had some bit of holiday spirit in him. He tried his best, especially for Chip because he knew the kid needed that kind of joy in his life. Adam was always happy to fill in there though. This year was different though. He actually had someone to wake up with and have a reason to celebrate? It was strange but it made the inside of Adam feel warm. It still felt slightly barren without Blaise in the picture at the moment and Adam knew that was his own fault, but not something he wanted to deal with currently. He was more focused on Belle and the memories they would create together. Normally when he was clueless with gifts he went to Blaise. Seeing as that was not an option he had to figure something else out himself. So, he figured adding to their new little family wouldn’t hurt, right? Besides, Gulliver needed someone he could rule over in his new castle. It was pretty early in the morning still when Adam went up to his– their bedroom to find Belle still asleep. It was rare for him to be up before her but he knew he had to that morning to prepare the gift he had for her. 

He had just come from outside, his jacket and hat still on when he nudged her with his cold hand. “Belle,” he said softly, trying to wake her. “Belle!” he said again, this time a little louder so she would wake up. “Sorry, I just…this couldn’t wait.” Adam crosses his arms awkwardly over his bulky jacket and smiles at her. “I wanted to give you your present because it’s a bit time sensitive and–” before he could finish a small head popped out from inside his jacket and his eyes widened. “I told you to stay put!” he said to the small ball of fur poking it’s head out of his jacket. “Well, that surprise got spoiled a bit faster than I would have liked.” He pulls the small pup out of his jacket and carefully sets it on the bed. “Merry Christmas?” he says a bit sheepishly as he watches the pup walk to the bottom of the bed where Gulliver has made his new home. “Hey, hey. Invasion of space, pal. You need to earn that spot.” He picks the little critter up and sets it in Belle’s lap before sitting beside her. “This is a lot to wake up to, I suppose. Sorry.” He lets out a soft laugh. “I just thought Gulliver could use a buddy and this little fella was just begging to be taken out of the shelter window and be brought to a new home. I thought that it could be ours.” He glances over at Belle, looking for a reaction. “Do you think that it could be here? With us?”

❧

Belle and Gulliver had settled into their new home quickly. He was able to claim the whole home at his castle, a job he’d been ready for his entire life and she’d already been spending most of her nights there anyway. Even though she’d promised herself to never fall in love like this here she was on Christmas morning asleep in the bed she shared with her boyfriend. Belle had told her father about him, knowing the time for them to meet was nearing. She’d been putting it off but she knew she couldn’t be nervous forever. Anyone meeting Maurice was something big, him being the most important person in her life. Now that she had Adam she had someone else she cared for in a very similar capacity. Even when he woke her up, a small yawn coming from her mouth as she blinked her eyes awake. She was just beginning to bring herself out of a sleepy haze when the creature’s head popped out from hiding and her eyes lit up. “You didn’t,” she said looking at him before reaching out to take the dog into her hands. “Hello you, it’s good to meet you too.” Belle smiled as she nuzzled her nose against theirs before setting him down. Once he started towards Gulliver she couldn’t help but laugh as her cat stared at her with eyes of horror. Perhaps he wasn’t too fond of the idea of getting a sibling. “He’s perfect, just what we needed,” she said leaning against his shoulder after giving him a quick kiss. “Merry Christmas, Adam.”

Claude nodded his head solemnly in understanding. He couldn’t believe that she’d had to find Adam like that in the West Wing of his house before he could tell her himself, but either way: the truth was out. It was almost a relief to now be able to discuss his own curse, and Adam’s, with her. “I haven’t been able to tell what time it is in years. My phone, my watch … they remain at twelve noon. At least it’s correct once a day,” he joked. “I used to not be able to sleep, until I began making a sundial in my backyard. Now, I have Adam and Blaise call me when I need to wake up, I always have people come to my apartment so that I can’t show up late. It’s why it’s always so clean: I never know when people are going to arrive.” It was a little embarrassing to admit, but he knew Belle wouldn’t judge him for it. “It’s gotten easier over time.”

❧

Her heart sank the more he explained what his daily life had become since this curse came upon them all. She couldn’t imagine how difficult it had been for all of them, now only being able to listen and do her best to help them find a way to fix it. Belle knew it wasn’t much but she wanted to give all she could to help. This group of people had changed her life in the best way, this was a small thing to do for those she cared most about. “I can’t imagine how hard it’s been for you, all of you. I am so sorry.” It wasn’t much to give but she knew the last thing any of them needed was anyone making a deal of it. This was their normal, even if it wasn’t the one they deserved. “We’re going to find out how to fix this, whatever it takes. For every curse has their own undoing.”

Blaise tried to fixate his thoughts into cooking. Everything in his life started to fall apart again the moment he thought things were getting better. He thought he was much stronger this time, capable of shrugging off any attack from an outsider. Funny enough, the words that stung the most were those of a friend. It felt sick to be thrown into ignominy, but there was nothing that could prepare him for the pain from the words of a person close to his heart. The flask inside his jacket was the indicator that he was back at it. Lumiere walked the aisle to find any good cooking books, stealthily walking as he tried to avoid any conversation. Of course, Belle was able to spot him. It was difficult for a grown man to hide in such a cramped library. “Hi.” He responded lazily, nodding to acknowledge her presence. There was this urge from Blaise to hug her like he usually does; he was always quite excited to be in her presence. However, this time he kept his hands close to his pocket as he continued scanning the books. “Oh? Yeah. I’m good, I think. Yeah. Thanks Belle.” He added, taking a book from the shelf and opening a page. “Oh, chicken and pork combined in one meal? Pff, no thank you.” He felt disgusted, putting that one book back where it belonged.

❧

His usual spark was dim and she could feel the entire room shrink ever so slightly without his usual personality to fill it. Belle’s eyes were pained to look at him like this. Instead of continuing to let him sulk she came to his side, placing a hand over the cookbook to bring his eyes away from the page. “I’m good at more than just helping you find the right book, you know. There used to be a time when you came to me for advice.” Her gaze was soft, searching his eyes for whatever it might be that was getting to him. This wasn’t the Blaise she’d come to love. The last time she saw him like this was after his falling out with Fifi and even then he’d told her what had happened. “What’s troubling you, mon ami? You can talk to me.” 

Belle had been spending practically all of her time at Adam’s anymore, they were becoming attached at the hip. She’d gotten so used to coming there on weekends that more and more of her things were beginning to pile up there. Days like this were becoming more frequent. Days when she woke up and knew it was time to get back home to check on Gulliver but all she wanted to do was make a pot of tea and sit in his library with him. His words took her off guard at first, unsure if he was serious then she remembered who it was she was talking to. “Really? You wouldn’t mind having us here?” Belle couldn’t lie that the idea had crossed her mind once or twice but never imagined it could come to be. Perhaps it made sense, this was the next step in a relationship after all and she didn’t see herself going anywhere. “I think that could be nice, he’d have an entire kingdom,” she said with a soft laugh, brushing her nose against his. 

It had been quite some time since she’d seen him here, worrying he’d given up on cookbooks and was trying to go rogue. After learning about the curse she was happy to see him back in the cooking section of the library but feared from the looks of it that it wasn’t for good reason. He worked worn, different than he did after a long night in the kitchen. Something wasn’t right. Belle was putting away returns but that could be done later, right now her heart was being drawn to him and making sure he was doing alright. “Hello stranger,” she said in her usual sweet tone, a small smile coming through. “Looking for anything specific? I think I might know someone who could help you find whatever you’re looking for.” Even though it might sound like only a book, she hoped he knew it meant so much more than only that.

continued from here for @rctherodd​

Though he’d hoped that Adam had told Belle about their curse before the full moon this month, he truly had no idea if it had happened or not. He’d hoped that the subtle hints he’d dropped were enough to coax the truth out, but it seemed that it wasn’t enough. Claude also didn’t want to be the one to tell her before her own boyfriend did. That would get him in trouble with Adam for a long time. “Well, I do believe that, but I do think that trust should be shared between people who love each other, no?” They were inching toward the truth, but someone had to be the one to fully take the leap of faith between them. “Did Adam … say anything about something that happens to him every month?” If anything, he could play it off as some weird form of stress that came when the books closed at the end of the month.  That was enough to get some sort of truth out of her if she knew it.

❧

They were dancing around it but once he hit the nail on the head she felt like she was finally able to release the breath she was holding. After all this time of wondering the truth was out and as awful as it was, she was glad to be able to offer whatever help she could. If reading had taught her anything it was that for every curse there was a way to break it. Now began the difficult part of finding out what exactly that was but she knew it wouldn’t be possible unless they all worked together. Everyone’s knowledge was useful in a situation like this. “I found him the other week in the West Wing...” Her voice trailed off as her eyes met his. A sincerity she felt she’d never been able to share with him through a glance like this until now. “I want to help, all of you. There is an entire library of knowledge at my fingertips and something must be in there that can get to the bottom of this. I know it.”

-

“Of course I have crackers and cheese. I made an entire charturerie board. I know who my best friend is. I’m just sorry for being the worst best friend in the world. All I know to repay it is showering you with my love, gifts, and good food and drink.” She was going to make sure that Belle felt more than a guest in her home. She wanted her to feel like a VIP to attempt to make up for Fifi’s own absense. “That is a loaded question, mon beau!” She escorted Belle into the kitchen where there was plenty of good food and wine. She had spent hours trying to perfect her own cooking and preperation so they didn’t need to order in. She made them french onion soup, roasted vegtables, a fresh salad, and of course her star charturerie board. And that was only the main course. “I hope you like everything. Please help yourself. I’ve been trying to be a better cook on my own.” She gathered the plates so that they could help themselves and gave her a small smile. “I have much to tell you. But first, I want to know how you are doing? Are you and Adam good and so in love?”

❧

Her smile was sat in place as she looked to her friend, having missed her company more than she even knew herself. Fifi had always just understood Belle. It was easy when they spent time together and the minutes seemed to fly by. Seeing her again was a relief that she was doing alright, or at least enough to feel comfortable reaching out again. “You always know how to wine and dine me,” she said with a small laugh. “The way to any woman’s heart is through her stomach after all.” Belle couldn’t help herself sometimes, cheese being the direct line to her heart. The smell in the kitchen was a symphony as they walked in and she immediately looked over at her friend. “You’ve made an entire feast. If you proposed right now I’d have no choice but to accept.” Belle’s smile grew as she grabbed a piece of cheese from the board to pop in her mouth. She’d missed this. Sometimes she got caught up in her own life as well, feeling just as guilty for not being around. “You could get any chef a run for their money,” she said giving her a small nudge. “As for me, I’m well for the most part. Keeping busy at the library, probably spending too much time at Adam’s but I can tell he’s needed it lately. He asked me to move in, actually. I think I’m going to accept, as wild as it might sound.” Belle even surprised herself with that one. “Gaston still won’t let up, no matter what I do or say he refuses to take no for an answer. I’m not sure what it takes to get that man to listen,” she said with a sigh, needing another piece of cheese for that one. “Now tell me about you, what have I missed? I must know everything.”

~

As Belle ran her hand down from his shoulder to his hand he grasped hers the moment they came in contact. Her touch was slow and gentle as always. It seemed to be the only thing to really ever comfort Adam. She was the only thing that could keep him calm and Adam truly knew their love was impenetrable. Her question caught him off guard and for a moment he tensed up. “I did,” he said, cautiously. “Just…It’s a lot and…” Then he saw the look in her eyes and he suddenly felt like he could cry at any moment. “I love you more than I’ve ever loved anything in my entire life. You’re my whole world. I can’t ever lose that.” He leaned closer to her and pressed his lips to her forehead before continuing. “Do you know how in books there’s always some sort of…twist. I mean like in a fairytale there’s usually some sort of villain that has magical powers, right? Well, I’m sort of living my life as if the story had a sad ending and the villain won.” He looks into her eyes, trying to see if she understood anything he was saying. “I’m cursed. Me, my friends, we’re all cursed.” He waited shortly for some sort of burst of laughter or something as if he were lying but quickly went on. “It was a long time ago. We were having a party here and it was so stormy. This lady came to the door for shelter and I told her to leave.” His eyes started welling up with tears. “Something happened. I couldn’t see the same and I felt just so angry and hungry for something. I was so scared.” His hands are shaky. He can’t recall ever speaking about the night it happened in detail after it actually occurred. A few tears fell and he held her hand tighter. “Blaise can’t taste anything. Claude couldn’t tell you the time of day if he tried. Celine can’t brew a mug of tea to save her life. There were others there though. I don’t know if it affected them too. And I…I turn into some horrible monster. Every month on a full moon it happens. I lock myself in that room. I fear that side of me. I don’t ever want to hurt anyone again. It was that same night and Blaise and…I–” He took a shaky breath and tried to calm himself a little so he grabbed her other hand. “You probably think I’m insane or something, but I would not lie to you. I swear to you, my love, on everything we have together I am telling you the truth.”

❧

Belle stayed quiet and let him speak. This was an admission of something bigger than anything Belle could even imagine. If she would’ve been asked to guess what was going on behind closed doors the last thing in her mind would have been a curse that went through the entire friend group. The more he spoke and explained the more her heart ached for the people she loved most in the world. To some what he was saying might have sounded absolutely absurd but to Belle it was something out of a book and she hung on every word. All she had were concerns for them all, wondering that if in some small way that she could help them. This was a lot to take in at once but she tried to process everything as it came through his lips. Belle held onto his hand tightly to show him that she wasn’t going anywhere, regardless of what he had just told her. “Adam...” She was still searching for right words to stay but she feared there might not be any. “I am so sorry. I... I believe you, it sounds crazy sure but it all makes sense. The reason I always make the tea for Celine and I. Why Blaise would have me come in and taste new recipes and Claude is serially early for everything. Even why you disappear sometimes. It... all makes sense.” Belle was tying together all the loose ends now that she had the final bit of information she needed. “How do you break it? The books... That’s why you first came to the library... We’ll find a way to fix this Adam, I promise, for all of you.”