[centre][b][h1][color=8882be]Cinderella[/color] And [color=F42D2D]Gaston[/color][/h1][/b]
[img]http://31.media.tumblr.com/2fc4bad561fdc376dad8bdc9922cc996/tumblr_msl4m6xdda1ridbiho1_500.gif[/img]
[img]http://www.talesofcahcah.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/tumblr_m0mk7yqkcN1rrn3sqo2_400.gif[/img][/centre]

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Cinderella awoke, hours too early, drenched in sweat, with a barely muffled scream. She sat up, and dropped her head into her hands. Even after all these years, those days with her stepmother and sisters still haunted her. When she had the dreams, it was like her life as it was now was imaginary and nothing had changed. She looked around the room that had once been her mother and fathers, but was now hers. Spacious, it was touched with them, but also her own unique style. 

Knowing she wouldn't be able to sleep, Cinderella drew her own bath, and soaked in it for a time, washing off the nightmares taint, and simply letting herself relax, to drift. Time slipped by, and light filled the room, the water gone from hot to tepid to cold, and Cinderella climbed out the water, drying herself. She was dressed even before her-she detested the word servant-friend and handmaiden entered with food to break her fast. Cinderella smiled, and patted the chair next to her as she did every morning [color=8882be]“Sara. Sit and eat with me, won't you?”[/color]Cinderella hated to eat alone, and Sara was a darling woman. Her husband tended the gardens, and their son, a little rascal, filled the yard with his laughter.

They were a constant happiness for Cinderella. She paid them too much, treated them better than many would, and she loved them.[color=8882be] “I am going to see Gaston today. So you may leave early, and spend the time with you husband and son”[/color] cinderella spoke cheerfully, but Sara had been with her too long not to know. “Miss Cindy, you've had a nightmare”

Cinderella didn't try to deny it, merely spread butter and jam over the toast and bit into it. Sara gave a soft sigh, and didn't say anything, accepting the knife Cinderella passed her.[color=8882be] “Yes. Don't worry, it wasn't a bad one. Sometimes I just need to be reminded of all that I have, and Gaston gave that to me. Besides, no doubt he has need of me as well. I'll take buttercup” [/color] the horse no doubt would enjoy a little bit of exercise that wasn't simply around the yard, and Cinderella didn't spend nearly enough time with the horse. 

It was not long before Cinderella was on the saddled horse, trotting down the road. And then galloping, enjoying the freedom. Buttercup was one of two horses she had, to drive the carriage when she went on business. A large strong animal, Buttercup enjoyed a good run, and had the sweetest nature. It wasn't long before Cinderella was smiling, and laughing as she breezed passed the landscape, enjoying the simple freedom. Yes. Sometimes she simply needed to remind herself all she had. 

Turning into Gaston’s grounds a short while later, Cinderella felt a peace that would last throughout the day. She patted Buttercup as she slid off her, stroking her neck. “Thank you for the run, my girl” she said to the horse, as she looked about her. This place was as much home to her as her own house, and both she owed Gaston, as well as her freedom. 

[color=F42D2D]“Ciiiiiiiiiiiiiiindy..!”[/color]
 
The sound of his voice filled the space of the courtyard as he made his way out to meet her, a heavy pout on his lips and his shoulders slumped as he wandered over to her, kicking aimlessly at the ground under his feet as he shoved his hands down into the recesses of his pockets- his Belle had already been gone for the last month… and he had no idea when in the hell she was supposed to be coming back… he had been given no time frame for this particular journey of hers; and it was this fact that had him sulking through the grounds of the castle more and more frequently each day that passed them by.
 
[color=F42D2D]“Cindy; she left again..!”[/color] Finally reaching where it was that she was standing, Gaston didn’t bother to hold back as he wrapped his arms around her lithe frame, pulling her close in a hug (more to comfort himself than in greeting) as he whined lightly about the current situation he had found himself in, [color=F42D2D]“My Isabella has left me again to go on some stupid hunt, or quest- maybe it was shopping… I don’t really know… All I do know is that I don’t know when she’s coming back, ‘cause she never told me..!”[/color]

Cinderella knew from the drawn out 'Cindy' that Gaston was upset, and she could guess the topic easily enough. Still, it was good to see him, and she felt a little better for it. Returning his hug, she allowed herself a quick moment to just relax, before she turned her attention to the topic at hand. She had been correct. Isabella occupied Gaston's mind more then anything else, and she would often be the one to comfort him, when things like this happened. [color=8882be]"Perhaps she didn't know herself, Gaston. Maybe she didn't want you to worry if she didn't return by a specific date, if it took longer than she thought" [/color] She said, her tone soothing and compassionate. 
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"You have to remember Gaston, these hunts and quests of hers are important to her. And just think, when she returns, what stories she'll have that she can share with you!" [/color]She said brightly, always careful to choose the right words that wouldn't make things worse.[color=8882be] "It could simply be that this time it's just a long journey, and a timeline might make things harder for her. She always comes back, doesn't she? This time will be no different"[/color] Cinderella hoped that this was true. Gaston could be a wonderful person, the boy who had rescued her from the life she had had after her father had tragically passed away was still within this man, who was really her best friend. However, his obsession with Isabella twisted his perception at times. She supposed that that was why she was there, to bring him back around. Or at least make him less sulky. 

[color=8882be]"Until then, I'm here."[/color] She said, [color=8882be]"Besides, she can never truly leave you, so long as she is in your heart. Sometimes, she's just further away"[/color]

She was right… why was she always right..?
 
Keeping the pout upon his face, though admittedly smaller than it had been moments beforehand, he nodded his head lightly against the nape of his neck, his arms slipping to move from where they had been wrapped around her neck to instead wrap tightly around her middle- she was so smart… Cindy had always been the voice of reason behind his almost each and every action; the pretty little blue-bird who whispered in his ear and told him to not to that stupid thing that popped into his mind… or at least was the one person who was there to comfort him [i]after[/i] he had gone out and done the stupid thing that had popped into his mind…
 
Tightening his arms around her waist, Gaston lifted her up, his body turning on his heel as he threw her over his shoulder, his feet guiding them back across the courtyard and in the direction that he had first come to greet her from, his left arm wrapped gently though firmly around her lithe figure as he held her while his right dropped back 
down to his side, swinging back and forth in time with each and every step that he took back to the castle, [color=F42D2D]“..you know; you’re right…”[/color]

Seeming to think on the matter just a few moments longer, Gaston nodded his head a few times in agreement to what had been said- Belle always wandered off here and there on those cute little adventures of hers… ones that seemed to make her smile and believe herself to be a match for any man she came across- well at least she wasn’t walking around with her nose in a book anymore like she used to do all the time…

[color=F42D2D]“She always comes back eventually; Avonlea is her home after all…”[/color] Shrugging his shoulders, but being careful enough not to jostle Cindy too much with of the action, Gaston wandered through the door and into the entrance hall, by-passing the grand staircase altogether as he continued on his way, wandering into the trophy room and taking his place in the large armchair by the fire before he moved her again, perching her upon his lap and keeping his arm wrapped around her body as he made himself comfortable, [color=F42D2D]“Ah; I don’t even know why I was worried.”[/color]

Gaston always had a way with making her feel half a child, still. The ability to lift her as if she weighed less than a sack of flour had been annoying at first, but Cinderella was used to such actions now. Gaston seemed to have the most curious opinion that she wasn't capable of walking. Or maybe it was just that his strides were longer and faster than hers. Either way, Gaston-mode of traveling was something that always seemed to happen, especially when he was in a mood over Isabella. She didn't particularly mind, and was glad she had decided to wear rider slacks, instead of one of the few skirts she had. 

He could be half a child still, himself. She could practically follow his train of thought as he mulled her words over. [color=8882be]"That's right, and home is important, she'll be back"[/color] she said, although she wasn't sure if Gaston had even heard her. 

Finally settled upon his lap, Cinderella smoothed imaginary creases from her slacks like a good little lady, although a good little lady wouldn't be sitting in a mans lap, [color=8882be]"you worry because you care" [/color]she said, [color=8882be]"that's not a bad thing, Gaston."[/color] Gaston was actually a very comfortable seat, or perhaps that was because she was use to it. Yet the simple fact was, she felt safe in his presence. There were times when her home didn't feel safe, generally that was after a nightmare. There was always that fear that her stepmother and sisters would one day creep back into her life. If that day happened, Cinderella hoped she would do what had to be done. 

[color=8882be]"Isabella knows that, so if she knew when she would return she would have told you." [/color]She said as if her thoughts hadn't changed direction, giving him a smile,[color=8882be] "in any case, I'm pleased I could help, like always"[/color]

[color=F42D2D]“..you do help…”[/color]

Holding her gaze for a few moments longer, Gaston relaxed back into the cushions, his arm draped around her pulling her closer into him until finally, she was rested up against his chest, his hand rested softly against her hip as he made himself comfortable, his other hand reaching down to scoop her legs up and over his lap, [color=F42D2D]“So tell me… I know it’s not my dashing good looks, or my dazzling smile that lured you to my castle today; so to what do I owe this wonderful visit of yours, my dearest Cindy..?”[/color]

Essentially laying against Gaston, she felt the last dregs of the nightmare slip away, and she closed her eyes, giving a soft, contented sigh. She pondered what to say when he asked why she had visited. [color=8882be]"It was just a rough night, and I just...wanted to see you" [/color]She said, softly. Cinderalla wasn't one to dwell too much on her problems, preferring to focus on others, especially those she cared about, and help them. 
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"It's the same then, over and over again, when the nightmares come" [/color] She said after another moment, [color=8882be]"and I just need to be remind about all I have now, and who's to thank for that" [/color] She said, opening her eyes and giving Gaston a smile.[color=8882be] "A day with you always makes me feel better."[/color] Cinderella typically maintained a stoic and business attitude, however with Gaston who had seen her in the worst time of her life, she could let that slide.

Shaking his head lightly from side to side, Gaston sat himself up slightly, his arms seeming to wrap even tighter around her body as he pulled her as close as he possibly could- sure he had helped her out when times had gotten tough… he looked after her; but it was nowhere near as much as she looked after him.
 
[color=F42D2D]“..hey now.”[/color] Lifting his hand up from where it had been resting over her leg, he let his fingers brush gently over her forehead, brushing some stray strands of her long blonde locks back off her face before neatly tucking them behind her ear, though his hand didn’t stop there, lightly caressing her cheek for a few moments before once more, it returned to rest upon her leg, holding her in place against him, [color=F42D2D]“..you owe me no thanks, Cindy. I made you a promise I would get you out of that life- I made a promise, and I kept my word, did I not..?”[/color]

Giving her a small smile in hopes that it might help to calm her fears, he tensed his stomach muscles, leaning forward slightly until he was able to press his lips softly against her forehead in what he hoped was a comforting kiss, [color=F42D2D]“And now I give you my word again; you will never return to such a life… not while I continue to breath.”[/color]

Gaston never ceased to amaze Cinderella. From immersed in himself one minute, to this the next in a smooth transaction that showed it was genuine. Cinderella had never doubted Gaston's word for one moment. As a child, he was her shining knight, that saved her from her step mother. She knew he wouldn't like the fact she still thought of that woman as her step mother, yet Cinderella was always proper. She couldn't very well think of her as that evil woman, could she? 

She accepted his comfort with ease, and grace. [color=8882be]"You did, and I never doubted that. It's what kept me going, day after day, week after week and month after month. And that's what I'm thankful for. And you still do it now" [/color]She said simply, and as he leaned in, she wrapped her arms around him in a hug. 

[color=8882be]"Then I know I am safe" [/color]She knew that already, of course. Had known it since the day she was freed, but it was the right words to say,[color=8882be] "Sometimes i just need to be reminded of that. And that's why I'm here" [/color] It was easy to admit that. [color=8882be]"And besides, it's been too long since I visited." [/color]

Releasing the hug, she knew that this was a good way to spend a day. And she should do it more often. She was well set, and could take a day off every so often.[color=8882be] "So. What do you want to do, today?"[/color]