Beauty and the Monster-A Namjin AU story

Chapter 12

A storm had begun. The wind howled and whipped the defenseless trees back and forth. The rain pelted the windows of the warm pub. At least there was the pub. For the citizens who were brave enough to venture from their homes in the storm, the pub was the perfect place to take shelter.

And the perfect place for Gaston to rest after beating up an old man.

"This is some storm, huh?" said Lefou as he squeezed the water out of his hat. "At least we're not tied to a tree in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by...bloodthirsty wolves." he gulped. Ever since the deed was done, guilt had been eating away at Lefou. He was loyal to Gaston above all-he was convinced he loved him-but this was almost too much.

"You know," he offered, "It's not too late. We could turn back and save him. It's just that every time I close my eyes, I see Maurice stranded alone. And when I open them I see...Maurice!"

Maurice had made a triumphant comeback from the "dead". Gaston threatened his life and his son's happiness. He would not go unpunished.

The man tending the bar glared in Gaston's direction.

"Gaston, did you try to kill Maurice?"

It was best to lay it on thick, Gaston decided. "Maurice! Thank heavens! I've spent the last five days trying to find you."

The pub had gone silent. Everyone was trying to pick a side.

"You tried to kill me," growled Maurice. "You left me to the wolves!"

"Wolves? It's one thing to be a madman. It's another to accuse me of attempted murder!"

The bar man tried to create peace. "Maurice, do you have any proof of what you're saying?"

"I do!" he replied triumphantly, "Ask Agathe. She rescued me."

Agathe nodded solemnly. Gaston let out a barking laugh.

"Agathe? You'd rather hang your testimony on a filthy hag? No offense, Agathe."

Maurice pointed at Lefou hopefully. "Ask him! He was there!"

"Me?" he squeeked.

Gaston placed a hand on his shoulder. "You're right. Don't take my word for it. Did I," he held his hand and looked him in the eyes. Lefou blushed intensely. It was truth against poison love. "Your oldest friend and most loyal companion, try to kill the father of the only man I've ever truly loved?"

The only man.

That stung. Still, Lefou promised he was loyal to Gaston above all. He would defend him.

Why did it feel so wrong?

"N-No. He did not."

"You-!" Maurice made a move to hit Lefou, but was held back by a bar patron. Gaston chuckled once more.

"Maurice...it pains me to say this, but you've become a danger to yourself and others. No wonder Seokjin ran out on you. You need help. Something to heal your troubled mind." He glanced at two men standing in the corner of the pub and nodded. They walked up to Maurice and dragged him of the pub. He kicked and struggled, but it was no use.

"Everything's going to be fine...just fine."