Belle Of The Gays

Tale As Old As Time

Belle stared at her reflection in the full length mirror, smiling slightly to herself. This might just be the first dress she was actually excited to wear in public, and she wasn't uncomfortable in the slightest. Garderobe knew what they were doing for sure.

The dress was a sunshine yellow with a sheer layer of gold sparkles and details over top. It was a typical ballroom gown with all the ruffles and layers, but it wasn't as heavy as she expected. The only sleeves on it were ones that hung off the shoulders, her favorite style.

"Oh darling, you look gorgeous." Garderobe whispered, wanting nothing more than to get dressed up themselves and go party with the rest of them.

"Thank you. For everything." Belle turned away from the mirror to sincerely gaze at Garderobe, and the wardrobe smiled.

"Stop talking as if it's goodbye. Now go downstairs and have fun! I'm going to need a full report by the time you get back!" Belle laughed, giving them a quick salute and walking out of the room. It was soon discovered that she had to lift the front of the dress slightly just to even walk, especially if she was going to go down the staircase.

Adam and the other castle inhabitants were already in the ballroom, Maestro playing the piano for them as they danced around the room. Pride flags taken from the library hung from banisters, and smaller versions of them hung around everyone. Seeing as Adam was the only one capable of doing so, he was wearing a blue tuxedo with the aromantic and asexual pride flags folded in his pocket.

Chip was happily dancing with his Mother, a trans flag spilling out of his teacup instead of tea, but he paused in awe when he saw Belle joining them.

"Look Mama!" Everyone stopped and smiled as they watched her attempt to gracefully walk down the stairs, and she blushed at the attention. Adam ended up taking her hand and helping her down the rest.

"My dear, you look wonderful."

"Absolutely astounding, mademoiselle."

"Thank you, but this all goes to Garderobe." Belle motioned to her dress as if that wasn't already obvious, but she was just trying to take some attention off of her.

The music started back up and the group went back to dancing, having a merry old time. At one point Lumiere started to sing for them, but that was quickly taken over by Mrs. Potts when a ballad song started playing.

"In the most platonic way possible, may I have this dance?" Adam bowed slightly in front of Belle, extending his paw for her to take.

"Why of course." She did a half curtsy in response, taking his hand and delicately dancing with him. It had been so long since she had last waltzed that it took her a bit to remember how, but eventually she got back into the flow.

Her Dad had originally taught her when she was little, back when her Mom was still alive and she would watch her parents dance to old songs that used to play on the radio. She used to watch them with wide eyes until her Dad noticed her there and took her little hands, twirling her around and teaching her the steps.

"What's wrong?" Adam whispered, not wanting to make a big scene out of her teary eyes. Belle snapped out of her thoughts and quickly wiped away the tears with the back of her hand, putting on a smile for him.

"I just was reminded of my Dad, that's all." Adam's face softened, turning into one of guilt.

"It's cruel of me to keep you here. You must miss him."

"Yeah, but you have a pretty solid reason and it's my fault for always wanting a more exciting life. This is what I get for dreaming." She shrugged it off, but Adam wasn't about to let the topic go that easily.

He scanned the room to check if anyone was paying much attention to them, and when it was determined they were all caught up in their own fun, he took her hand and guided her out. He brought her up to the library and started searching around for something he couldn't remember where he had put it. It had been so long since he had last used the mirror, and the last time probably ended in him throwing it somewhere in rage. He just hoped it wasn't broken.

"What are you looking for?" Belle watched him curiously, and his face lit up when he found the hand mirror and brought it over to her.

"This mirror was the one gift the enchantress gave us. It allows you to see whatever part of the world you wish." He handed it over to her and she carefully grasped onto the handle, admiring the craftsmanship for a moment.

"Show me my Dad." The reflective surface of the mirror swirled until color came to it and the image changed.

Through the mirror Belle watched as Maurice was thrown into the back of a van, the words "Mental Transportation Unit" written across the side.