Author: Trilies
Genre : Romance
Word length 999
Sypnosis Belle has to say goodbye to some one important in her life.
Rating PG
Yaoi/Yuri/Pairings: Belle/Lexaeus
Friendship Pages
Tip. Tip. Ti-
"I know you're there, Mademoiselle Belle."
Giggling, the brunette twirls out from behind the tree, holding her book behind her back. "You always catch me," she accuses, pretending to be offended. "You have to be cheating somehow."
Lexaeus only smiles knowingly and tugs slightly at the sleeve of his shirt, the same brown one he always wears when he comes to visit her. That's the give away. He's never been much of a liar. "Did you enjoy the book I gave to you?" he asks, gesturing to the open space on the rock he sits on.
The mention of the story gains Belle's attention easily. Frowning thoughtfully, she sits besides Lexaeus and runs her fingers over the cover title: The Book Thief. "It was unusual," she admits. "I wish I could read more of Monsier Zusak's works, to understand some of the phrases, or know what country he's from."
"I apologize."
"You don't have to." Belle shakes her head. "Even if I didn't understand certain things, I did understand one thing: the emotions behind it." Gently, she runs her fingers over the book cover again, as if caressing the face of a sleeping child. "It was sad but so terribly beautiful," she murmurs softly.
Silence, for a few seconds, before Lexaeus asks, "So I take it you liked it, then?" She nods. "Good."
"I'm glad you brought it," Belle agrees as the book switches hands. With The Book Thief back in Lexaeus possession, Belle moves o n to the next part of their little 'routine': Beaming, she curls her legs besides her on the rock and looks up at Lexaeus eagerly. "So! Now it's your turn to tell me a story from your travels!"
As long as they've known each other, that's how it's always been. Belle would return a book, Lexaeus would tell her a tale that she'd never be able to guess if it were truth or falsehood, and then he'd give her a new book, therefore starting the whole process all over again. They'll talk, as well, with Belle contributing with small tales of her father's inventions and Gaston's ridiculous antics. Lexaeus is her friend, her confidante, and the one she sometimes thinks of as some one more. Not once has she ever regretted looking past his muscular appearance for the kind and loyal man beneath, the exact opposite of Gaston.
"-And so we all returned back to our home, completely covered in fish scales and crab eyes," Lexaeus concludes, his hands clasped together on one knee, the epitome of cool and casual. "Chilad wouldn't speak to Freshoo for a month, and Gaofat still recoils at the sight of fish."
Having giggled throughout the entire story, Belle bursts out laughing. "You seem rather composed for some one who's gone through that!" she says, wiping a tear from one eye.
Lexaeus only snorts. "I've been through worse," he says simply. "I'll have to tell you the things my best friend has put me through. But for now..." He glances up at the sky, which has turned pink and purple and orange like a heartbroken artist's dream. "It appears you should head back home."
Belle sighs in disappointment. And here she had been, eager to tell him about her father's latest invention and how they were so close... Oh well. Perhaps next time. It is getting late, after all. Hopping onto her feet, she forces herself to smile. "Alright. Are there any more books you brought for me?"
"Of course." Getting off of the boulder himself, Lexaeus bends down to retrieve something from the other side, hidden from Belle's sight. With not a single grunt, he lifts up four books by the twin e tying them together. Belle almost has a heart attack of joy at the sight. Filled with excitement, she gathers the hefty load in her arms.
"Thank you, thank you!" she cries, eager to dig into these stories. Quickly, she glances at the titles: The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings- "Thank yo-"
"You're welcome," he interrupts, amused at her outburst. "You're welcome."
As she calms down, a thought strikes her. Frowning, she asks, "Is there any reason in particular you're giving me so many books at once? You're usually.... slower."
There's a pause, and Lexaeus glances up at the sky again before he answers. "I'll be gonig on another... journey, soon. I'm not su re when I'll be back, so..."
He trails off, and Belle feels her shoulders slump. "Oh" is all she says, still holding the books tightly (tighter?) to her chest. Unable, for now, to find the proper words to say, she sets the books down on the ground and steps forward to wrap her arms around Lexaeus. She feels him stiffen in surprise for a moment before he slowly relaxes. "I hope your journey doesn't take too long."
"I hope that as well," he says as she pulls away. "Although not as much as I hope I return home one day."
Belle knows a little about Lexaeus' homeland, from what he has told her. A beautiful place full of flowers and people with strong hearts and a persevering will nothing could conquer... She'd like to go there one day herself. Picking up the books again, she tries to smile at Lexaeus. 'I'll see you when you get back' or 'Come back soon' seems like it would be appropriate here but... "Good bye," she says.
Lexaeus raises an eyebrow at her choice of words but only nods. "Good bye."
They turn away from each other, walking in opposite directions to return to the places where they belong. However, Lexaeus pauses when Belle suddenly calls his name. As he looks over his shoulder, he spots Belle, lingering at the edge of the clearing with a sad smile on her face. "I just wanted to let you know... I hope you also get your heart back as well." Then, quick as lightning, she's gone, with only the rustle of leaves hinting she was there.
Lexaeus stares after her, a rueful smile on his face. She's always been quick... "Xaldin will have a difficult time with her."
