When the GF’s away, FICTIONAL MEN come to play~
You’d think Tenya Iida wouldn’t be a beast, but you gotta trust me hehehehe :)
I started in the middle, and ended up ending in the middle. You just gotta trust me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Once upon a time, there was a handsome young prince. He was very intelligent, well read in almost every subject. However, he was very uptight. He valued order above all else. When things were not kept in order and on schedule, it was the one thing too make him angry.
One day, the Prince had planned a day to study. It was very important to him. And yet everything seemed too be interrupting him, despite his schedule being quite clear to others! The servants would rush into the library and clean loudly. Royal documents to suddenly be signed. The Prince was becoming quite upset. When a servant called him to the front doors, he had just about had it.
He threw the doors open, and an old man stood there. He had a red mask, and sharp teeth, and overall was very disturbing to look at. And was disturbing the Prince’s studying!
“Would you be my hero, and offer me refuge for the day?” The man said. “Perhaps I could keep you company?”
“Company?” The Prince scoffed. “You are disturbing me, what makes you think I would want your company?” The Prince turned his back. “Leave now.”
The man glared at the Prince. “You are quite the unheroic Prince. You shall regret this.”
The man revealed himself to be a warlock. Despite the young Prince’s apologies, the warlock had seen such stubbornness he was in no place to forgive. The Warlock cursed the young Prince with the appearance of a horrifying beast. All his staff was turned into objects and furniture, to show the way his actions can harm others.
“Only if someone can truly love you, will you return to your true form. But who could possibly love someone as uptight and beastly as you?”
Until then, the Prince now Beast was given an enchanted rose. Once all the petals fell, the curse would be permanent. The Prince remained in his castle forever more, for how could anyone ever love someone like him?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Molly’s shoes were soaked as she trudged through the snow. She wished she had warmer clothing, but all she had was her dress and simple shoes. Not great for snow, but it was all she had! At least she had her cloak. As she shivered and sneezed, there was a single dim light in the distance. It began to be the only thing her frozen-teared eyes could see, and kept walking towards it.
The light never grew any brighter, no matter bow close she got. Soon enough, the light was revealed to be a single lamp in front of a dark and mysterious castle. The castle was terrifying: Crumbling black stones, spiky tower roofs. Gargoyles and frightening statues were placed all over the front garden. However the Lamp gave her the only light and warmth for miles, even if it was barley any. She approached the lamp and rested against it. She would surely die here tonight, but she’d rather not die in pitch darkness.
“Oh my goodness!”
Molly looked around for the source of the voice. She could see the Castle’s front doors now cracked open. Light shined from inside, but she could see no person inside.
“Its freezing out! You must come inside!” The voice, a women, cried.
Molly smiled weakly, and began to rush across the front garden. She tried not to think about the scary statues watching her. She entered through the doors, and collapsed to the dry floor. It was dusty, but much softer and warmer than the forest snow. She closed her eyes and breathed hard, recovering from the cold.
“Oh you poor thing!” The voice said again. “Goodness we must get you warmed up right away!”
“One…One moment…” Molly said, her eyes still not open. “Just need to catch my breathe.”
“Of course. I will make sure you are set for the night!”
Molly heard a loud whistle, and her eyes shot open. She cried out in surprise at the noise. She looked around but…no one was around? Who had she been talking to? Who had let her in? Her eyes adjusted, and she realized the lights were quite dim. However she could make out the front hall of the mysterious castle: Old and faded tapestries hung from the walls, and the ground was a thin red carpet. Gold, but rusted, furniture was decorating the hall. However, she found it odd for there to be a teapot right in the middle of the floor. Someone would easily trip and break it!
“Oops! I didn’t mean To frighten you!” The Teapot spoke.
Molly jumped back once again. The teapot speaks!
“Oh dear, I did it again!” The Teapot cried. “So sorry dear!”
The tea pot was white and red, and had a soft but excited voice. “I am Momo,” the teapot said.
“Y-You’re a talking Teapot!” Molly cried. “H-How?!” She stopped for a second. “Your name is Momo?”
“Yes.” The Teapot smiled.
“Thats a nice name!” Molly complimented.
“Why thank you! Now please, stay and catch your breath. I shall call for Todoroki again. He will keep you company while I arange a room.”
“You don’t have to do that!’ Molly said. “I don’t want to intrude.”
“You will freeze out there! I insist!”
Momo whistles again, and this time a talking candlestick hopped into the room. It had a bored expression, until it saw Molly. Then, it had a ‘I’m tired but interested’ expression.
“Who is this?” The candlestick, Todoroki, asked.
“What is your name, dear?” Momo asked.
“Molly,” Molly said.
“Todoroki, Molly is freezing! Please keep her warm until I get everything arranged for the night.”
“The master won’t like this.” Todoroki stated.
“We can’t let her back out there!” Momo said. “We’ll just have to deal with the master’s consequences later.”
“Master? Consequence?!” Molly tried to stand. “I-I don’t wanna cause trouble—“ Molly fell back to the floor, shivering.
“You must rest!” Momo said. “Todoroki, warm her up!”
Momo rushed away, while Todoroki rushed forward. His small fire was already warming Molly up. He stayed silent as Molly rubbed her hands over his flame. She wasn’t sure was Momo was preparing, but she hoped it wouldn’t upset this ‘master’ too much.
“Thanks you Todoroki,” Molly said. “I’m sorry to inconvenience you.”
“Its alright,” Todoroki said. “I haven’t been of service for too long. This makes me happy.”
Molly chuckled. “I’m glad I can make you happy!”
“Um, Todoroki?” A green feathered Quill poked around the counter. He had a very shy voice. “Momo says everything is ready for Ms. Molly in the sitting room.”
Todoroki nodded.
“Hello,” Molly managed to stand up finally, and walk over to the quill. She slowly picked him up in her hand, making sure it was ok of first. “What’s your name?” She asked.
“M-Midoryia…”
“Nice to meet you!” Molly smiled. “Thank you for coming to get us. Will you lead us to where we need to go?”
Midoryia blushed when he smiled, but nodded and led them forward.
…
Molly was led into a bit of a brighter room. It had a big comfy chair and blanket ready, with a warm inferno in the fireplace. Momo stood next to the chair on a trolly, with some simple cookies and water laid out.
“Come come!” Momo said quickly.
“This is very kind of you!” Molly said. “Thank you so much.”
“You must get warm,” Midoryia said. “This is one of the largest snow storms I’ve ever seen, and you must be cold.”
“I am,” Molly wrapped the blanket around her.
Molly turned to the chair. “A-Are you alive too?”
The chair nodded, but did not speak.
“May I please sit?”
The chair nodded again.
“Thank you.” Molly smiled softly and sat down.
It was silent for a second, with Molly warming up and the living objects watching her. She was a beautiful and kind young girl. Perhaps she was the one destined to break the spell and save Prince Tenya Iida?
“Thank you so much for your kindness,” Molly smiled softly, sipping her water. She thanked the glass after every sip, and the glass would giggle happily.
“Of course!” Momo said.
“You are also very kind.” Todoroki said. “You are very kind to everything that is alive.”
“How are you all alive?” Molly asked.
“The master prefers us not to talk about it.” Midoryia explained.
“Who is the master?”
There was a deep growl from the doorway.
___________
Everyone turned to the doorway in fear. In the doorway was a horrifying beastly He had tall black horns, and long fangs. He had dark blue fur, and sharp claws. His eyes were raging red, and he growled deeply. As the enchanted furniture slowly approached the beast shyly, Molly slowly stood from the chair.
“What is going on?” The beast growled. “Lights out is at 9:00, how dare you defy the set schedule!”
“Master we are sorry!” Midoryia cried.
“Just let us explain,” Todoroki said.
“Silence!” The beast yelled. “You have all enraged me!”
“Please don’t be upset with them!” Molly cried.
The beast turned its hellish red eyes upon the young girl. Molly gasped in fear. The beast approached her stomping. He was very upset. But…she could understand why. He had a set schedule, and as the master he probably expected everyone to follow it. She liked routine too, and depended on it just as much as this beast did. She would be upset too if there was an unexpected guest at this hour—
“Who are you?!” The beast roared in her face, his fangs close to her.
“I-I…” Molly couldn’t seem to get words out.
“It doesn’t matter, Get out!”
“W-Wait-!”
“WHAT?!”
Molly took a deep breathe. She bowed her head respectfully and spoke as calmly as possible:
“I-I understand why you are upset. I am an unexpected visitor and am messing up a routine you depend a lot on. However it was an emergency, and I might have died if it weren’t for the care of your…servants.”
The beast’s eyes calmed a little bit.
“If being awake right now if bothering you, I will gladly stay quiet and go to sleep. We all will. I just ask for refuge for the night, please.”
The beast growled.
“I-Its just for tonight Master!” Midoryia said.
The beast scoffed. “Fine. But go to bed! NOW!” With one huff, he blew out the fire place shrouding the room in darkness.
“…Thank you.” Molly whispered.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Molly awoke to a whistle. It was Momo again.
“Its 9:00 am, time to wake up!” She smiled.
Molly sat up from the floor and yawned. “Thank you,” she said softly. She stood up and wiped off her dress of dust.
“Tike for breakfast! Come Come!” Momo said.
“A-Are you sure?” Molly asked. “I agreed just for the night.”
“Breakfast is at 9:15, we must get you ready quickly. The Master doesn’t like breakfast to be late!”
Molly sighed. She was very confused, but she did not want to upset the beast again.
She followed Momo out of the room, and they rushed through the castle halls so fast Molly was almost running. She had no time to admire the silver armor or other tapestries. However she did wave at every piece of enchanted furniture she could. They waved back happily. Momo led Molly into a large bedroom, where a large dresser waved and smiled at her.
“Hello! Hello!” The dresser said. “I am Aoyama!”
“Nice to meet you-“ Molly was cut off by Momo.
“Breakfast is in ten minutes! She must be ready to attend breakfast and…leave right after.”
“Pity,” the dress saddened. “Oh well. While I have your you shall look fabulous!”
The dresser dressed Molly in a dark pink gown. It was simple and nice, but also made of warm heavy velvet. Molly…really liked it!
“Thank you!” Molly smiled as she twirled.
“Come Come, we must go! Now!” Momo cried, rushing Molly out of the room.
“Thank you Aoyama!” Molly cried.
“Bye Bye!” Aoyama called.
…
Molly was led into the dining room. It was exactly 9:15, and the beast entered on the other side of the room. He seemed surprised to see Molly on time, but then remembered who she was and why she was here, and scoffed. The two sat down on either sides of the table, and were served a simple breakfast of eggs and toast. They ate quietly until Molly broke the silence.
“Thank you again for letting me stay last night.” Molly said. “I can’t thank you enough.”
“You ruined my routine.” The beast growled.
“I’m sorry for ruining your routine.” Molly said simply. “I know that can be frustrating.”
“You can never understand…”
Molly sighed. “Wether you believe me or not, I do understand what its like to rely on a routine. You know, your servants work very hard to keep you on it—“
“Silence.”
Molly did not silence. “They woke me up right away and we ran to get ready just so you would be happy! You should thank them—“
The beast looked like he was about to yell, but stopped. His red eyes held realization in them. He bowed his head and addressed Momo, Todoroki, and Midoryia. “Thank you all for working to keep my routine in order.”
The enchanted servants stood in silence. This young girl had managed to get Prince Tenya to…thank them? And only after their second conversation?! Could they really allow her to leave? She was obviously the one!
Molly stood from the table and bowed. “Thank your for letting me stay. I will leave now.” She gave a soft smile and began to leave.
The beast nodded, but did not go after her. He did not stand. He didn’t even look her way. Midoryia tired to tell Tenya he was letting his chance just walk away, but he was not having it.
…
Molly put in her cloak, that had been washed and dried.
“I can’t thank you all enough!” Molly smiled.
“Are you sure you want to go back out?” Todoroki asked. “The snow is still very cold, and then storm is expected to return later today.”
“I have to,” Molly said. “The beast and I had an agreement.”
“Will you be alright?” Momo asked.
“I should be!” Molly grinned. “Thank you all again! I’m very sorry I got you in trouble…”
“If it helps, this morning is the most calm I’ve ever seen the master.” Midoryia claimed.
Molly chuckled. “I’m glad. Thank you all again!” Molly waved as she walked back out into the snow.
_________________
Molly was a bit warmer this time, but still cold. And the woods became much darker when the storm returned. She could have sworn she was closer to the village, but she ended up lost. Lost, in the deep dark woods, in the freezing cold. AGAIN! There was a growl from ahead. There hadn’t been wolves last time. Why did Molly prefer the beast over this? Molly slowly knelt down, and grabbed a large branch from the ground. It wasn’t’t much, but it could buy her some time? The wolves began to get closer, and Molly tried to back away. She slipped in the wet snow, and the sudden movement caused the wolves to attack. Molly screamed, was this the end?!
Suddenly, there was a roar. The Blue Beast rushed in from of her and began to fight off the wolves! They clawed and bit him while the roared. Molly was frozen in fear and shock, as the bloody battle unfolded before her. The wolves eventually fled, each injured and whimpering as they deserved.
It was silent. The beast stood there, breathing hard. Only his breath could be heard. His back was turned to Molly, and Molly stared up at his blue fur. But the Blue fur began to crumble, and the beast collapsed to the snow.
“Oh my god!” Molly rushed forward to the beast. “Are you ok?!”
The beast did not respond. He was bleeding heavily, and exhausted. This beast was dangerous, and could kill her at any moment. But she couldn’t just leave him here! He had been generous and offered her a placed to stay! Molly stretched for a second, before using all her might to lift the beast’s torso onto her back. He was quite heavy, and Molly was a weak girl. But she needed to get him back to his castle and help him.
…
Prince Tenya Iida’s eyes blinked open. He was laying in one of the guest room’s beds. Why? He was a prince he had his own room? The memories of last night slowly returned to him:
The young women had left a few hours ago and the storm had returned. He was eating Lunch, as he always did at this time everyday. The storm had picked back up, and he couldn’t help but wonder if the girl had made it too her destination safely. When his servant Midoryia informed him she had headed west, he had rose from the table and quickly ran after her. In this wether, at this time of day? Wolves were unavoidable in the west. He had blurry memories of finding her and fighting off the wolves. But how had he managed to return to the castle?
He tried to sit up. He needed to find out the time, his schedule—
“Hey Hey Hey!” The young women’s voice was heard. She was by his side, tending to the wounds he must have gotten. “You need to stay down. I need to clean and mend your wounds.”
“What…what time is it?” Tenya asked.
The young women turned to a clock at the bedside. “Excuse me, what time is it? I’m having trouble reading you.”
The clock smiled. “It is 12:00 o’clock.”
“Thank you,” The women turned to the beast. “It’s 12:00,” she repeated.
“Twelve?! I must go prepare for lunch—“ He tried to sit up again, but he winced painfully.
The young women pushed him back down. “What part of ‘you’re wounded’ didn’t you understand?!”
“Let me go.” Tenya growled dangerously.
The young women did flinch, but didn’t let the beast rise. “No. We will bring your lunch to you I
promise-“
“That is not the proper schedule—“
“I…I really do understand your need for routine.” The young women said softly. She began to dap his wounds with water. “Its very admirable.”
Tenya stopped.
“However, you are being too stubborn about it.” The young women said confidently.
“How dare you!” The beast roared.
“Let me finish!”
Tenya glared.
“Its ok to have routine. I like routine too! But certain things are unavoidable, and sometimes things will be unexpected. You need to learn to work around them.”
“Nothing is unexpected!” Tenya yelled. “My routine is prepared for everything—“
“Was it prepared for me?” The girl smirked.
Tenya went silent. He huffed and finally relaxed into the bed. It was quiet, expect for the little hisses the Prince made at the tending of his wounds. However the young girl was very careful. He wondered why she was so considerate. He was a beast, why was she being so kind? Let alone taking the time to understand his values? His heart…it was feeling warmer than ever before.
“Thank you for saving my life,” the young women suddenly said.
Tenya looked up at her. She had a soft look on her face, however her kind smile was gone. She looked sad.
“You…you’re welcome.” Tenya nodded.
Nothing more was said. The two sat in silence, but it was comfortable. The young unarmed girl kept tended to his wounds and….What was the young girl’s name? He had never even asked for it! That was quite rude he supposed. Just as he was about to work up the courage to ask, Momo rode in on the trolly. On the plates were his favorite meal. He normally reserved it for…well, never! He never ate his favorite meal. Why would a beast deserve it?!
“Good to see you up and well master,” Momo nodded.
“…Thank you.” Tenya said. He used to be very polite to his staff. He hadn’t thanked them in years. The young girl helped remind him how hard they worked for him, he couldn’t believe the way he had treated them!
Momo seemed surprised at the polite phrase, but didn’t question further. She smiled and served him his meal. She seemed a little nervous, as she and the rest of the kitchen staff were told never to make this meal again.
“I asked them to make your favorite meal,” the girl smiled. It wasn’t her soft smile. It was a happy excited one.
“Why?” Tenya asked.
“Well, I know when I’m hurt, sick, or just having a bad day…this kind of thing helps me! Familiar, almost routinely things, that make me happy!”
Tenya almost chuckled at the girl’s cleverness.
Tenya tried to reach for the meal, but the girl stopped him.
“That hand was injured.” The girl said.
Sure enough, Tenya looked down to see a bandage. Guess she had done that one while he was out.
The girl picked up the fork, and cut a bit of the food. She held it to the beast’s mouth. “Open up!”
“I am not a child!” Tenya growled.
“Calm down,” the girl said. “I know your not. Nothing wrong with helping you though!”
Tenya sighed and opened his mouth. The girl went slowly, but didn’t flinch at his fangs at all! He slowly closed his mouth.
He tasted heaven. he was transported back to his days as Prince. He would take a rare break from his studies, and devour this meal when it was cooked. The soft sweetness of the Lemon juice squeezed upon the meat, and the crunch of the veggies on the side. He hadn’t felt this at peace in…years. He managed to hum happily without realizing it.
Momo looked flabbergasted, while the young girl just looked a little surprised. The young girl shook it off and continued to feed him while. Momo was still frozen in shock.
When Tenya was finsihed with his meal, the young girl helped him sit up a bit more.
“You need to rest,” she said. “You’ll be able to get up tomorrow if you do.”
“Alright,” the beast said.
The beast yawned ands his eyes began to droop. He had never felt so relaxed, and yet it was because of an unknown girl at his bedside. How did this happen?
“What….What is your name?” Tenya whispered as sleep began to overtake him.
“My name is Molly,” the girl whispered just as the Beast fell asleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Molly was in her guest room. She wasn’t sure how she had gotten away with staying more than two days, and yet here she was. She had been there for…well, perhaps three days now? The beast was up and roaming around once again, but hadn’t kicked her out. That was good. Each night a snow storm raged, and until they stopped she had no hope of getting home. She supposed she was just buying time until the beast finally kicked her out again. After all, she had been wrecking the routine just being here.
“Good morning Madmosell Molly!” The dress from her first night Aoyama, said grandly. “I am so happy to have you as our guest! I get to dress you up every day!”
“Oh, you don’t have to do that!” Molly said. “I wouldn’t want to be any trouble. More than I already am-“
“Nonsense!” Aoyama said. “Now come come! I have the most dazzling outfit for you today!”
The dresser dressed her in a much more elegant dress than last time. It wasn’t a ball gown for sure, but it was nicer than anything Molly had worn before. A light green dress, with a dark green torso. The sleeves were long for the cold wether, but lose enough she would not get over hearted in the castle.
“This is lovely!” Molly gasped. “Thank you!”
“I can do better!” Aoyama said. “I shall prepare you for a royal ball—“
“Thats ok,” Molly said. “This is perfect for today.”
“P-perfect?”
“Yes, Its perfect! I promise.”
Aoyama looked very happy to hear that.
Midoryia rushed into the room. “9:10! 9:10!” He cried. “Breakfast is almost ready! Quick! Quick!”
Molly gasped. “Right!” She tried to Aoyama as she rushed away. “Thank you Aoyama! Thank you!”
“Bye Bye! Go shine my star!” Aoyama waved.
…
Tenya Iida looked up as Molly entered the dining room. She looked quite lovely he was begging to realize. She had a round plump body and soft tan skin. Her fuisha hair would fall into her face very nicely. This was the first time he was seeing her since he had passed out after she cleaned his wounds.
“Good morning!” Molly said happily as she sat down. “Sorry I was almost late!”
“…Good morning.” Tenya said quietly.
Their breakfast was served to them, and they ate quietly. It was a comfortable silence. Tenya had things to catch up on today. He needed to study his history books, Organize his room, and—
“May I ask a question?” Molly spoke up.
“Yes,” Tenya said quickly.
“I wanted to say thanks your for letting me stay for one. Its very generous and—“
“And…?”
“How much longer am I allowed to stay?”
Tenya thought about it. He had a routine. This girl has been wrecking it! Sure he was able to complete his tasks but with another person in the castle it made it much harder to concentrate! Sure she was nice but she was ruining everything! She needed to go as soon as possible.
“However long you desire.” Tenya answered.
“R-Really?” Molly gasped.
“Yes.”
“Thank you!” Molly smiled a big excited smile. “This really means a lot to me!”
Tenya stood up and began to stomp away, but Molly stopped him.
“What.” Tenya glared.
“I-I was wondering what on the schedule today?” Molly smiled.
“I’m going to the library to study.”
“Ok! Lets go!” Molly smiled and began to walk with him.
Tenya looked at her oddly, and the servants became very tense.
“Why are you coming.” Tenya demanded to know.
Molly shrugged. “I thought I’d keep you company!” She smiled.
“Would you be my hero, and offer me refuge for the day?” The man said. “Perhaps I could keep you company?”
Tenya froze. The servants froze. Everything froze. The servants were torn between ducking for cover, or crying out for Molly to run. The beast was beginning to shake, and was bound to attack any moment! His throat rumbled with a growl and his red eyes shined.
Momo began to cry out “MOLLY RUN-“
The beast scoffed and stomped past her. “Just don’t disturb me too much.”
Molly clapped her hands a little bit and followed him.
The staff watched them walk away in total shock. Todoroki ended up fainting.
___________________
Molly was in awe of the library. She was not one for reading, but she felt excitement like never before in this room. It was a colorful room, unlike the rest of the castle. Bookshelves reached to the ceilings, and there were towering stairways and balconies. Comfy chairs and rugs were in each corner, and fireplaces on each wall. Tenya had gone straight over to a crowded desk and began to work.
“H-Have fun working!” Molly said.
Tenya scoffed, but Molly could tell he appreciated the phrase. He began to read and write notes, and it was quiet.
Molly wasn’t sure what to do. She couldn’t chat with Midoryia whom had accompanied them, as she agreed to be quiet. She wasn’t much for reading, no matter how many times she scanned the bookshelves. She ended up just walking and climbing around the library quietly, Midoryia by her side. On her third loops, she noticed a book out of place. It looked like it had been shoved quickly into the shelf long ago. She pulled it out and blew off the dust. It was an art book, filled with notes on many different types of machines and inventions. There were notes on how to adjust the doors for tall ‘horn height’ and inventions on what could best ‘sharpen claws’. She assumed this belonged to the beast.
“Midoryia, what is this?” Molly asked.
“Oh! Its nothing!” Midoryia cried. “Nothing at all! We should just put it back!”
Molly didn’t want to push it, so she didn’t ask further. But the book still had thousands of blank pages left, and she was getting bored.
“Midoryia, do you think I could use you? Since your quill and all?”
“O-Of course Molly! But why?”
Molly walked back to where the beast was, and sat at the window closest to him. There was a soft comfy chair, which she asked to sit in. The chair nodded and let her sit. She held Midoryia softly, and began to draw in the art book. She was not the most realistic artist, but she loved to doodle and write. She felt a little bad about drawing in the beast’s book, but she didn’t read through it at least!
She would glance up between doodles at the beast. He was very focused on his work, and barley even blinked. They had been in the library at least two hours, and Lunch wouldn’t be until 12:00. She worried the beast didn’t take a break in between. That couldn’t be great for the brain.
“Midoryia, when is the beast’s break?” She asked the quill quietly.
“Break?” Midoryia asked.
“Does he only break for meals?”
“Yes.”
Molly nodded softly. She let Midoryia go and put the book down. She slowly and quietly approached the beast’;s desk, ignoring Midoryia’s scared whispers not to.
Molly tapped the beast’s shoulder. He snapped his head to her and snorted angrily.
“What?!” He hissed. “I am working!”
“When is this chapter finsihed?” She asked, getting closer to the garden door.
“Three more pages. Why?” Tenya scoffed.
“Great! Meet me out here when you are done!” Molly rushed out the garden door.
Molly was gone before Tenya could tell her no. Now he was expected to go see her. Great.
…
Tenya had never taken a ‘break’ from his study time before. The routine was Breakfast, Study, Lunch, Extra duties, Study, Dinner, Bed. ROUTINE!! And yet Molly had managed to make him take a break without him screaming at her. He had never felt this way before, for anyone.
The beast walked through the snowy garden. He could see Molly sitting on a bench near the frozen rose bushes. She shivered a little, but not a lot. The sun was burning behind the clouds and the nightly storm was not yet there, so she was warm enough. Her fushia hair lay over her face a bit, and her bright brown eyes admired the roses. Tenya approached Molly and sat next to her on the stone bench. She looked up at him and smiled.
“I was worried you weren’t going to join me!” Molly smiled.
“You were expecting me to, were you not?” Tenya asked.
Molly chuckled. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Why? What is it you needed?”
Molly took a deep breath. She sighed in content. “The fresh air is nice, isn’t it?”
Tenya took a deep breath himself. “I suppose it is.”
“I think you could use some breaks more often.” Molly said. “This is one, right now!”
…
From then on, Molly ended up convincing the beast to take much more breaks. They made sure to keep in in the schedule of course. Sometimes they were outside, other times they were in the sitting rooms. The beast had ended up surprising Molly with the royal ballroom. She loved the way it looked, the way it echoed. She was very thankful to the enchanted instruments, whom would play her whatever song she wished. Often she would pull the beast into the ballroom, and they would listen to music together.
The staff were in shock of how much the Beast had changed! And it was all thanks to Molly. They truly had hope that she would be the one to break the curse! However day by day, the enchanted rose lost petals. Molly would have to break the curse soon, or any day it would be set in stone forever.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Momo, Midoryia, and Todoroki waited anxiously outside Molly’s bedroom door.
“The master has never done such a thing!” Momo gasped.
“To break routine to this scale…” Todoroki sighed. “It is very unnerving.”
“B-But thats good right?” Midoryia smiled nervously. “And for something like this? The curse may as well be broken tonight!”
Prince Tenya had asked Molly to meet him in the ballrroom for a dance that night. At 9:30. Very much past the ‘lights out’. Molly was currently in the bedroom getting ready, while Aoyama could be heard loudly raving. The servants nervously awaited her reveal so that they may escort her to the ballroom.
Finally, Molly emerged from the room. She was dressed in a beautiful yellow gown. It was sleeveless with layers, and very sparkly. Molly wore her hair up nicely, and smiled.
“How do I look?” She asked the enchanted staff.
“You look lovely!” Momo smiled. “Come come! We must be off!”
…
Molly arrived in the ballroom. It was brighter than every before, and seemed to have been cleaned. She waved at the enchanted orchestra, and they waved back with what limbs they could. She saw the beast up ahead. He wore a very elegant suit, that was blue and yellow. His fur was brushed back, and his horns were polished.
“You….” The beast hesitated. “You look beautiful.”
Molly blushed, but smiled. “Thank you!”
“May I have this dance?” The beast held out a paw.
Molly nodded.
The orchestra played a beautiful symphony as the two waltzed together through the shining ballroom. Alone in the candlelight, twirling and gliding. It was very romantic. The servants watched them in awe. They had never seen their master so…happy.
Finally the two took a break, and let the enchanted orchestra rest. They went out onto the balcony. For once, there was no snow storm. The beast had let Molly know this, but she had refused to deny the Beast’s request for a dance.
“You…you could have left.” The beast said, as they looked at the stars together.
“What?” Molly asked.
“You could have left tonight. There’s no storm. You had the chance. You…have the chance.”
“Are you asking me to leave?” Molly asked.
“…No. I just want you to know that you don't have to—“
“What’s your name?” Molly interrupted him, changing the subject completely.
“Wh-What?” Tenya looked at her.
“I don’t know your name. Everyone calls you ‘the master’. I’ve just been calling you ‘the beast’. I want to know your name.”
“You can call me the beast.”
“But that’s not who you are!” Molly yelled.
Tenya looked at her, red eyes wide.
“Y-Yes it is!” He insisted.
“A beast might be, well, what you are. But not who!” Molly clarified. “You’re well read and smart, dedicated, generous. You’re even…kind.”
Tenya looked at her in awe. Was..was it this the truth.
“I…I want to know your name.” Her eyes were pleading.
“….My name is Tenya.” The beast revealed.
“Tenya…” Molly echoed. “I…I like that name.”
“You do?”
“Yes, I do.”
“I…” Molly seemed to be hesitating to say something.
“Yes?” Tenya asked.
Molly gave Tenya a kiss on the furry cheek. “I love you.” She said.
Tenya’s eyes were wide and he shook slightly.
“Oh my god I’m so sorry!” She gasped. “I shouldn’t have done that I—“ she got up and started to pace around. “Aaaaaa what was I thinking! I didn’t ask, I didn’t give a warning, I have no idea if you feel the same way! No wonder you were asking about me leaving you probably want me out and are just too scared to say it…”
Molly was so busy panicking she didn’t even notice the beast transforming. She had broken the curse upon him and his castle! For she truley loved the beast, for who he was. The beast was not a charming prince of kindness and charm. He was not a beast of terror and anger. He was a young man, who liked his routine! And she managed to love that about him.
And so here he was. His soft peach skin and soft blue hair had returned. His glasses, while cracked, were returned to his eyes. The castle was transforming from dark and gloomy, to its original bright and blue. He could hear cheers from inside as all the staff began to return to their true forms.
And somehow Molly was STILL RAMBLING!
“I guess what I’no trying to say is, I’m sorry!” Molly finally turned back to Tenya. She looked in shock, as she finally realized her surrounding changed.
Tenya rose shakily, and stumbled over too her.
“What…What happened?” Molly asked.
“Molly…its me.” Tenya said. He brought Molly closer into his arms.
Molly reached up to his face, and slowly bent down his glasses to see his eyes. The same deep red she had grown too love.
“It…It is you!” She gasped, holding his cheek.
He smiled and kissed her. “I love you too,” he said.
THE END
I used the words ‘schedule’ and ‘routine’ way too many times LMAOOO
