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"I'm not sure I like the idea." Adam crosses his arms as he watches Belle put on some make-up for the evening.
"But Adam, you promised me we would stop here. I haven't seen Gaston for ages."
"Hm."
"What's the matter?" she stops, brushing some blush onto her cheeks. "I'm sure you'll like him."
"Hm."
"I don't understand your grumpiness. Can't you at least explain it to me so I can argue reasonably?"
Now Adam smiles and shakes his head. "Just what I was waiting for. Your argument will destroy my doubts."
"What doubts? And what about that accusatory tone?" She puts back all the items she had intended to complete her make-up and closes the swig of her cosmetic sachet rather harshly. Then she turns and leans against the sink in the campervan's small bathroom cubicle, tilting her head.
"I'm waiting."
"Oh, Belle... I am sorry. It's nothing." Adam waves his hand and huffs in annoyance. He knows he has no chance against her sensible argument.
"No. No. You're avoiding the debate. That doesn't count." Belle says and brushes past him, wrapping her hand around his arm and pulling the man to sit down at their small table. "Come. What is it?"
She holds Adam's hand and waits while he shuffles his feet, shifts in his seat next to her and then turns to look at his girlfriend with a miserable shrug.
"I know it's silly. I shouldn't... it's just... you talk about Gaston like he's your..."
"What?" Belle presses her lips together to keep her tongue in check. She can't believe Adam would lie to her about Gaston being her crush. Gaston? Her brother, her childhood friend who kept a lookout while she climbed the tree to steel apples. Gaston, the big silly bear? Okay, she was always super fond of the big boy with the cool features. But boyfriend? No!
Adam huffed and ran a hand through his hair. "I know. You've told me enough stories that I should know better. But I mean, it's been so long. What if you see him and he's everything you've ever dreamed of..."
Now Belle covered her mouth with her hand and stifled a boisterous giggle. "That can't be."
"Why?" Adam shrugged and pointed to the door, as if the godlike figure was standing there, waiting to snatch the girl from him and fly away with her.
But now Belle cups his neck with both hands, scooting closer and craning her neck, her eyes searching his. "Because the deity of my dreams is sitting here with me?" She rubs her thumbs along his jaw. "Silly you, indeed. Just wait and see. You will like him. OK, Gaston is a bit eccentric. But he is true to himself, he is. There is no pretence about him. Although you may find his manners a little odd at first".
Adam knows what she means. Belle knows from his past that he hates fake appearances and made-up scenes.
"Alright. I see..." he sighs. "Please forgive me. Still... hm... do you think we could come up with a code or something? Like, if you say a certain word, I know you still mean what you just told me?"
"What is that?"
"That I am the god of your dreams?" Adam winces at his own ridiculous request. But Belle smiles, leans in to peck him on the lips. "You don't trust me?"
"It's not that... it makes me feel better," he lowers his gaze and Belle sighs in understanding.
"How about "Relax, mon coeur, he's just family!"
"Ah, that's perfect."
They parked the campervan outside Le Taverne, a pub just outside Toulouse. Gaston has followed his dream of opening his own place.
Belle looks up at the sign and sighs. "Ready?"
"Yep. Let's go."
Adam holds the door open for Belle and as they walk in, a loud baritone voice shouts through the room.
"Belle! Ma Belle!" The man striding towards them looks like he could eat a bear for breakfast. Tall, massive, muscular arms and a chest as wide as a wardrobe. Adam struggles not to stare and gives a quick sideways glance at Belle, who laughs and throws her arms out to embrace the dark-haired muscleman.
"Gaston!" she shrieks as he scoops her up off the ground and spins her around like a rag doll. He hugs her tightly and Belle pecks him lightly on the cheeks.
Now Adam stares, and not only that, but he’s also seething inside. He knows it's pointless and nonsense, but still. He realises how jealous he is of anyone who dares to touch Belle like that. But her words echo in his mind, 'Relax... he's family...'... yeah...
Belle struggles to get her feet back on the ground. "My goodness, look at you. Have you grown even more in the last few years?" She laughs, so easy and carefree, just happy to see her old friend.
"Sure. You never stop growing in personality, do you?" Gaston smirks and then turns to look Adam up and down. "And this is your Beau?"
"Adam, enchanté!" Adam holds out his hand. "And I'm her boyfriend, not her toy." His eyes shoot daggers, but they seem to bounce off the man as Gaston arches an eyebrow and then throws his head into his neck, bursting into a wild laugh.
"That's a good one. I can tell you two fit together. Never tired of smart words." He shakes Adam's hand, making sure his grip is a little faster than the other's. If he were honest, he would have to admit that Belle does seem to have good taste after all. Still, his feelings are hurt that she's denied him in the past.
"Come, let's sit down for dinner.'" He leads them to a secluded table in the corner by the window, where they can spend some quiet hours talking.
"This is a nice place you have here." Belle says as they sit down, and she has a moment to take in the restaurant room. It's a cosy, classic, country style with a touch of modern decoration.
"Yes," Gaston nods in agreement, "I'm glad you like it."
"Are you running this all by yourself?" Adam asks nonchalantly, too curious to find out if the man was in a serious relationship. For some reason it would make him feel better.
"Actually, yes. But my girlfriends are pretty involved with working here."
"Excuse me?" Adam blinks in confusion, looking around the room to see if he has missed a few ladies lining up for the man. "Girlfriend-s?"
"Oh, you wouldn't know." Gaston puffs out his chest. "Belle, do you remember Laurette, Claudette and Paulette?"
Belle's eyes widen. "The Bimbette sisters?" She turns to Adam and explains in a hurried whisper, "They're triplets."
"Aha." Adam nods as if that explains it all.
Gaston sighs contentedly and then smiles brightly as a blonde girl with wavy hair and a green apron over her dirndl dress walks up to their table. Gaston wastes no time in patting her bum. She chirps giggling and smacks her hip against Gaston's shoulder.
"Good evening. Belle, how nice to see you."
"Laurette!" Belle bites her lips and smiles at the girl. "You look fabulous. How are you?"
"Oh, thank you. Can't complain." She gives Gaston a mischievous wink. "What can I get you?"
"Wait, dear, I will come with you to serve the wine personally. You two stay here. We'll be right back." With a nod to his guests, Gaston leaves the table and heads back to the bar, while Laurette gives him one last hip sway before heading to the next table to take orders.
Adam stares after them, then turns to Bell, his voice cracking. "Triplets? But there is only one. I don't get it."
"Neither do I, to be honest." Belle chuckles. "Laurette has two more sisters. I suppose they are somewhere."
"Apparently. But three? All together? How does that work?"
"I have no idea. But you must know that Gaston is very self-loving. I suspect that three girls will only appease his appetite more than just one."
Adam looks at her for a while, then glances over to the bar where Gaston is talking to Laurette. No, that girl is wearing a pink dress... must be one of the sisters... .... Oh, now he's kissing her... my goodness... and there's the third one, holding his arm as if asking for attention. And he kisses her too.... Good God, what is this place?
Adam turns back to Belle and a broad grin spreads across his face. He pulls Belle closer and plants a kiss on her lips with a lusty smack.
Belle clears her throat and tilts her head. "What?"
Adam leans in to whisper directly into her ear. "I'm soooo glad you don't have any siblings."
"Why?" Belle hushes against his neck.
"Because.... You will no longer be of interest to him, so single a maid..."
Belle gasps, then bursts into laughter, squeezing his thigh with her hand, causing Adam to jump in his seat. "You're such a dirty dog, Adam Rochefort."
"Why... I don't fuck three girls at the same time."
"He only kissed her briefly, what are you talking about?" Belle covers her mouth to stifle a laugh, while Adam presses his lips to her shoulder to keep quiet.
"Come on, do you think they just hold hands in bed?"
Gaston now stands by their table and sets down six glasses of red wine. "Glad you seem to be enjoying yourself. That's what this tavern is for. What's so funny?"
"Nothing!" Belle exclaims, reaching for a glass and raising it in a toast. "To your lovely place."
"Yes!" Adam clears his throat as he takes a glass as well. "To your tavern."
"Thank you!" Gaston sits down and then the three girls come over and squeeze into the bunk next to him. They smile, nod at Belle and Adam and take their glasses.
"Welcome to our little nest. Be our guests!" Laurette chirps and Claudette and Paulette nod in agreement.
They clink glasses and sip at the delicious wine.
"Thank you." Adam nods with a polite tilt of his head. "So, who is who?"
Gaston introduces the girls, and they explain what they do when they're not helping in the tavern. Paulette is a hairdresser; Claudette is a nurse, and Laurette is here most of the time as a hostess and cook.
Adam and Belle tell them about Arendelle and life at the boarding school. They all find that they have a lot in common. They all try to make clients, patients or students feel valued and respected. It doesn't always work, and sometimes days can be frustrating or simply overwhelming with tasks and unresolved problems.
But at the end of the day, all that matters is that they all know that there is someone who loves them and is there for them, even when things don't always go smoothly or when there are arguments.
The triplets seem to be a team of sisters who give each other the freedom to do what they like, and yet they are all devoted to each other in turn. It's a very special bond they share, and Gaston seems to revel in their love for him.
Adam doesn't really understand how this works, while Belle is just delighted to see Gaston so happy. He did not have a loving home to grow up in, and he deserves to be surrounded by these girls who seem willing to share their man in this way.
It's a pleasant evening, and little by little Adam's fear that Gaston is still trying to win Belle for himself fades. Despite his need to prove that he's the best at everything, Gaston is genuinely interested in their conversation. Never before has Adam met a man who is as arrogant and at the same time as soft-hearted as Gaston.
"Gaston's the best cook you've ever met." Laurette praises his skill in the kitchen and Gaston purses his lips in feigned humility as he forks the baked potatoes and cuts the steak.
"Oh, and he makes the best beer. You must try it." Paulette chimes in.
“Is that so?" Adam says flatly and Belle pokes him in the ribs.
"Oh, but I am sure your family's wine is exquisite." Gaston points his fork at Adam. "I may even have a brand of your bottles in the basement. Let me check later. Only the best wine for the best tavern."
Adam raises an eyebrow and nods, holding out his glass before taking a sip of his wine.
"But this is a good drop, I can tell."
"Of course, what else." Gaston exclaims.
The hours pass and after closing time Adam and Belle get ready to leave.
Belle hugs each sister, then impulsively takes Laurette's hands in hers. "It was so nice to meet you all. Please let us know if there is any big news, will you?"
"You're so kind, thank you." The eldest of the triplets replies. "It's not often that we meet people as open as you."
"You make a fine... quatuor."
She turns to Gaston and instinctively embraces him. "It's so good to see you so happy. Please take care of yourself, will you?"
"I will, ma Belle." Gaston squeezes her tightly and then lifts her to plant a humble and genuine kiss on her lips. She gasps at the unexpected touch, but hums in bewilderment at the familiar feeling of being at home with this long-time friend.
As Gaston puts her down, he shrugs and tilts his head apologetically towards Adam. His hands twist Belle into the other man's arm, who now pulls her close to his side.
"Please forgive me. But I always wanted to do this, at least once in my life."
"Gaston... aren't we enough for you?" Claudette whines behind him.
"Au contraire." He reaches out to pull all three girls close. "But Belle will always have a special place in my heart."
Belle leans in and whispers into Adam's neck, "Relax... he's family."
"I know." He kisses her forehead. "I know." He then says to Gaston, holding out his hand to the man. Gaston nods with a straight face and shakes Adam's hand, but this time he's prepared to squeeze Gaston's hand just as hard. The other man's eyes widen and he grins.
"You know, I am super happy that Belle is in such good and safe hands!"
"Thank you." Adam nods in genuine appreciation.
When they are outside, their coats wrapped around them in the cool autumn breeze, Belle slips her hand back into Adam's arm.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For giving Gaston a chance to show his affection without freaking out."
"You're welcome."
"Are you still concerned... I mean, now that he's even kissed me?"
Adam stops, tilts his head to look up at the clear sky full of stars, then shakes his head. "No... I could tell he loves you for who you are and will always be."
Belle feels her heart swell at his words and presses her cheek against his arm. "What is that?"
"Family."
Belle throws her arms up and cups his neck, pressing up to meet his lips.
"I told you!"
"I know... he's certainly the most eccentric person I've ever met, but I understand now that you care for the big boy and that you're glad he's well taken care of."
"Oh, I'm sure he is..." Belle nibbles at her lower lip. "Still... There is something that nags at my ego, you know."
"Goodness, what is it now?"
"You said I wouldn't be enough anymore, a single maid..." She lifts her chin in feigned defence.
"Oh, Belle. I meant that metaphorically... compared to the triplets... come on?"
"I know that." Belle giggles now and tickles his neck. "Still... shall I prove to you that I can be as good as three girls in bed?"
Adam now grasps her idea and is suddenly glad for the autumn breeze that cools the blazing heat rising inside him. "Actually... I wouldn't need any proof... but I wouldn't mind finding out what you had in mind..." He bends to kiss her and Belle presses into his kiss, her hands fumbling in his coat pocket, then retrieving the keys to the van and dangling them in front of Adam's face.
"Whoever gets undressed first gets to choose who's on top!" With that she playfully pushes him off and runs across the car park to the campervan.
"Oh, you wait!" Adam laughs and dashes after her.