Heâs admittedly a bit disorientated at first. Unsure why he didnât end up shooting the Beast (no their cursed Prince) when itâs (his) back had been turned but after the curse was lifted, he knew it had been the right decision. He had been blinded by hate and rage, hurt and lashing out like a child whose favourite toy had been taken away until the⊠Princeâs actions had shaken some sort of sense back into him.
Then there was the information, the memories flooding back and he had felt a bit sick about the fact that he had been about to kill the very prince he had served before. From that point on he had tried to keep his distance, from the Prince and Belle, from the village and the villagers but especially from LeFou. He had needed to sort his thoughts and emotions before confronting anyone again. It wasnât like he had changed completely yet but the events had made him think, something he hadnât allowed himself to do much unless it considered something that would be to his advantage.
Still, after being unable to find LeFou once he has had some time to think, his feet lead him to the tavern. He walks inside, wearing not his eye-catching red but a simple brown coat, his clothes a bit less eye-catching in general than they were before but still close enough. Some people whisper when he steps inside the tavern when they catch sight of him but he ignores them. Heâs lived with their whispers for most of his life and while he had usually thought they were admiring ones, he doubted that was the case right now.
It didnât take long till blue eyes landed on a very familiar figure and after hesitating for a second, he walks towards her but doesnât sit down right away. âWould you mind if I joined you?â
She doesn't notice him the second he enters - isnât watching the door waiting for him to waltz in - but her attention is drawn to him soon enough, what with the other villagers spotting him, and whispering about him - not even bothering with subtlety. She pauses, briefly and then silently, sits further back in her chair. Heâll likely spot her anyway - the Tavern is big, but not that big - especially if heâs looking.Â
Sheâs not sure which would be worse - him pretending not to spot her, or him coming to see her.Â
Suddenly she doesnât feel very hungry.Â
She is about to stand, about to leave, as he approaches and asks to join her. She considers cursing at him and storming out - but she is aware of the eyes on them both - and it makes her think twice. Gaston, for all his faults, had been her friend for nearly all her life - and despite his incredibly wounding betrayal - he had been conspicuous most in his absence.Â
And while she is angry at him and his choices - the townsfolk had seen fit to follow him to the castle. It seemed unfair to lay all the blame at his door - but it wouldnât stop people trying. She could do him the favour of at least dissuading some of them from doing so - or she could rebuke him.Â
In the end, she realises that it wonât make her feel better - at least, not for more than the few seconds it would take to insult him and reach the outside air - and there is... A sliver of curiosity as to what he wants... A quiet longing to have her friend back... And so, she shrugs. âIf you want.â She manages, remaining civil rather than sullen, at least.Â