december third | gaston legume
icicles turn to snowflakes, caressing my rosy cheeks
harsh words melt under warm ones like snow under the sun
like they were never even there
i’d rather that be the case
sharp frosty words vanish, leaving only your kind acts to me
living in eternal summer, where only your happiness is given to me
LeFou had always been an honest person. He liked to believe he wore his moral compass proudly on his breast, a man of integrity and honor. He never stole, never cheated, not even at something as trivial as cards or chess. He was the class tattletale too-the apple of his teacher’s eye. But when it came to Gaston, he became a liar. Meeting this man had thrown his moral compass aside, twisting his gut into a tangled mess of lies and secrets he had to keep. Besides the obvious to everyone but Gaston love he held for his best friend, he covered up Gaston’s mistakes-while doing so making new ones of his own. Hiding the cheating-he knew it wasn’t okay. But Gaston could ask him to jump-and he’d only ask “how high?” The bitter thoughts of who he had become were brushed away so LeFou’s mood wouldn’t become worse. He told himself he was doing the right thing-or at least that what he was doing was not so immoral. If Gaston smiled at him again, or spoke a few words, it would be worth it. he was lying there, too.
Gaston puffed out his chest, as if he were trying to plow through the cold. The snowflakes crashed against his chest and face. “I’m never cold, LeFou.” The words were icy, causing LeFou to shiver. “Never assume that.” The words were a shrill warning, piercing through LeFou’s heart. His head hung regretfully-he had regretted that question as soon as it escaped his blue lips. What was he thinking with asking that? Offending Gaston that way? He would be lucky if he would still be allowed to trudge by his friend’s side-angering him so soon after the time earlier. He was slipping up quite often today.
LeFou could be one to fret about the future. When would his next paycheck be-would he make enough money that night? Could he hold down his current job? Or would he be tossed out again? Would he arrive on time? How much would one tiny mistake cost him? Would Gaston forgive him? And how long until he got mad again? Sometimes, his thoughts would slip deeper into things like his purpose in life. But a very common scenario was What if Gaston picks a different best friend? LeFou had been Gaston’s best friend for as long as he could remember. They’d been friends for years. During the most important times of his life, Gaston was by his side. Maybe because Gaston was the most important thing in his life. But how much did he matter to Gaston? With all of his flaws and mistakes, he was becoming more and more of a burden each and every time they saw each other. For every time he misspoke or tripped over his own big feet, another con was added to a list he imagined Gaston wrote in his mind.
And what was the poor man to do if Gaston gave up on him, leaving him in the dark. What would he do when Gaston entered the tavern with a different man? Laughing together, talking together, two puzzle pieces that fit perfectly. Someone just as handsome as him. Someone as funny, as strong, as rich. Would he even go to the tavern anymore? How could he save himself from this horrible fantasy occurring? Or was it a guarantee? Would his massages be enough, or would a worker in a parlor suffice just as well? Would the smile of his beautiful wife be an upgrade? Would the laughter of his several new companions be softer on Gaston’s ears? LeFou trudged through the snow, surrounded by a cloud of self-hatred.
“She recently installed a coffee machine,” Gaston informed LeFou who still looked deep in thought. LeFou made a strange face. What does that have to do with anything? But questioning his friend was not appropriate-especially not right now. Perhaps Belle was more into a coffee maker than her husband which was… he sucked in air through his teeth… pretty bad. LeFou made a pfft sound, showing no hot drink-preparer could top how astonishingly steamy his best friend and loyal companion was. “A coffee machine?” He echoed, musing aloud. Then, he has another idea. And perhaps, if it was redeeming enough, it could become Gaston’s, too. “So Belle’s taken up an interest in coffee? Perhaps if you’re not too busy one morning, you could take her to a cafe-not the horrific one we just went to, of course. But her kind, merciful, and generous husband, taking her out for a warm cup of coffee instead of letting her make it herself…” He sighed, almost as if he were hinting at something. Which he was. “I think she’d appreciate you for that a lot.”
A sourness as bitter as black coffee could be followed this statement. Another moment shared with Gaston that would no longer be only his. Gaston and Belle could visit a cafe, where she’d laugh, and daintily sip from her own cup, not spilling a drop as she batted her eyes at him, appreciative, but never worshipping him like LeFou could. He tried to push down comparing himself to someone so different from him and smile to make his idea seem more pleasurable.
He shook his curly head, scorn matching Gaston’s, directed at that of a girl who could not appreciate this perfect man in all of his glory. He told himself she didn’t deserve coffee with Gaston- she didn’t even deserve his best, his kindness, his attempts to make her happy. She was selfish and unsatisfied with what she had, how could she not see what she had? He needed to stop with this thinking, really. It did nothing for anyone, but the bitterness built up like a snowball rolling down a hill, getting bigger and bigger, tumbling out of control. ”Ridiculous”. He repeated, sounding more angry than he’d planned to.
And with that, he was blessed with not only Gaston’s fond agreement, but a smile. One that seemed to lessen the pace of the blizzard, one that made the icy flakes brush against his skin instead of making tiny jabs, that made the snow he walked on seem like powder, a special smile that made the whole world seem just as beautiful as Gaston’s sparkling eyes and Frost-white teeth. It made LeFou feel warm and gooey like a roasted marsh mellow, igniting him with a bit more passion and courage, making him feel that he truly had redeemed himself for earlier with his words and submissive behavior. For a few moments, the two friends shared the same warm expression, LeFou’s doe eyes filled with adoring. And though he felt uneasy as the topic of Gaston and his wife resurfaced, his smile only became confident, to assure Gaston and not put any more stress into his mind. He nodded only, in return.
His estcasy was obvious, completely obvious. Luckily for Gaston, there was no one around to see how happy LeFou looked. His euphoria was uncontainable, he couldn’t hold it in, and he didn’t feel the urge to either. His nose and cheeks were red from a blistery combination of frostbite and love, his eyes were filled with joy, his smile wide, snowflakes landing on his tongue, breath creating small clouds in the air. His gait was quick and bouncy, almost as if he were a frolicking deer next to a towering buck. His hand against the firm cloth of Gaston’s lobster red coat felt warm and tingly, even without direct skin contact. Was this heaven? It was definitely close. What LeFou felt on the inside was overwhelmingly more ecstatic than what was shown on the outside, yes, that was possible. He felt like fireworks were going off in his body, warming his heart. And the small smile on his friends stubbled face made a fleeting thought cross through his brain-maybe Gaston was sharing even a small slice of his happiness.
But the smile vanished, much sooner than LeFou’s frolicking. Gaston began to demand LeFou never to tell anyone about this. Well, he rather suggested it, but suggestions from Gaston were commands in disguise, to be obeyed or face punishment and frosty, cold, shoulders. LeFou looked at him, brows slightly raised, but he wasn’t too surprised. He hadn’t planned to tell anyone, from what had occurred earlier, it seemed that being around his friend was a nuisance and embarrassment. And he didn’t have anyone to tell. He didn’t want anyone to tell. He wanted to lock up the memory like a precious trinket, keeping it fresh in his memories, pulling out as he lay in bed under blankets. The warm moment despite the grey blizzard, a moment that would have the same effect even whilst he was shivering, teeth chattering, or feeling lonely as snow beat down on his shabby house. Something only he could have, Gaston as well. Something as precious as a tangible, physical object, something almost as beautiful as a kiss shared. He nodded agreeably, though despite the lack of surprise and pain, he still felt a bit ashamed with himself. ”I understand, Gaston. I won’t tell anyone… I promise, I really do appreciate-“
Sh-t. he wasn’t done, so LeFou shut his mouth. ”Otherwise, you would have fallen to the icy ground long ago.” Gaston continued, followed by a short, exasperated sigh. Quiet, though not quiet enough to be muted by the storm. It was, unfortunately for LeFou, a familiar sound. However, there was enough warmth in his heart for him not to beat down on himself for this statement. Instead, he twisted it optimistically, letting a casual, kind smile play on his lips, a chuckle raise in his throat. He was self-depreciating, clumsy after all. Was Gaston wrong? Perhaps he would release a booming laugh of his own and reveal this was only a joke, to show how well he knew his best friend. To prove what a great and mighty man he was, for supporting LeFou like he always did-both metaphorically and physically. Perhaps he was fluffing his own ego, and expected LeFou to follow suit. And he would. Anything for his humorous, kind, supportive…
” You would have probably frozen… but… but I wouldn’t care.” His heart shattered like an icicle dropping to the ground, breaking into a million tiny pieces. His eyes became wide and imploring, full of confusion, waiting for Gaston to take this back, or to chuckle and say it was a joke. It didn’t seem to be one. His cheerfulness seeped out of him like blood from a wound, his steps became slowed, no longer bouncy, his cheeks became dull, only left with the painful marks of frostbite. But the most pain was probably shown in his piercing eyes, which were red rimmed, fighting back unmasculine tears. The eyes that begged Gaston to turn back time and stuff those words right into his beautiful mouth. To at least laugh, show any emotion other than carelessness for the man who loved him. What was he thinking? This moment was nothing but a bother. Gaston did not love him, he was replaceable, and vulnerable, a burden. Why was Gaston even keeping him around? At this time, he wanted to sink into the snow, lying on the ice while Gaston continued on. He didn’t want his friend to have to continue to carry him on. He didn’t want Gaston to see him in this weak position anymore, a laughingstock, someone not deserving of any pity or attention. He didn’t hate Gaston in this situation, but his heart burned with self hatred as he looked away, grip loosening. He said nothing. There was nothing to say. This was how Gaston felt. A reminder to pop the balloon of foolish hope LeFou was inflating. The act of mercy was not love, care, nor affection. Gaston would never care about him the same way, and he knew that. So why did he try so hard to ignore and forget it? What a fool he was indeed.
The laugh came, delayed and not directed towards LeFou at all. It was cruel sounding, and quiet, as if Gaston only wanted to have it for himself. LeFou was still stricken. LeFou tried to focus but to be honest, hearing about Gaston and Aphro was only making everything worse. He didn’t want to leave his friends side, but he felt exhausted and torn apart. How much longer could he keep up this facade? The facade of being a happy, normal companion who loved his friend as a friend? Gaston left a long pause, wishing LeFou to beg for the rest of the crushing story. LeFou did his best to look very invested, eyes wide, small gasp, fists curled with anticipation. ”She kissed me.” To any listener, this might be boring and anticlimactic. A simple kiss? That was it? But to LeFou it let his heart sink into his stomach, which rumbled with intense jealousy. Gaston continued to describe it as different and LeFou hated himself for wondering what made it so, then asking the question out loud, in a measly voice.
He listened to Gaston go on about Aphro and her enigmatic ways, offering a wry chuckle here and there to offer support and validation that she was completely ridiculous. And while he did wish to hold resentment and bitterness towards his stunning rival, he had to admit, she had fantastic taste, and who wouldn’t fall for Gaston? Luckily for her, she actually was lucky enough to have even a tiny splinter of him. Even if it was just his body, and specks of his attention, she had a bit of him LeFou would never had,
”She’s lucky to even have the chance to be with you…and kiss you…” LeFou murmured. ”Expecting more would be crazy. She should be more grateful… you could find someone else in a heartbeat.” who was the man inside him speaking so awfully, so resentfully? Why did he sound so terrible? He hated himself for this, perhaps most of all. But Gaston showed no remorse as he laughed brutishly, declaring he felt no pity for her, just as LeFou had tried to say. He confirmed every negative thought LeFou held. He’d never leave Belle for anyone. No matter what. No matter their looks, no matter their feelings towards him. LeFou knew he never stood a chance. But it still f-cking hurt. It was almost like Gaston knew. Which sent his heart into an anxious frenzy. He was fortunate Gaston was alright with obsessive friends, despite disliking Aphro’s passion for him. Otherwise, he really would be dumped onto the ice soon after the two met. LeFou nodded firmly, not responding to that particular part. However, he did say something to the last part, ”Right, Gaston.” And then they kissed lol.
@sunflower.flow - thank you so freaking much for all of your patience and understanding. I really hope this post is somewhat worth the hype! Also you’re the evil one!! Hope I could get you back even in a small way
anyways my idea isn’t even that good wth but if you noticed, I only colored Gaston’s font because of how much LeFou values everything he says and does, and how much he belittles his own speech… anyways I hope you enjoyed this Imma dip now since it’s super late