Heritage (picspams and stories)
Heritage
Rating: Teen
Characters: Belle, Happy the Dwarf, Lily (OFC), Lumiere (OMC), Adam (OMC)
Summary: Belle reunites with her sister and finds the man she's been dreaming of for all her life...literally.
Beta: tanyareed
Heritage Picspam
Sisters Picspam
INTRO STORIES:
Myself Remembered (Lily's tale)
Here be Monsters (Duvessa's tale)
A Dream Is... (Belle's Dreams)
My day starts off like any other, breakfast with Ruby before work, then off the library. In the silence, I continue to try to clean up the years of neglect and ignore the rumbling from beneath the ground. Today, strangely enough, there is a knock. This is strange because normally everyone takes a look at the boarded up windows and continues past.
Crossing to the door, I open it to see one of the Dwarves. From his looks alone, I know it's Happy. I also know him as Jack Harlan. It's so strange to think of most of the inhabitants of Storybrooke living with dual lives in their heads. The breaking of the curse must have been so much harder on them than it was on me. Sometimes Ruby's face looks haunted, and I know it's not just regrets about the wolf. I've shared drinks with Happy and his brothers at Granny's once or twice. They are so kind and silly and, when they are inebriated, entertaining.
“Good morning!” he chirps, holding out a cup to me. The string dangling from the cup makes me assume it's tea.
Taking the cup, I reply in kind, “Good morning. What brings you by…Happy? Or is it Jack?”
He laughs, his face glowing in happiness. “You can call me whatever you like.”
“Then I’ll call you Jack.”
I step aside, letting him in.
“And you’re Belle, you’ve always been Belle…right?” he asks.
What an odd question. “Yes, during the curse I had no name or identity; I was locked away in the asylum. I was on such heavy medications I do not remember much. I think I was patient 1702, but at any rate, what brings you by?” Though I seem to make friends easily, it’s still hard to be around people. It makes me nervous, even under friendly circumstances.
“This is honestly really hard to ask,” he says and his smile falters a little bit, “Do…are…”
His nervousness makes me anxious. Given how treacherous my life has been for the most part, I prepare for the worst. “What is it?”
He inhales, take out then digs into his pocket, and holds up what I’m told is known as an iphone. Not only does it enable people to talk from anywhere but some are able to capture images and play music. It’s so fascinating but I can hardly work the one I have, so I do not want one. He pokes around on it then holds it up to me. I immediately grab it out of his hand at first glance, I drop it. On the screen is a picture, a picture of someone I thought I lost a long time ago.
A sob bubbles out of my throat and the first thing he does is place his hand on my arm to steady me. After I draw a few breaths to collect myself, he puts his phone back into his pocket.
“How…that’s-“ I swallow hard. “That’s my sister.”
“Lily. I know. She told me when the curse broke. Most tales here in this world don’t even take in account that you have any siblings but when I heard your name and met you, I knew you had to be the one. I think needed to talk to you. I…I love her. I shouldn’t but I do. This woman has given me something I should never have. Dwarves can’t love, but because we’re here and through these years I have. We don’t know what’s going to happen but I wanted to do something for her to repay her for everything. I couldn’t think of anything better than bringing her back her sister.” Though his voice breaks and I can tell he’s trying not to cry, the smile never leaves his face. It's like a curse of its own.
I throw my arms around him and hug him, I can’t stop myself. “Thank you,” I breathe.
His body shakes with laughter. “You’re welcome, but now,” he says, pulling away as we both dry our eyes, “I have an idea.”
“Sure, what is it?” I’m trembling at the thought of seeing her again.
His grin is charming. “You’re going to have dinner tonight. She think she’s going to meet me because I left her this morning mysteriously. She probably thinks I’m leaving her due to all the conflict around us but I just wanted to hurry to meet up with you before I had to meet up with my Brothers.”
Eyes wide, I go with my instincts and swat his arm. “Why would you do that to her? You say you love her!”
“I do! But my Brothers aren’t happy…because I’m Happy…” He laughs. “Sorry, can’t be helped sometimes. Grumpy is furious I’ve found love because we were never meant to fall in love. His heart was broken and it made him Grumpy. I may wake up tomorrow with a beard and no love in my heart for her. Before I change back, I want her to know how special she’s been by bringing you back to her.
I hug him again; it’s so tragic to even think that could happen to them. After my disastrous relationship with Rumpelstiltskin, I do not want anyone to suffer love going wrong. “If I had any magic, I would do something to keep that from happening to you two.”
He just hung his head and sighed. “Unfortunately it’s my cross to bear. Are you in?” He asks with a grin.
---
It’s hours later and excitement washes through me. I can see Lily. Oh Gods, she looks just like when I saw her last, only in these modern clothes…It’s taking all my strength to keep from running in there screaming in excitement. Jack is giving me the thumbs up from his position around the corner. Apparently from the table she is at, she cannot see who is approaching the table. He has told Lily he would be meeting her there, when in actuality, it will be me. Inhaling to compose myself, I open the door and walk into her restaurant, Luscious.
The smell is delicious, different from the diner that I love and cherish. The mood is more subdued, high mannered. Something we were accustomed to as daughters of a wealthy man. A rich, very distinctly French laugh comes in my directly from the left, and a tall, thin man winks at me. I shake my head and continue to the table. I hear her sigh from here.
“Jack, I’m so…” as I slide into the booth, she stops speaking. In fact her mouth is a perfect 'o'.
"Hello Lily." I smile. With a scream she topples the table and the next thing I know, I'm on my back my chair and she's hugging me tight. "I've missed you too," I laugh.
The tall man is picking up the table, laughing hard at the sight. "Overexcited, non?"
"Lumiere, meet my sister Belle. Belle, this is Maitre’d, Lumiere."
"Charmed, Miss Belle," he draws, effortlessly lifting my sister off of me and helping me up. He straightens the area as Lily hugs me once more.
It feels peaceful to be in her embrace again.
"Oh, Lily," I breathe, "I thought you were dead."
A sob escapes me. I mourned her for all this time, Duvessa too, but now all that aching loneliness begins to melt away. My family, the ones that mattered, the ones that truly loved me are returning. It's better than any magic.
"Belle, I'm sorry I couldn't return. I tried to reach you but I heard you were taken by Rumpelstiltskin," she stated. "What of Duvessa? No one has even heard of her here."
She hands me a tissue and we both blot our make up and tear covered faces. I sigh, telling her some of the worst news she'll hear but if I found her I know we can find our older sister."Duvessa disappeared shortly before I was taken. Someone left medical supplies in her stead, but we couldn't use them, we didn't know how to. That was our only clue but, given I found you, I have hope."
Lily frowns but hugs me again, seemingly unable to stop touching me. I'm sure it's for the same reasons why I don’t mind, it's the reassurance that this isn't a dream. We sit back down, and I realize she's shaking her head.
"What?" I ask.
"Jack. I'm going to get him when I get home. I can't believe he did this to me! I've been convinced all day he was going to leave me!"
I laugh. "No, that's his last intention. He really loves you."
A warm, satisfied smile crosses her face and she seems so peaceful. Far from the mischievous child I knew growing up. I can see how she's matured in her absence and I'm proud of her. "And I love him too. But people keep wanting us apart. It makes me more determined to pursue my relationship with him."
"Nothing has ever been able to stop you when you are determined," I tell her with a grin.
She takes a drink of her wine. "Nope and if anything, I'm stronger and more determined than before. Now, please, enough about me, tell me what happened to you."
I tell her the whole sordid tale up to now and she seems rather impressed. "Now you have my whole life story."
"Color me surprised, little sis. Didn't think you had it in you. Of all of us, I never imagined that life for you."
I laugh. "Neither did I." I pause. "Do you remember that man I dreamed about growing up?"
"Yeah, your nameless dude. Still dreaming of him?"
Nodding, I confess, "I am. Now that I am away from such a dark power, I dream of him everyday. He's grown with me but I can't shake the feeling he may be here. In my dreams we used to be limited to the realm but now I dream of him here."
She perks up, holding holds up a finger before digging out a small notepad and pen. "I amazingly have held on to my talent for drawing. Describe him if you can and I know a lot of people here I can get some help finding him."
Drawing a breath, I describe him and she stops halfway through. "No, no way!"
"What?" I ask nervously before realizing from the look in her eyes that she's happily surprised.
"Oh. My. Gods. I think I know who this is!"
I quirk my brow. "Maybe if you finish, you'll know?"
She's too busy digging in her purse. Cursing under her breath she calls to Lumiere. "Do you still have the video from Scuttle's last week?"
He laughs that deep, throaty laugh. "Oui. I'd never get rid of it." He takes his phone from his pocket and thumbs through it before handing it to Lily.
"Watch!" Lily exclaims, pressing play.
Low and behold, the man of my dreams is bouncing on stage, singing. Lily is beside him, belting out the lyrics and dancing as a back up singer. "Take me home tonight! I don't want to let you go to you see the light..."
"That's him!!!" I cannot believe my eyes.
Lily is bouncing in her seat with glee. "Honey, he's been my karaoke buddy for the last 30 years!"
"I assume karaoke is being obnoxious in public?" I guess.
Lily laughs; her high, crazed giggle was actually missed. "Not really! I mean, we aren't even drunk, we're just having fun. A karaoke bar is where you singing in public on stage. You can be serious about it or not but for me, I just love being front and center and I can kinda sing so, why not! Josh is uber fun and can sing his ass off."
"Josh? His name is Josh?" I ask, frowning when she shakes her head.
"Nah, that's his Storybrooke name. I've never asked his real name. He doesn't talk about who he is."
There is a throat cleared beside me and I look up at the impossibly tall French man. "I have known him all our lives, he's a good man. His story is sad and lonely. He doesn't like to think back to the past; he lives in the moment."
"Who is he?" I ask, desperate to know his real name.
Instead Lumiere laughs. "I can do one better. Come with me," he says, holding out his hand.
Placing my hand in his, he takes me out of Luscious and across the street. Lily is on our heels and, from her sudden squeal, Jack has joined us. Lumiere pushes open the door and we cram into the entryway.
On stage, the man is have dreamed of all my life is singing a rather bouncy song.
"-Where can I find a woman like that? And I'm looking in the mirror all the time, wonder what she don't see in me. I've been funny and cool with the lines, isn't that how loves supposed to be?" he sings. Lily is dancing between Jack and I, singing along with him.
After he finishes, Lumiere is waving him over and I suddenly feel sick and nervous. Lily grips my hand and holds it tight. "Don't be nervous," she says, "He's a doll."
I am about to question if that was a good thing when suddenly he is before me. Gods. He's even more handsome in person. His hair is not as long it had once been; it's cut short which seems to be popular in this world. Gods, he even smells like he did in my dreams...I'm speechless.
He turns a light pink color and seems to be as shy as I am. Finally with a hard nudge from Lumiere he speaks. "Belle."
"It's you," I burble, still in shock.
His smile is brilliant as he holds out his hand. As I put my hand in his, he says the one thing I've been waiting to hear. "I'm Adam."
---To Be Continued---
Rating: Teen
Characters: Belle, Happy the Dwarf, Lily (OFC), Lumiere (OMC), Adam (OMC)
Summary: Belle reunites with her sister and finds the man she's been dreaming of for all her life...literally.
Beta: tanyareed
Heritage Picspam
Sisters Picspam
INTRO STORIES:
Myself Remembered (Lily's tale)
Here be Monsters (Duvessa's tale)
A Dream Is... (Belle's Dreams)
My day starts off like any other, breakfast with Ruby before work, then off the library. In the silence, I continue to try to clean up the years of neglect and ignore the rumbling from beneath the ground. Today, strangely enough, there is a knock. This is strange because normally everyone takes a look at the boarded up windows and continues past.
Crossing to the door, I open it to see one of the Dwarves. From his looks alone, I know it's Happy. I also know him as Jack Harlan. It's so strange to think of most of the inhabitants of Storybrooke living with dual lives in their heads. The breaking of the curse must have been so much harder on them than it was on me. Sometimes Ruby's face looks haunted, and I know it's not just regrets about the wolf. I've shared drinks with Happy and his brothers at Granny's once or twice. They are so kind and silly and, when they are inebriated, entertaining.
“Good morning!” he chirps, holding out a cup to me. The string dangling from the cup makes me assume it's tea.
Taking the cup, I reply in kind, “Good morning. What brings you by…Happy? Or is it Jack?”
He laughs, his face glowing in happiness. “You can call me whatever you like.”
“Then I’ll call you Jack.”
I step aside, letting him in.
“And you’re Belle, you’ve always been Belle…right?” he asks.
What an odd question. “Yes, during the curse I had no name or identity; I was locked away in the asylum. I was on such heavy medications I do not remember much. I think I was patient 1702, but at any rate, what brings you by?” Though I seem to make friends easily, it’s still hard to be around people. It makes me nervous, even under friendly circumstances.
“This is honestly really hard to ask,” he says and his smile falters a little bit, “Do…are…”
His nervousness makes me anxious. Given how treacherous my life has been for the most part, I prepare for the worst. “What is it?”
He inhales, take out then digs into his pocket, and holds up what I’m told is known as an iphone. Not only does it enable people to talk from anywhere but some are able to capture images and play music. It’s so fascinating but I can hardly work the one I have, so I do not want one. He pokes around on it then holds it up to me. I immediately grab it out of his hand at first glance, I drop it. On the screen is a picture, a picture of someone I thought I lost a long time ago.
A sob bubbles out of my throat and the first thing he does is place his hand on my arm to steady me. After I draw a few breaths to collect myself, he puts his phone back into his pocket.
“How…that’s-“ I swallow hard. “That’s my sister.”
“Lily. I know. She told me when the curse broke. Most tales here in this world don’t even take in account that you have any siblings but when I heard your name and met you, I knew you had to be the one. I think needed to talk to you. I…I love her. I shouldn’t but I do. This woman has given me something I should never have. Dwarves can’t love, but because we’re here and through these years I have. We don’t know what’s going to happen but I wanted to do something for her to repay her for everything. I couldn’t think of anything better than bringing her back her sister.” Though his voice breaks and I can tell he’s trying not to cry, the smile never leaves his face. It's like a curse of its own.
I throw my arms around him and hug him, I can’t stop myself. “Thank you,” I breathe.
His body shakes with laughter. “You’re welcome, but now,” he says, pulling away as we both dry our eyes, “I have an idea.”
“Sure, what is it?” I’m trembling at the thought of seeing her again.
His grin is charming. “You’re going to have dinner tonight. She think she’s going to meet me because I left her this morning mysteriously. She probably thinks I’m leaving her due to all the conflict around us but I just wanted to hurry to meet up with you before I had to meet up with my Brothers.”
Eyes wide, I go with my instincts and swat his arm. “Why would you do that to her? You say you love her!”
“I do! But my Brothers aren’t happy…because I’m Happy…” He laughs. “Sorry, can’t be helped sometimes. Grumpy is furious I’ve found love because we were never meant to fall in love. His heart was broken and it made him Grumpy. I may wake up tomorrow with a beard and no love in my heart for her. Before I change back, I want her to know how special she’s been by bringing you back to her.
I hug him again; it’s so tragic to even think that could happen to them. After my disastrous relationship with Rumpelstiltskin, I do not want anyone to suffer love going wrong. “If I had any magic, I would do something to keep that from happening to you two.”
He just hung his head and sighed. “Unfortunately it’s my cross to bear. Are you in?” He asks with a grin.
---
It’s hours later and excitement washes through me. I can see Lily. Oh Gods, she looks just like when I saw her last, only in these modern clothes…It’s taking all my strength to keep from running in there screaming in excitement. Jack is giving me the thumbs up from his position around the corner. Apparently from the table she is at, she cannot see who is approaching the table. He has told Lily he would be meeting her there, when in actuality, it will be me. Inhaling to compose myself, I open the door and walk into her restaurant, Luscious.
The smell is delicious, different from the diner that I love and cherish. The mood is more subdued, high mannered. Something we were accustomed to as daughters of a wealthy man. A rich, very distinctly French laugh comes in my directly from the left, and a tall, thin man winks at me. I shake my head and continue to the table. I hear her sigh from here.
“Jack, I’m so…” as I slide into the booth, she stops speaking. In fact her mouth is a perfect 'o'.
"Hello Lily." I smile. With a scream she topples the table and the next thing I know, I'm on my back my chair and she's hugging me tight. "I've missed you too," I laugh.
The tall man is picking up the table, laughing hard at the sight. "Overexcited, non?"
"Lumiere, meet my sister Belle. Belle, this is Maitre’d, Lumiere."
"Charmed, Miss Belle," he draws, effortlessly lifting my sister off of me and helping me up. He straightens the area as Lily hugs me once more.
It feels peaceful to be in her embrace again.
"Oh, Lily," I breathe, "I thought you were dead."
A sob escapes me. I mourned her for all this time, Duvessa too, but now all that aching loneliness begins to melt away. My family, the ones that mattered, the ones that truly loved me are returning. It's better than any magic.
"Belle, I'm sorry I couldn't return. I tried to reach you but I heard you were taken by Rumpelstiltskin," she stated. "What of Duvessa? No one has even heard of her here."
She hands me a tissue and we both blot our make up and tear covered faces. I sigh, telling her some of the worst news she'll hear but if I found her I know we can find our older sister."Duvessa disappeared shortly before I was taken. Someone left medical supplies in her stead, but we couldn't use them, we didn't know how to. That was our only clue but, given I found you, I have hope."
Lily frowns but hugs me again, seemingly unable to stop touching me. I'm sure it's for the same reasons why I don’t mind, it's the reassurance that this isn't a dream. We sit back down, and I realize she's shaking her head.
"What?" I ask.
"Jack. I'm going to get him when I get home. I can't believe he did this to me! I've been convinced all day he was going to leave me!"
I laugh. "No, that's his last intention. He really loves you."
A warm, satisfied smile crosses her face and she seems so peaceful. Far from the mischievous child I knew growing up. I can see how she's matured in her absence and I'm proud of her. "And I love him too. But people keep wanting us apart. It makes me more determined to pursue my relationship with him."
"Nothing has ever been able to stop you when you are determined," I tell her with a grin.
She takes a drink of her wine. "Nope and if anything, I'm stronger and more determined than before. Now, please, enough about me, tell me what happened to you."
I tell her the whole sordid tale up to now and she seems rather impressed. "Now you have my whole life story."
"Color me surprised, little sis. Didn't think you had it in you. Of all of us, I never imagined that life for you."
I laugh. "Neither did I." I pause. "Do you remember that man I dreamed about growing up?"
"Yeah, your nameless dude. Still dreaming of him?"
Nodding, I confess, "I am. Now that I am away from such a dark power, I dream of him everyday. He's grown with me but I can't shake the feeling he may be here. In my dreams we used to be limited to the realm but now I dream of him here."
She perks up, holding holds up a finger before digging out a small notepad and pen. "I amazingly have held on to my talent for drawing. Describe him if you can and I know a lot of people here I can get some help finding him."
Drawing a breath, I describe him and she stops halfway through. "No, no way!"
"What?" I ask nervously before realizing from the look in her eyes that she's happily surprised.
"Oh. My. Gods. I think I know who this is!"
I quirk my brow. "Maybe if you finish, you'll know?"
She's too busy digging in her purse. Cursing under her breath she calls to Lumiere. "Do you still have the video from Scuttle's last week?"
He laughs that deep, throaty laugh. "Oui. I'd never get rid of it." He takes his phone from his pocket and thumbs through it before handing it to Lily.
"Watch!" Lily exclaims, pressing play.
Low and behold, the man of my dreams is bouncing on stage, singing. Lily is beside him, belting out the lyrics and dancing as a back up singer. "Take me home tonight! I don't want to let you go to you see the light..."
"That's him!!!" I cannot believe my eyes.
Lily is bouncing in her seat with glee. "Honey, he's been my karaoke buddy for the last 30 years!"
"I assume karaoke is being obnoxious in public?" I guess.
Lily laughs; her high, crazed giggle was actually missed. "Not really! I mean, we aren't even drunk, we're just having fun. A karaoke bar is where you singing in public on stage. You can be serious about it or not but for me, I just love being front and center and I can kinda sing so, why not! Josh is uber fun and can sing his ass off."
"Josh? His name is Josh?" I ask, frowning when she shakes her head.
"Nah, that's his Storybrooke name. I've never asked his real name. He doesn't talk about who he is."
There is a throat cleared beside me and I look up at the impossibly tall French man. "I have known him all our lives, he's a good man. His story is sad and lonely. He doesn't like to think back to the past; he lives in the moment."
"Who is he?" I ask, desperate to know his real name.
Instead Lumiere laughs. "I can do one better. Come with me," he says, holding out his hand.
Placing my hand in his, he takes me out of Luscious and across the street. Lily is on our heels and, from her sudden squeal, Jack has joined us. Lumiere pushes open the door and we cram into the entryway.
On stage, the man is have dreamed of all my life is singing a rather bouncy song.
"-Where can I find a woman like that? And I'm looking in the mirror all the time, wonder what she don't see in me. I've been funny and cool with the lines, isn't that how loves supposed to be?" he sings. Lily is dancing between Jack and I, singing along with him.
After he finishes, Lumiere is waving him over and I suddenly feel sick and nervous. Lily grips my hand and holds it tight. "Don't be nervous," she says, "He's a doll."
I am about to question if that was a good thing when suddenly he is before me. Gods. He's even more handsome in person. His hair is not as long it had once been; it's cut short which seems to be popular in this world. Gods, he even smells like he did in my dreams...I'm speechless.
He turns a light pink color and seems to be as shy as I am. Finally with a hard nudge from Lumiere he speaks. "Belle."
"It's you," I burble, still in shock.
His smile is brilliant as he holds out his hand. As I put my hand in his, he says the one thing I've been waiting to hear. "I'm Adam."
---To Be Continued---