Theme 8 Modernized

Based off AnnamaeTezuka's 100 themes. Simple little sort fics revolving around my favorite crossover pairing, Clopin/Belle (The Hunchback of Notre Dame/Beauty and the Beast respectively.) I thought about writing all these in one connected story, but I think it would be more fun to write them all as separate stories.

MODERNIZATION

Belle took another look in the mirror, brushing her hair once again nervously. Her roommate and friend, Jasmine laughed and patted her shoulder, "You look fine Belle, go on, you'll be late and you don't want Mr. Romeo to get tired of waiting for you."

Belle smiled, "He's not Mr. Romeo." She said putting the brush down and grabbing her purse.

Jasmine curled a finger in her hair, "So what is his name then?"

Belle blushed, "Oh, its just a guy I met online, nothing too serious." It was a lie, but the truth was something Belle couldn't tell anyone, not Jasmine, not her father, nobody. Speaking of her father, "By the way Jasmine, if Papa calls tell him I'm out."

"Sure," The Arabic girl replied, "That is, if I'm still in, me an a couple of the girls wanted to go to the pool and tease the boys." After a pause she continued, " I thought about inviting you, but you practically live in the library on weekends, so I didn't think you'd be interested, then I heard about your date and-"

"It's fine Jasmine," Belle said heading out the door, "I wouldn't have wanted to come anyway, I don't swim."

Jasmine laughed, "Who said anything about swimming while we were there?"

Belle giggled as she shut the door behind her and burst into full out laughter as she reached the bus stop which was a bout a block away from campus. It was barely 7:30 in the morning, but the amusement park was about a two hour ride and Belle didn't want to risk being late.

She fumbled for her wallet when she saw the bus turn the corner onto the street, reaching in and pulling out her bus pass. The driver nodded and she took a seat near the front, grabbing her purse again to put her wallet away, and also grab the make up kit her father had given her when she moved into her dorm. Maurice worked  as a professor at Walt Disney's University of the Arts across town, meanwhile Belle attended the University's former location which was now a High School. Belle didn't use the make up, but since she was on this specific date she figured now would be a good time to.

She couldn't risk anyone from school also being there. And recognizing her.

Belle took her hair out of her usual ponytail. That alone made it harder for people to realize who she was, but Belle cautiously added a layer of blush to her cheeks, and a bit of eye shadow, and lastly she covered her mouth with soft red lipstick, she looked at her reflection in the small mirror. Belle was often being told she was very beautiful, and she was hardly vain, but she couldn't help but stare a moment at the woman in the mirror. She looked so much more grown up.

On the ride over, she had to keep flashing her student ID to keep older guys from hitting on her, all while being reminded of what would happen if she and her…she hesitated to say 'boyfriend', got caught, but as the bus finally rolled to a stop a few blocks away from the amusement park Belle forgot about her anxiety as it was replaced by excitement.

She'd never been to an amusement park before, and Disney's theme park was world renowned, with many famous inventors putting their imaginations to the test to make unique and memorable rides. One day, Belle thought, maybe Papa will make a ride here…

The line was long, it was already ten, and would probably take an hour to get through. She was supposed to meet him at the Bell Tower at noon. Belle swayed from one foot to the other nervously as she glanced through the crowd waiting to get into the park, hoping he was still in line, but she didn't see him. Minutes ticked by and at last she was through the gate. Belle grabbed a map off the stand at the entrance.  The Bell Tower was a large spire visible from anywhere in the park, which rung every hour to keep time, and was a popular meeting place, not only because it was easy to find, but because of the café underneath it. Belle took a look at the map, wondering where she and her date would go first.

The shadow of the tower blocked the sun, which was bright today. Belle glanced at her watch and then around the tower. He should be here, unless he was late. As she looked Belle saw a man that caught her attention. He looked back at her, it took a moment but at the same time they recognized each other. Belle felt herself blush as he approached.

"Mr, Trouli-" she started formally, but caught herself, "Clopin. Uh, did…Did I keep you waiting?"

She felt like a dumb blushing idiot. Clopin smiled and put a hand on her shoulder, "No." He said, apparently feeling as awkward about this as she did. "You look lovely." He added.

"Thank you." She replied, "You look good as well."

She hadn't recognized him at first glance because he was wearing such a casual out fit, a pale purple shirt with a darker vest and slightly torn blue jeans, he'd trimmed his beard too, she noticed, and had his hair tied back. His usual attire was much more professional because…

Because he was a teacher at her High School…

Belle felt Clopin put an arm around her shoulder as they walked, he was leading her toward the café, which was probably a good thing, she hadn't eaten since seven this morning and she was starting to get hungry.

They took a seat and looked at the menu. Belle kept glancing around nervously, wondering if anybody she knew was there, and would recognize her. Clopin reached across the table and took her hand comfortingly.

They both knew the risks they faced, they both knew that this relationship of theirs was entirely inappropriate and could potentially ruin both their lives. While Clopin was a very charismatic teacher who often had more than one woman interested in him at a time (not all of them legal adults), he never before had taken one so seriously. Belle was usually a quiet girl, more interested in her books than dating. The two of them had connected over a book, or rather, the story within the book and the relationship deepened from there.

Neither was entirely sure when they started dating.

They both ordered sub sandwiches and sat in awkward silence again until one of them finally got up the nerve to speak. "So…" Clopin said, "Ready any good books lately?"

That was a great conversation starter, Belle could go on forever about books, whether she liked it or not. Belle smiled, "Fire Bringer by David Clemet-Davies," She said, "I just finished it last night."

"David Clemet-Davies…I know that name" Clopin mused silently to himself a moment "…Yeah, I read his second novel The Sight. Fire Bringer was his debut, wasn't it?" He asked.

Belle nodded, "You've read it then?" she was prepared to go into a full discussion on what they thought, who were their favorite characters, the best part of the book etc, but Clopin shook his head. "No?"

"I told you." He said, a waitress approached with their sandwiches and drinks. "Thanks." He muttered and turned back to Belle, "I read The Sight, I haven't read the other one yet." He smiled, "But I think I may need to, The Sight was very good."

Belle returned his smile as she took her first bite of her sandwich. Between mouthfuls Clopin and Belle took turns comparing and contrasting the themes of the two books by the same author and the beauty of the stories, both coming to the inevitable conclusion that they needed to read the other.

"I'll let you borrow my copy." Clopin offered, as he finished his sandwich, "Remind me after class on Monday."

Belle was picking up her tray to take her garbage to the nearby trash can. She froze for the briefest moment when he reminded her once again that they were student and teacher.  A bang of guilt swept through her. Clopin approached her from behind and wrapped his around her.

"Don't be afraid." He whispered reassuringly, "I don't know what will happen, but no matter what does…" He turned her around and kissed her.

A sort of shock went through Belle's body when their lips touched. They had hung out after class, and met outside of school a few times, but they'd never done anything with this level of intimacy before. Belle's heart began to race, but not with fear.

She liked it.

Clopin pulled away and brushed a stray strand of hair out of her face. "Don't be afraid." He whispered again and kissed her forehead. Belle smiled and threw her trash away. They took each other's hand and headed toward the rides.

This day belonged to them…