Gaston bowed his head to try to hide the blush burning his cheeks, but somehow he didn't think that would do much good. He looked back at Rose, his blue eyes shining with joy and adoration. He remained silent for a few moments; he was sure he'd start giggling like a fool if he tried to speak. Not at Rose of course - no, never at her! - but because he still couldn't believe his good fortune. Rose's words jerked him out of is thoughts, and he allowed himself a chuckle at her joke. "Let them hear," he said. "I think everybody already knows I don't fit the Gryffindor mold." He was only half joking about that.

He couldn't help but smile when Rose mentioned having their own castle. "I like the sound of that!" he said. If only it were possible... Then they could be like the brave knight and lady fair in the storybooks he read when he was a child. "Well, I guess we'll just have to be king and queen of our own fairytale without the castle." He shook his head at what she said next. "That's impossible!" He could never spoil her more than she deserved because she deserved so much more than he could ever give!

Between hearing Rose laugh and Phantom's antics, ti was impossible for Gaston not to laugh as well. His expression changed at Rose's next words, betraying just how deeply she'd moved him. It looked like he would be used to hearing sweet words by now, but its still touched his heart just as much as it always had. "I know," he whispered, "I won't give you up for anything either." Just the thought made him sad! Suddenly at a loss for words, he kissed her.

Phantom was yowling and pawing at his arm, leaving him no choice but to break the kiss and turn his attention back to the black and white Persian. He petted her, murmuring in French, and she purred contentedly. He laughed at the memory of her first encounter with Rose. "I think she was trying to keep us apart by embarrassing me!" he chuckled. He finished eating his cake, and Phantom looked at him expectantly, as if awaiting more cream to lick. "Sorry, girl, that's all for now!"

Then Rose changed the subject, and that made him laugh again. "Yes, how would I ever survive without you?" he said, and it was no joke! The mention of cooking reminded him of something, and he pulled a small box from one of his desk drawers. "That reminds me..." He lifted the lid off the box to reveal several rows of fancy French chocolates. "My mother keeps giving me these, but I can never finish them. Help yourself if you're still hungry..."