She hardly remembered kissing him, but the realisation that she had gave her butterflies in her stomach. He had come back to life, surrounded by swirling golden light, and she had cautiously stepped towards him, staring into those familiar blue eyes. It was overwhelming. She had gone from feeling the most extreme and desolate loss, to unbound happiness in the space of a minute. She still felt giddy and a small giggle escaped her as she tried to recall the feeling of his lips against hers. She brought the back of her hand to her mouth and held it there briefly, imagining more kisses.

She was sitting on her bed, having been told by Mrs Potts to take a rest after all the excitement of the day. One by one the number of villagers had dwindled as they returned to their homes in the village. Of course Monsieur Jean stayed at the castle, overjoyed at the return of his memory and his wife and child. Belle was filled with happiness at the sight of the three of them together.

It was lovely too, to see Lumière and Plumette interacting, however Belle had had a strong sense that they'd wished to be alone. The memory of the way they touched each other brought the blood rushing to Belle's cheeks. She knew that she wanted Adam to touch her that way, and look at her as adoringly, but she was apprehensive at the same time.

She had absolutely no experience with romantic intimacy other that what she had read in books. Her need to be touched by Adam was strong, but he was busy. After Mrs Potts suggested that Belle rest, Adam had retreated to a private room for a conversation with Agathe. The enchantress had smiled and bowed her head towards Belle, but made no move to speak with her.

Belle lay back on the bed. It was nice to be alone in the room for once. She assumed that Madame Garderobe and the maestro had a suite somewhere in the castle, and that she could look forward to some real privacy from now on. She wondered if Adam would invite her to move to a room nearer his. That would be the acceptable thing to do, until they were married of course. Sitting up with start, Belle rushed to the window and threw it open. She needed fresh air urgently. All the thoughts of marriage and sharing bedrooms had gotten to her. She wasn't frightened exactly, more nervous than anything.

Of course, Adam would be experienced in these matters. She felt relief at the thought of him being able to guide her, although he was bound to be nervous as well. After all he'd been in Beast form for so long. Her thoughts strayed back to the kiss. The way he'd brushed his hand through her hair had made her shiver. She longed to see him but didn't know if he was still busy. He would have much to discuss with Agathe. She didn't want to think too much about the circumstances of the enchantment. It was over now. They could talk about it together at a later time.

She had just returned to her bed and began to lie down when she heard a soft knock on the bedroom door.

"It's me Belle."

She knew his voice instantly even though it sounded strangely unfamiliar, and she rushed to open the door. He stood there in the same clothes he'd been wearing before, but somehow he'd found a jacket and shoes to fit him, probably belonging to Lumière. His eyes never left hers as she stood back to let him in, one hand touching his arm and the other back up near her mouth.

As soon as he was inside and the door was closed, he pulled her into an embrace that was almost too tight. She breathed in his scent and then sighed. She was glad it hadn't changed, as almost everything else about him was different.

"I can't stay for long. I wouldn't want to behave improperly. I just couldn't not see you." He said breathlessly as he looked down into her eyes.

"Of course. I'm so glad you're here". She replied. "Come, sit down".

They moved over to the bed, never completely letting go of one another. They sat down side by side so that she was almost on his knee. He brought one hand up to cup her cheek and she placed both of her hands on his chest. She could feel his heart beating under one hand.

"May I kiss you Belle, before we say goodnight?" He asked tentatively.

She began to move closer in response. Without realising it, she moved her hands up towards his face and entwined them behind his neck as he brought his lips closer to hers. This kiss was much less frantic than the first one. Adam gently guided her movements so that they matched his own, and when she instinctively opened her mouth, he brought his tongue forward slightly to touch hers. The feeling was overpowering and she never wanted it to end, however after a time Adam drew back. He placed one gentle kiss on the tip of her nose.

"We'd better say goodnight Belle, but don't worry, we can discuss everything tomorrow. In fact I thought perhaps you might like to move to a bedroom in the west wing? They're bigger and... it would be nearer my own". He seemed bashful as he said this, and she realised he was just as nervous about the thought of intimacy as she was.

"Yes. I would like to be closer to you." She said with a small smile as she stood. They walked together to the door and wished each other goodnight. It was incredibly difficult to part with him, but she knew that she could look forward with excitement to a time when that would no longer be necessary.