The Beast.

Summary: A (really) short one-shot on the perceptions of Karen. Slightly B/K.

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters mentioned in the story, or own 24.

She had realised that was her, an over obsessive workaholic, just like her previous husband. Karen couldn't blame him for walking from her, she had pushed him away. Their lives were so alike; she thought they were perfect for one another. After 15 years, of a 'perfect' marriage- she finally succeeded in pushing her husband away. After a day of regretful crying and a week of trance-like work, she had got over her heartbreak and continued working harder- just as before. She had soon risen to the position of 'Head of Homeland Security', her companion Miles always loyal and following right behind her.

Not until that day- that 'normal' day that turned into chaos did she realise what she had become. She was a monster, a beast.

But bit-by-bit over that day the monster she had become, slowly died- and the 'person' she was, finally returned. All thanks to Buchanan, wonderful Buchanan.

When she was a little girl she hadn't understood how Beauty had fallen in love with the Beast. She had always ask her Mum; Why? Why and How?

But Buchanan, showed her how- somehow he had managed to see past the exterior monster and had dismissed it, seeing the real woman, unlike everyone else. She had found herself being drawn towards Buchanan, a man who she hardly knew, and she was sure he felt the same way too; the courage to have asked her out to Breakfast, and the beautiful smile he had given her, proved that to her. Opposites attract Karen realised.

And when the day was done, and the last petal on the rose had fallen, she found herself in love and becoming real again.

It was then did she understand how Beauty had fallen in love with the Beast.

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