Chapter 1

The snow started to fall down gently. The castle gleamed in the light fog alongside its intimidating towers and gargoyles. The inside of the castle had a soft hum in it, almost like everything was working in synchronisation. The servants were doing their chores, the master of the castle was nowhere to be seen and the keeper of the library was reorganising the books she had recently borrowed for her research. She had considered asking for Plumette and the other's help, but didn't wish to disturb any of the retainers.

It was near nightfall, after all. Perhaps the night owl needed some rest as well.

One particular key shined as she walked passed it. Curiosity beckoning, she looked at the locked drawer, which contained a magical leather bound book within. The clever looking madame thought of the book the Beast told her about a few days earlier. Weeks after escaping from Nevermore, a book that literally wanted you to stay trapped within its contents forever, you'd think one would want to stay far away from enchanted books as much as possible.

Not if you're mademoiselle Belle, keeper and master of the Beast's library. Enchanté, cher lecteur.

Books and adventure are in my blood after all, Belle thought. I can't abandon the rest of the stories because of one bad experience...

She placed the last misplaced book back into the proper shelf. Now I am prepared at least.

As the library master, she had access to all books of any kind, including the Portal book, as she and Beast agreed upon after deciding on giving it a name. She opened the cabinet containing it, bringing it to her hands. She ushered it again, after all this time. It showed the land and the sea, complete with the scents and sunshine.

The last time she used it, she had discovered an important element of her childhood. But now...

She wanted to go to London next.

No no no, India.

Maybe Prussia. Or Hungary.

Istanbul. Moscow. All of Scandinavia. Agrabah... ah. So many far away places, so little time.

But... Could she use it? Without Beast by her side?

Maybe he'll want to see somewhere as well. Despite his... appearance, his could be mistaken for a costume lover. Or a very dedicated lion impersonator.

Belle couldn't help but laugh at the idea. Et à votre droite, le domador de lion fabuleux, Monsieur-

A loud noise erupted from the background. It sounded like someone clearing his throat.

Belle spun around. It was him. He had a look of amusement on his face. "Couldn't resist the temptations of books again?" he joked, looking at the priceless book on the velvety pillow. "I should've known I'd find you here."

"Well, Beast," Belle composed herself, trying not to imagine him impassively holding a huge burning ring of fire. "Am I not the master of this place? I cannot leave it unattended."

Beast looked like he wanted to say something, his eyes flickering between sadness and curiosity. He looked at the book. Curiosity it is then. Like a cat... or a lion.

Et voila! Je vous présente, Monsieur Chaton!

The fact that Belle didn't burst out laughing was a miracle in itself. Beast noticed a glimmer in Belle's eye, but didn't press any matters.

"So... are you better at least? After what happened to you?"

Belle knew he wanted to ask something else, apart from his concern for her well being. If I was going to use the book... but she answered him regardless.

"Yes I am, thank you for asking. I was doing my research when I recalled the book you showed me awhile ago."

Beast smiled. "Well, at least you can use it. Unlike me," he chuckled slightly. "Belle, you can use it whenever you wish. Please, tell me how the outside world is."

But not however. Belle caught was the Beast was trying to say. He wasn't imposing her to not utilise it, but he hoped she didn't use the book to leave him.

Le livre est à toi. Mais s'il vous plaît ... retournez-moi.

"Wait," Beast stopped as he was exiting the library. "How about... we try?"

"Huh?" he asked quizzically, not sure what Belle was implying. "Try what?"

"We try to go together. Like the last time we used the Portal," Belle offered. "Besides, you told me the Castle is stuck in eternal winter due to the curse. Maybe if we go again, it'll turn out we'll be on time for Carnaval. Many people tend to not pay attention to oddities when they're wearing masks."

Beast couldn't tell if Belle was being her usual kind self or if she was pulling his leg. He took a deep breath, remembering the abandoned windmill in Paris.

"Perhaps I shouldn't come. The last outing was rather painful for the both of us."

Belle was taken aback by the Beast's comment. He still remembers what we saw together? Painful memories, yes.

But... no. Her memories of Paris will not be frozen there. Not after Nevermore.

"That is why I want to use it again, Beast," Belle said softly. "I don't want this book to be only connected to my lost childhood. It will be locked away forever like that. That would be a huge waste."

Beast could only stare silently. He wished he could go with her. He really did. But his presence in the outside world will probably remind her of the limitations the curse of the Castle imposed on him and his servants. Not to mention the unfortunate circumstances which led her staying with him. So many words he regretted...

"Please... come with me."

He stared directly into her brown eyes. How could he say no?

"Very well," Beast offered her his paw. "It's not like I can disobey an order..." Belle accepted it, holding it tightly.

"Where shall we go?," Belle placed his paw on the book. "It is up to you, this time."

Beast looked at their hands. Her hand was so tiny compared to his. He closed his eyes. He felt the magic of the book transporting them to a new destination.

It felt like they were flying together, without any fear or hesitation. Then, the magical wind stopped. He opened his eyes to look at Belle's face.

They both looked around. Cobblestone was everywhere. It was evening. The wind was chilly, but there was no snow around them.

"We made it," Belle smiled at Beast reassuringly. "Do you... recognise the place? It looks oddly familiar."

Suddenly, they were both startled by a church chime. But not any church. Beast would recognise the architecture and its bells instantly.

"Emmanuel..." Beast looked up towards the cathedral, still holding Belle's hand.

"That's the Notre Dame... we're in Paris."

Author's Notes

Hello! Comment allez-vous? Just a little nugget that came in my head last night. I wanted to see more of BxB strolling around Paris in the night during the movie. Of course, that was slightly impossible for the filmmakers, but that's what short stories are for, wink wink. I won't take long on this story though, maybe another chapter or two.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy. Au revoir~