The Choice
A/N Hi all! This is my first fanfic for Beauty and the Beast. I LOVE this show. I just keep watching the episodes over and over again. Anyway, in doing so, I got a great idea for a one shot. This is my theory on what will happen at the end of the 4 episode guest run of Bridget Regan. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Don't own the characters. Darn it!
Chapter 1
As Catherine entered her silent apartment, exhaustion washed over her. Lately, all there had been was silence, utter and complete silence. Heather and Evan were out on yet another date, and Vincent…
Catherine tried not to think about Vincent. Ever since…she had come back into Vincent's life, Catherine had been the odd woman out. She hadn't seen Vincent, not since the night Catherine had told him to follow his heart and make his choice. Making her way into her bedroom, she glanced toward the fire escape. Empty. No Vincent to greet her. The empty fire escape almost seemed to mock her. For the 20th or so time since that night, Catherine fought the urge to close and lock the window. But, her heart wouldn't let her. She still held out hope that he would chose her.
Unconsciously, Catherine shrugged her shoulders, trying to suppress the pain that was now a constant in her heart. She didn't really have a claim on him. He was an adult, capable of making his own decisions.
Changing quickly, Catherine made her way back to the living room, sitting on the couch with a heavy sigh. She thought about ordering a pizza, but lacked the energy to dial the number. Knowing that Heather would be gone for several hours, Catherine stared at the living room wall, engulfed in the dark hole that was now her life. It gave her time to think. To remember…
…to cry without an audience.
Catherine stared at her phone, somewhat surprised to find it in her hand. She looked at the screen. The single letter "V" jumped out at her. This particular number had expired last week, but still, she couldn't erase it. It was the only tangible thing of him she had left. Instead, she rubbed her finger lightly over that "V", wishing she had his new number. Oh, she could call JT, but she didn't want to get him involved. It was obvious that Vincent didn't want her to have the new number. Her heart broke with that realization. Sighing, she turned her phone off, tossing it on the cushion beside her. She didn't want to talk to anyone tonight anyway.
A short while later, a noise from her bedroom startled Catherine. She ignored it, assuming some papers had fallen or something. But, a second noise brought her to her feet. Grabbing her gun, she made her way quietly to her bedroom. She brought her gun up and rounded the corner.
Sitting on her bed was a small bouquet of roses. Catherine froze, knowing only one person would have put them there.
….Vincent….
Looking toward the fire escape, she noted it was empty. Disappointment washed over her. He had been there, and left without a word to her. Catherine sniffled quietly, wondering why he had given her the flowers. Was that his way of saying….goodbye? Gingerly, she set down her gun and picked up the roses, bringing them to her nose. She inhaled the delicate scent, catching a small whiff of Vincent's unique scent, as well.
Catherine stared at the roses for another moment, teardrops leaking from her eyes. Wiping them away, she turned, roses in hand, intent on putting them into a vase.
A large figure blocked her path. Catherine gasped, nearly dropping the roses. She pulled them closer to her chest, willing her heart to stop its thunderous pounding. Finally, she breathed out…
"Vincent…?"
Vincent stared back at her, flesh and blood. Real…
"Hello, Catherine," he said, his gravely voice sending chills down her spine. He looked her up and down, almost as if he were cataloging everything about her. Catherine grew warm under his scrutiny. Finally, their eyes collided, her hazel ones questioning, his brown ones apologetic. "I didn't mean to startle you."
Catherine released the breath that had been stuck in her chest. She stared at him, thinking this must be a dream. He wasn't really here. She had fallen asleep on the couch, that was all. Reaching down, she pinched herself, and winced from the pain. Okay, not a dream then…
"What….what are you doing here?" Catherine asked, her voice barely a whisper. But, Vincent heard her, just like he always did. He took a step toward her. Reaching up, his hand gently glided over her cheek.
"You told me I had to make a choice. To follow my heart. I wanted you to know that I've made my choice," Vincent said, his voice so gently and quiet. Apologetic….
Catherine stepped away, unable to bare what she knew was now coming. He was there to say goodbye…
Turning away from him, Catherine uttered what she knew would be the last things she ever spoke to Vincent Keller. "Thank you for the roses. But…they weren't necessary. A text would have sufficed. You didn't have to come all the way over here to say….goodbye." Her voice cracked on the last word.
She stared at the floor, knowing any second he would disappear from her life, forever. Tears once again threatened to fall. She felt him step behind her. His hands came to her shoulders, turning her toward him. Catherine continued to stare down, unable to look at Vincent's face. She felt him tip her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze.
Tenderly, his lips settled over hers. He kissed her lightly, with only a slight pressure. Catherine gasped, and Vincent used that opportunity to gently suck her lower lip into his mouth. Catherine groaned, and threaded her fingers through his hair, feeling him pull her even closer. Vincent deepened the kiss, sweeping his tongue into her mouth. Catherine responded in kind, and heard the small growl that emitted from Vincent.
Finally, they pulled apart, the need for oxygen too compelling. Both panted lightly, their hearts pounding in rhythm. Vincent ran his hands through Catherine's hair, feeling its silkiness run over his fingers.
"I'm not saying goodbye. Not to you. Not ever," Vincent stated, causing Catherine to blush slightly.
"After that kiss, I kinda figured that out," Catherine said, slightly breathless. Vincent chuckled, and pulled her toward him again.
"Alex is my past. But you…you are my present, and my future," Vincent told her, holding Catherine tightly against himself. Catherine snuggled into his warmth, inhaling his unique scent.
Catherine now knew she had nothing to worry about. Vincent was hers, and always would be.
#_
A/N So, what did you think? Reviews make me happy!