Belle decided that she actually did like the Beast. Not just like him, she like liked him. He was so mysterious and hot tempered; yet he was awkward and shy at the same time. She could tell that there was something there that he was hiding.

He probably had a terrible fear of rejection as well. Poor fellow. Belle decided to invite him to dinner, I mean, he did save her from being ripped apart by rabid wolves.

"Please do hurry," Belle said to Mrs. Pots. " He'll be here any moment and I don't want to keep him waiting. You know of his bad temper."

"Yes, dear, I do know," Mrs. Pots replied in a huff, then to herself, " Believe me, we all know."

Mrs. Pots had just finished arranging all of the dishes into their proper places when the Beast arrived. Everything fell silent as if anticipating pain and punishment. Belle smiled and greeted him to try and shake off the awkward atmosphere. It didn't really work. The Beast seemed as uncomfortable as ever.

"I'm starved," Belle declared. "Shall we eat?"

The beast simply grunted in reply. He was a man, or should I say beast, of few words. Belle took that as a yes and they both sat down.

"Where is that stupid candle?" Belle randomly asked. "He was supposed to provide the entertainment."

Just then the stupid candle bursted into the room on a speeding cart and landed right into the fig pudding, which caused it to splash all over Belle. She stood up, grabbed the candle by his wick, and slowly walked him over to the furnace where she proceeded to open the hatch and toss him in. She then wiped her hands as if satisfied and sat back down.

"I really do hate incompetent fools," Belle said to the Beast.

"So do I. I wish I could kill everyone in this castle," the Beast replied, "but then who would I order around and abuse?" They both laughed. Belle finally felt as if they were connecting.

"So what's your real name?" she asked him, feeling brave.

"What do you mean?" the Beast asked.

"I mean, what is your real name?" Belle replied. "It couldn't possibly be Beast, could it? I mean, who the hell names their kid Beast? They would have had to have been very, very drunk and/or high to name you that."

"I like my name," Beast said defensively. "It's very manly and strong. Makes you think of something hairy and strong, which is what I am."

Belle giggled. Hairy and strong. Beast was hilarious. She became even more infatuated with each word. They continued to drink wine and converse well into the early morning until Mrs. Pots had them both sent up to their rooms. Ah, love.