This one-shot was inspired by the artwork of the amazingly talented Taijavigilia over on Tumblr. Go check out her work! Set post-movie.
Reading Amongst the Roses
"Cogsworth, have you seen Belle?" Adam asked as he passed the Head of his Household in the hall.
"Not since breakfast, Sir," Cogsworth replied. "Have you checked the library?"
"First place I checked," Adam said with a laugh. "I'll keep looking. Thanks, Cogsworth."
He came upon Lumiere next, and asked him the same question.
"Last I saw, she was heading for the library," the former candlestick reported.
"Well she isn't there now," Adam told him.
"Try the kitchens, Sire. She usually takes a second cup of tea around this time."
"Right! Thanks, Lumiere," Adam said, clapping the man on the back.
But Mrs. Potts hadn't seen Belle either. "I brought her her tea in the library," the older woman said.
Adam frowned, thinking. It was one of his rare days off, and he had wanted to spend it all with Belle, if only he could find her. He was about to give up and go search the library again when Chip came bareling through the back doors.
"No running!" Mrs. Potts scolded.
"Sorry, Momma," Chip appologized.
"Chip, have you seen Belle?" Adam wondered.
"Sure have! She's outside by that bendy tree in the rose garden," the young boy declared.
"I should have guessed. Thanks, Chip," Adam said, ruffling the boy's hair on his way out the door.
It was the perfect day outside; no wonder Belle had abandoned her usual spot in the library. Spring was upon them and the rose garden was in full bloom. Following the winding path, Adam soon came upon a small clearing. The space was mostly taken up by two benches, but in one corner stood a small tree, offering a nice shady spot amongst the rose bushes. It was there that Adam finally found Belle, only to discover that she was fast asleep.
Shaking his head, the Prince crept closer. A book lay open in her lap, with two more laying beside her on the grass. She must have been trying to decide which to read next.
Kneeling next to her, he brushed a kiss against her cheek, then eased the book from her grasp.
The move did its trick. Belle stirred, letting out a mumbled, "Adam?"
"Yes, love," Adam answered, smiling down at her.
"What're you doing?" she questioned, voice still thick with sleep.
"Looking for you. How long have you been out here?"
"Not sure," Belle responded, uncurling from her sleeping position with a good stretch.
"It's nearly time for lunch."
"About two hours then," Belle figured.
Adam shifted to sit fully on the ground. He flipped through a few pages of her book, asking, "Is it good?"
Belle nodded. "You would like it. Are you busy?"
"I am all yours," Adam promised, leaning down to give her a proper kiss.