After returning to the castle, Belle had walked with the beast to an open and inviting room in the castle, infiltrated with the natural light of outside. He couldn't help but look at her; she was distracted by the argument currently ensuing between two of the feather dusters, and she was stifling a giggle as to not offend either of them. They argued about not getting the room properly cleaned in time for when the pair had gotten back from their brief trip, and Belle tried to interject and say it was alright, but the two continued to bicker as they flitted away. After they were gone from sight, Belle and the beast sat on a few cushions placed by a large window, and began talking of their childhoods and how they came from two very different worlds. Before they had time for another conversation, Lumiére appeared to announce that there would be a slight delay in dinner. Belle reassured him it was alright, and that they had enough time. The beast looked over at her as she spoke, almost shocked at himself for daring to become angry with the setback. He turned away, still surprised at her kind nature and her patience. "The way you speak, it is far from what I am used to. It is…" he paused. "Refreshing" he continued, turning to offer a small smile. Belle felt a smile tug at her lips, her eyes lighting up; "I've been raised to always give chances. My father always taught me to be patient with others, and try to see the best in people" she spoke. "Although… there are some people that, amidst the many chances, don't quite change" she said, becoming disgusted as a certain black-haired brute came to mine. The beast grew quiet, taking her sentence to heart, believing she was speaking of him. He looked away, wishing he could change the subject but couldn't bring himself to say anything. Belle quickly realized his tension, moving closer to him. "His name is Gaston," she said with a hint of revulsion. He turned and looked at her, surprised at hearing this new name and how it related to her topic. "He is an awful, selfish and narcissistic person. Sadly, no matter how hard I try, I can't bring myself to see any good in him, if it's even there" she said, wincing at the thought. The beast eagerly listened, realizing she hadn't been talking about him. He gave her a sympathetic smile, and leaned closer, gently bringing his paw to her hand in a compassionate manner. She didn't flinch like he expected her too, but instead she looked at him, and seemed… happy. She grinned up at him, feeling her face grow warmer as she felt the mass of warmth press lightly against the top of her hand. She felt her heart rate accelerating, and she didn't know if she should remove her hand or say something, but little did she know. He was frozen, unable to move. His skin underneath his fur was hot, the fur making the air around him stifling. Upon recognizing her tinted cheeks, he spoke without thinking: "You never looked like this, forgive me for staring. You just look…beautiful." If belle's face wasn't hot before, you could easily see from far that she was flustered. Before she could speak, he squeezed her hand before standing up and offering his. She looked up at him, unable to speak but nonetheless took his offer and stood up, only a foot away from him. The atmosphere was dead quiet, their breathing quickened and their hearts trying to escape their chests. "Belle, do you…I mean would you like to join me after dinner to dance perhaps?" She looked down, slowly nodding with a smile.
Belle was pacing in her room once again, her hand was resting against her cheek as she walked impatiently. She bit her lip, stress ridden in her smooth features. He had asked her to dance with him, and she didn't know how to react. For once in her life, she had no response to a man. She didn't know what to say, her body refusing to listen to her thoughts, only acting out of her nervousness. She smiled, a random surge of excitement filling her body, this new feeling filling every inch of her body. She sat down on the bed, grasping at the sheets; how was she going to do this? She was going to dance, but she didn't know exactly what he meant. Just as Belle sighed, Madame unfolded her doors, looking in Belle's direction. "Cherie, don't worry yourself sick. I have just the thing for you to wear, you'll be dazzling like the stars" she said, a smile seeming to appear in her curtains. Belle stood, walking over to her, anxiety radiating off of her. "What if I mess up, or make a fool of myself?" She asked nervously. She had to pull herself together, this was very unlike herself to be so stirred up over something so little. Madame sighed contently, watching belle fidget; "I know the master had to muster up much courage to ask that of you. He isn't as stoic as you may believe, he is just happy to have you here" she said softly. "Now, the master prefers the color blue in his attire, so naturally…" she rummaged through her drawers. "Aha! Perfecto, this is it!" Madame exclaimed, pulling out a beautiful yellow gown; adorned in rows of fabric, the dress gleamed brightly against the room, sending shivers down Belle's spine. She has never seen something so brilliant, so radiant in one space. "It's lovely, surely I can't wear this" Belle said breathlessly. "Oh cher you must! Here come come, let me help you put it on! Oh I'm so terribly excited, this is wonderful."
Just as Belle had finished putting it on, she stared down at the dress in awe. She had never worn something so extravagant and amazing, she felt like a princess; "Oh my goodness, you look so beautiful. It just needs something… Ah! The finishing touch" Madame said in recognition. Just as Belle was beginning to think of abandoning the idea, she heard a little melody and looked up at the ceiling. There, on the gold crusted decorative branches, the flecks of gold began to flutter downwards from their position, swiftly as if in the breeze they began to twirl around Belle's dress. They each stuck onto certain places in the dress, creating a beautiful golden pattern within the dresses fabric. Belle's mouth became parted, trying to find words to describe how gorgeous it was. "It's…more than I could ever imagine."