Author's note: Thank you to NotMarge, KEZZ 1, NicoleR85, partygirl98, Sam0728, and StarlitStar for your reviews! Also, thank you to everyone who has at least given this story a peek.

Bravery and Subterfuge

My hands, at least, were still human-looking when I put them on Zoey's waist and moved her off my lap as quickly and gently as possible. Then I practically ran for the door to go stand outside on the terrace and collect myself. Zoey didn't follow, probably suspecting that I needed a moment.

Or maybe she thinks I just rejected her. Perfect, just perfect.

The thought that Zoey might believe that I didn't want her made me anxious and remorseful. It certainly made calming down even more difficult, though being away from her scent and proximity should've made it easier.

It had been Charles who taught me meditation, starting six years ago when my second mutation first happened. He helped me learn to manage the sudden rages and uncontrollable urges that came along with the bestial appearance, to lock them all away and bury them deep. I called on that technique now to rein myself back in, slowly breathing in the muggy air until all of my- excitement- leeched away.

Within minutes I felt calm enough to face Zoey, but I still didn't go inside. I was too mortified and utterly ashamed of myself for almost losing it like that. I was afraid to face her, to see the hurt in her eyes and know that I was failing her as a boyfriend.

Would it leave a bad impression if I just jumped off her balcony and went home?

I didn't seriously consider the notion, but the thought did cross my mind.

When it comes to love, I'm a complete coward.

It was with an incredible amount of reluctance that I quietly stepped back inside.

Zoey was curled up on the couch with her arms wrapped around her legs, hunched over with head to knees. She looked so small and alone, the sight broke my heart a little. The last thing I ever wanted to do was hurt her, and it seemed like that was exactly what I'd just done.

I wordlessly came over and sank to the floor in front of her, tentatively reaching out to touch her tiny little foot.

Maybe if I grovel she'll have pity on me.

Zoey jumped and let out a squeak of surprise.

I definitely need to start whistling when I approach people.

"Sorry," I told her apologetically.

I'd almost turned into a monster while making out with her and now I was sneaking up on her like some sort of weirdo. This wasn't my night.

"I need to put a bell on you," Zoey muttered, uncurling her legs.

I grinned weakly in reply, unsure of what to say after our near-debacle. Should I apologize for walking away from her like that? For almost turning into a monster?

She held out her hands and I took them readily, though the image of blue, fur-covered clawed fingers holding hers swam before my eyes. I shuddered at the thought.

"I'm sorry," Zoey whispered. I glanced up to see her face was genuinely contrite. "I wasn't thinking about how kissing you like that would push you."

She was apologizing to me about what just happened? Like it was her fault I couldn't be a normal boyfriend?

Zoey blaming herself for my failings was deeply upsetting.

"It's ok," I replied, shaking my head. "I'm the one that should be apologizing. If it weren't for-"

She silenced me with a gentle finger placed on my lips, and then cradled my face in her hands. "It's part of who you are, Hank. I don't mind."

I nodded, though I still felt depressed. I just wanted to be normal, a man who could make out with his girlfriend without issue.

But I couldn't, and I never would.

It was like a mockery of a fairy tale. Instead of my princess' kiss turning me human, it did the exact opposite and threatened to turn me into a beast. The irony was inescapable. And very disheartening, to say the least.

"You're brooding," Zoey noted, frowning. "Stop it. We just need to learn our limits, ok?"

Her words soothed me.

Limits, yes. You're an angel for suggesting it.

I was so thankful she was willing to make this work, to be patient with me while we figured out what was possible for us without me losing control.

Because, truth be told, I was too afraid to show Zoey the other side of me. I'd rather have her know about the Beast, so I wasn't hiding the terrible truth from her, but not let her see it for fear of frightening her away. It was a compromise I'd made with myself, so I wasn't lying to her about my other side.

I knew I couldn't get away with it forever, but that didn't mean I wasn't going to put off Zoey seeing the Beast for as long as possible.

"Ok," I agreed.

She leaned down and kissed me sweetly, signifying all was well.

I tried to enjoy the moment and ignore the sense of foreboding growing in the pit of my stomach over my subterfuge and what could happen between Zoey and I because of my feral half.

I knew it was better to hide the Beast from her, lest she become afraid of me. She claimed to be fine with it, sure. But I didn't want to take that risk.

Losing her just didn't bear thinking of.

Almost two weeks later, Zoey walked into the cafe in a state of excitement so strong she was visibly shaking. She came over to stand next to me, but didn't take her seat. I would've been concerned were it not for the huge smile on her lovely face.

"Zoey?"

"I'm a doctor!" she blurted out.

My heart leaped in my chest and I let out a huge sigh of relief. I'd been getting worried as the days passed without word from the board that they were going to reject Zoey's thesis and deny her her doctorate.

But now the wait was over. She was officially Dr. Zoey Dubois.

"That's wonderful. Congratulations, Dr. Dubois," I said sincerely.

I stood and swept her into my arms in an uncharacteristic bout of exuberance. As always, Zoey melted into the embrace.

"Billy!" she called out, still tucked up against my chest. "They approved my thesis!"

The older man behind the counter let out a joyful whoop. "Marcy!" he yelled into the back room. "Zoey's officially a doctor now!"

Billy and Marceline both came out to hug their goddaughter, while the patrons of their shop looked on with fond smiles.

I was content to stand outside of the focus of attention, the perpetual wallflower that I was. Besides, this felt like a "family" moment, and I didn't want to intrude.

Just me, being awkward. Nothing new here.

"Your father would've been so proud of you," Billy told Zoey, holding her at arms' length.

She nodded, her eyes suddenly over-bright. "I wish he was here," she whispered.

Oh, Zoey. Please don't cry.

It was obvious that her elation was twinged with grief over the absence of her father on this day. Would happy occasions always be like that for Zoey- a hint of pain among the joy? Or would the wound fade over time?

My heart ached for her- it was a loss none of us could never heal, no matter how much we wanted to. I knew it was irrational, but I wished Billy had left Mr. Dubois out of the conversation.

"I know, ma petite. We're proud of you too, you know," Marceline added, stroking Zoey's hair.

"Thank you both for being so supportive," Zoey said sincerely. "It means very much to me."

"Je t'en prie, ma petite," Marceline replied. She kissed Zoey once on each cheek.

At that moment a customer came in, so Billy and Marceline retreated back behind the counter. That left Zoey and I standing by ourselves next to our customary table.

She took a deep breath and wiped her eyes before looking at me with a small, sad smile.

I opened my mouth to speak, to ask her if she wanted to talk about it, but Zoey gave a quick shake of her head.

"Today is a happy day," she said simply, taking a seat at our table. "Not a day to be sad."

And with that, all traces of grief disappeared from her expression, like a slate wiped clean. The cracks in her armor quickly mended, the soldier's mask back in place.

Some people think bravery is about fighting in battles and grandiose acts of valor. And maybe it is, somewhat. But there's also bravery to be found in a person whose heart is hurting, but who keeps smiling and living their life to the fullest extent anyway.

And my love was certainly no coward.