Chapter 28 - Tearful Goodbye

Beast and Belle left the ballroom and lingered outside in the entrance hall. "How long do you think you'll need to get ready for the dance?" Belle asked him.

"Uh... I'm not really sure, maybe an hour." He replied. "What about you?"

"An hour sounds good to me." She responded. "I think I'll head upstairs and start getting ready. I'll meet you back here later."

"Yes. I'll see you soon."

Belle walked passed him and began to ascend the stairs. She looked over the banister and smiled at him on the way up before she disappeared from sight.

As soon as she was gone, Beast hurried over to the kitchen in search of the servants. He couldn't get ready on his own! He wouldn't even know where to begin. What was he even going to wear? He clearly hadn't thought any of this through.

He was going to need all the help he could get.

The servants were in the middle of a conversation when he burst through the door. Their discussion died, and Lumiere turned to face him. "Oh, there you are, master. We were wondering where you and Belle had gotten often to. Would you like us to put dinner out soon? It's getting rather late."

"Yes. But could you make it a special dinner?" He requested. "And... Could you help me prepare for a dance Belle and I are having tonight?"

The servants' mouths dropped in unison. They were all left utterly speechless by such a sudden advancement.

It took a few seconds before anyone spoke up again. "Of course we'll help you!" Lumiere blurted out, barely able to contain his excitement. "We'll run you a hot bath, so you can get squeaky clean."

"And we'll find you an outfit for you to wear." Mrs Potts chimed in. "I think the seamstresses made one for such an occasion."

"We'll serve the finest food, and ask Maestro Cadenza to perform for you." Cogsworth added.

"Come on everyone, chop chop! There's no time to waste!" Lumiere instructed.

"I'll just... Let Belle know we're having dinner before the dance..." Beast muttered, although no one actually heard him. Or at least, he didn't think they did. He retreated backwards out of the room as the servants set to work.

"Someone fill up the master's bathtub! And make sure you dust off the old makeup kit and set up a mirror in his room!" He heard Lumiere giving orders as he walked away. Their voices became distant as he headed upstairs towards the East Wing.

The door to Belle's room was shut, not wide open like it had been the other day. Staring at the closed door felt very familiar, it was just like it was when he first attempted to gain some sort of affection from her and failed miserably. Only difference was that he was alone this time, with no one to give him words of advice. He stood outside for a moment before knocking.

"Who is it?" Belle called out.

"It's me." He replied.

"Don't come in!" She cried. "I'm not decent!"

"I wasn't going to!" He responded through nervous laughter. He wouldn't dare go in there uninvited, especially if he run the risk of seeing her... Undressed. "I just wanted to let you know that we'll be having a quick meal beforehand."

"Oh good. I'm starving." She stated. "I'll have to be extra careful to not spill anything on my dress."

"I doubt you'll have that problem. It will be me who will have to worry about getting something down my outfit."

"I'm sure you'll be fine."

He heard the clattering of tiny feet behind him, and he looked over his shoulder to see Lumiere running down the corridor. "Master, your bath is ready. You better get in the tub while it's still warm."

"Alright, I'm on my way." He addressed the candlestick, before turning back to the door. "I have to go, I haven't even started getting ready, but I'll see you in a little while."

"If you need any more time, just send someone over to let me know. We don't have to rush." Belle replied.

"I will if it comes to that." Beast responded, before turning and leaving. He followed Lumiere over to the West Wing, and headed into his room. The other servants were there waiting, along with a steaming hot tub, filled with soapy suds. There was also a rope stretched across the room with a sheet thrown over it to act as a temporary screen to give him the privacy he needed whilst he bathed.

"No time for a soak, just a quick wash and then we'll help you prepare." Lumiere told him.

Beast didn't say anything. He decided to just go along with everything they were saying, as he wouldn't be able to handle it on his own. They clearly knew what they were doing.

He walked over to the tub, pulled the sheet across the rope, obscuring the servants' view. He removed his jacket and peeled off his shirt and trousers, and left them discarded on the floor. They were a lot easier to take off than they were to put on, that much was certain.

He climbed into the tub, and the water lapped around his legs, the soap suds starting to cling to his fur. When was the last time he had a bath? When was the last time he had a proper wash?

It quickly dawned on him that he had never cleaned his fur. But that was about to change.

He sunk down into the water, and started to rub his body with some soap he had on hand. The sensation of water on his body, rushing through his fur... It was so relaxing. It allowed him to loosen off and not be as stiff. Why hadn't he done this before?

That question had a simple answer. Because he didn't feel the need to take care of his body when he was trapped in this hideous form.

"That fur really needs a good scrub." Cogsworth commented.

"Are you saying I stink?" Beast questioned, as he picked up a jug and poured water over his head, completely drenching himself. Strands of long fur fell over his eyes, blocking his vision.

"No, not at all!" Cogsworth replied nervously. "I would never say that, nor mean to say that."

Beast almost laughed. Cogsworth was still as nervous as ever, despite the fact that he hadn't yelled at anyone in the last few days. He wasn't even sure if the servants had a sense of smell. Still, he supposed that a couple of days wasn't nearly enough time for them to get over his raging temper.

"So master, what made you decide to ask Belle to have a dance with you?" Lumiere asked, striking up a conversation, and possibly steering attention off of Cogsworth.

He combed the fur away from his eyes and began to rinse off any remaining soap. "Well, she showed me the ballroom, and when I saw it I was just blown away by how beautiful she had made it. I didn't want all of that effort to go to waste... So I said we should have a dance tonight, but I didn't think she'd actually agree to it! What was I thinking?! I can't do this..." He covered his face with his paws and shook his head, as he was filled with nervousness. This was going to be a disaster.

"No, you must not think like that, master. This is perfect! The rose only had four petals left, so tonight you can tell her how you feel." Lumiere replied.

Four petals? Was that all? Where had all of the time gone?

Beast lowered his paws and grabbed hold of the sides of the tub in order to push himself up. He was clean enough, he didn't need to spend any more time in the bath.

Now that he was at his full height, and boosted up by the tub slightly, he could see over the low hanging sheet, and all of the servants looking up at him.

His fur was dripping, his entire body completely wet. But washed. He didn't smell as fresh as a daisy, in fact he smelt mostly of soap, but it was an improvement to the scent of wet dog that always seemed to follow him around. "I feel like a fool. She will never love me." He muttered, before shaking himself off and sending water flying, and splashing a couple of the servants.

Lumiere got a face full of water, and his flames had been put out. He spat out the water and began to relight his candles. "Do not be discouraged. She is the one."

Beast retrieved a towel from Chapeau and began to dry himself off properly. "Maybe she is but... I don't know what to tell her."

"You care for the girl, don't you?" Lumiere asked.

Beast wrapped the towel he had been using around his shoulders and sat down in a chair beside a large mirror the servants had set up, as he had smashed the other ones a long time ago. He stared at himself for a moment, at his thick, brown fur that was now silky and smooth, and fangs that were poking out from his closed mouth, vainly trying to hide his teeth with his lips. His bright blue eyes stared back at him.

His awful appearance didn't have such a traumatic effect on him anymore. He found it hard to believe that he was so used to it now that it hardly bothered him.

He supposed he looked a little better after cleaning his up. Healthier almost. But he doubted there was much else they could do to 'fix' him.

But if Belle found him to be easy on the eyes... Or even 'beautiful'... Then perhaps he could believe it. However, it would have to be the former, not the latter. Besides, when she said that he was 'beautiful', she had been talking more about his personality and what he was like on the inside, that he supposed made him seem a little less ugly and frightening.

That's when he realised he hadn't answered Lumiere's question. Did he care for Belle?

Without a shadow of a doubt.

"More than anything." He replied. She was the most important thing in his life. She was his world. "But she deserves so much more than a beast."

"We all know that there's so much more to you, and she does too. We're going to give her a man, not a beast, just you wait and see." Lumiere told him. "And if you care for her as much as you say - which I do not doubt - then you must woe her with beautiful music and romantic candle light." He then advised.

"Yes, and when the moment's just right..." Plumette flew closer to him and tickled his face with her feathers, whilst giggling.

"But how will I know?" He questioned.

"You will feel slightly nauseous." Cogsworth replied, touching the lower part of his clock body, which was the equivalent of his stomach.

Beast grunted in dismay.

"Don't worry, master, you'll do fine." Lumiere told him reassuringly.

"Just stop being so nervous and tell Belle how you feel." Mrs Potts instructed. "Because if you don't, you will be drinking cold tea for the rest of your days!"

"In the dark." Lumiere chimed in.

"Covered in dust." Plumette added.

"Dark and very, very dusty." Lumiere warned, before clapping his candlesticks together.

Chapeau picked up some scissors and a large brush and set to work on Beast's mane-like fur. "Start with the hair, women love a man that is well groomed!" Lumiere instructed.

"I'll take the fingers and toes." Mrs Potts declared, pouring hot water into Chip.

"Chapeau, brush those teeth, they need it." Cogsworth instructed.

The chair was turned around and Chapeau shoved a tooth brush into Beast's mouth, scrubbing his fangs.

Beast dipped his claws into the hot water as Chapeau brushed and cut his fur. Lumiere jumped on top of his head and began to rub a cloth on his horns in order to make them shine. He then allowed Mrs Potts to polish his claws using steam.

Plumette dipped her feathers in some white makeup powder "Eyes closed." She instructed. That's the only warning he got before she lightly hit him with her tail feathers, smothering his face in powder.

"And for the finishing touch." Lumiere said, hopping off of his head and allowing Chapeau to put Beast's old wig on top of his head.

The chair was turned back around and Beast stared wide eyed at his reflection. The white makeup on his face, and the wig that didn't even fit properly and sat skewwhiff on top of his head, forced between his two horns... It just made him look like a clown.

"Oh, you look so... So... So..." Lumiere was trying to find the right words.

"Stupid." Beast finished for him. He then knocked the wig off his head and wiped the makeup off his face using his arm. "This isn't going to work, we need to try something else."

"Yes, you're right." Lumiere agreed. "Chapeau, take a little more off the top." He instructed.

Chapeau took hold of a large clump of fur and with one snip of the scissors, half of it was gone.

"Hmm, perhaps we could take the long strands of fur and turn it into a pony tail or plat." Lumiere suggested.

Beast pondered over it for a moment and then nodded "Yes, I think that could work."

"Alright, let's set to work everyone, there's still more work to be done! The night is still young!" Lumiere cried, clapping his candlesticks together once more.

He was ready.

After working tirelessly, throwing ideas back and forth, as well as butting heads, the servants had finally completed Beast's look.

Beast stared at himself in the mirror. His mane like fur had been trimmed and combed back and neatly plated. He was adoring his new, perfectly fashioned ballroom attire, which was a dark blue jacket that ran down to his knees. Underneath the jacket he wore a waistcoat in a matching shade of blue, while his trousers were a slightly lighter shade, with a small hint of grey. The golden buttons on his open jacket had a floral pattern woven around them in gold stitches. This floral pattern was also stitched into his waistcoat and the cuffs of his jacket, which were turned up, revealing the long, white sleeves of his under shirt. To finish off his outfit, he had a frilly white cravat wrapped around his neck.

It reminded him of his old, black ballroom attire, that hadn't survived the transformation. But it was in Belle's favourite colour... Blue. Or at least, that's the colour she said she preferred.

He actually looked... Appealing. He never thought he would use that word to describe himself.

"Oh don't you look smart." Mrs Potts complimented him.

"You look very handsome, master. I'm sure Belle is going to love your outfit, as well as your hair." Lumiere added on.

"You really think so?" Beast asked, looking away from his reflection.

"Absolutely!" Lumiere responded. "Now go on, your lady is waiting." He said, ushering him over to the door.

Beast paused, and stared at his bedroom door. Once he opened it and went out there, there was no turning back. He let out a shaky sigh, as he was trembling a little. "I'm still not sure if I can do this." He stated, turning to the servants, who were all gathered around him, almost like they were trying to box him into a corner. Perhaps that was their intention.

"Of course you can!" Lumiere replied.

"Just remember everything we've said and you'll be fine." Mrs Potts added.

"You can't give up now, not after you've gotten all dressed up." Cogsworth chimed in.

Beast sighed again, his breathing a little less shaky. "Alright." He muttered, turning back to the door. All he had to do was take hold of the handle and pull it open. It was so simple.

He took in a few sharp intakes of breath. "You can do this, you can do this." He whispered quietly to himself. He extended his arm and grabbed hold of the door handle with his paw. His arm was shaking from nerves too.

The quiet atmosphere was weighing heavily on him. He knew the servants were silently egging him on to just open the door and leave, but even that was proving difficult.

He had to do this. For them. For Belle. She wanted this. He couldn't back down now.

He pulled the door open, and a draft whipped up the stairs, blowing through his fur. Just one small step, that's all he had to take, and then he would be out the door.

Followed by several other steps that he had to take in order to actually get down stairs.

He could do this.

He hesitated in the doorway for a moment, gripping the handle of the door so tightly that he nearly broke it off. Everything was going to be fine... He just had to go.

At this rate he was never going to leave his room and face the music.

He wasn't getting any younger. Or older for that matter. But technicalities aside, his thought process was stalling him. He needed to stop thinking about everything that could go wrong, he just needed to stop thinking about it all together.

Beast corrected his arched back and stood tall and proud. He let go of the door handle and stepped out of his room. His mind was screaming at him to run back into his room, lock the door, and never come out again. He ignored it as he began to descend the stairs.

Within no time at all, he had reached the bottom of the stairway. He stood on the landing for a moment, and glanced up at the stairway leading to the East Wing, as he had been staring at the floor for the duration of his walk.

And there she was.

Belle was standing only a short distance away on the other landing. She was wearing a golden yellow ball gown, that was bright as the sun. The cut was off-shoulder, and the fabric around her waist was a slightly darker shade of yellow, and hugged her figure. Passed the basque waist, her full length skirt that extended to the floor had layers upon layers of fabric, in a wave like pattern that flowed all the way round, and to the bottom of the hem. These layers had a shimmering floral pattern stitched into them, similar to that of his clothing.

To go with her dress, she had gold earrings, and her long brown hair was allowed to flow over her shoulders, although some of it had been combed back as well, and tied into a bunch on her head with a gold ribbon.

She looked stunning, radiant, beautiful... He could go on. She was positively glowing in the candlelight, like a shining star.

She looked like an angel. He was starting to think she was one.

Beast was completely blown away. He felt like all the wind had been knocked out of him, he could hardly breathe. She was just... Incredible to look at.

He was so glad that he had gotten to know her beforehand. Her beauty wasn't just skin deep. Everything about her was enchanting.

Belle smiled at him.

Beast smiled back.

Neither of them breathed a word. Nothing needed to be said.

Belle held up her dress as she descended the stairs. Beast mustered up all of his courage and swallowed hard, before descending the flight of stairs that was keeping him from her and they both met in the middle.

Now that he was up close, where he could admire her even more, he could feel his smile growing wider, to the point where he was showing his teeth. His cheeks were stretched to the limit as he beamed with happiness. He was so glad that they could spend this moment together.

He offered her his arm, and she took it, and they both walked down the stairs and entered the dining room. The curtains were shut, blocking out any moonlight, with the only thing illuminating the room being a set of candles laid out of the table.

It was supposed to be mood lighting.

Belle went to her usual seat, and Beast pulled her chair out for her to sit down. He then sat down in the chair beside her, as he didn't want to go back to his old seat.

Chapeau came in and began to play a violin as they settled down to eat.

They had been given some sort of stew. It smelt delicious. It looked like there was chicken in there, and some vegetables.

Belle automatically picked up a spoon and began eating. Beast hesitated for a moment, his eyes sweeping over the cutlery that had been set out for him. He gulped and picked up a spoon in his large paw. Belle paused and watched as he carefully scooped up the stew with the spoon and put it in his mouth, without so much as breaking the spoon or dripping anywhere.

He had actually done it! He had made progress. Belle smiled at his valiant efforts to appear human, and then continued eating.

After a few minutes, they had completely mopped up the stew using their spoons and had eaten some fresh bread that had also been served.

Belle got up and Beast did the same, and together they walked out of the dining room and headed straight for the ballroom, arm in arm.

They passed Mrs Potts on the way, who began singing. It would seem that she was going to be their musical accompaniment. He didn't mind that, in fact he had heard her singing a few times in the past, before the curse. He thought her voice was rather soothing.

Tale as old as time, true as it can be

Barely even friends, then somebody bends, unexpectedly

He heard her voice follow them as they entered the ballroom. He could also hear the trolley wheels rattling. She probably wanted to watch the spectacle along with Chip. It would seem that Lumiere and Cogsworth wanted to do the same, as they were already there waiting, standing on top of Maestro Cadenza as he played.

Beast glanced around at the ballroom. He was still having a hard time taking it all in. Belle had made it look truly and utterly beautiful. It was like taking a trip back into the past.

Just a little change, small to say the least.

Both a little scared, neither one prepared.

Beauty and the Beast

Beast glanced at Belle, his face completely masked with pure terror. He had no idea what he was doing. He was afraid of doing something wrong, of hurting her in some way.

She could see just how nervous he was as his eyes darted around the room. Were they really doing this?

Belle took hold of both sides of her dress and curtsied to him. She went so low, that she might have touched the floor with her knees.

They were really doing this.

As soon as she came back up, he bowed to his partner. She then offered him her hands, and gave him a reassuring nod.

His eyes became fixated on her face, on her dark brown eyes. His nerves slowly began to fade and he began to feel calm. They were in this together. He didn't have to worry.

He gladly took her hands, and she grasped his paws tightly. As soon as they touched, all of his nerves melted away. He wasn't afraid anymore.

Belle took the lead, moving to the right and carrying his arms with her.

Ever just the same

Beast straightened himself up and copied her and moved in the opposite direction. She smiled warmly at him, and then they switched sides. They then pulled away from one another, maintaining grip on each other's hands, and spun round in a circle.

Ever a surprise

Beast let go of one hand and allowed Belle to do a graceful twirl, her dress swirling beautifully as she did so.

Ever as before ever just as sure as the sun will rise

The two skipped across the dance floor, taking great strides across the room, with Belle turning to face him and cupping her hand around his paw, almost as if their hands were doing a dance of their own.

Belle then took hold of her dress and swung round him, before they met once more, and he took hold of her hand, whilst his other paw was wrapped around her back. They swayed back and forth, waltzing together.

Tale as old as time, tune as old as song

There was a loud chime of different instruments coming from above, violins, trumpets, flutes, all adding to the melody coming from the talking piano. Beast let go of her and allowed her to do another twirl, her dress lifting up slightly as she spun. He joined up with her, and the two did a quick spin simultaneously, before linking up and waltzing across the ballroom, moving round and round in a circle.

Bittersweet and strange, finding you can change

Learning you were wrong

Beast allowed her to do another twirl, before they stopped in the centre of the room, and he pulled her closer to him. She put her hand round the back of his head and he gently dipped her, lowering her towards the floor.

He gazed deeply into those brown orbs of her's, and she stared into his bright blue eyes. He had never removed his gaze off her, not even for a second. He couldn't even if he wanted to.

Belle's hand ran through his mane like fur, and the candlelight around them seemed to dim. He then lifted her up into the air, bringing her body and her face so close to his as they spun round, holding her up with one arm. He had her close to his chest, swearing to himself as well as her that he would not drop her. She was safe in his arms.

Twinkling lights surrounded them, coming from the crystals on the chandeliers. At least, that's what he assumed, he couldn't take it all in, he was too focused on Belle. It was almost like a starry night sky. He slowly lowered her back down, and as soon as her feet touched the ground, he took hold of her hand in his paw.

Certain as the sun, rising in the east

Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme

Beauty and the Beast

They began to waltz across the room again, turning and spinning round each other, still fixated on the other's eyes, while their feet just carried them away. They reached the stairs at the base of the glass doors, and Beast kept hold of her hand as she twirled once again. He wrapped his arm around her waist as they moved round in a circle, her hand on his arm as they spun.

And then they parted, and stood facing one another.

Beast smiled breathlessly, and moved closer to her one last time and offered her his arm, which Belle gladly took.

Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme

Beauty and the Beast

The two shared a glance, before slowly and silently approaching the glass door. It gently swung open as they walked up the stairs, the piano music growing softer as they stepped outside.

Beast and Belle were met by the cold night air that sent a chill down his spine. There was a bench on the balcony, which he allowed Belle to sit down on first. The skirt of her dress swished as she walked round and sat down. She neatly began adjusting it, so that she would be comfortable as he came to sit down beside her. It looked like she was wearing a cloud of gold fabric.

That was... Incredible. He had never experienced anything else like that in his entire life. He may have danced before, but nothing like this. The music, and the ballroom, and Belle... He just lost himself in the moment. Dancing with her had been so effortless, and yet so breath-taking. In fact, he was still trying to catch his breath.

That dance was the pure embodiment of their relationship. He would likely never experience anything like that again.

But despite that he knew this was a once in a life time opportunity... He was so happy he got to share it with her. There was no one else he would rather dance with.

The two stared at the garden for a moment, before Beast spoke up. "I haven't danced in years. I had almost forgotten the feeling."

"I never would have known from how well you performed." Belle responded.

"It all just seemed to come back to me in an instant." He stated.

They fell quiet again. Beast glanced back at the ballroom, and then shuffled a little closer to Belle. Her dressed brushed up against his leg. It was time to tell her how he felt, just like the servants had told him to. But first, he would have to make sure how she felt, before he went any further.

"Belle, I know this sounds foolish, but... Do you think a creature like me could ever manage to earn your affection?" He asked cautiously.

She hesitated for a moment. "I don't know."

Well, it wasn't a yes. But it wasn't a no either. Maybe there was a chance.

His eyes lit up. "Really? Do you think you could be happy here?"

She went quiet again. He stared at her in anticipation. He was also silently willing her to say something, as the silence was starting to kill him.

"I'm not sure. You've given me so much. You gave me the library, you helped me find out what happened to my mother, but... I'm still not free."

He lowered his head sadly. What a stupid question. Of course she couldn't be happy here, not when she was still being kept here against her will. He himself hadn't been happy here for a long, as he too was not free. The only reason he was happy now... Was because Belle had come into his life.

Belle took hold of his paws, catching his attention. "That doesn't mean I don't appreciate your company."

Beast sat in stunned silence and squeezed her hands gently. He didn't realise that his presence had such a massive impact on her. That his kindness made her stay at the castle bearable. He didn't know just how happy he made her feel.

"My father taught me to dance." She stated. "I wasn't very good at first, and even when I started getting better, I always used to step on his toes."

He smiled. It had been the exact opposite with him and his mother. She had encouraged him to stand on her feet, so that when she moved her legs, he would move with her, and he would be able to learn the steps more easily.

His smile faded when he realised the massive hole that had been left in Belle's life due to her father's absence. That no matter what he did, he could not replace him. "You must miss him."

"Very much." She whispered softly.

Beast gave her a saddened expression. He knew that feeling all too well.

Why had he robbed her of the only parent she had left? But what else could he do, how could he allow her to see him? She needed her father, now more than ever, after learning of her mother's death.

And that's when an idea struck. "Would you like to see him?" He asked.

"How?" She questioned.

He quickly stood up. "I'll show you." He replied.

The two left the balcony and hurried over to the West Wing without so much as a word from the servants. They probably wanted to give them some privacy and the space they needed to talk.

As soon as they entered his room, Beast led her over to the rose and picked up the enchanted mirror from the pedestal.

"This mirror will show you anything you want to see." He explained as he handed it to her. "All you have to do is ask.

Belle took hold of the mirror and stared at her reflection. "I'd like to see my father, please."

Beast turned away, to give her a moment alone with her father. He heard Belle gasp, and he sharply turned around to see a look of panic on her face. "Papa, what are they doing to him?" She questioned in alarm. "He's in trouble!"

"What's happening?" Beast asked concernedly.

"The villages, they've formed a mob, they're attacking my father!" She cried. "Wait, I could use the book you showed me. I can go and save him, I can bring him back here, just like how I brought the baby rattle back from Paris!"

"You can't." Beast responded.

"Why not?" She questioned.

"Because that book was meant for me. If you go to that village, I'd have to go with you. And I can't be seen by those people... Not when they're so rallied up. I'll be killed."

"Then what am I supposed to do?" She asked. She was becoming hysterical.

Beast stared at her frightened expression and then glanced at the rose. He placed his paw on top of the glass case and clenched his fingers. He closed his eyes, a pained look crossing his face that he quickly tried to hide. He looked over at her again, barely able to speak. "You must go to him." He replied. It hurt him just by uttering those words.

"What did you say?" She asked.

He took his paw off the glass case and leaned on the pedestal. He was still barely able to speak. "You must go to him. No time to waste."

Belle was speechless. She stood there, unmoving, unsure of what to say or do.

He turned away. He couldn't bear to even look at her anymore. "I'm setting you free. Just take Philippe and go." He told her as firmly as he could. "Please, just go." He whispered, his voice cracking.

He saw her hold the mirror out to him in the corner of his eye. He glanced back at her, but avoided looking directly at her and shook his head. "No, you keep it with you. That way you'll always have a way to look back on me."

He looked away again. He couldn't take this anymore. Why didn't she just go? This was what she wanted, she was free!

Beast heard Belle's shoes clattering against the floor. But she wasn't leaving, in fact she was coming closer. She reached up with her hand and touched his face, and moved his head round to face her.

He met her gaze, staring at her brown orbs. This was the last time he'd ever see them.

Beast lifted his paw and placed it on top of the hand that was touching his face. He then turned his head and buried his face in her palm as he tried to hold back tears. Her touch was comforting. But it still didn't change the fact that he was losing her.

He lifted his other paw and ran his fingers through her soft, brown hair, before letting it drop to his side again.

Parting was such sweet sorrow.

"Thank you for understanding how much he means to me." She whispered gratefully.

She began to move away, and her hand slipped from his grasp. Belle slowly backed away, and the two held each other's gaze, before she finally turned, holding up her dress as she ran out of the room.

Beast took a step forwards, but it took every ounce of his strength to keep himself from going after her.

He let out a strangled gasp and choked up a sob as tears threatened to fall.

"Goodbye, Belle." He whimpered.

A/N - This chapter was both a joy and a chore to write. The ballroom scene is one of my favourite parts of the movie and I wanted to do it justice. You don't want to know how long I agonised over it, watching the scene over and over again. I hope all that time I spent on it was worth it. I wanted it to be perfect. Well, as perfect as it could in written form.