Amelia had a wonderful dream that night. Or was it real? It didn=t really matter. Especially after she realized that she was awake...and alone. She quickly sat up and looked around the room wondering where Zelgadis could be. The room was empty. The fire wasn=t even smoldering. She was alone. Without even thinking, she threw her blanket to the floor and ran as fast as she could out of the room. She ran like she never had before. Various servants watched her fly by in wonder. She didn=t care what they thought. All she needed to do now was find Zelgadis. She made it to the stares to the guest chambers. She didn=t slow down in the least as she climbed the stairs. She ran out into the hallway that contained all of the guest room, and screeched to a halt in front of Zelgadis=s door. Trying to see through her tear-filled eyes, she fumbled for the door knob. If she couldn=t find that, she=d just blast the door open. She found the knob, and flung the door open. And he was there. With his back to her, he stared through the window. His bag was on the bed, fully packed. Now becoming angry as well as sad, Amelia wiped away her tears and stood up straight. She kept her eyes closed. ASo...were you just going to leave while I was still asleep?@ He said nothing. He made no motion whatsoever. Her eyes opened, and she glared at him, still fighting the tears. AWell?! Aren=t you at least going to talk to me now?!@ He remained silent. What could he say? Yes, I was going to leave and avoid you for the rest of my life? Sure, that would work. He let his head hang as he stared at the ground below. His silence was absolute torture. What happened last night? Did that kiss mean nothing to him? Did he care about her like that at all? She began to cry again. Her sadness and anger continued to grow inside of her. She couldn=t take it any more. AFine then! Go ahead! I=m not stopping you! If you can=t stand me, then leave! Get out of here now, or I=ll have you thrown out!@ Her words were like daggers in his pointed ears. Nothing could have pierced him so deep. They were painful for Amelia as well. She couldn=t even believe what she had said, but she wasn=t about to take it back. She put her head in her hands and began to cry even more. He couldn=t stand here forever. He had to say something. Slowly but surely, he began to turn towards her. She only stood there weeping, completely unaware of his movement. He couldn=t bear to see her like this. He took a step. It felt like it was a mile long, but it was only one step. He took another. He was so slow that he didn=t make a sound. Eventually he found himself standing directly in front of Amelia. He placed his hands on her shoulders. She gasped, and almost pulled away. Her crying ceased out of shock. She slowly raised her head. Their eyes met. Zelgadis leaned down and kissed her passionately upon her lips. She was confused now. Was he trying to hurt her more? It didn=t matter. She closed her eyes and returned the kiss. His arms found their way around her slender body, and he held her in a loving embrace. She ran her fingers through his hair. After another eternity, they pulled their faces apart. Amelia rested her head against his chest, sobbing occasionally. He held her gently and stroked her hair. AI was afraid.@ Amelia=s eyes opened more at the sound of his voice. AI stayed away from here on purpose...because I was afraid of my own emotions. I thought that if I stayed away, then my feelings would die. But that didn=t happen. I didn=t think anything could happen between us, and it would only cause pain if you knew how I felt. But I had to come see you for one last time.@ Her heart sank at that last remark. ABut...Amelia...@ He held her even more firm. AI can=t leave you. I know I tried to, and I was trying to leave before you woke up, but I can=t...@ Her heart raised again. AI need you too, Amelia. There=s no point in having my cure if I can=t have you.@ She felt the tears coming again, only these were tears of joy. She pressed against his rock skin. She looked up at him, and gently kissed him on the cheek. AThank you.@ she barely whispered. They stood there holding each other for who knows how long. The rest of the world had stopped. All that mattered was now. After this eternity had ended, they pulled away from each other. AWell, breakfast should be ready soon. We should go down.@ She smiled at him. ARight. I=ll be down in a minute.@ AOk.@ She turned and headed out the door. But she was stopped by his voice. AAnd, Amelia...@ She whirled around and put on her usual big smile. AYes?@ AI...I love you.@ AI love you too, Zelgadis.@ There, now was that so hard?

fin

Whew! Nelly! That was quite a bit longer than I expected it to be! Well there ya go. Beauty and the beast live happily ever after, or at least until Amelia starts going through hormone problems. Review if you want, I just did this for the fun of it. I=m not claiming to be a writer, just a guy with nothing better to do. ......maybe I shouldn=t have mentioned that I=m a guy. Good gosh, I=m a sap! oh well, if any girls out there need a sensitive guy.....good luck! Cause I=m a punk! : P