A/N: This story takes place after the events of the family day and before the coronation. One-shot. Based on Wild At Heart by Birds of Tokyo. Enjoy :-)

Belle regretfully took her husband's hand as they walked away from their son. Belle looked back at Ben wishing that things were different and that they could have enjoyed family day for a change.

It seemed that every year family day was ruined by her husband's short-temper. They both love their son more than anything but Adam always seemed to be easily frustrated by Ben's choices, particularly where matters of the heart were concerned.

Belle had never liked Audrey but her husband had hated the girl more than anyone, she was always treating Ben in such a way that was unbecoming of a young woman.

Now their son was dating Maleficent's daughter, of all people her son could fall in love with why her? Belle wondered as she and her husband left the celebrations and got into their carriage.

"Adam was that really necessary?" Belle asked in frustration.

"What did you expect me to do Belle?" Adam snapped.

Belle glared at her husband, "I know that you don't agree with our sons choices but you have no right to take it out on me. Are we clear?"

Adam scoffed and looked away from his wife.

Belle rolled her eyes, men are so bloody stubborn, she thought angrily.

The entire carriage ride back to the castle was spent in tense silence with the couple refusing to speak to one another.

When the carriage came to a complete stop Adam climbed down and held his hand out to Belle. It didn't matter how annoyed they were with one another Adam would always be a gentleman to his wife and Belle would always be a lady in response. Belle took her husband's hand and climbed down from the carriage. Their hands stayed together as they walked up the front castle steps and into their castle.

Once they were safely inside the castle the couple released one another's hands and headed in opposite directions. Belle headed for the library and Adam headed for the kitchen.

Belle sighed as she closed the doors to the library and sat on her favourite armchair in the centre of the room. She hadn't noticed the man in the corner looking at the books.

"Your majesty, is there something wrong?" The man asked.

Belle jumped in surprise having not expected him, "Lumiere. I… I'm sorry I didn't see you there."

"It is quite alright my dear. Now you look troubled. Am I right in assuming that family day didn't go quite as planned again?" Lumiere questioned.

Belle nodded, "my husband is still as stubborn as ever."

Lumiere laughed good-naturedly, "some things never change I suppose."

Belle sighed, "I love him, truly I do but I honestly don't know how much more of this I can take. Ben truly thought that he was doing the right thing by allowing those teenagers a chance to be good and as always Adam couldn't let go of his biases to give them the same chance that I gave him all those years ago."

"Unfortunately my dear he isn't the only one who is bias against those teenagers," Lumiere sighed, "there isn't a soul in this castle who has anything against them, thankfully, but there are people outside of this castle who doubt their reasoning for being here."

"I'm glad to hear that our people in the castle don't doubt our son. Today was obvious that people outside of these walls doubt the decision that Ben made. It was a disaster Lumiere and I don't know how to fix it," Belle replied sadly.

Meanwhile in the kitchen.

Adam walked into the kitchen uncertain about why he hadn't followed his wife into the library. He knew that he was too stubborn for his own good at times but did that really mean that he had to snap at his wife who was just trying to make him see reason.

"Adam what have you done now?" Mrs Potts questioned sternly.

"Why would you think that I've done something wrong?" Adam asked.

"Well let's see, you look miserable and Belle slammed the library doors which she never does. Clearly you've done something wrong," Mrs Potts responded.

Adam glared at the older woman before he sighed and allowed his face to soften.

"I said something that I probably shouldn't have to Ben," Adam sighed again.

"What did you say? Did you say something against his first proclamation?" Mrs Potts asked as her voice rose slightly.

"Well there was an incident that involved the kids from the Isle and I might have implied that I was disappointed and maybe ashamed in Ben. It wasn't like Belle disagreed with what I said," Adam tried to defend himself.

Mrs Potts was holding a rolling pin towards Adam as she spoke next, "did you give your poor wife a chance to defend your son?"

Adam looked at the ground. If there was one thing he knew it was that Mrs Potts was the only person who could make him feel like a three year old again. She knew how to make him feel like an idiot without really trying and she could make him feel guilty without having to say a word. All it took was that harsh look and that rolling pin being jabbed in his direction for Adam to realise that he was in the wrong.

"No I didn't but I should have and maybe all of this nonsense could have been avoided," Adam sighed.

"It's not nonsense if you truly believe the harsh words that you spoke to that precious son of yours," Mrs Potts stated sternly.

"I know. I'll go apologise," Adam grumbled.

"You better mean it and I wouldn't go anywhere near that library just yet if I were you. You'd better take some cookies with you at least that will give you the chance to speak before you hurt that wife of yours more deeply. She's the best thing that ever happened to you other than your son and if you don't start acting like a genuine loving husband that you occasionally are, you could lose them both for good. They are both stronger than you give them credit for but if you keep being brutal to them they'll stop being able to forgive you," Mrs Potts informed him tersely.

Adam looked to the ground knowing that Mrs Potts was completely right. He had screwed up again and this time the whole country would know that he didn't respect or accept his sons decision. If this didn't end in a mutiny against the crown that would be a true miracle.

Adam knew what he had to do, he just had to get the courage to do so.

He took the cookies from Mrs Potts and headed out of the kitchen just as the front doors opened to reveal his son.

Ben had agreed to return to the castle after family day to prepare for the coronation, he would take the carriage to collect his girlfriend from the school in the morning. Of course family day hadn't gone to plan and he still had a promise to keep to his mother.

As Ben walked in he hadn't expected to see his father standing in the entrance hall. In fact he had been hoping to avoid his father for as long as possible.

"Ben," Adam stated curtly.

Ben just nodded at his father in response. He was still hurt and angry with his father's reaction to the villian kids. He strolled past Adam as quickly as possible and headed for the library where Ben knew his mother would be.

Adam sighed, this was going to be harder than he planned. Facing Belle was one thing but facing both Belle and Ben was going to be harder.

Adam reached the closed library doors and listened to see if it was safe to enter.

Belle had looked up from her book at Ben's entrance.

"I'm so angry with him, he didn't even apologise or look sorry. I don't know how you put up with him. If I didn't understand people saying he's a beast before I certainly get it now!" Ben said angrily and without acknowledging Belle.

Belle smiled softly, "it's nice to see you to."

Ben gave his mother a slightly guilty look before walking over and giving her a hug, "sorry. Hi Mum."

Belle laughed softly as she returned the hug, "I know your father has a temper. He's not used to having to relinquish control. I'm angry at him as well sweetheart but I know he's only trying to protect us and I can't fault him for that. I think deep down he knows that the villain kids don't pose a threat to us but having dealt with their parents he's scared. Ben is there's one thing I know without a doubt about your father it's that he'll always put your safety and mine above all else no matter the cost. I'm sure if you sit down with him and explain your experiences with them then your father will be able to understand and hopefully he'll withhold judgement of the kids until he's sat with them as well."

Ben sighed, "I guess you're right. I'll talk to Dad but he can't interrupt me otherwise I'm done. You have to be with me when I talk to him. Dad's always calmer when you're around."

Belle nodded, "alright, deal."

Adam took this opportunity to walk into the library, "Mrs Potts just made a batch of cookies. I thought I'd bring some up and use them as a peace offering."

Belle and Ben shared a look and then Belle motioned for Adam to put the plate on the coffee table. Adam did so and then took a seat across from his wife and son.

"I owe you both an apology for my actions today. It was uncalled-for for me to react the way I did. I will be speaking with Aurora's mother regarding her actions as well." Adam said carefully as his family each chose a cookie. With a deep breath he continued, "I might not agree with your decisions regarding the villain kids Ben but I will support your decisions to the Kingdom. The last thing I want and you need is for our people to think I don't have faith in you. I do have faith in you kiddo and I trust that you know what you are doing. After all your mother did a brilliant job of raising you."

Belle gave her husband a reassuring smile, she still wasn't happy with him but that was something they would deal with later when they were alone.

Ben looked uncertain, "how do I know that you won't contradict me in front of our people again. It's all well and good that you say you'll support me but Dad you've said that before. You've ruined family day every year and I've forgiven you but now I'm going to be King so you have to trust me. I'm not a little kid anymore."

Adam looked his son in the eye, "I know that I've been unfair and unreasonable in the past, yes today is the past," he added when Belle gave him a disapproving look, "I promise you Ben that I will allow you to run the Kingdom however you see fit. I will be an advisor only and I will not interfere with your decisions. I will only offer my opinions when and if you ask me. I promise to be a better father as well and relinquish my role as King to you."

Ben was surprised by his father's sincerity and reassurances. Belle was less surprised, she trusted her husband to make the right choices that would be the best for their family.

"You really embarrassed me today Dad. The Isle kids just wanted you to like them and accept them as individuals and not as their parents kids. They are nothing like their parents, they have hopes and dreams that aren't all the different to our own. They have no malicious intentions. If you're willing to give them a chance then I'll forgive you," Ben said firmly with no room for argument.

Adam nodded, "okay I accept your terms. I will withhold judgement until I've had a chance to talk with them and get to know them."

Belle smiled brightly. By no means were things perfect for their small family but there was only so much healing they could do in a short period of time. Besides they had a coronation to prepare for in less than 24 hours. The next day would bring its own challenges but for now they were together and they could face any challenge as long as they were together.