Just a quick couple of things. 1- thank you so much to all of you who have reviewed, it's a great encouragement. 2- as sort of mentioned before this isn't exactly a full story so much as little short scenes from the story, both in or not in the movie so that's why the time line is a little extreme. Alright, next chapter! Hope you all like it ;)

The Gift

Beast's POV

Reluctantly turning away from Belle I left to get ready. I'd been waiting for just the right moment to give her this gift and now I had the perfect chance. I couldn't get her out of my head. Even as I walked down halls and up grand staircases to the west wing I could still feel her small warm body pressed against my fur. Already I longed for the sensation again.

I really hoped she would like her gift. Throwing aside my cloak I dawned an actual shirt and tried to make myself look presentable, which is really an impossible task when you're a beast. But as I thought about it I realized I didn't have a horrible taste in my mouth or discussed feeling in my stomach. Belle's acceptance of me was helping me accept myself. Perhaps…no. I couldn't let myself dream. Dreams led to hope which led to heartbreak.

With a sigh I deemed myself an impossible cause and went to find Lumiere and Cogsworth. As I stepped out of the ornate double doors I hear them skid to a halt just in front of me.

"Ah, there you two are. Excellent. I want the library cleaned to perfection within the hour" I ordered softly. Both of them gave me a rather surprised look.

"The library? Sir, is this for a certain girl who likes books?" Belle was none of their concern and Cogsworth's inquiry managed to set me on edge just a tad. Also, because they knew so much about her. She was mine and no one else's. Ergo, no one needed to know her as well as I did. Wow, that flare of possession came out of nowhere. I controlled myself quickly.

"And what if it is?" I asked directly.

"Splendid!" He cried and spun on his little wood feet and began ranting to himself. "I'll get the maids and the librarian, oh where is that old book…".

Lumiere, however, remained. "what?" I demanded rather rudely. It appeared my internal transformations so far only applied when Belle was actually in my presence.

"Nothing my master, I simply notice a gleam in your eye that I have seen in many men before but never yours. She is doing wonders for you sir, wonders."

"Your opinion was not asked Lumiere. However, I thank you. She truly is a remarkable woman." I said more so to myself then to him although he heard me none the less.

"Ah yes, indeed. The library is an excellent choice. Already you are aiming to please her as a lover normally would." With that he began to hop away.

"What is that supposed to mean?" I called after him but he simply hopped on and did not reply. Although I was confused I headed back into my room to get a quick glance at Belle through the mirror, the moments of separation made me miss her already.

Lumiere's POV

Dear Belle was already working her womanly magic on my master. Finally, he was beginning to feel real love. Previously his view of it had been either consumed by despair or that love was a bonding in which he would get gifts and benefits. With Belle he wasn't expecting her to give him gifts, instead he was giving them to her simply out of the will of his heart.

I laughed to myself. My master had been for many years the mind of a boy in the large and dangerous form of a beast. Now, suddenly he was a man. He stood straighter. The way he looked at Belle obviously showed signs of protection, devotion, and admiration not just a boyish crush.

Truly, I was proud of my master. He'd faced much adversity in recent years and yet he had not given up. In his mind he had but deep down I believe his soul had known Belle was out there and he was waiting for her.

I, being the master of love that I am, plan to ensure this romance blossoms.

With that thought in mind I hurried off to make sure my friend and buffoon Cogsworth wouldn't ruin the event.

Belle's POV

I had been busying myself for the past hour and a half. I looked at myself in the mirror and tried to make sure that I looked alright. So many questions still raced through my mind.

Why did I even care if I looked alright for the Beast? Why was I excited to see him even after only an hour and a half? My emotions were a jumbled mess and I had no way to explain it. Glancing at the clock I decided I would head off, even if I arrived a little early.

"Good luck dearie" my friend the armoire called as I headed for the door.

"Thanks" I called back with a smile. "I'll fill you in later" In the short time I'd been here she had become a really good friend. More of a friend than I had ever had back at the village.

"Finally, some gossip in the castle!" I heard her say as the door fell shut behind me. I chuckled to myself and headed off down the gleaming hallways.

I turned the final corner fifteen minutes early. However, my feet stopped in their tracks as I saw the Beast pacing across the floor of our meeting place.

"I was under the impression I was early" I said rather surprised. His head snapped up and his gaze locked on mine.

"You are, I mean we are, I mean… I guess I just got a little excited" he admitted, avoiding my gaze now and rubbing a hand along the furry nape of his neck. I smiled. There was something so innocent about the way he fidgeted that melted my heart.

"Well then seeing as we are both here early could we set out to our mystery location now?" I asked getting more and more excited as I took small steps towards him. He raised his head then and our eyes met once more.

"Yes, this way" He offered me his arm as he had done before and I gladly stepped forward to wrap my arms around his strong one. I let my head rest against his bicep and I noticed his growing smile. Just like before he was warm and the soft fur tickled my cheek. I wanted to hear him purr again but it was clear that he was remaining in firm control of himself.

A sudden thought came to me then; I wonder if the Beast was ticklish.

While I was mussing over those thoughts we came to a closed door and the Beast turned to me.

"Now Belle you must close your eyes." I gave him a skeptical face. He only smiled and said "It's a surprise." With that I put my trust in him and let my eyelids fall shut. I heard him throw open the doors and felt his paws grasp my hands. I held onto him tightly because he was my only guidance. He pulled my forward for many steps and then said "wait here."

"Can I open my eyes now?" I asked, quickly becoming giddy at this play.

"No, not yet" He said and he released my hands. I was momentarily saddened by the loss of contact but then something rattled and I felt the sun on my face. I turned towards it. Then the sun hit from the opposite direction and I turned again.

"Okay…now" He said and I opened my eyes. I gasped at the site before me.

I room massive enough for a grand ball and tall enough to reach the heavens surrounded me. And every inch of the enormous walls was lined with books. Millions of them! I spun in wide circles taking it all in.

"Do you like it?" He asked.

"It's beautiful! I've never seen so many books in all my life!" I said happily. I hadn't felt so alive in months.

"Good, because it's yours" I heard the Beast say. I turned to him.

"Mine?" I asked in disbelief. The sun shining in through the windows danced across his auburn fur and made it seem to shine like pure gold. I was struck by its surprising beauty.

"Yes, this is my gift to you." I ran over to him and threw myself at him in a grateful hug.

"Thank you!" His arms wrapped around my much small form and returned my hug.

"You're welcome" he whispered.

"Do you read?" I asked pulling back slightly.

"Not often" he mumbled.

"Perhaps we could read together sometime" I pushed. His eyes widened at my offer.

"I would like that very much" He said. My smile widened at his response. I embraced him again.

"This is the best present anyone has ever given me" I told him honestly.

Beast's POV

Her soft words made my heart soar. I felt like the most accomplished man in the world right now! I held her in my arms again and kept her in my embrace for many moments. She made no move to pull away. I loved the feel of her. She was so much smaller than me, but this fact didn't seem to deter her. "Belle" I whispered without thought.

I felt her rubbed her cheek against my chest and this time I didn't hold back the purred that built in my chest. I heard her sigh and actually felt her lean into me more! This was the most beautiful moment of my existence!

Lumiere's POV

Success!

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