I want to say thank you so much to all of you who have reviewed. It means a lot to me and I take your opinions into great consideration. I'm very happy to find that most of you like the way I portray these characters. Remember all opinions are welcome.

Ps: also remember that this does not directly follow the plot or story line. Alright, now on with the next chapter!

By the Fire

Beasts POV

The sun had set only an hour ago and I roamed the castle looking for one special woman. After checking a few suspected places, her room, the kitchen, the terrace, I knew exactly where she would be.

I turned the corner and found one of the double doors leading to the library left ajar. I smiled to myself. It had been a week since I had given her the library and every night she was here, reading by the fire place with the flames crackling beside her. I stepped through the door silently and just as I thought, there she was.

Her nose was buried in her latest novel and the firelight danced across her face, making her eyes sparkle brighter than the nearest star.

I was halfway across the room when she finally noticed me.

"Beast" She said surprised. I'd even go as far as to say she was pleasantly surprised. I smiled at her, trying to remain pleasant and not be frightening.

"I thought I'd find you here" She beamed up at me as I approached.

"Have I become that predictable?" I laughed softly.

"I've learned your schedule" She giggled and it was like fairies singing.

"Well would you care to join me?" She'd never asked me to stay before. It made me a bit uncertain but excited at the same time.

"It would be my pleasure" I said. I moved to sit on the ground beside the high chair where she currently sat. But before I even reached the side of the chair she had gotten out of the chair. I looked at her a bit confused and when she noticed she only smiled at me.

"I thought we could sit together on the couch" I looked in the direction which she nodded her head. There, also facing the fire was a large sofa and a comfortable one by the looks of it. I didn't remember the piece of furniture being her before and I knew exactly who had brought it in… Lumiere.

Turning back to Belle I smiled encouragingly. "I would like that" I said and sat down. As she came closer I reached out to gently grasp her waist and lift her into my lap. She seemed startled and gave a small squeak of surprise but gave no complaints.

I lounged across the cushions and settled her on top of me. I worried she would be uncomfortable but while still holding the book and keeping her page with her finger between the pages she actually settled down and cuddled closer.

Belle rubbed her cheek against my chest and even through the thick skin and the layer of fur I felt every movement and put simply, it was heaven. I couldn't catch the purr that erupted from my chest and I knew that she heard it before I quickly fell silent.

Belle's head, which had been laying close to my heart, lifted as she looked up into my eyes. "Please do that again" She asked politely, even shyly.

My eyes widened. She wanted me to purr for her? I had felt embarrassed by the sound, thinking she would find it weak or unpleasant. "Please?" she asked again, bringing her face a bit closer. How could I deny her anything?

Instantly a purr began again. She sighed and brought her ear back to my chest to listen closer. Here I was purring like an animal, like the animal I was and she not only accepted it but asked for it. Her eyes fluttered closed as she listened.

While still purring I whispered to her "You do not mind? You aren't weirded out by it?" I asked. I needed to be sure.

Her head lifted to once again meet my eyes. "I love the sound" she said. "I've always thought the sound of purring was cute but when you do it…" She let the end of her sentence die off.

"When I do it…?" I asked encouraging her to continue. She nibbled on her lower lip nervously in a habit I found adorable.

"It's different when you do it" She began. Different was a word I had come to hate, to associate with my curse and the beast that I had become so when she pointed out how strange I was I instantly went on guard, becoming cautious of her next words. "I don't know why but it's incredibly comforting when you purr. It feels like you're making the sound just for me and hearing it calms me, makes me feel warm and cared for. It makes me want to cuddle." By the time she had finished a heavy blush had risen to her cheeks. "I'm sorry, that's weird. I shouldn't have said anything. Please forget that."

Almost on instinct my purring picked up a notch. "No Belle. It's not weird. You couldn't have said anything more perfect."

The blush remained and her eyes widened. "Really?" She asked unconvinced. I could tell, however, that she wanted to believe. I smiled.

"Yes really. My purr is for you. I've never made the sound for anyone else, in fact I didn't even know I could before you inspired it. You've started things in me I never knew I could do."

"Like controlling your temper?" She teased, but the blush remained, still strong and vibrant so I knew my words and the constant vibrations of the purr which filled the surrounding air had their impact upon her.

I chuckled softly. "Yes, like giving me even a shred of control over my temper. Even if at this point it only works for you."

She thought for a moment. "You haven't gotten mad at me in a while." She said.

"After I scared you off and you were attacked by the wolves I was so truly frightened for you. I do not think I could be mad at you now even if I tried. My servants on the other hand, are an entirely different matter." She laughed at my humor.

"How could you be mad at Lumiere or even Cogsworth?"

"Easily" Came my quick reply. She giggled and lay back down. "You really do not mind me touching you? Holding you?" I asked. She rubbed her face against me and let the book she had been holding haphazardly fall to the floor so she could embrace me in a hug.

"I quite enjoy it actually." I scuffed. Acceptance was one thing, enjoyment was something else entirely.

"You cannot be serious" I said in denial.

"I don't lie" She said sternly. "Have faith in me, Beast. Do you find me odd to take pleasure in touching you?"

"Yes" I replied honestly and felt her stiffen only momentarily before I could continue. "But in the most spectacular way. You are unlike any girl…woman I have ever met and I could not be more glad of it."

Belle's POV

His words gave me a confidence I had never known. Back in the village I was strange, set apart from everyone else because of some quirks. And I couldn't really blame them. I mean I was happily laying atop a giant beast in front of a castle fireplace listening to him purr and feeling happier than ever before in my life. How many other girls could say the same? I'm pretty sure none.

And yet truly I was enjoying myself more than even I thought possible. I felt so at ease and so cared for but for god's sake I was using the beast as a cushion. He didn't complain though. My fingers absentmindedly stroked through the thick fur.

"How can you be comfortable with this?" He asked. Years of loneliness and self hatred were plain to see. I wanted to change that.

"How could I not be? You're very comfortable if you don't mind me being here. Are you sure this is okay? I'm not too heavy or uncomfortable?" I asked concerned.

"I wouldn't let you move for the world."His words made me smile wildly. There were emotions churning within me and when he spoke like that the turmoil spiked. What was I doing? Did I even care that none of this made sense? So far I'd let logic and good sense be blown away by the wind and it had gotten me the most amazing cuddle session ever so at this point I had no complaints about disregarding the norm.

One of the Beasts large paws moved up to rub circles against my back. I sighed happily and lay down completely. His purring had not stopped throughout the entire conversation and I savored the moments of its blissful peace. I didn't know where this was going but for now I would simply enjoy it.

Beast's POV

How I any life did I deserve this wonderful creature. I'm sure I didn't. It didn't take long for the moon to come out and for her happy sighs to become the even breathing of sleep.

I stayed with her for many moments after she'd succumb. I hopped that there would be many nights such as this to come in the future but for now I wanted to get my Belle to bed. Ever so carefully I adjusted her head onto my shoulder and keeping my purring steady to help her sleep I stood and shifted her into my arms.

Belle was so small. She was tall for a human but as a beast I was much much larger. And yet even with the size difference we fit together very well. Like we were meant to be.

I bent down and managed to place the book she had discarded on a nearby table. She would want to go back to it tomorrow.

I would let the servants tend to the fire now.

As I stepped out of the library Lumiere came skipping around the corner. When he noticed us he skidded to a halt. He did not say a word and neither did I but when I left he was standing there with his mouth hanging open.

Being as gentle as possible I walked up the staircases and through the halls to her room and opened the door with one hand.

The armoire noticed us enter and remained quiet as to not wake Belle. I nodded once to her in thanks. I walked over to her bed, my tail sweeping along the floor as I moved across the room.

Just as I had daydreamed I pulled back the plush covers and gently lay her onto the mattress. When I went to pull the covers back over her and tuck her in her hand managed to find my paw in her sleep and she held on. "Belle, honey I need that" I spoke with affection.

She sighed in her sleep and turned on her side to face me and brought my hand to her face. Then, she kissed my knuckles.

I was speechless. I was shocked. Her lips… My other paw reached to stroke back her long hair. Did she realize her actions or was she too consumed by her slumber? I wanted to stay, to be able to climb into bed beside her and have her snuggle up to me beneath the covers but those thoughts were only dreams at this point. But so had my other daydreams been impossible yet here I was, tucking her in just like I had wanted.

I managed to gently pull my paw and made sure she seemed comfortable before turning reluctantly away from her and walking to the door. I took one look back at her, smiled, and left walking all the way to the west wing to sleep in my own bed.

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