Baedan was curled up on his bed when Belle knocked on the door. Belle slowly entered the room and sat down beside him. Before she said anything, though, she took a look around his room. She wanted to know more about this child, and what better place to start than in his room?
Baedan's room was white, with green stripes. It had car decals on it, and there were loads of toy cars in his play bin. It was clear the boy loved cars. Knowing better, Belle didn't even bother looking at the closet as she stroked Baedan's hair, kissing his head and greeting him quietly, "Hey."
"Are you going to be my new mom?" Bae asked hesitantly. Belle smiled down at him, reaching to squeeze his hand. "I might be." she admitted at last. "You know how your dad and I feel about each other," she began. "But I don't think you know how I feel about you." she smiled at him brightly, though her eyes were starting to brim with tears.
"You like me, too?" Bae asked in confusion.
Belle giggled. "Well, I do like you Bae, but not like I like your father." she explained. "You're like… You've been like a son to me, all this time." she told the child with much emotion. "You've always been special to me, but ever since I walked into your dad's pawnshop and we started talking, and then your father and I began to get closer… I thought, Bae." she continued. "Bae's going to be the one most hurt by this if anything happens. I need to be there for Bae as well as Remus- I mean your dad." Belle giggled a little at her slip up, but then continued. "Baedan, you're going to be something very special to me, always. Even if your dad and I argue, and even if we break up… which I don't see happening." she said quickly.
Baedan hugged her tightly, and Belle knew in that moment something had changed for them. His arms around her waist became her cross to bear, and bear she would. It was a most willing sacrifice she'd make, any sacrifice at all for Bae would be worth it.
"I love you, Bae." Belle whispered as she pulled him into her lap properly so she could give him a real hug.
"I love you too… Mom." he beamed back at her, even as he cried a little.