Hello everyone ! Thanks Ejes, for your translation, indeed, but also for this great challenge : a pairing you chose ! Well, I kinda like it now, so well down from you ! I mean, these two characters are book lovers just like me and I think they fit together perfectly. What do you think ? I'm waiting for your opinion ! I hope you will like the theme, with Zexion and his princess of heart !

Tomorrow... What is it again... Promise ! Any idea ?

"Your book looks interesting. What is it?"

Zexion startled. He did not expect he would be disturbed in his reading, especially not at such a time. He had a mission to complete in the Beast's Castle, so the number six left early enough to have time to read a few pages of his book. Zexion had settled in the tiny village nearby, on the edge of a somehow isolated fountain. The place was quiet and peaceful, and not many people would be around at such an early hour. For once, his calculations proved him wrong.

"Thats, uh… That's a science book." He stuttered, turning his face to a young brunette with a radiant smile. "Who are you"?

"My bad! My name is Belle. Who are you?"

"Zexion." He paused. "Uh, I'm not supposed to talk to people, actually…"

"Oh, I didn't want to bother you. I was just curious, I guess. It's so rare to see someone actually enjoying a book around here, and there isn't much to read."

"Is that so? What a shame. Reading is an infinite source of knowledge."

"My thoughts exactly! What's your book about?"

"Well… It deals with different worlds, their energy. I don't think you would find it interesting."

"Quite the opposite, really! That sounds fascinating!"

"You know… Once I've finished it… Perhaps I could lend it to you?"

"For real? You would? But we've just met!"

"As long as you take care of it, I'm fine with it. Oh, wait, I have this other one I read already. That's Enchanted River, by . Would you like to read it?"

"Oh, I heard about this one! Isn't it a love story?"

"That's it." He admitted, embarrassed. "I've got to work now. Here, take it."

"Thank you so much, Zexion. I hope we will meet again soon."

"Goodbye, Belle". He then added to himself, "I too hope we'll see each other soon."

With a bit of negotiation, he managed to get another mission in this world a few days later. Zexion did not really expect her to be here, and yet, there she was, at the fountain. Was she waiting for him? That was likely, as she smiled as soon as she saw him.

"Zexion, you're back! I've finished your book!"

"Good morning, Belle. I hope you enjoyed it?"

"True that, it makes you think… I took my science book with me. I've finished it, so if you want it…"

Zexion would come as often as he could, meeting up with Belle at the fountain. Together, they would talk about what they'd just read, who exchange books, and slowly, a bond formed between the two of them. The number six was well aware that as a Nobody, he couldn't exactly have feelings, but he enjoyed seeing Belle. Actually, he enjoyed her company as much as one of a good book. His mood even was less dark since he'd met her.

Yet, one day, Belle didn't come.

Zexion waited, and waited, but he didn't find her. He did his mission but felt no sense of accomplishment whatsoever. The Organization would keep on sending him to this world, but the young woman would never be at the fountain. Even worse, the Nobody found the book he had lent her in the woods. What happened to her? He couldn't even afford investigating. The number of missions in this world slowly decreased, handed to Xaldin instead, and they finally stopped sending him. He was trying hard not to overthink it. That was a failure, but he couldn't help it.

"There's a Heart of Light in the Beast's Castle, Zexion. Want to see it?"

Xaldin had offered him to come, knowing how his friend was interested by the hearts, passions he got from his former life. The scientist couldn't refuse, and went to the mission with the warrior. The men barely spoke, and it suited them both. The number three took his comrade to the castle, much to Zexion's relief that they did not go too close to the village.

They entered the immense place through a secret door, and Xaldin guided him through a maze of corridors, taking them straight above the dancing hall. With care, Zexion had a look at what wa going down there. He obviously saw the Beast, he had the opportunity to see before. The landlord was dancing with… It took his breath away.

"Xemnas said she was a pure heart, so we have to keep an eye on her. Who know, she might be useful one day. Meanwhile, she is the perfect one to keep this powerful monster away and… Zexion? Are you even listening?"

The number six couldn't take his eyes away from the young woman. It was her. It was Belle. He was dying to go and talk to her, to ask her what happened, but that was pointless. Now, the brunette probably had fallen for the Beast, as strange as it seemed. He knew nothing about feelings, but deep down, he knew. Something to do with the light in her eyes.

"Love isn't a straight line." He sighed. "More like a dotted one, really."

Xaldin frowned. "What are you talking about?"

Ignoring him, Zexion kept looking at Belle. Had he been asked to take the Beast's place, he would have done it without thinking twice. Yet, that wasn't his role, that wasn't for him. Never would Belle be his. Zexion might have no heart, but he kind of understood what love was like. And if that was a dotted love… Perhaps there was still a chance? He kept carefully this idea in his mind, and never lost it.