Beauty and the Beast: A Different Course

by LadyRavenSerenity85

What if the Beast had went with Belle to rescue her father that fateful night instead of letting her go? Could the spell still be broken? Would they still have time? This story is my spin on how things might have possibly gone had Beast went with Belle to save her father. Enjoy!

Beauty and the Beast: One-shot alternate ending to 1991 animated version with some of the 2017 version mixed in.

It always bothered me that Beast didn't help her get her father. I know he was probably worried he'd frighten Maurice and the writers wanted to stress the point of 'If you love someone/something, sometimes you have to let it go' which I can appreciate the lesson but in the real world, you wouldn't let someone you love go by themselves to help save their parent, especially in the woods with wild animals that had attacked them beforehand and to rescue a father that weighs more than his daughter. So this is my own take on fixing that.

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own rights to Disney's Beauty and the Beast or the characters but the story is my own take on it.

Belle and the Beast had just finished their slow waltz around the elegant ballroom to the sound of Mrs. Pott's beautiful singing along with the royal orchestra that had been turned into the instruments they played long ago.

Beast knew tonight had to be the night he told Belle how he felt. There were only about 5 petals left and they were falling all the faster. He wasn't sure if he'd have another day or not. He wanted to be alone with her when he confessed so he looked around the ballroom and spotted an exit. He locked eyes with his faithful servant, Lumiere, with a look that said he didn't want them to be disturbed and his servant silently nodded back. The Beast knew how nosey the others could be and he didn't blame them but this was something he had to do on his own.

He glanced down at Belle still by his side and offered her his arm once more and she eagerly took it as he led her out onto the veranda. It was a beautiful night with the moon and stars shining brightly above them. It was just so perfect and if he was honest, it was making him feel anxious.

He led them to a spot near the railing overlooking the vast Black Forest below. It didn't look nearly as intimidating with the moon highlighting the mountains, valleys, streams, and ravines of the nature around them. Belle sat on a stone bench careful not to damage her gown as she straightened out a hem on her skirt. Beast sat closely next to her and carefully took both of her delicate gloved hands into his enormous paws.

He let out a sigh of relief as she didn't flinch at his touch and seemed to gaze happily into his eyes.

'This was it, this was his chance to tell Belle how he felt.' Beast nervously thought to himself as he took a deep breath and began.

"Belle…Are..you..ha-happy here with me?" he asked

Belle leaned closer to him.

"Yes!" She breathed but as she was thinking on their time together, she remembered her father and how much she missed him.

Beast was so caught up in his own happiness and trying to ponder how to proceed with telling her how he felt, that he hadn't noticed her looking out beyond the stars with a sad downcast look on her face.

He was terrified!

'What if Belle hadn't meant what she said?' he thought.

Trying not to let his doubts, fears, and yes, even his temper take over, he took another breath before asking her his dreaded question.

"What..is..it?" He asked as gently as he could but inwardly kicked himself for still leaving in some of the edge in his voice. He hoped she wouldn't notice but he wasn't known for masking his emotions.

Belle looked down at their joined hands debating on whether she should tell him what was on her mind. Seeing how focused he was on her, she decided it would be better to be honest with him and tell him the truth.

"If only I could see my father again…if just for a moment. I miss him so much!" Belle said as tears silently fell from her eyes.

Beast let go of the breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. He was so relieved to know Belle's reason for feeling sad wasn't over anything he had done. She just missed her father.

Beast knew time was running out and was trying to find a way to make her happy again so he could confess his feelings.

'What can I do? Think…Think…. I've got to cheer her up but HOW? I can't magically make her father appear cause if I could I wouldn't still be a Beast! Oh wait!...the Enchanted Mirror! That's it!' thought the Beast as Belle wept.

"There is a way…come with me." Beast grinned as he took Belle's hands and led her back through the ballroom and down several hallways and up a few flights of stairs until they came to his chambers, in the West Wing. As Beast opened the door to his room and entered, Belle hesitated. When Belle didn't immediately follow, he stepped back into the doorframe.

"Belle, it's okay, you have my permission to come into the West Wing this time." Beast joked trying to lighten the mood.

Belle blushed but said nothing as she entered at his request. The room which had been in shambles the last time she'd been in it had been tidied up. It was a huge elegant room fit for a king, with not a broken piece of furniture in sight. Beast left her in the middle of the room while he looked around for the mirror. He normally left it on the table with the rose but lately he'd been using it to check on Belle only when she was out riding her horse, Phillipe. He often didn't go along for those rides as he was unable to ride a horse in his current form and running on all fours next to Belle and her horse wore him out more than he'd like to admit.

As Beast was looking around for the enchanted mirror. Belle took in the sights of his room. It had come a long way from what it looked like the last time she was in here which happened to be the first night she came to the castle months ago. All the furniture was fixed or replaced, the broken mirrors were taken down, and there wasn't a single layer of dust or cobwebs on anything. One thing she did notice was the torn painting that still clung on the wall closest to her, the one she'd seen the first night she came here before the rose drew her attention away from examining the portrait further.

"Belle, I think what I'm looking for may have been left in the library. Just stay here and I'll be right back and please whatever you do, don't touch the rose!" Beast stated awaiting her answer.

"I promise I won't even go near it, Beast." She stated.

Beast nodded satisfied with her answer and raced down the hall to the library.

Belle was glad for the short break as her curiosity was getting the better of her. She walked over to the painting and held up the torn flaps.

'Where have I seen those eyes before?' she wondered. While it was hard to imagine what the whole picture may have looked like at one point, Belle couldn't deny the young man in the painting was handsome with his long auburn locks and piercing blue eyes.

The Beast quietly entered his room with the mirror in hand. She hadn't even noticed he had returned. The Beast was relieved Belle had stayed away from the rose at least. He noticed her glancing at his 'human' portrait his parents had commissioned when he was ten. They had been upset at the painter for making him look more like a young adult than a child but he'd loved the painting and had begged his parents to let him keep it…that was until his curse when it seemed to remind him of his stolen 'human' youth, so he had slashed it with his claws out of despair.

Beast loudly cleared his throat to let Belle know he'd returned. It didn't go unnoticed to him that she had turned around a little too quickly with a fierce red blush on her face. He smirked knowingly as she walked up to him. He held up a beautiful hand mirror with intricate roses carved onto the handle and frame.

"This mirror will show you anything…anything you wish to see." Beast whispered as he delicately handed the mirror to her.

"I'd like to see my father…please!" Belle said as she took the mirror from the Beast. She gazed into it until a bright green light emitted from the mirror causing her to briefly squint and look away until it faded leaving an image of her father lost in the snow covered woods with thin improper clothing. As Maurice was straining to walk against the fierce cold winds, he broke into a coughing fit and collapsed, clearly losing consciousness.

"Papa! Oh no! He's sick and he may be dying…and he's all alone!" she gasped as she showed the Beast what she saw. She looked desperately up to his shocked face hoping he'd know what to do.

Beast knew he had to think fast as this was on him. It was after all his fault for separating Belle and her father which he deeply regretted now that he'd fallen hopelessly in love with her. It made him realize he had some wrongs to correct but now was not the time. He turned towards the rose noticing there were now 4 petals left. He thought about releasing her from her imprisonment to search for her father alone but remembered the wolf encounter and how they both came close to death that night.

'No, I will not let her do this alone. She may need help carrying him or protection from wolves or bears.' Beast thought having made his decision. He turned towards her with a serious look on his face.

"Belle, hurry and change into something suitable for the weather! I don't think we have much time!" Beast stated as he started towards his own closet on the other side of the massive room and hurriedly began to take off his suit jacket and cravat.

"I-I don't understand?!" Belle stuttered clearly still in shock and not understanding what the Beast meant.

"I'm sorry Belle, I thought I was clear. We are going to rescue your father. The castle has plenty of rooms and a physician that can examine him and-oomph" Beast didn't get to finish his explanation as Belle launched herself into his arms and hugged him tightly but just before she completely pulled away, she stood up on her tip toes and kissed his cheek.

"Thank you for understanding how much he needs me!" Belle said as she fled to her room to put on her blue dress and winter cloak.

Beast couldn't believe it, slowly bringing a paw to the area she kissed. She really kissed him! He wanted to tell her right then and there how he felt but he knew they were wasting precious time. If they delayed any longer, her father could die. He quickly changed into his regular black pants and red cloak, but kept his white wool undershirt on. He grabbed the enchanted mirror and started for the door but was stopped as Cogsworth walked in.

"Well…your Highness, I must say everything is going just swimmingly…I knew you had it in you Ha Ha!" Cogsworth said excitedly.

"NOT NOW COGSWORTH!" The Beast barked out but instantly regretted the hurt look on his major domo's face as the little clock slightly trembled with fear.

"I'm sorry Cogsworth, forgive me but me and Belle have an urgent matter to attend too…in fact, I need you to prepare the next best room in the castle and have the court physician ready for when we return with Belle's father! He's lost in the woods and we're going to bring him back here. I'm counting on you Cogsworth, don't let me down!" Beast said as he hastily grabbed blankets from his dresser and ran for the stairs.

"I'm on it Sire!" Cogsworth stated as it sunk in what the Beast meant and hurriedly went to alert the rest of the staff.

Belle met Beast outside and noticed he'd already prepared her horse, Phillipe, along with a wagon with provisions for her father.

"Are you ready Belle?" Beast asked as he gently lifted her onto Phillipe. Belle blushed and nodded.

"Let's go find Papa, Phillipe!" Belle shouted as her horse turned towards the forest.

They raced as quickly as they could through the woods using the magic mirror to guide them to Maurice. Beast prayed it wasn't too late knowing they had wasted time having to change into proper clothing and get supplies for Maurice. The mirror was glowing brighter signaling they were getting close.

"PAPA! PAPA!" Belle shouted hoping she'd get an answer. Beast agreed he'd stay quiet and hang back once they found him as to not frighten him.

"PAPA!" Belle shouted once more as they topped a hill. Belle gasped and pointed. Beast saw Maurice face down in the snow and quickly helped Belle down from her horse. Beast stayed back while Belle ran to her father. It was killing him not to go to her and see what he could do to help but he also didn't want to scare him should he wake.

"Papa! Can you hear me?" Belle asked as she looked him over. Maurice mumbled something unintelligible but didn't wake. Belle let out a sigh of relief that her father was still alive. She signaled Beast to come help her and he didn't waste any time. Looking at the short portly man, he doubted Belle would have been able to have lifted him onto the horse much less walked this man home. After all, she had to wake himself up enough for him to straddle Phillipe during the wolf attack months ago, had he not been semi-conscious he shuddered to think what might have happened.

Beast bent down and gently scooped Maurice up into his arms and placed him in the wagon. He was very careful not to wake him. Once he was settled into the cart, Belle began drying the wet snow off him with the cloth towels they had brought. Once he was dry enough to make it back to the castle, her and Beast covered Maurice in thick wool blankets to keep her father from getting cold shock. Once they were certain he'd be alright, they started back to the castle.

Several times along the way back, Beast had wanted to discuss some things with Belle concerning her freedom and her father but he just didn't feel this was the time nor place but he swore he would tell her soon. It wasn't no time that they were pulling up to the portcullis of the castle which opened immediately. Once they were at the entrance, Beast helped Belle down from her horse and lifted Maurice back into his arms as he rushed inside with Belle on his heels. Jacquez, the coat rack, unhooked Phillipe from the wagon and led him to the stables where there was fresh hay and a blanket for him.

"Which room?!" Beast urgently asked Cogsworth and the other servants that had gathered around the entrance awaiting their return.

"Oh my! Umm…This way Sire!" Cogsworth hopped onto the ottoman which had actually been the Beast's dog once and quickly darted in the direction of Maurice's room. Beast ran after him still holding Maurice's limp body while Belle and the other servants followed closely behind. Belle was relieved to see that they had cleaned the room right next to hers so she would be close to her father should he need her.

Beast gently placed him into the large bed. As he did so, an object very similar to a modern day stethoscope hopped onto the bed. Belle had never seen anything like it and looked worriedly at the Beast.

"Belle, this is my castle physician, Rene, he will be attending to your father." Beast whispered.

"Oh, pleased to meet you Monsieur Rene! D-Do you think my father will be alright?" Belle asked nervously as the little stethoscope looking thing hopped around the bed and used its bell shaped appendage to examine Maurice's chest.

"Likewise Mademoiselle! Umm, his heart sounds good and strong but I need to listen to his lungs. Sire would you mind briefly turning him on his side so that I have access to his back?" Rene asked. The Beast nodded and carefully turned Maurice over on his side facing away from him. Rene hopped over and listened to his back.

"His lungs seem to have a mild rattle when he breathes in. It could be inflammation of the mucous membrane or possibly winter fever." Rene stated grimly. Belle may have been well read but she didn't understand medical terms having not had access to those types of books in her village. Pere Robert only seemed to get books by Shakespeare, Marie-Catherine d'Aulnoy, and Charles Perrault.

"I-What does that mean Monsieur?" Belle frowned.

"It means that your father is very sick. He needs lots of rest and warm beverages. Until he wakes and tells me more of his symptoms, there's not much more I can do at this moment but I can assure you Mademoiselle that though your father is very sick, he is not on his deathbed. I would advise you get some rest as well my dear cause he will need your help in the coming days." Rene soothingly stated as he patted Belle's hand with the bell shaped appendage, nodded to the Beast, and made his leave out the doorway.

Beast walked over to Belle.

"May we speak outside?" he whispered as his servants were attending to Maurice, making sure he was comfortable as they placed more wood into the fireplace. Belle seeing as there was nothing else she could do at the moment, she nodded and followed him out.

Once they were out in the hall and out of earshot of the servants, Beast again took Belle's small hands into his large ones and looked deeply into her very soul.

"Belle, Rene is right, you need to get rest and-"Beast started.

"I-I can't Beast! I'm so worried about him! I don't think I could sleep if I tried! He's the only family I have left!" Belle interrupted yet she was clearly distressed. Beast winced at the fact she didn't mention him or his servants being like family but quickly shook the thought from his mind.

"Listen to me, it will be alright…I will have my servants fix you up a comfortable chair and ottoman in your father's room so you can stay with him but you have to promise me you will sleep." He said.

"Oh thank you so much! This means everything to me!" Belle said as she closed the distance between them as she pulled him into a hug…as much as she could. Beast hesitated at first but then slowly wrapped his arms around her. He never would've dreamed he'd be able to be this intimate with Belle or any woman for that matter. Even if this was all it would ever be, he could be content with that. They continued to embrace until someone coughed breaking their moment.

"Pardon the interruption Master and Mademoiselle but I wanted to let you know Maurice seems to be improving and is resting more comfortably. Is there anything else we can do before we all retire for the night?" Lumiere asked. Belle breathed a sigh of relief knowing the physician had been correct. She was so thankful for everything the Beast and his staff had done for her and her father.

"Yes, Lumiere, please see that Belle has a comfortable seat and ottoman by her father's bed with some blankets. She would like to stay with her father until he awakens.' Beast said.

"Master, we are already one step ahead. Mrs. Potts had suggested Belle might have wanted to stay by his side and the others are in the process of moving a chair, ottoman, and blankets as we speak." Lumiere stated. As if on point, some enchanted servants came around the corner holding the requested items as they made their way to Maurice's room.

"Thank you Lumiere and make sure Mrs. Potts and the others know we are grateful. You are welcome to retire for the night." Beast stated as Lumiere nodded and took his leave.

Once they were alone again, Belle turned towards the Beast blushing.

"Um well, I guess this is Goodnight." She whispered awkwardly as she turned towards the room.

"Belle..Wait!" Beast gasped as he realized he had almost roughly grabbed Belle's arm.

He didn't know what came over him but he knew he had to tell Belle some things weighing heavily on his chest before he could let her go to bed, things he needed to tell her before Maurice awoke.

"I-I'm sorry, I just really need to talk to you about something important if you don't mind?" He asked pleadingly.

Belle hesitated at first but then agreed to listen. Beast glanced around the hallway until he saw a Chaise lounge nearby where he guided her for them to sit. Once they were seated, Belle nodded for him to continue. He gulped but took a deep breath to calm his nerves. Even if this was something he didn't want to discuss, he didn't see how they could continue their relationship without clearing some things up.

"Belle…as you know when you first came to the castle, I was a different Beas- ugh person. I was in fact a terrible person-"

"But you're not anymore, you've changed!" Belle interrupted placing a soft hand on his mouth to silence his mistreatment of himself to which he gently guided her hand away. It was hard not to just kiss her hand but he had to remain strong.

"Please Belle, let me finish…I have to say this while I have the chance." He pleaded taking her hand into his. She nodded and promised not to interrupt again.

"Now where was I…? Oh yes! I was a horrible person with oftentimes a very uncontrollable temper. I was very cruel towards people in my charge and even to people who cared for me. I wished I could tell you I didn't know any better but that wouldn't exactly be the truth. I-I wasn't raised to…how do I put this..? I wasn't raised to care about those who…seemed beneath me." He said careful not to put too much into his status fearful she'd figure it out. It wasn't that he didn't want to be honest with her about the curse but he wasn't sure how much he was allowed to tell. She nodded for him to continue.

"Belle, ever since you came to the castle, you've made me see the error of my ways. You've taught me how to treat people and care for them and you've helped me to get better control of my temper. I'm a very flawed man...uh…beast and I regret ever throwing your father in the dungeon. It was wrong of me to treat him in that manner and it was equally wrong of me to make you choose between leaving him there or taking his place. I also heavily regret not giving you the chance to tell him goodbye that fateful night and I'm truly sorry…for all of it.

I-I don't think I would have ever come this far without you. I'm eternally grateful for…well… everything! You've given me a reason to be happy again and that's why I must tell you right now that you are no longer my prisoner and if I'm being honest, you haven't been for a long time. You proved I had no real control over you the night of the wolf attack. I-I wasn't initially going to come after you until Mrs. Potts reminded me of the wild animals in the woods, so I looked into the enchanted mirror and saw the wolves following you and got to you as soon as I could. It's important to me that I release you from your promise, you are my-our guest here, not my hostage." Beast explained and paused to see how Belle reacted as he gently stroked her hand.

Belle looked shocked. She wasn't sure she was hearing him correctly but his face remained full of raw emotion suggesting he was serious and meant every word.

"Y-You mean…I'm free?" Belle stuttered still in shock.

"Y-Yes. Yes Belle, you are free. Once your father is well again, you both may return to your village if you wish." He said as he gently patted her hand. Belle didn't know what to say. She had almost forgotten about the imprisonment with the exception of missing her father. She couldn't say she missed the village or that awful Gaston though…maybe Pere' Robert but no one else.

"Thank you!" was all she could manage but the Beast wanted her… no needed her to know she was still welcome here…her and her father both were.

"However, I want you to know you and your father will always have a place here should you need it. As I said before, this castle is your home and we have plenty of room. We also have an impressive library with a vast amount of books. In fact, some of them are even in Greek!" Beast ended with a chuckle and a wink.

"Was that a joke? Are you making jokes now?" Belle teased knowing he had actually gifted her the library months ago.

"Haha maybe…but seriously I want you to know I meant every word of what I said and every apology. I also meant it that you'll always have a place here at the castle." Beast said with a small smile gracing his lips.

"Beast, you honestly don't know how much that means to me." Belle smiled as a tear slipped out as she wiped at it quickly hoping he didn't see but he noticed.

"W-What's wrong?" He urgently asked.

She bit her lip and continued.

"Don't worry, it's nothing you said it's just…where I'm from, me and my father aren't exactly popular…well…we're considered…umm 'funny' and I don't think it's meant as a compliment." Belle said looking down at her shoes.

"Oh Belle, I'm so sorry. Your village sounds horrible!" Beast said knowing what the term meant as he'd been used to hearing all kinds of gossip at the King's palace in Paris when he was still a prince.

"Well…not everyone is so bad. There's Pere' Robert, the village chaplain who has a small collection of books that he was kind enough to let me borrow. He truly is a good man." Belle said reflecting on the elderly man who had been her only friend in the village.

Somewhere a grandfather clocked chimed ten times. Beast knew he had to let Belle get some rest but he felt so much happier and lighter now that he'd apologized for their rocky beginnings and set her free.

"It's late Belle, I'm so sorry I kept you this long but thank you for listening to what I had to say." Beast said as he rose from the Chaise while offering her his paw to help her stand.

"You're welcome and no need to apologize for keeping me up late. I doubt I'll get much rest tonight but I promise I will try for you." She said.

"Thank you Belle." He said as he led her to Maurice's bedroom door. Before he could turn to head for the West Wing, she embraced him again. It felt so good to have her body flush against him.

'If only I were human…'he inwardly sighed. He returned the hug and then reluctantly broke their embrace and wished her goodnight.

Belle didn't know when she actually fell asleep.

She was having the most amazing dream about a mysterious man with piercing blue eyes and long auburn hair. He was easily a head taller than Gaston only not nearly as stocky but he was handsome and chiseled nonetheless. He was dressed regally as someone who was quiet wealthy with a gold vest and black suit jacket lined in gold embroidery, with black and gold embroidered pants to match with knee high black polished boots and a black cravat.

They were reading her favorite book on a cozy blanket under a weeping willow near a large pond. There were stone benches, wild flowers, and a few sturdy trees surrounding the crystal clear water. There was even a row boat beached on the bank near them.

He was reading her favorite part of the book where the princess finds out her love interest is actually a prince in disguise.

He chuckled.

"Am I your prince in disguise, Belle?" the mysterious man teased as he placed a fallen lock of her hair back behind her ear and gazed longingly into her eyes. Before Belle could answer him, his lips captured hers for a searing kiss. Her stomach fluttered as she eagerly responded in kind. His lips were surprisingly soft as he deepened the kiss. He slowly slipped his tongue into her mouth, stroking her tongue with his. Belle had never felt anything like this and it worried her that her body was betraying her. It was clear she wanted this mysterious stranger in ways she didn't understand but she couldn't deny the feeling that she had somehow cheated on her Beast which made her feel even more confused. Eventually they had to part for air.

The stranger smiled lovingly at her once more while lifting his right hand up to stroke her hair.

"Belle…?" he asked

"Yes?"

"Belle?" he repeated as he began to fade before her and everything went black.

"Belle…" a weak voice said as Belle groggily opened her eyes and yawned.

"Belle…"

She realized someone was weakly saying her name. She jumped awake taking in the sights of the unfamiliar room as memories from the previous night flooded into her brain. She shook her head as she slowly remembered her dream from last night.

'It must have been from staring at that portrait in Beast's room too long. Whoever that portrait is of may be long dead or not even be real.' Belle sadly thought to herself. 'Why did I feel like I was betraying the Beast though?' She thought as an image of her and the Beast kissing flooded her mind making her stomach flutter in a very similar way the strange man had made her feel. Belle violently shook the thoughts of Beast and the handsome stranger from her mind.

"Belle…"

"Oh Papa!" she gasped as she rushed over to the bed where she sat closer to him. He wasn't awake but saying her name over and over in his sleep. She felt his head and realized he seemed to be running a slight fever. She reached for the bowl of cool water and cloths that Mrs. Potts had left by the bed should her father need them. She took a cloth and dipped it into the cool water and rung it so that it wasn't dripping. She then took the cloth and soothingly wiped his face with it.

Maurice slowly rooted towards her and struggled to open his eyes.

"Belle…?" he weakly questioned.

"Shh…it's alright Papa, I'm right here. You're safe now!" she said as he became fully awake now that he was reunited with his daughter after months of being without her.

"I-I thought I'd never see you again…" he breathed as he pulled her into a caring hug.

"I missed you so much.." she said as she hugged him back. Maurice having remembered the Beast, pulled back away from her but still kept his hands on her shoulders.

"B-But the Beast! How did you escape?!" Maurice questioned desperately.

"I didn't escape Papa…he let me…" She said but was interrupted.

"T-That Horrible Monstrous BEAST!" Maurice angrily stated.

"But he's not a monster…he's different now Papa…he's changed somehow." Belle stated as she noticed her father looking around nervously. Maurice still wasn't convinced by her explanation but he dropped it for now.

"Belle…where are we?" he asked as he truly noticed the room around him and realized they weren't in their cottage. This room was elegantly decorated with blues and greens, giving it a more masculine vibe. He knew he wouldn't be able to afford a room like this even if he sold ten of his wood-chopper machines at the fair.

Tap..Tap..Tap

"Who is it?" Belle called out noticing how terrified he looked.

"It's Mrs. Potts dear. I thought you'd like a cup of tea for you and your father if he's awake." Maurice knew at that moment he was back in the Beast's castle.

Belle reluctantly moved from her father to open the door.

"It's alright Belle, I've met her before." Maurice sighed tiredly as Belle slowly turned to open the door.

In wheeled Mrs. Potts and her son Chip on their cart to Maurice's bedside.

"Why it is so good to see you awake Monsieur! I have you a fresh hot cuppa tea with a bit of honey that should cheer you right up. It's the doctor's orders you know!" Mrs. Potts said in her bubbly voice as she poured them both a fresh cup.

"T-Thank you!" Maurice said as he carefully took a sip from a cup that didn't seem to be animated. Belle took a few sips herself from the other nonliving cup.

Chip hopped around excitedly on the cart.

"Hiya! Do you remember me?" Chip asked. Maurice chuckled having currently lost his anxiousness over the Beast.

"Why yes! How could I forget such a precious little tea cup like you? I didn't think I'd see you again…" said Maurice as he chuckled down at Chip.

Before anyone else could say another word there was a knock at the door, a heavier knock. Maurice started to tremble so Belle went to the door.

"Belle…wait…don't!" Maurice whispered pleadingly already summing it up that it was the Beast on the other side of that thin door. Belle gave him a look that said it would be alright as she went to open the door yet her hand stilled on the doorknob.

"Yes?" she answered having not opened the door worried her father might faint at seeing her friend.

"Belle…it's me. I…was wondering how your father was doing this morning?" the Beast asked on the other side of the door.

"He's doing much better now. He hasn't been up long." Belle said.

'Neither have I.' she thought hoping she looked decent as she absentmindedly combed through her loose ponytail with her fingers. 'Why am I thinking like this?' Belle asked herself already summing up it having to do with the dream and images she conjured up. She blinked rapidly to stop the images from flooding back.

Beast didn't want to frighten Maurice but he desperately wanted to right things between him and the fragile old man.

"That's good to hear. Listen, I was wondering if your father would mind me just speaking to him for a moment?" Beast asked dreading Maurice would say no. He needed this to go well. There were just 3 petals left on the rose and he didn't think he'd have another day.

Belle looked pleadingly at her father for his answer. Maurice was no doubt scared out of his mind and maybe even still a little angry over being away from Belle this long but seeing how much this meant to her, he swallowed his fear and nodded for her to let him in.

Beast walked in and shut the door behind him but leaned against the door as to not appear as intimidating as he knew he looked. He was dressed in a pastel green suit with white embroidery on the jacket and pants.

"I-I wanted to apologize to you Monsieur for my poor actions the night you came to seek shelter here. I-I shouldn't have thrown you in the dungeons for seeking shelter for the night. I-I'm so sorry for my horrible behavior." Beast confessed to Maurice making sure he kept eye contact. Speaking his feelings wasn't easy for him as he rubbed the back of his neck with a paw as he was prone to do when he was anxious.

Maurice thought long and hard and could tell Beast was being sincere but that still didn't excuse him keeping her daughter as his prisoner.

"B-But how can I accept your apology when my daughter is still imprisoned by you?!" Maurice countered not able to shake the raw anger from his voice.

Beast was caught off guard, stumbling and stuttering for the right words, as he once again ran one enormous paw through his mane when Belle placed her hand on his shoulder to calm him. It worked.

"Papa, that's what I was trying to tell you before…he set me free!" she said as Maurice slowly registered what she meant.

"Oh…oh my! I-I'm so sorry Monsieur Beast sir, I-I had no idea!" Maurice hastily said feeling foolish that he assumed Belle was still a prisoner.

'But if she was free, what were they both doing here?' Maurice questioned in his mind.

"It's alright Monsieur Maurice. Your daughter hasn't been a prisoner here for a long time but I only just confessed that to her last night after we rescued you from the woods. I owe a great deal to Belle for teaching me to be a better uh Beast." He said making sure he didn't say 'man' like he did with Belle the night before.

"Y-You mean…you both came and rescued me?" Maurice asked with disbelief, looking between his daughter and the Beast for confirmation. He'd forgotten he'd left his home to search for the castle after being thrown out of the tavern.

"Yes Papa, in fact, it was Beast's idea to get you and bring you back here. I don't think I would have been able to have saved you by myself." Belle stated somberly as she looked down at the floor briefly to keep from crying. Maurice turned to the Beast with eyes that seemed to ask if this was the truth and Beast only nodded with a tight but serious look.

Belle and Beast both spent the next few minutes explaining how they were able to find him and bring him back to the castle to be treated.

"I'm so sorry I misjudged you Monsieur Beast, all is forgiven." Maurice sighed after hearing everything.

"Thank you Monsieur, and you may just call me Beast if you'd like. There's no need to be formal here." Beast stated humbly.

"Oh in that case, please just call me Maurice! I assume since you two saw me in the mirror, that you saw what happened at the village tavern before I tried to make my way here?" Maurice asked as he shamefully looked down at his hands, fidgeting with them anxiously. He was now ashamed for speaking ill of the Beast to a tavern full of people even though he had no way of knowing at the time of the Beast's change in behavior and whether his daughter was safe or even alive.

Belle and Beast had a look of confusion on their faces.

"No Papa, we only saw you in the snow. W-What happened at the tavern?" Belle demanded as she sat on his bed once more. Mrs. Potts and Chip scooted their cart near the bedroom window to allow Beast to sit in Belle's unoccupied chair.

"I'll tell you all everything but it's not pretty and…and…I said some awful things about you Beast." Maurice said now full of shame.

"It's fine Maurice, I wasn't exactly civil with you the last time we met. I wouldn't have expected you to say anything good." Beast sighed, a part of him ashamed he'd ever acted in that manor but he was royalty and was raised accustomed to getting his way although they didn't know that.

"Alright…well after months of not knowing whether you were safe…" Maurice said now turning his full attention to Belle.

"…I decided to go to that Gaston fellow, the one who is always trying to court you…"

"WHAT?!" Beast boomed not realizing he had spoken…no yelled that out loud. Belle inwardly smiled seeing he definitely seemed to be bothered by that. Maurice was however visibly shaken wondering what caused Beast to react in such a way. Chip hid behind his mother being used to the Master's mood swings, while Mrs. Potts gave Beast a warning look but whispered to Chip that he was to stay quiet while the adults talked.

"Umm I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to react that way. I had no idea Belle was courting anyone. Had I known I would've released her much sooner…I apologize." Beast stammered, his heart sinking in his chest as he started to feel all his hope drain right out of him. He wanted to bolt out the door as he would in the past when his emotions were challenged but somehow he managed to stay still. Belle's heart sunk as she saw Beast's appearance seemed to wilt just like his enchanted rose.

'Why would he care if someone was courting me unless…? No! It couldn't be could it? Does he have feelings for me?' She wondered as she got that feeling of butterflies in her stomach again and a longing to hold him close to let him know it was alright. 'Wait, do I have feelings for him too?' She had to tell him the truth quickly, he seemed to be just fading as he sat there as still as a statue.

"I-I'm NOT courting anyone, especially Gaston! True he may be known as the most handsome man in our tiny village but that is where it ends! I'd never marry someone the likes of him! I despise him!" Belle spat out with clear venom. Beast seemed to have snapped out of his reverie with a sigh of relief as he listened to Belle talk disdainfully about this Gaston fellow.

'So he's handsome but she clearly seems to almost hate this Gaston? No, hate was too strong a word, he doubted his Belle could ever truly hate anyone or they wouldn't have come this far themselves. Maybe just maybe I still have a chance.' Beast hoped. 'It has to be today…there's only 3 petals left, possibly 2 by now.' He thought realizing he simply could not chance waiting any longer.

"I'm sorry Belle, it was wrong of me to assume and I'm sorry for interrupting you Maurice, it won't happen again, please continue telling us what happened." He said apologetically as he caught Mrs. Pott's nod of approval.

"T-Thank you! So I went to the tavern determined to find anyone that could help me save Belle." He said looking at Beast apologetically but Beast only nodded for him to go on.

Flashback

Maurice heard joyous singing coming from the tavern, grateful there seemed to be a large crowd of men gathered inside. He prayed someone, anyone at this point would help him save his daughter! He opened the door and stepped in when suddenly everyone that was within stopped whatever they were doing and turned to him. Men that had been wrestling got up from the floor. Men that had been heavy in their cups put their steins down. Bar wenches had stopped gossiping and one even spilled the alcohol she was pouring from shock.

"Help! Someone help me!" Maurice urgently shouted.

"Maurice!?" the bar tender shockingly asked as he accidentally spilled wine on the table in front of him.

Gaston sat back in his chair by the fire silently observing the fiasco as Maurice ran to the men at the bar grabbing each one pleading and shouting.

"Please! Please, I need your help!

"He's got her! He's got her locked in the dungeon!" He said grabbing a short pudgy man with long brown sideburns by the scarf and shaking him with urgency.

"Who?" his victim, a man named Tom asked.

"Belle! We must go, n-not a minute to lose!" Maurice shouted grabbing another man, he believed his name was Dick but couldn't be sure as him and Stanley looked very similar.

Gaston, having seen and heard enough finally interceded.

"Woah, slow down, Maurice! Who's got Belle locked in a dungeon?" Gaston's voice boomed over the crowd though he still hadn't risen from his chair.

" A BEAST! A horrible, monstrous BEAST!" Maurice shouted coming closer to Gaston as he used his body language for emphasis not realizing he was in fact the one who looked crazed with his hair sticking out and huge bags under his eyes like he hasn't slept for weeks. All the men and women of the tavern erupted into roars of laughter.

"Is it a big beast?" the man he thought was Dick asked.

"HUGE!" Maurice yelled.

"With a long, ugly snout?" Stanley laughed as he used a stein with a broken bottom to look like a horse's face.

"Hideously ugly!" Maurice exclaimed.

"And sharp, cruel fangs?" an elderly man they called Bob, who was known as the town drunk laughed.

"YES! YES! Will you help me?" Maurice shouted as he turned towards Gaston and pleaded on his hands and knees.

"Alright, old man….we'll help you out!" Gaston cruelly smirked, still in his chair.

"You will? Oh, thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Maurice said as he smiled as Dick and Stanley helped him off the floor. It took a moment for him to realize that Dick and Tom were carrying him to the door of the tavern where they promptly threw him right into a huge pile of snow.

It was at that moment Maurice understood why Belle didn't like that Gaston fellow. It was clear this man was cruel, maybe narcissistic even.

"Cough..Cough…Please will no one help me?" Maurice asked one final time as he broke out into a fit of coughs. He slowly pulled himself up and headed home determined to pack provisions and save Belle himself if he had too.

End of Flashback

Maurice finished telling them the story. Belle was seething with anger at how the village had mistreated her father, they could've killed him having thrown him out into snow. He was reaching ever closer to his 60s having had his one and only daughter in his late 30s. If she ever had hope that Gaston could have had maybe an ounce of good in him it was quickly dashed.

"Gaston is the true monster here!" Belle vehemently spat as she turned to her father.

"I haven't gotten the chance to tell you what Gaston did to me after you'd left for the fair." Belle said slowly surprised that both her father and Beast seemed to bristle at this information. It was almost charming at how protective they were of her.

"W-What did he do?" Beast asked with a dangerous edge to his voice.

"I wasn't hurt or anything but he actually had the whole town setup a make-shift wedding with a huge cake and everything! He actually tried to force me to marry him right then without you even being there Papa!" Belle seethed.

"What a dishonorable man…to pull such a stunt and not even have one ounce of respect to ask for my blessing first!" Maurice grumbled angrily.

"What's worse is all the town's people who were in on it Papa…" Belle sighed.

"What happened next? How did you get out of it?" Beast asked wondering how Belle escaped. He knew how women didn't have the same rights as men and could be forced into a situation like that without her father present if the person asking for her hand was rich and powerful.

"He cornered me in our cottage against the back door trying to forcibly kiss me…luckily I grabbed the handle and he flew straight out into the pig pen into a heap of mud." Belle giggled.

Beast and Maurice both laughed at that!

"I then locked all the doors and shut all the windows but that wasn't before I saw Gaston lean over to his friend LeFou and say 'I'll have Belle for my wife, make no mistake about that' as he place the short man in a vice grip around his neck and violently threw him into a nearby pond as he marched away. There's always been something violent about him, like the way he was always snatching my books and throwing them in the mud." Belle said somberly as she looked over to her Beast who she noted also had gone silent with a dangerous look, an almost murderous look.

She hadn't seen that wild crazed gleam in his eyes since the wolf attack but at the same time she didn't feel he meant that to be directed at her or her father. She had a feeling it was for Gaston. She shuddered to think what Beast could do to that man should he be in this very room.

Maurice on the other hand was at a loss for words regretting he left her there alone to deal with that.

"I'm so sorry they treated you both that way Maurice…Belle, it's quite shameful of them and that's not how good people act." Mrs. Potts interjected.

Beast still hadn't uttered a word but he did take a few deep breaths forcing his temper down.

"Again, I'm sorry Beast…I had no idea you had changed and Belle is right, if anyone should be given the title of monster, it's definitely Gaston, and those that blindly follow him are no better." Maurice apologized.

"Again Maurice, it's in the past. There was a time when I acted no different than this cruel beastly man. I'll probably spend the rest of my life making up for it." Beast said cryptically.

"Beast, you are a much better man than Gaston would ever hope to be!" Belle stated confidently making Beast get a fluttery feeling in his gut after being called a 'man.'

"Thank you Belle but I'm not sure if it's deserved. I have been a cruel and selfish Beast for a large part of my life. I-I still struggle with my emotions and years' worth of bad habits. My temper sometimes controls me more than I control it and that frightens me." Beast stated honestly. He wondered had he never been turned into a Beast if he would've grown to be like Gaston. He certainly would hope not, that man almost seemed pure evil.

"It's okay to be angry from time to time and having a bad temper doesn't make you a bad person, it makes you normal, human even. It's only if you use your temper to hurt or lash out at someone, that's when it's wrong. Yes, you used to be cruel and unkind in the beginning but you're not anymore. Trust me, you are NOT Gaston!" Belle said having walked over in front of him as she took a paw into her hand. Beast could only lovingly nod back at her.

"My Belle wouldn't say that about you if it wasn't true. She has a good judge of character. I shamefully asked her why she wouldn't give Gaston a chance once and she shut me down really quick letting me know immediately how rude and conceited he was and that he wasn't the one for her and she was right! I'm so glad she rejected him!" Maurice determinedly said as his daughter blushed at the shocked look Beast was giving her. Maurice looked between them both. He wasn't daft as everyone thought, it was clear his Belle harbored some feelings for this Beast as much as the Beast seemed to have feelings for Belle even though he wasn't exactly sure how that would work out.

"Well, I'm glad we've all come to an understanding but I'm afraid I've grown tired. Why don't you two go enjoy the rest of the morning together?" Maurice asked faking being tired as he yawned. Mrs. Potts caught on and winked.

"Me and Chip will go set the table for breakfast, I'm sure the Master and Miss Belle are famished." Mrs. Potts nodded at the Beast.

"Of course! Belle would you like to join me for breakfast please?" Beast asked hopefully. Belle hesitated looking back at Maurice.

"Go with him! I'm not going anywhere." Belle reached over and hugged her father and placed a kiss on the top of his head before heading out of the room with Beast. Halfway to him, she realized with great horror she was still in her clothes from last night as she blushed furiously.

"Um Beast?" Belle hesitantly asked.

"Yes?" he said turning around to meet her.

"I-I need to freshen up real quick! I won't be but a moment!" She embarrassedly choked out as she made a beeline for her room leaving him stunned in the hallway. She had Madam Wardrobe dress her in a matching pastel green dress with long sleeves. It was simple but elegant. She brushed her hair and decided to keep it down instead of wearing her ponytail. After brushing her teeth, she sprayed herself with floral scented toilet water and then she emerged from the room to greet her Beast.

Beast was pacing back and forth when she opened the door to her room. She knew he only did this when he was upset about something.

"I'm sorry if I took too long, I just didn't want to go to breakfast in the same clothes from last night." Belle said as Beast looked up and froze.

'She's wearing a dress that matches my suit? And when did she decide to wear her hair down?' Beast noted. He was almost positive this was a good sign for him and he hoped it was true.

During the 15 minutes it took her to get dressed, Lumiere had come bounding around the hallway dragging his old pal Cogsworth as Cogsworth was clearly in the middle of a panic attack.

'Oh no! Please don't be too late! We are so close…' Beast screamed inside his mind.

"Master! Me and Cogsworth just checked on the rose…." Lumiere hurriedly said.

"Well?" Beast nodded for him to spit it out.

"There's only 2 petals left and the 2nd one is about to fall Sire!" Cogsworth gloomily finished.

"Dammit!" Beast spat in a hushed tone.

'This was it.' he thought. He was running out of time. As much as the thought be being rejected by Belle absolutely terrified him, he had to swallow that fear and tell her how he felt. If she rejected him, he'd be okay with that just knowing they could still be friends but by Jove he'd search the world over to convince that enchantress to change his servants back, they didn't deserve to suffer for his sins, especially Chip, who had been a toddler at the time the curse was placed.

"Okay, we can do this…uh..I CAN do this! I know! Cogsworth have Mrs. Potts and the staff set out our breakfast on the veranda, the smaller one in the West Wing. It's much warmer today and the sun hits it during this time of the day." Beast ordered knowing it would be small and private and he could keep an eye on the rose.

"I'm on it Sire!" Cogsworth said as he rushed to tell the others.

"Lumiere, once everyone is finished setting up, I don't want us to be disturbed, do you understand me?" Beast demanded. He knew his servants were some of the best people he could ask for and thanks to Belle he saw that now. Some of them were like the family he wished he had but they could be nosy and he owed it to Belle to have this conversation between just the two of them.

Coming back to the present, Beast realized she was apologizing about having to change.

"Belle, that's quite alright. I-I actually have a surprise for us if you will follow me." He said taking her arm and leading her down the hallways and a flight of stairs to his chambers. It didn't go unnoticed to him that she was definitely blushing while he gently held her arm.

Belle noticed they were in the West Wing again, as Beast opened the door and led her inside. As they walked across the now brightened room, she stole a quick glance at the portrait of the stranger on the far wall, looking into the one eye that could be seen. She came to a halt nearly making Beast trip.

"Beast, who is that picture of on your wall? He looks familiar." Belle asked pointing at 'his' torn portrait. Beast had to keep from taking in a sharp breath. He wished he could just tell her but not now, not when they were so close.

"I-I can't. I'm sorry Belle." He shrugged hoping she thought he didn't know who it was. It was a half-truth that he could later rectify if things went well.

"Oh, I see." Belle said looking disappointed. He hated lying to her but he couldn't chance telling her about the spell. There was too much on the line, too many people's lives were all riding on this moment right now though. But if he was being honest, it somewhat pleased him that she seemed to be attracted to his 'human' portrait.

He led Belle out onto the balcony. She gasped as she took in the bright morning sun shining on the valley and river below them.

"Oh! It's absolutely breathtaking!" Belle said excitedly as she glided over to the railing to get a better view of the melting snow along the river bank below.

"That's why I thought we'd enjoy breakfast out here since it's much warmer out today and there's no breeze." Beast said as he pointed to the table set up behind him. It was a small elegant dining table made for two. There were fruits, a cup of sugar, syrups, fresh hot tea, milk, and pastries. Under the covered silver platters were ham, poached eggs and gravy. It looked delicious! Belle made her way over to seat herself but Beast had already pulled her chair out for her respectfully. Once she was seated, he gently scooted her chair so she was closer to the table.

"Thank you!" She blushed. As they ate, Belle noticed she really didn't have an appetite but she forced her food down anyway. She couldn't help wondering why she was suddenly so nervous in front of him right now.

'I've ate in front of him for months now, why do I feel like this? This is silly!' Belle thought as she stuffed another grape into her mouth.

Beast unlike Belle, had finished his meal quickly. He noticed she was struggling to eat the last few bites of her main course meal.

"Is everything alright?" He asked with a raised brow. Belle immediately flushed with embarrassment.

"Y-Yes, it tastes wonderful but I'm afraid I don't have as much of an appetite as I thought." Belle managed.

"Belle, you've had a rough night and morning worrying about your father. You don't have to keep eating if you're not hungry." Beast said.

"B-But the food! I don't want to waste-" Belle stopped as Beast reached over and grabbed her plate as he promptly ate the last slice of ham and a couple of poached eggs she hadn't been able to finish.

"Waste what?" Beast chuckled as he licked his lips and dabbed at them with his napkin making Belle giggle.

"You didn't have to do that!" she laughed.

"It's fine, I was still hungry." Beast said giving her a goofy shrug.

'So we're sharing food now?' Belle thought knowing she had bit off some of the ham and an egg he had ate. He had to have known, yet he did it anyway. Why did that thought excite her though?

"Now that we're finished, there's something important I'd like to discuss with you Belle." Beast said nervously, his smile fading.

"Of course, what is it?" Belle asked as her heart seemed to skip.

"Let's come over to the lounge over there." He pointed at a big cushioned seat with room enough for both of them to sit comfortably on the other side of the veranda. "So that I don't accidently spill anything while we're talking. You know I talk with my hands sometimes." He explained while waving his arms about for emphasis. They both chuckled but Belle noticed it didn't quite reach his eyes this time.

Once they were seated on the lounge, Belle turned to face him as he took her hands into his. She really studied his face to see if there was a way she could guess what this was about as she felt somewhat uneasy. She gazed at his mouth, nose, and then his eyes.

She froze.

'Those eyes!' She almost screamed into her head. They looked so similar. 'To what though…oh my! The portrait in his room!'

'Have I truly never noticed how his eyes favor the man's in the portrait? But No, that can't be right, they aren't even the same species.' Belle shook it from her head.

"Belle…" Beast began but stopped as he glanced at the rose only to find the second petal drifting to the bottom of the jar as he took a sharp intake of breath. He only had one petal left. It was now or never!

"Y-Yes?"

"Belle, having heard you and your father's story of your village…and that horrible man, I wanted to ask how you would feel about living here? Both of you that is?" Beast asked pleadingly.

"Oh Beast, I don't think I could. I-We wouldn't want to impose on you and your staff." Belle started.

"You and your father wouldn't be imposing on us and you know it! Belle, that village doesn't seem…safe. Look how they treated your father, look how they treated YOU?!" Beast demanded trying to keep his emotions in check, especially his temper but he knew he was losing it.

"B-But, they're not all bad! It's true me and Papa don't fit in but I don't think they would try anything if me and Papa are both there." Belle argued yet she didn't even know why she was taking up for her village. Maybe it was cause she was scared to admit the Beast was right.

"Belle, can you truly stake your lives on it? Cause if you go back, you might just have too! Can you honestly tell me these villagers would resist an order given to them by Gaston if he were truly in the wrong cause it seems like they did exactly that with that damn wedding?" Beast asked urgently knowing enough from Belle's and Maurice's stories to guess this awful man must be the leader of their village. Belle was visibly shaken.

"I-wouldn't think so….oh...I don't truly know." Belle said fearfully not truly knowing what those people would do.

"I'm not trying to frighten you Belle. I would never do that to you. I just want you to be safe." Beast sighed as he gently brought her hands to his lips and kissed them as if to reassure himself that she wasn't going anywhere. Belle was shocked at how she enjoyed the feeling of his lips on her hands. He was surprisingly gentle even though he had razor sharp fangs.

"I'm sorry, I just worry for you and your father. If either of you were to get into trouble I might not be able to rescue you…without putting a target on my back." Beast sighed as he stroked his temples with his paws.

She didn't know he was human, but he knew all too well what would happen if a bunch of grown men laid eyes on him in his Beast form. They'd hunt him down and mount him on their wall. It wasn't that long ago, he would've done the same as he went on many hunts with his late father for wild boar, stags, and all types of fowl. Even for just a newly turned 11 year old, he had perfect aim.

Belle knew deep down he was right whether she wanted to admit it or not. There was a part of her that wanted to stay in denial. Admitting he was right was accepting her and her father were outcasts that truly had no one in that village. She had to fight to keep tears from spilling over but they came anyway. Beast reached into his suit jacket and grabbed his handkerchief and gently dabbed at her eyes until she thanked him and took it from his paw.

"Please Belle, just think it over. I can take care of you here, both of you. Most importantly, I can protect you here." Beast pleaded. Belle having made a decision slowly began to smile.

"I'll have to talk it over with Papa but I can promise you we won't be leaving anytime soon until Papa is much better." Belle said making the Beast sigh with relief.

"I can live with that." Beast said sincerely knowing her decision would ultimately rely on her father.

"Belle, I just hope you understand how much you mean to me. I wouldn't know what to do if something ever happened to you." He said truthfully as his gaze seared into her very soul.

"Y-You mean a lot to me too Beast!" Belle said not realizing she was giving him just the courage he needed.

'Oh my! This is it! Here goes nothing!' Beast thought as he took her hands into his, gently but firmly squeezing them as he continued to gaze into her eyes, never breaking contact.

"No Belle, I mean it, you are everything to me! I-I love you!" Beast said awaiting her reaction.

Belle was in shock.

'Had she heard right? Did he say what she thought he just did?' She thought with a mixture of joy and fear. Fear at her somehow mishearing his declaration.

"W-What did you say?" She whispered, her face not betraying her emotions. Beast felt his heart drop to the floor but he knew it was too late now to be dishonest.

"I love you! I love you Belle, and I always will. I had to tell you. I've been trying to tell you since last night's dance." Beast stated realizing Belle was still speechless but he took it to mean she was horrified or maybe even disgusted.

"I understand if you don't feel the same though, I know I look hideous and I wasn't always good to you in the beginning but I can be okay with just being friends if I haven't just ruined everything." Beast sighed bitterly as he let go of her hands and stood. He didn't even dare look at the rose. Belle slowly came out of her shock realizing he thought she had rejected him.

She reached out and grabbed his paws before he could get further away as she also stood to meet his eyes.

"Y-You don't look hideous, in fact you are the most handsome beast I've ever laid eyes on…" She said while smiling into his eyes but then her face went serious as she continued. "…But, the staying just friends isn't going to work!" She said hiding her mischievousness smile. Beast went depressively still.

"I-I know-hmph." Beast tried to say before Belle stuck her hand firmly onto his mouth to silence him.

"Hush! Let me finish. Beast we can't just stay friends because the truth is that I love you too! I love you!" She stated joyfully as she embraced him.

"Y-You do?" Beast happily asked as he slowly returned the hug. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.

They would have continued to embrace had Belle not flown backwards to the floor by a powerful blast of wind that seemed have come out of nowhere and was surrounding her Beast. She slowly rose up on her knees but stayed on the ground.

"BELLE!" Beast shouted not realizing she'd been thrown from him and he couldn't see a damn thing as hot pink and bright purple shimmering light surrounded him. Soon he could feel his bones shifting, breaking even and his skin tightening and he roared in agony. It was an unbearable pain much like he'd experienced when he first became the beast. He tried to remain conscious but another wave of intense pain made him blackout.

Belle could only watch in stunned silence as she saw a paw break out of the shimmering wind as it shrunk into a large yet slender human hand attached to a very muscular arm. A moment later, one of the Beast's clawed hindlimb's erupted from the magical swirling wind only to shrink into that of a perfect human foot. Then his face and upper chest appeared from the swirls as his horns shrunk into his hair and his massive chest got smaller. Another strong gust of wind seemed to blow directly onto him, his fur disintegrating into pale human skin as his muzzle shrunk into a strong Roman nose with handsome lips. The strange chiseled man seemed to float down to the ground before her. Belle looked all around for her Beast not knowing where he was. She decided to check on this mysterious man as he started to stir.

"Belle.." He whispered.

'Who the heck is this man and how does he know my name? Where is Beast?' Belle's mind screamed but she knew she had to remain calm.

The man raised up until he was standing with his back to Belle. He seemed to be looking at his hands and chest with great interest until he paused and quickly turned around to face Belle who had come to stand as well. Belle froze the minute she saw him, especially his eyes and long auburn hair. This was the man from the portrait.

"I-It's…It's YOU!" She gasped. The Prince grinned thinking Belle realized he and the Beast were one in the same and without thinking closed the space between them as he captured her lips with his in a strong embrace, he could feel Belle starting to respond back. Oh how he'd been longing to do that for months but it was short lived as Belle came to her senses.

She violently pushed him away and slapped him hard across the face. The Prince was stunned until he realized his mistake. He placed a hand on his right cheek that was now starting to sting from the blow. If Belle hadn't been worried about where her Beast had vanished to, she almost would have laughed at the shock on his smug face.

'Just who did he think he was anyway?' Belle seethed.

"STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM ME! W-What did you do to the Beast? Who are you?" Belle was furious. This breathtakingly handsome man from the portrait just shows up out of nowhere and just assumes she's his to take. It's her situation with Gaston all over again. The Prince came closer but when she flinched he held his hands up in surrender, letting her know he wouldn't come any closer.

'How could I have gotten this so wrong?' He thought becoming increasingly frustrated.

"Belle, I'm sorry I thought you would have realized. It's me!" He said once more with emphasis, using his hands to point from his head to his feet.

"It know it's You, you're the man from the portrait in Beast's room. What I don't know is how you are here?" Belle said angrily still thinking the two were separate.

"NO! I mean yes-yes! I'm the man from the painting but I am also the Beast, Belle! Look at me Belle, you know I'm telling you the truth!" He pleaded desperately. Belle couldn't believe what she was hearing.

'Could it be? Is it he?' Belle thought as she truly took notice of him as if for the first time. He was running his hand through his long thick mane of hair nervously like Beast always did. He was wearing the same pastel green suit her Beast had been wearing moments earlier only it was now torn in places where he had transformed. He stayed painfully still as she came closer to him. She reached a hand up running it through a lock of his thick auburn hair which was the same softness of her Beast's fur she noted. She looked at his chest and then slowly moved her gaze to his eyes. The same eyes she had looked into every day since she'd come to this place. Why hadn't she put it together? She felt foolish.

"It-It is you!" She smiled as she lovingly stroked his 'bad' cheek. "Sorry!" She whispered but he said nothing as he longingly took his right hand and brushed a loose lock of her hair back behind her ear as he pulled her closer to him with her hands now flush against his broad chest. She sighed and parted her lips as he gently closed the distance between them with a soul-searing kiss.

As if out of nowhere, the strong magical wind reappeared causing them both to hold onto each other even tighter as it swirled around them but they still didn't break for air. Fireworks seemed to burst all around them as the once dark and dreary castle transformed into a bright shining one.

The Prince finally but reluctantly broke their kiss. Just as they broke apart, in hopped Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Mrs. Potts. They were still household objects but one by one they each shimmered and transformed into humans. The Prince briefly let go of Belle as he hugged each one of his faithful servants, no family, his true family.

"Lumiere! Cogsworth! Mrs. Potts! Look at us!" The Prince shouted excitedly as he looked up to see a footstool and a chipped teacup come riding in as they promptly shimmered and turned into the Prince's dog, Sultan and Mrs. Pott's tiny boy, Chip.

"Oh my goodness!" Mrs. Potts laughed as she embraced her son.

"It is a miracle! Lumiere shouted in celebration as the Prince lifted Belle up into the air and twirled her around making her laugh as the magical shimmering wind returned one final time as they were all transported into the ballroom dressed and groomed all in their royal finery. All the servants of the castle were returned to their human forms. Even Maurice was there, having been magically healed. Mrs. Potts quickly informed him of the curse which he surprisingly accepted.

The Prince was back in his stunning blue suit jacket and black pants lined with gold. His long shoulder length auburn hair was pulled back in a blue ribbon and he now wore almost knee high masculine dark brown boots. Belle was back in her golden ball gown and gloves with her hair pulled up into an elegant bun.

"So…you really are a Prince in disguise?" Belle asked curiously remembering her strange dream from last night, now knowing it was him all along.

"I used to be, I'm not really sure what I am now." He joked.

"Do you think you could grow a beard?" Belle asked teasingly.

The Prince only laughed and let out a growl that made Belle's toes curl with excitement at knowing a little bit of her Beast was still there. He took her into his arms for a quick chaste kiss before guiding her into a romantic waltz.

They twirled around the grand ballroom for a little while before taking a break. The Prince left Belle in a chair by the enormous windows as he went to get them a drink. The Prince noticed Maurice chatting with Mrs. Potts and headed over to see how he was doing and ask him something of great importance.

Belle was so happy gazing at all the servants happily dancing and celebrating around the ballroom. She never knew she could be this content and yet here she was living a fairy tale with her own 'Prince in disguise'…yet there was just one thing left she needed to know. The Prince returned several minutes later with a couple of glasses of wine. He gently handed her the glass as he took the seat next to her. Belle had wondered what took him so long but figured he was busy greeting people and still adjusting to being human.

"T-Thank you…uh…I'm sorry...you haven't told me your name. I doubt a handsome young prince like yourself would've been named Beast." Belle said teasingly as her gloved hand patted his leg.

"Uh no, you're right. I actually have several names in my royal pedigree but my late parents just called me Adam." Prince Adam laughed.

"A-Adam. I like it! It suits you but why did you never tell me your name to begin with? Now I feel foolish having called you Beast this whole time…ugh. I should've asked you." Belle winced.

"Belle, even if you had asked me for my name, I'm not sure if I would've even told you. There were um conditions to this curse that I had to follow to ensure it would be broken." The Prince sighed gently taking one of her hands into his free one as he took a long sip of wine with the other.

"So how did you get cursed into a Beast to begin with?" Belle asked curiously as he finished the rest of the wine and handed the glass off to a staff member passing by.

"So do you remember when I told you I used to be cruel and selfish, much like that Gaston man?" The Prince asked.

"Y-Yes?"

"Well one Christmas night not too long after my parents had died, an old beggar woman came to the castle. For months, I'd been taking out my grief on my servants, friends, even what little distant family I had left. It got to a point I didn't care about anything or anyone. Nothing made me happy and it didn't exactly help that I was used to being pampered and getting my way. My mother died when I was 10 from an illness, she was the one who taught me to be kind to even those beneath me but after she died my father became distant. He would drink heavily and then take out his anger on me whether I crossed him or not. Anything I enjoyed, be it reading books or toys, he'd take them away from me and tell me how childish they were and that I needed to start taking my role as the sole heir to his lands more seriously. He became increasingly violent towards the end…" Adam said as his eyes seemed distant in remembrance.

"Oh no! You know it wasn't your fault Adam?" Belle said taking her hand and soothingly stroked his cheek.

"Yes, I mean I know that now. At that time, I turned my emotions inward, bottled them up which I now realize wasn't healthy." Adam admitted as he continued.

"Anyway, that fateful Christmas night was the worst, and I was only 11 years old. I had insulted Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Mrs. Potts for giving me the story book my mother used to read to me thinking it would make me remember her kindness but it only upset me. I threw it across the room. My court composer who had a liking for more somber tones, wrote me a piece thinking maybe I needed something less cheerful to uh feel the mood but I hated it too and screamed about how gloomy it sounded.

It was at that moment there was a knock on the door. I opened it to find a hideous beggar woman standing out in the middle of a blizzard. I know, I know I should've questioned the strangeness of it having read several fairy tales over the years to know better. She asked for a place to stay for the night in exchange for a rose and I was so repulsed that I turned her away shouting that I didn't need a rose. She warned that true beauty was found within and gave me a second chance but I didn't listen. She then melted into a beautiful enchantress and it was then that I realized I had messed up but it was too late.

She said I've been cursed by my own cruel heart and as punishment I was to be turned into the Beast while my servants were to be turned into the objects I treated them like because the way the enchantress saw it, my staff should have protected me from becoming like my own then cruel father. I thought I would be cursed like this forever but she gave me a rose that would bloom until my 21st year and that I had to fall in love with someone and earn their love in return before the last petal fell. It wouldn't work unless it was true love." Prince Adam finally finished.

"So-So when I told you I loved you it broke the spell?" Belle asked after she took a quick sip of wine before setting it on the table to her left.

"Yes Belle, because you're my true love. My Soulmate." Adam said tenderly.

"I love you Adam!" Belle said leaning in for another kiss. Adam reluctantly broke the kiss but took both her hands into his.

"Belle, earlier I talked with your father when I went to get us our drinks. I wanted to do this right." Prince Adam said.

"Oh, what do you-?" Belle asked but before she could finish asking what he meant, she noticed several people had gathered around them. Adam nodded some sort of signal to Maurice as he got down on one knee and pulled a small box from his coat jacket that he opened to reveal an intricate oval shaped sapphire with small diamonds surrounding the large gem that was set in the yellow gold band.

"Belle, this ring was my mother's and now I'd like to pass it to you. Will you, Belle, do me the honor of becoming my wife and the new Princess of the Realm?" Prince Adam asked. Belle placed both of her gloved hands over her mouth in pure excited shock as she squealed!

"YES! Yes Adam, of course I will marry you! I love you!" She screamed as she flung herself into his open arms, kissing him. Adam was almost sure he was the happiest man in the kingdom at this moment.

"I love you too Belle! Forever and Always!" Prince Adam said as he helped her up from the floor. They shared another deep kiss before waltzing around the ballroom once more as the servants and guests cheered and congratulated them on their engagement.

"Are they going to live happily ever after Mama?" Chip asked.

"Of course my dear! Of course!" Mrs. Potts said as Maurice chuckled next to her.

Bell and Adam's love was as certain as the sun. It was a love that would last forever, it would be a tale as old as time.

Somewhere in the nearby village, people's memories were returning of the Prince they'd always had. A royal messenger had come to the village a few days after the breaking of the curse to announce the Royal engagement of Prince Adam and his new Princess to be, their village's very own, Belle.

Gaston had been one of the first to receive the announcement. He was angry and devastated. He had wasted good money on setting up a scheme to have Maurice thrown in the asylum in order to force Belle to marry him and now he sat by the fire in his tavern knowing he had lost.

Part of him wanted to march right up to that palace and kidnap her but Gaston may be many things but stupid wasn't one of them. He had to swallow his pride this time, after all no one ever goes against the crown and lives to tell about it.

He eventually started to pay more attention to the triplets until he realized the one in the green dress had so much more in common with him. She was sweet, kind of like Belle but she wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty and she got along with everyone in the village. Her name was Paulette and she even treated his best friend, LeFou with respect while her sisters, Laurette and Claudette were selfish and made excuses for why they could not be bothered to do a single chore lest they break a nail.

When he discovered that him and Paulette wanted the same things in life, he fell madly in love with her. They were married a week after he proposed and she gave him two handsome sons and one beautiful daughter, triplets. He couldn't have been happier! They made plans to get a couple of dogs for the children to play with once they got older. Gaston couldn't wait to teach his boys how to hunt and threaten any man who dared to ask his daughter's hand.

He somehow came to realize he would've never been happy with Belle. They didn't want to same things. His attraction to her only came from her being the first to deny him and that attraction quickly faded upon hearing of her courtship and then marriage to the Prince of the Realm, Andrew, Aiden, Adam, whatever the hell his name was. Gaston laughed to himself.

'I hope that man has one hell of a library.' Gaston smirked at his thought as he turned to go into his cottage with the stag he'd killed hours earlier.

Word had soon got to Belle and Adam that Gaston had married Paulette. Several villagers had said he didn't quite act the same anymore. He'd grown wasn't as cruel as he used to be, in fact, it seemed he was truly happy.

Belle and Adam both breathed a sigh of relief knowing they no longer had to stay clear from the village.

"Love can change people you know." Belle said to Adam as they laid near their favorite spot by the pond reading under the willow tree.

"Yes, I'm proof of that." Adam teased.

"I love you, Adam!"

"I love you too, Belle!" They both said as they pulled each other into a deep passionate kiss as Adam caressed Belle's swollen belly. They couldn't wait to welcome their first child here in the next month.

Adam hoped they would have a beautiful and intelligent daughter like her mother.

Belle secretly hoped for a son with auburn curls and piercing blue eyes who was strong and intelligent like his father.

One month later, and they were blessed with both a handsome baby boy and a beautiful little girl.

They named them Louis (Belle's mother's maiden name) and Adeline (After Adam's mother).

They couldn't have been happier!

The End.

I hope you enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it! =)

Notes:

Cold Shock was what people called hypothermia back in the 1700s

Winter Fever or Inflammation of the Mucous Membrane was what they called Pneumonia during those times.

While the Stethoscope wasn't truly invented until the early 1800s by a French physician Rene Laennec, I decided to add the real physician into the story hence why the doctor's name is Rene. He was born during the late 1700s. While it's not totally historically accurate, I couldn't think of a single physician instrument that would have worked well for this part of the story as most during this time period were saws and scalpels, not exactly what we want examining Maurice lol! So I wrote Rene in as a prototype of his soon to be invention.

I also researched old home remedies for these illnesses that were actually known to work that would've been used during those times since what was prescribed at that time usually was toxic and caused more harm than good.