Belle

The spark

Belle

I'm deeply absorbed in Pride and Prejudice whilst waiting for Beast, to the point where I don't even realise his presence. I notice a shadow standing before me and drop the book, smiling happily when I see Beast.

I love how he's starting to care for himself again, even if it's slightly. I personally wouldn't care if he still had the suit and beard and messy long hair because he's him and it's his personality which is trying to get out that I find myself being attracted to.

"I found the real Pride and Prejudice" I wave teasingly at him, wondering if he remembers that conversation. From the spark in his eye I feel like he does, and his deep laugh chimes like music to my ears in response. "You ready for the reveal?" He asks, tauntingly toying with the snapback he placed backward on his head before he pulls it off.

His hair falls silkily to frame his face in choppy different lengthed strands, parting to the side instead of central, and voluminous instead of greased to his head. He looks... bad. In a really good way. And weirdly enough that's hot to me.

But it's the expectant look on his face as he peers at me that warms my heart. I find myself unconsciously stepping forward to push a hand through it, his pupils dilated far beyond normal. As his face dips down, lips hovering teasingly above mine, I forget everything that should stop me.

I press my lips against his.

They're slightly chapped but he applies almost no pressure, like he's hesitant or nervous. I pull his face closer to mine with the hand wrapped in his hair and I deepen this kisses pressure. His hands come to hold my waist as I lick his lips slightly, feeling his shiver in response as his lips part. I never would have expected him to allow me to lead the kiss but I do, tilting his head gently with my hand on his neck before tugging at his hair slightly.

This ends any hesitance he has as he growls slightly and pushes me against the bookshelf we're hiding behind, taking the lead. My lips curl slightly as I pull away to breath. "You have no idea how long I've waited for that" I breathe against his lips as he presses a small kiss to my lips for a second before pulling away and smiling down at me.

This smile is more heartbreakingly beautiful than ever before because in this moment I see no trace of the 'Beast' but rather a boy who's just kissed a girl.

"We still need to get those Christmas presents" he suddenly changes back to himself. But I'm still giddy as I entwine his fingers with mine "Well then let's go" I cheer, smiling back at him as I lead him away. He stops suddenly, pulling me back to place a small kiss on my lips once more "I can't stop myself" he whispers and I smile dizzily as he places an arm around my shoulders before passing me my crutches which I obviously forgot.

"But you're not gonna be able to walk me that far" he reminds me. I blush, realising how high I was on the kiss that I literally forgot how shagged my feet were. Despite my jolty movements, he keeps an arm around my waist as we go on agonisingly slowly. It's surreal being back here in familiar territory but with Beast by my side. "Beast?" I ask as we make it to the first store. "Yeah?" he hums, obviously distracted by his surroundings.

"What's your real name?" I ask, realising I don't actually know. He looks down at me, surprised "You want to know? No one's called me it in years" he says matter of factly. I look up at him wryly "Well I've known you for too long to not know your name. And who knows" I cheekily lean up to whisper in his ear "I need to know what name to scream".

He looks down at me sharply, his cheeks stained an adorable red.

"I'm kidding" I chuckle out. But am I? I've never had a serious boyfriend before like I hope he'll be... and let's say I'm not a prude. If I do come to love him like it feels like I'm going to then I want him to be my first. He narrows his eyes at me but this frown isn't ugly like his usual one, this one is false. "Don't do that to me" he breathes voice husky. I bit my lip to prevent a laugh escaping as I point to what I thought Annie might like. "A mixer?" he asks, seemingly confused.

"You must have noticed that Annie is an amazing chef and in her kitchen is an incredibly cheap mixer. This is not just any mixer. This is a kitchenaid with all the trimmings, a food enthusiast's wet dream" I present proudly. I'd never dream of having one that expensive but I know that Beast can afford it easily. He shrugs and picks up the large box "Okay, I trust you. Anything else in this store?" he asks. I shake my head and lead him to the check outs, grinning knowingly at the checkout girl doing what she says on the label, checking him out.

I get it.

"Where to next?" he asks me once we leave. "Toy store. We need nerf guns for Chip" I state. Okay what are your plans for everyone?" He asks me as we make our way.

"Okay, for Pierre and Fifi some tickets for Mexico over Christmas" I start.

"Are they dating?" He asks, surprised.

"You are literally so blind" I huff, mildly amused. He kisses the tip of my nose

"All I can see is you" He responds cheesily. I know it was a joke but still my heart beat threatens to break out of my chest.

"Okay, and finally for Clarke a Rolex, he hates being late but doesn't have a watch" I point out. He nods

"Makes sense. Let's go!" He cheers slightly.