From afar, a few unfamiliar servants had a hard time keeping their eyes to themselves. They eyed Beast warily as the castle rumors came to mind. Was he really that dangerous? Was he going to try and attack? Though the small handful of servants found themselves gawking, they immediately turned towards their respective duties once the great monster stirred in his seat. With the exception of a few small glances, Beast kept his gaze firmly on the wall in front of him. Where was that damned food?
Without warning, Beast felt a presence behind him. Small hands quickly reached for his eyes, and if it hadn't have been for Belle's sweet voice, he would have turned and knocked his aggressor to the ground. As soon as he recognized her, though, the sudden tenseness eased out of his shoulders. His uneasy frown became a toothy grin.
"It's hard to say," he said as he turned to face her, "but I'd have to guess that this might be my wife."
Peeking from around a kitchen door, were the same nosy kitchen staff members. With such a strange sight, their curiosity kept them from manners. A princess and a beast. They quietly hushed each other at the mention of the term "wife". So it was true. The princess really was married to a monster.
Distracted by Belle's sudden appearance, Beast paid no attention to any observers, and the snoopers went unnoticed.
Belle gave him a mock pout. "I never fool you." But she couldn't hold the expression and burst into a light laugh as she sat down beside Adam.
Belle was aware that all eyes were on the pair of them, despite everyone's best efforts to look busy. She noticed Marie, one of the cooks, seemed to try especially hard not to be caught staring. Every time Belle glanced her direction a flurry of activity began. Belle shrugged it off, though. If she still let such behaviour bother her she'd have gone crazy by now. It was probably just the shock of seeing her husband in a place he rarely if ever appeared.
"What brings you down here? It's a kind of a pleasant surprise to see you out and about."
For the moment, Beast's eyes remained pleasantly fixated on Belle's face. The thought of people gawking was somewhere in the back of his mind, but his food hadn't arrived yet, and he stubbornly refused to be scared off before he actually ate.
His grin melted into a small smile and he stated the obvious, "I was a little hungry." He shifted in his seat a bit and glanced toward the kitchen, hoping to see someone carrying over a tray of food. What he got instead were eyes, as usual. Finally, the smile settled into his usual grumpy expression and he grumbled aloud, "They're taking long enough." At that, the servents seemed to suddenly dissappear. Other castle inhabitants who had dropped in for a snack, casually rose from their seats, conveniently done with their meals.
Well, at least he'd been smiling for a minute or so. Not a record, but Belle did enjoy the occasional break in the clouds. They really needed to be back home. At least with Cogsworth it was a good-natured grumpiness most of the time.
"What if I go see what's holding it up? I could use a little something myself. The librarian is a little picky about bringing food down there, not that I blame him."
"Once they're done staring, I'm sure they'll start preparing it." Beast said it loud enough for the staff to hear. Like a student facing constant abuse from bullies, he was beginning to lash back a little, and sounding childish in the process. It was certainly better than mauling his antagonists, but he was supposed be a prince. A prince who was supposed to have overcome his demanding, spoiled ways at that. However, it was hard to mind his manners when he was a walking public display.
Belle knew they were sailing treacherous waters when the tone of his voice changed that way. Trying to calm him directly would likely just get him more fired up. At home she wouldn't worry so much. As bad as it probably was for his health and that of nearby furniture, at least he seemed to calm down after his tantrums. But here that was certainly the worst course of action. It was a cheap tactic, but she felt the best thing might be just changing the subject.
"What have you been up to lately, anyway? I feel like it's been weeks since we got to sit down like this."
At the very least, with so many people retreating, it left less staring eyes. It was sad that it had to be this way. Alone, or silently abused by the public. He took a breath, trying to calm himself. A voice of reason was pushing into his brain, cramming down dark thoughts of explosive tendencies. He had been on his best behavior these past few weeks. No reason to blow it now.
Beast returned his attention to Belle, and answered, "Not much, actually. Just reading..." He meant to continue with a longer list of activities, when he realized he had nothing else. Sure, he'd wandered around outside for air at conveinient times. But mostly he sat and stared at the inside of their room, foolishly afraid to face anyone. It wasn't simply a matter of self conscious solitude; he was genuinely fearful of snapping again. What if the darkness reemmerged? What if it got worse?
He tried to save his faltered answer, by returning her question, "...What about you? You've been busy."
Finally, a pair of servants appeared from the inner kitchen, both carrying loaded trays and drinks. Either the staff expected Beast to eat it all, or they had been thoughtful enough to provide for both him and his wife.
Belle inspected the tray as it arrived on the table and was pleased with what she found there. Thick stew that seemed to consist of yesterday's leftovers, heavy dark bread, part of a wheel of cheese, and even some fresh fruit, probably some of the last they'd see this season. Good peasant food, for once. The servants seemed almost embarassed with the simplicity, but Belle was ready to dig right in.
"The usual mess, mostly. We're always two steps forward and one step back, I think. Not to mention the mess Kairi got herself into. She's still on bedrest, doctor's orders. She pushes herself too hard." Belle managed a slight smile at that, realizing she was in no position to be calling a kettle black.
"And we're still sorting out exactly what Sora did when he disappeared. I know we put a lot of pressure on him, but honestly." Belle said all this between mouthfuls of food. She hadn't noticed how hungry she was until she'd taken a bite. "And of course research upon research. I'm going to need a break soon or I'll read myself cross-eyed." Coming from her, that was serious indeed.
Beast could barely let out a nod at her words, too busy devouring his share of the meal. He was starved enough to come out of hiding, afterall. This was what he came for. Thankfully, some form of manners ruled the day. He even slowed enough to use a spoon for the stew (though his movements were hurried enough). It wasn't long before his belly began to feel full. Finally, slow enough for conversation, he let out a question that he had kept quieted. He hadn't wanted to nag Belle with incessant complaining, but he saw his opportunity and jumped on it. "Perhaps we should head home soon."
A week ago, maybe even two days ago, she probably would have had a hundred reasons she couldn't leave right now. At that moment, not a single one came to mind. Sora had apparantly returned but was still MIA. They already knew where he was headed next, and that wasn't really in her purview to begin with. Kairi would mend on her own, and the introduction ceremony was postponed until then anyway. Her current research projects were just the usual ongoing sifting of dusty tomes. Besides, what good was fighting if you lost sight of the reason you were doing it in the first place?
"You know, you're right. I think we should. How long has it been? I almost can't remember the last time I saw Papa."
Home. A warmth spread through his chest and a feeling of relief eased through his shoulders. There were no excuses, no endless list of reasons why she should stay.... just, a yes.
Despite himself, Beast smiled again, "Really?"
The idea of really returning home was just wonderful. He'd even be happy to see everyone who had suffered his verbal abuse. Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts; he may have to kindly tackle them when he arrived. He could sleep in his own bed. He and Belle could spend time together. He could walk freely in his own home without worry of intrusion. He could have privacy.... He could even return to the woods if he wanted...
The last thought made him ill inside, as memories of the fake Riku came back. A thousand what if's came to mind. What if that thing was still there? What if the Heartless were worse? What if the Darkness affected him? On and on, until the good news seemed almost bad. Regardless, he certainly couldn't stay here. So he plastered an expression of appreciation on his face in hopes he wouldn't bring Belle down with his endless thoughts of worry and apprehension.
"Yes, really. Besides, everyone expects me to be a Princess here. It's so nice to get home and be a regular girl again. Or as regular as I ever was there." This last was said with a knowing grin. Then she looked at her husband's face and the expectant look she found there was so blatant it almost seemed fake. She had to stifle a small giggle. It was like watching a child on Christmas morning. Well, Adam never had been one for emotional nuance.
"I guess the only question is, how soon can we pack?"
Beast practically jumped out of his chair. If it wasn't for the fact he was already a walking spectacle, he might have ran back to their room that instant and started gathering any necessities for the trip home. Instead, he took her hand, smiling, truthfully containing mixed emotions, but overall happy as a fur-covered clam. Returning to his castle, he knew, by no means eliminated their problems, but it would be heaven to be in comfort again. This news brought the humanity out in his usually distant and gravelly voice.
"I can take care of that if you need to finish things with the Council," he offered, sounding just a little too excited. "When do you want to leave?"
Inconspicuous servants in the background exchanged odd looks. From their distance they couldn't tell if the monster was smiling or growling at the dear Princess. And whatever happened to that young man who had shown up on occasion only a few months ago? they thought. Maybe the monster had something to do with his disappearance. What a shame... he was such a good looking man...
"There aren't any more meetings today, so I just have to send a note along to say I'm off. I should probably pick up a few things from the library though." She added hastily, "Just a little light reading, I promise!"
Belle spent another moment counting things off on her fingers as she went through a list of preparations in her head. Finally she nodded, satisfied that everything would be in order.
"We should probably leave quickly, though. If we wait too long, someone will find a reason I need to stay."
Beast smiled, and raised a paw to touch Belle's face softly before rising from his seat.
"I'll be waiting," he said.
And with that, he turned to leave, shooting their audience an annoyed glance as they hurriedly returned to their chores. It would be nice to be the master of the castle again, and not surrounded by these... imbeciles. He turned to look at Belle again before he walked out the kitchen doors.
The feeling of her husband's touch lingered on her cheek, even when he'd already moved away. The ire he directed toward the kitchen staff did not escape her notice. She owed him a lot for all the time they'd spent here on this trip. This was the longest he'd been away from home since... well possibly since they'd been married. She'd find a way to make it up to him, somehow.
She met his parting glance with a smile and a small wave, then got up to follow him out and make her own preparations to go home.
Without warning, Beast felt a presence behind him. Small hands quickly reached for his eyes, and if it hadn't have been for Belle's sweet voice, he would have turned and knocked his aggressor to the ground. As soon as he recognized her, though, the sudden tenseness eased out of his shoulders. His uneasy frown became a toothy grin.
"It's hard to say," he said as he turned to face her, "but I'd have to guess that this might be my wife."
Peeking from around a kitchen door, were the same nosy kitchen staff members. With such a strange sight, their curiosity kept them from manners. A princess and a beast. They quietly hushed each other at the mention of the term "wife". So it was true. The princess really was married to a monster.
Distracted by Belle's sudden appearance, Beast paid no attention to any observers, and the snoopers went unnoticed.
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Belle was aware that all eyes were on the pair of them, despite everyone's best efforts to look busy. She noticed Marie, one of the cooks, seemed to try especially hard not to be caught staring. Every time Belle glanced her direction a flurry of activity began. Belle shrugged it off, though. If she still let such behaviour bother her she'd have gone crazy by now. It was probably just the shock of seeing her husband in a place he rarely if ever appeared.
"What brings you down here? It's a kind of a pleasant surprise to see you out and about."
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His grin melted into a small smile and he stated the obvious, "I was a little hungry." He shifted in his seat a bit and glanced toward the kitchen, hoping to see someone carrying over a tray of food. What he got instead were eyes, as usual. Finally, the smile settled into his usual grumpy expression and he grumbled aloud, "They're taking long enough." At that, the servents seemed to suddenly dissappear. Other castle inhabitants who had dropped in for a snack, casually rose from their seats, conveniently done with their meals.
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"What if I go see what's holding it up? I could use a little something myself. The librarian is a little picky about bringing food down there, not that I blame him."
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"What have you been up to lately, anyway? I feel like it's been weeks since we got to sit down like this."
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Beast returned his attention to Belle, and answered, "Not much, actually. Just reading..." He meant to continue with a longer list of activities, when he realized he had nothing else. Sure, he'd wandered around outside for air at conveinient times. But mostly he sat and stared at the inside of their room, foolishly afraid to face anyone. It wasn't simply a matter of self conscious solitude; he was genuinely fearful of snapping again. What if the darkness reemmerged? What if it got worse?
He tried to save his faltered answer, by returning her question, "...What about you? You've been busy."
Finally, a pair of servants appeared from the inner kitchen, both carrying loaded trays and drinks. Either the staff expected Beast to eat it all, or they had been thoughtful enough to provide for both him and his wife.
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"The usual mess, mostly. We're always two steps forward and one step back, I think. Not to mention the mess Kairi got herself into. She's still on bedrest, doctor's orders. She pushes herself too hard." Belle managed a slight smile at that, realizing she was in no position to be calling a kettle black.
"And we're still sorting out exactly what Sora did when he disappeared. I know we put a lot of pressure on him, but honestly." Belle said all this between mouthfuls of food. She hadn't noticed how hungry she was until she'd taken a bite. "And of course research upon research. I'm going to need a break soon or I'll read myself cross-eyed." Coming from her, that was serious indeed.
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"You know, you're right. I think we should. How long has it been? I almost can't remember the last time I saw Papa."
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Despite himself, Beast smiled again, "Really?"
The idea of really returning home was just wonderful. He'd even be happy to see everyone who had suffered his verbal abuse. Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts; he may have to kindly tackle them when he arrived. He could sleep in his own bed. He and Belle could spend time together. He could walk freely in his own home without worry of intrusion. He could have privacy.... He could even return to the woods if he wanted...
The last thought made him ill inside, as memories of the fake Riku came back. A thousand what if's came to mind. What if that thing was still there? What if the Heartless were worse? What if the Darkness affected him? On and on, until the good news seemed almost bad. Regardless, he certainly couldn't stay here. So he plastered an expression of appreciation on his face in hopes he wouldn't bring Belle down with his endless thoughts of worry and apprehension.
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"I guess the only question is, how soon can we pack?"
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"I can take care of that if you need to finish things with the Council," he offered, sounding just a little too excited. "When do you want to leave?"
Inconspicuous servants in the background exchanged odd looks. From their distance they couldn't tell if the monster was smiling or growling at the dear Princess. And whatever happened to that young man who had shown up on occasion only a few months ago? they thought. Maybe the monster had something to do with his disappearance. What a shame... he was such a good looking man...
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Belle spent another moment counting things off on her fingers as she went through a list of preparations in her head. Finally she nodded, satisfied that everything would be in order.
"We should probably leave quickly, though. If we wait too long, someone will find a reason I need to stay."
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"I'll be waiting," he said.
And with that, he turned to leave, shooting their audience an annoyed glance as they hurriedly returned to their chores. It would be nice to be the master of the castle again, and not surrounded by these... imbeciles. He turned to look at Belle again before he walked out the kitchen doors.
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She met his parting glance with a smile and a small wave, then got up to follow him out and make her own preparations to go home.
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