[Completed!]

[beau-sest-leve.livejournal.com]

Character(s): Belle and Beast. (Closed for awkward turtle reunion times for now.)
Content: Belle has come back. Once again, her memories differ from Beast's.
Setting: By the Niflheim Gate.
Time: Evening
Warnings: None.

What was she doing? She should have come up with some excuse not to see him. Yet, something stopped her when he said he didn't remember anything about her time at the castle. Maybe she could get through this without collapsing. A tumult of emotions were washing over her, making it harder and harder to think logically.

He might not...be the same. Or feel the same. That last realization made her feel cold and alone. Belle didn't like feeling helpless - yet, what could she do? If she told him too much, he might feel overwhelmed and confused. Which left only one option: give information sparingly.

Closing her eyes tightly, the girl found a comfortable spot to kneel down. Laying her hands on her lap, she willed herself to calm down. He was probably worried enough as it was - all things considered. Seeing her in a panic wouldn't help matters.

Papa, hang on. I haven't forgotten about you. Far from it, in fact. Maurice was in terrible danger and she had no way to reach him. All she could do was hope that somehow someone found him. Focusing on the thought of Maurice healing in some cozy cottage, Belle exhaled quietly.

Somehow, the thought of doing all she could wasn't comforting enough.

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[tolove-inreturn.livejournal.com]

Beast strode toward the Niflheim gate with purpose. He couldn't describe how he felt, but relieved, at least, would be true. The crowd still parted for his massive figure, but instead of fear, some watched with interest. His usually angry gait and stomping footsteps were calmer, lighter...happier.

It had been a long time since he had felt so happy, but...now Belle was from somewhere in his future, just like Cogsworth had been. It had been only a few days for him, but...she had forgotten about Beast entirely, only to meet him again in the castle. What Cogsworth had told him must have been true...that they would have met in their own world even if they hadn't met in Paixao. Belle...she didn't remember anything of what had happened here. And...Beast knew nothing of what had happened with her in his castle. From the way it sounded...he had taken her father prisoner. He couldn't imagine doing that to anyone now, but...back then...before he'd met her...he couldn't argue with her. There was every chance he would have taken an innocent man prisoner, just for walking into the castle unannounced. He was still ashamed of how he looked, and of everything that it meant, but back then...it had been far, far worse. He was only just now starting to realize he didn't have to act like a monster just because that was the way he looked. And even though he realized it now...that only made it feel worse when he lashed out at those trying to help him.

All those people on the journals...he hadn't...he hadn't meant to push them away like that. There was nothing he could do now, it was too late to apologize for being so selfish. Belle...she would be disappointed...wouldn't she? They'd told him that...that she wouldn't have liked to see him that way, no matter what happened.

As his footsteps slowed with the somber thought, and his tail ceased wagging, he looked up at the form of the imposing gate. Belle's beautiful locks would stand out in an instant from this crowd, and he was looking for them as hard as he could. Finally he saw her kneeling, and his face fell. She looked so...worried. That...wasn't his fault, was it?

He approached her slowly, stopping once and swallowing a lump in his throat. "...Belle...?"

[beau-sest-leve.livejournal.com]

Belle was lost in her own thoughts when he approached her. In fact, the sound of his voice startled her so much that she gasped and struggled to her feet. Brushing a few stray strands out of her eyes, she composed herself and gave him a tentative smile.

"Beast..." she tilted her head and observed him. He looked...uneasy. Had she caused that? She hadn't meant to.

"Thank you for...coming to get me." she stepped closer, clasping her hands to stop them from shaking, "It's...strange to talk to all of these people who know me."

Yet there was something comforting about not being alone. Then again, nothing could put her more at ease than seeing him. Yes, she cared about him deeply. She couldn't deny it any longer.

Tipping her head back, Belle managed a warm smile. It wasn't fair to burden him with her problems. He was kind enough to come all this way, after all. She would make this as easy on him as possible.