Tale as Old as (an alternate) Time(line) (closed)

(Author's note: Me, personally, I always liked the Beast prior to his transition. Big, powerful, soft and cuddly, and the fact that he wanted to keep all that power under control when he began falling in love with Belle, rather than try to use it to dominate her...doubly sexy. I'm also including a small collage of cartoon imagery that inspired this thread, which starts after the grand ball)

It was the middle of the night, one o'clock by the sounding of the clock in the hall, but Belle found she couldn't sleep. She was still excited, and a million thoughts were going through her head. The manor, the castle, whatever you wanted to call it...magical was indeed the proper word for it. Belle blushed at the fact that Mrs. Potts had to assure her that all the servants helping her into her gown were female.

And what a gown it had been! So glamorous! So extravagant! And so daring!

Again, a blush came to Belle's face when she remembered her first glance at herself in the mirror, and particularly at the the décolletage of the dress. Perhaps her bosom wasn't as impressive as those possessed by Claudette, Laurette and Paulette back in the village, but her breasts easily supported the dress and she noticed Beast certainly noticed her cleavage.

Adam, she reminded herself. His name was Adam.

And he was amazing at the ball. Gallant, kind, gentle.

Belle blushed at the memory of their dances together. The way a single paw had wrapped so easily around her waist. The way her hand had disappeared into his other paw as the two of them had waltzed across the floor. He had been so careful, so controlled, so gentle with her. It had felt so natural to rest her head against his massive chest, and luxuriate in both the firmness of the muscles underneath his shirt, as well as the softness of his fur.

When she had retired to her bedroom that night, her heart was as light as air and her feet never touched the ground.

But after trying to go to sleep, she found that she couldn't. She thought about going down to the kitchen and seeing if perhaps Mrs. Potts might fix her some warm milk or hot cocoa, but decided it would be too rude to awaken one of the castle's servants just because of her own restlessness. So instead Belle put on a heavy robe over her sleeping gown and headed to her library.

Her library, she thought with a smile. No more reading the same books over and over again. There were enough books in her library to last her a very happy lifetime.

And Adam's gift to her. A gift from her Beast.

As Belle hurriedly made her way through the cold hallway to her library, she thought about the possessive way she had begun thinking about Adam. About Beast.

Time enough for that in the morning, Belle thought to herself. For now, she just needed to find something in her library to help her fall to sleep.

The library was cold and dark, but some kind soul had left a few glowing embers in the fireplace, along with a stack of wood nearby, and in no time at all the library was filled with warmth and a cheery light. Belle found an interesting book about a Charwoman's Shadow and she quickly settled in front of the fire and got lost in a tale about alchemy and love.

Adam was pacing in his room. First on two feet, back and forth, then down on all fours circling his room. He had yet to take off his finery he was so busy thinking. Tonight had been wonderful. For the first time in a long time he had forgotten what he was and had danced with Belle just like he had when he had been human and a Prince. They had twirled and moved as one, dancing to the music, loosing themselves in the song and forgetting everything else.

By the end she was even cuddling up to him and laying her head upon his chest. He had to control himself very hard at that stage. His animal instincts were screaming at him to take her right then and there, but he had remained calm, although he was sure she could hear his heart racing.

When the night was over he had simply bid her goodnight, knowing now was not the time to press the issue even though every nerve screamed at him otherwise. Now he was paying for it. He felt trapped, restless and horny as hell. He looked between his legs and saw his member sticking up straight and proud staring back at him. Ahh he couldn't take it anymore.

He threw off his top and ran to his balcony, leaping from it to catch the gargoyle beneath it, then to the set of stairs leading into the garden and then down into the snow. The cool crisp night air hit him like a sledgehammer and the snow was chilly. His fur protected him from most of the chill but enough seeped through to cause him to shiver. He smiled as he set off at a run on all fours. This was what he needed, a run to burn off the nervous energy and the cold to maybe calm himself down. This was way better than a cold bath.

Belle looked up from her book, wondering if she had heard something in the distance, outside the castle. Probably just snow sliding off one of the roofs, she decided. She wasn't worried, though. Outside could be dangerous, but here in the castle, she was safe. Particularly with Adam, her Beast, looking after her. The thought made her heart feel warm and sent a strangle little tingle through her body.

She looked up at the clock and saw only an hour had gone by. She was feeling calm enough to drift off to sleep, but now she was too entranced in the book to put it down. The love potion that the young woman had gotten from her brother to use on the Duke had failed! Or had it? Belle was soon lost again in the pages of the novel.

Adam returned from his run, most refreshed and in a better frame of mind. The night air had indeed done him the world of good and as he strolled back into the courtyard he saw that a light was burning in his library, or more accurately, Belle's library now.

Surely no one could be up at this hour so that could only mean one thing. Someone had failed to put out the fire in the room. He was about to roar out his displeasure when he remembered that Belle would be sleeping but he bounded back up into his room and put on his robe before running down the halls and opening the doors to the library.

He would have whichever servants head was responsible for this. Didn't they know how precious these books were, not just to him but especially to Belle.

He made his way towards the fire but then stopped dead. Seated beside the banked fire was Belle engrossed in a book. What was she doing up at this hour? She should have been in bed hours ago, not scaring him by having a fire in here. Still she looked so beautiful sitting there like that, concentrating so hard on the book that she was almost shivering as she had let the fire burn down too low.

He quietly added another log to the fire, banking it properly so there was no chance of a stray ember, then he got a blanket from a pile on another chair and gently placed it near her without disturbing her. Then with a last smile he began to back away towards the doors.

Belle had become so engrossed in her book that she had failed to notice that the fire had been burning low. She had just unconsciously bundled up tighter in her robe and "pressed on." She didn't even notice when the fire flared up a little, adding warmth to the room. She only snapped out of her concentration when she felt a blanket laid gently around her shoulders.

Turning around, she saw Adam leaving the room. "Adam, wait," she called softly. "You must think me the worst person, forcing you out of your warm bed just to check on my welfare." Belle stood up, gathering the blanket around her. "But since you're up, I wanted to tell you I had a wonderful time tonight." Belle ducked her head, a blush creeping to her cheeks.

Adam stopped and smiled at Belle. Even now that they had got over there initial anger and then shyness towards each other, they still had a hard time talking to each other. He because, well he was an ugly beast and he still did not know why she chose to be in his presence willingly.

He also wondered why she always blushed when she talked to him and was so shy. Obviously it was because she was not used to talking to an animal as a human being and she was trying to hide her embarrassment, but he was not so sure anymore.

"It was my pleasure miss Belle. It was high time this old place echoed to the sound of some joyful sounds for once, instead of just my gloomy voice," he smiled. "However should you not be in bed asleep? I do not begrudge you the use of the library, indeed it is yours to do with as you wish as I promised, but it is very late and I would not like you to catch a chill falling asleep in here."

"It was all the excitement of the day that kept me awake," Belle confessed, turning back to the fire and adding another log, which made the room a little toastier and a little brighter. Belle reached into the pocket of her robe and pulled it a small ribbon, gathering her hair into a loose ponytail before turning back to Beast.

"Maybe it's like Christmas Eve, and you don't want to go to sleep, for fear of missing something. And with this library," Belle spun around, her hands gesturing at the walls of books, "It's like I have a thousand Christmas gifts to open."

Belle stepped forward, placing both her hands on one of Beast's great paws. "And thank you again for this grand gift, Adam, but please, just call me Belle," she said in her soft voice.

Adam loved it when Belle put her hair up. It made her look even more beautiful than she already was.

He smiled at her enthusiasm about his collection of books. He had loved to read when he had been human and it was something he missed now that he was a beast, but his paws were just too big. He would ruin his treasures and he would never do that.

"Belle it shall be then, I will have to remember that. As for this library it is my pleasure. Books like this deserve to be read, not hidden away. I am only glad I have found someone who appreciates them as much as I do. Still they will be here in the morning. You should get your rest."

"You're right," she admitted grudgingly. "It's just that I feel I might miss something if I got to sleep now," she added with a laugh. By the fire there were two books, both open and laying face down on the floor. "I feel a little guilty about reading two books at once," Belle admitted, "But in the village, I was lucky just to have the loan of one from the bookseller. Now I have all this," she gestured toward the shelves of books waiting for her in the shadows."

Belle looked up at Adam and placed both of her small hands on top of one of the fingers of his paw. "Come sit with my by the fire. Just for a short while," she pleaded. "One of the books is just ending, and it's so sweet. Just let me read you a few pages, and then I'll let you march me off to my bed like a good little girl." Belle's soft brown eyes looked up at Adam, quietly hoping he would say yes.

Adam looked at her face and into her eyes and melted. No one had looked at him like that for a very, very long time.

"Very well Belle, But not for too long. I would hate for you to catch a chill or get sick."

He made his way over to the large chair that he had made the servants bring up when he was still attempting to read. It was the only one that could support his weight and large body. He half sat down, half laid down and waited for Belle to begin.

In truth he was actually looking forward to this, but he couldn't look too eager. This might scare her off and he wouldn't want that. He actually enjoyed having her around and the last thing he wanted was her out of his life.

"Not over there," Belle laughed. Adam, for all his rough appearance, could be so very formal. She put another log on the fire before sitting on the woven rug in front of the fire, tucking her feet underneath her. "There's plenty of light here, and it's just toasty enough to make a happy ending, even happier," Belle said, closing one book and picking up the other, which had been left open at a point near the end.

"Come on," Belle said, patting a spot on the rug next to her. "Plenty of room."

Adam smiled, then remembering how that showed off all his pointed teeth and large canines quickly stopped so he didn't scare her. Then he dragged himself out of the chair and padded over on all fours and laid down behind her.

It was indeed warm behind her. Maybe a little too warm for him but he would put up with it for her sake. After all he was a beast, wearing a robe and covered in thick fur. He didn't even really need the fire to stay warm.

"I am ready when you are Belle."

Belle reached up and patted Adam on his furry cheek. "It's okay to smile, Adam. I know the only things those teeth will ever do is protect me. To be honest, I have to keep on reminding myself to call you Adam, because it's not Adam who makes me feel warm and safe, it's my Beast," she said with a warm smile.

Belle leaned up against Adam, and picked up her book. "It's called 'The Princess Bride. The other one is called the Charwoman's Shadow," Belle said, pointing at the other book on the floor. "Did you ever get a chance to read either one of them, or have someone read them to you?"

Adam sighed. He had read them both and had not understood their true meaning until he had been turned into the beast. Now though, he too hoped for a happy ending like the characters in those stories.

"Yes Belle I have read those books. I was quite the reader when I was younger. I would say I have read most of the books in this library or had them read to me."

He smiled sadly allowing his teeth to show, no longer afraid. "And if you truly are having trouble, then from you I do not mind being called Beast," he told her as he gently ran his huge paw through her hair.

Belle closed her eyes, luxuriating in Beast's large fingers gently parting the strands of her hair.

"Wait a minute," she said, reaching behind her and undoing the tie she had put in just a little while ago. "You may proceed," she said, trying to imitate Cogsworth's officious tone, but giggling instead.

Beast smiled. She was the only one that could get him to smile so easily. He had not enjoyed somebody's company so much...well ever. Even as a man he had never met anyone like her before. She was charming and witty and of course beautiful. He however failed to see why she enjoyed his company. However he would take her kindness and thank his lucky stars every day.

He began to drag his claws through her hair gently. They were just as good as any comb and because of his fur even better. Not only did he comb her hair, but he smoothed it with his fur and made it shine. He luxuriated in the feel of her silken hair falling between his fingers and he leaned down close to breathe in her scent.

"Well Belle, would you read to me then? It has been awhile since somebody did. I am afraid I have been too grumpy lately for any of the staff to even suggest it too me."

"Of course," Belle said, leaning back against her friend. In the process, Belle's robe loosened up a little. Nothing became openly revealed, as both the robe and the nightgown underneath were both very modest. But from Beast's viewpoint up above, he was offered just the barest hint of Belle's décolletage.

Belle, blithely unaware of all of this, open the book and began reading:

“Since the invention of the kiss, there have only been five kisses that were rated the most passionate, the most pure. This one left them all behind."

Belle held the book up to her chest and sighed, a dreamy look on her face. She looked up at her friend and, with a mischievous look on her face, stretched up and gave him a quick kiss between his tusks. Giggling, she settled back down and, leaning once again against him, continued reading.

Beast had been half dreaming of better times while running his claws through her hair when she had leaned up against him. The fact that she did had startled him out of his musings. It was not the fact of her weight, as he could barely feel her at all. To him she was as light as a feather and he knew he had to be careful with her least he accidentally use too much force and cause her an injury.

No it was the fact that she had done it at all that had startled him. He glanced down and then blushed although you would have had to have looked very hard to tell. He could see the very tops of her breasts from where he was sitting and Belle did not seem to notice. He was torn. On one hand he was trying to be a gentleman so he should turn his head away. On the other it had been so long since he had even seen this much of a beautiful woman's anatomy.

Before he could decide what to do she did something even more extraordinary. She actually kissed him. Right on his lips between his tusks. He had frozen in shock then looked down again and been confronted by the same sight as she got settled and started to read again as if nothing had happened. Well she might be pretending that, but his body knew better and once again something was rising up.

He moved his lower body away from her so she would not become aware of his predicament and then went back to stroking her hair. If she wished to pretend then he would too. Well maybe not, he could not resist kissing the back of her neck first before going back to his combing duties.

Belle finished the book, looked up at her Beast, and gave him a beatific smile. "I do so love a happy ending!"

The clock in the hall struck three, startling Belle. She lifted her arms above her head, giving her back a good stretch, then picked up the other book, The Charwoman's Shadow.

"I know it's late," Belle began, "And you're probably wanting to return to your bed, but it's not like we have to be anywhere in the morning. Snow everywhere, and no chores to be done. We can be lolligags of the grandest sorts," Belle laughed. "Sleep in until noon, if we wish! So perhaps one or two chapters more?"

Beast laughed. "You are insatiable when you get an idea in your head aren't you. Fine but it is getting a little cool. Why don't you get a blanket or maybe snuggle up closer. I am sure my fur can keep you warm. One of the advantages of this body is that I do not grow cold," he smiled. "Why do you think the castle is all the way up here," he chuckled.

He reached out his arms in an invitation to Belle not really expecting her to take it.

Without hesitation Belle backed up against Beast and drew his arm around her waist.

"You are soft and warm," she said with a smile, as she planted her book on top of his arm. "And a very handy book stand. "Now where was I?" she asked. "Right. Ramon had just discovered the third syllable that will unlock the chest," she said happily, snuggling into Beast as she flipped through the pages.

Beast was surprised when she took him up on his offer but did not waste the opportunity. He pulled her tight against him and leaned his head down next to hers and breathed in her scent. It was intoxicating and he allowed himself to slip into another dream as she read.

Unfortunately foe him he had forgotten about his lower extremities and soon something was making itself known again.

Belle felt something nudge her in the hip, but thought nothing of it, her unconscious mind telling her that it was Beast's knee or perhaps some part of the outfit he wore from tonight, that he still had on under his robe.

Instead, she continued reading out loud about the release of the charwoman's shadow, and how the body conformed to the shadow, and not the other way around.

She sighed in happiness at the scene from the book, her handing lightly caressing Beast's arm around her waist.

Beast was shocked out of his daydream again as he felt himself rubbing up against Belle's hip. The sensation was incredible and along with her cuddled against him and her hand caressing his arm that was wrapped around her waist it was almost too much to bear. However he could not do 'That' here. What would she think of him? Especially considering where the results would end up. She would indeed call him a Beast and it would not be with the tender tones she used now.

He delicately used slow movements to ease his body away from her until his crotch was well away from her and any danger and then began to think of the most ugliest sights he had ever witnessed. From a week old Deer he had come across, to the sight of Mrs Potts taking a bath. The last had been an accident and he could not erase that memory no mater how hard he tried.

It seemed to do the trick as he shrank again and he sighed in relief. As he tuned back in to what Belle was saying he realized what she had been reading. Stories that in some way mirrored his own. However his was not looking to good at getting it's happy ending.

Belle felt Beast shifting around and wondered if he was the sort who couldn't stand being in one place for very long, at least not while he was awake. Perhaps being this close to the fire was making him uncomfortable. "Are you too warm, Beast?" she asked softly. "We can scoot away from the fire if you like, though I'll be forced to use my memory to 'read' to you," she laughed. "Or, if you like, you can go back to bed. I'll be all right. I may even be properly wound down in an hour," she added, using both her hands to pull Beast's arm tight around her waist. "I will admit, though, your warmth has spoiled me."