Winter Kiss

by Nancy Lynn Knauff

("Beauty and the Beast" and its original characters are thecreation of Ron Koslow and is owned by Republic Pictures and itsowners. This story is written strictly for the enjoyment of fans, andno infringement is meant in any way.)

In his arms, all was right with the world.

The song ended, and so did their waltz. Catherine almostdidn’t notice. She was so wrapped up in the feeling of dancingwith Vincent. He had such a grace about him that thrilled her to noend, and his footing was always sure. Not to mention his strength,just below the surface when they were close to each other. She wascaptured by his very presence.

The Winterfest celebration was always an experience unlike any shehad ever witnessed or participated in before or since. But this yearwas special. This year she was indeed celebrating. She- actually,everyone, not just her- were celebrating the continuance of life. Tobe specific, the life of the man she loved above all else.

Vincent’s satiny voice broke through her revelry. "Catherine?The music has stopped."

She shook her head, lightly chuckled. She looked up into pools ofbreathtaking blue eyes. "Oh. I almost forgot. My mind waselsewhere."

He turned his head to one side, characteristically for him. Shenever tired of that look he gave her. It was a look that shone inmany different ways, with many different emotions. Right now it spokeof bemusement with a hint of the love he always held for her. Heslightly smiled, one that only she could truly see. "Elsewhere,Catherine?" he spoke, just short of a teasing tone to his voice. Onearm let go of their dancing embrace. She couldn’t help butnotice his reluctance to move anywhere away from her. The other armmoved to encompass her back, as he steered her through the mass offriends. "Come."

The couple headed toward the sidelines as the musicians preparedto take a break. There were many other couples dancing this specialevening, but it seemed they were receiving more of their share ofattention. Catherine knew Vincent was a bit uncomfortable with this,but had gradually relaxed enough to ask her to dance.

They found several people flocked around Father and another friendplaying a spirited game of chess. Vincent studied the board from afara moment, then shook his head as he chuckled. "Is Father winning?"Catherine asked him. "Or is Peter beating him once again?"

"Being trounced would be more appropriate." She laughed at hisremark as they moved on.

Sebastian was still doing his magic tricks, much to the delight ofthe children surrounding him. Others were clustered in areas of theGreat Hall, chatting amiably, tunnel dwellers and Helpers alike. Allaround them was a wave of good will and happiness that penetratedCatherine’s bones. It was a great feeling, one that Vincentseemed to share in as well through their bond.

She has so much joy in her, Vincent thought to herself ashis beloved started chatting with one of their many friends. He knewthat Catherine had looked forward to this year’s Winterfest- hersecond- ever since the summer had ended. It was a time of cheer, shehad told him when he had brought her candle invitation to her. Heknew what she had meant. It was a time to rejoice- rejoice in theirtriumph over death. He hardly suffered from the nightmares now, andwhen he did he would always wake to feel his preciousCatherine’s presence close to him, even if she was Above.Indeed, their bond grew stronger everyday. He marveled at the miracleit was.

He continued musing as they made their rounds through the hall.Everyone it seemed wanted to chat with them. Many of the HelpersVincent hadn’t seen since his breakdown that summer, and theyall wanted to spend some time with him. It had taken forever beforehe had the opportunity to ask Catherine to dance. They hadn’tbeen given the chance last year to do so during the celebration, andVincent was not about to give up the occasion this year. Once theyhad made it to the dance floor though, everyone seemed content toobserve in awe and tranquillity.

Catherine and Vincent had made it to a table and had finishedsampling William’s wonderful cooking when the musicians pickedup their instruments again. "Would you care to return, Catherine?"Vincent murmured low in her ear.

"With you, always," was her reply. She didn’t need to say it,her beautiful grey-green eyes told him everything, let alone what hefelt through the bond. He took the glass of wine from her hand andescorted her back towards the dance area. At the edge, just out ofplain sight, something caught his eye, and he carefully stoppedher.

"Catherine."

Vincent whispered her name so softly she could barely hear it. Shelooked up once more into his expressive eyes. "Umm? Yes,Vincent?"

He gestured with a nod of his head. "Look."

She glanced in the direction he had indicated. Above them on thehanging candelabra was a sprig of mistletoe. She stared at it as hermind stalled for a moment. Did Vincent even know what itssignificance was? Would he attempt it? He was so reserved withexpressing his affection toward her, especially in public.

Suddenly, Catherine understood. They weren’t directly underit, just off to the side. A sudden wave of disappointment washedthrough her. Of course; Vincent had probably noticed it before andstopped her before she walked under the sprig. Mentally she cursed.It had been a perfect evening until now.

Vincent felt Catherine’s disappointment, then her attempt tomask it. His own heart ached. Of all she had given him, she asked forso little in return. She deserved nothing but happiness, especiallyon this joyful occasion. He glanced lovingly at her; the simple yetelegant soft pink dress, the bodice just low enough to accent herbreasts, and the way her crystal necklace nestled there just betweenthem, moving slightly with each breath she took. She was a vision,completing this magical night. The fact that she loved him- him!- socompletely, so utterly, gave him the courage to move forward oncemore.

An arm still around her waist, Vincent ushered her two stepsforward directly under the mistletoe. Everyone else in the roomvanished in his mind as he looked into Catherine’s surprisedeyes.

His soft voice, low and huskier than normal, penetrated her mentalfog and confusion. "Do you know the tradition?" he asked her.

 Do I know?! Catherine was tongue-tied. What was hedoing? She finally managed to stammer, "Vincent, you don’t haveto-"

The clawed finger on her supple lips silenced her. As she watchedin awe, Vincent took her head in his hands, gentle fingertips holdingher chin in place. He turned her head ever so slightly and slowlyleaned in toward Catherine. Her heart was fluttering, anticipatinghis every move. They both closed their eyes at the same time as heleaned his head in the opposite direction, then there was nothingelse as Vincent pressed his unique lips to her own.

Their kiss was nothing short of electricity. Catherine had assumedthis would be a short chaste kiss. Was she ever wrong. Vincent’smouth closed in on hers passionately, full of his absolute love forher. The bond between them exploded in a whirl of emotion from bothof them. She wrapped her own arms around his neck, into his beautifulmane. Vincent’s response was to bend her slightly backwards,pressing his lean body into her willing own. His breath was warm andinviting, everything she remembered and cherished from their pastkisses. But this one surpassed them all. She felt herself drowning inthe love and passion that was him, and it delighted her to noend.

All too soon, Vincent pulled back to look down at her again. Sheopened her eyes and saw a mischievous look in his unique face,shining along with the affection that never left him. Both of themwere out of breath. There was silence, yet the bond spoke volumes.Then Catherine realized that they weren’t alone. Quickly, sheglanced around the hall.

Everyone in the Great Hall was in shock, all eyes on the two.Father had stopped playing chess, stood from his seat and wasstaring, mouth slightly ajar. Peter’s eyes lit up like theChristmas tree in Rockefeller Center. Mary looked close to tears ofjoy, and all the kids around her were giggling. Jamie and severalothers were smiling at both of them. Poor Mouse looked so confused itwas almost comical. Catherine saw in each one of them a serenehappiness for both of them. There were no recriminations, no looks ofdisgust. Even Father after a moment, sat back down, and finallysmiled. The moment was perfect.

Vincent was still watching her. She glanced back at him."Vincent," she whispered, "everyone’s looking at us."

She saw the devilish glint in his sapphire eyes before he softlyreplied, "My mind was elsewhere." She giggled herself as they headedback to the dance floor. The musicians returned to their playing andWinterfest went on.

But, in Vincent’s arms, with the memory of that devastatingkiss fresh in her mind, Catherine’s mind was spinning. Vincenthad kissed her for the first time in public. It was a step for them along time in coming. And it had been wonderful. She knew that he hadaccepted it, and felt no shame. That alone made her heart soar withpride and love. As her emotions flowed through her, Vincent respondedby holding her tighter as they danced. She locked eyes with him,their love almost palpable. Yes, all was indeed right with theirworld.