Under the Mistletoe

Under the Mistletoe

The snow was lightly falling, the chill in the air froze the breath, and Belle pulled her Christmas jacket over her shoulders as she went out to the market. The square was full of bustling families getting their last minute necessities for  the holiday.

Belle had her shopping all done, had it finished for days, but she had a few stops to make herself. One was to the bookshop, she had a hand baked pie in her basket for the book keeper, it was the least she could do for the man who shared her love for books and gave her special discounts on the books she enjoyed so much. There was also a batch of cookies for the little boy who had helped her run errands for her father. And a little something special for a certain special someone.

Belle saw him in the middle of square, dancing in a specially made costume for the holiday, she caught his eye. He was already smiling, but his smile seemed to brighten when he saw her.

Belle lifted her hand in a small wave, but did not approach him. She wanted to save him for last. That decided, she quickened her pace. The bookshop was busy, which was an odd site for Belle, normally she was the only one in there aside from the owner. He had a gift for her, and so excused himself for the gift trade, he had a new book he'd ordered specifically for her.

It just so happened the boy whom the cookies were for was also at the bookshop, so Belle was out again in only minutes.

She went back to the square, but he was no longer there.

Belle tapped people on the shoulders asking about him. A few people told her they didn't know, but finally someone said "I think he's gone back to his cart."

"Thank you." She said, "Merry Christmas!"

Clopin was indeed back at his cart, and in fact was about to leave again when he heard a knock on the door to his cart. He opened it, "Belle!" He chirped, "How nice to see you madame!" He kissed her hand in one swift movement.

Belle brightened, and wiped he loose strand of hair out of her face. "M-merry Christmas!" She told him, and reached into her basket with a trembling hand. God, she was so nervous.  "I- I have something for you."

"Wha-" Clopin's question was cut off when she pulled out a small plant and held it up above her head.

It was mistletoe.

Clopin didn't really celebrate Christmas, but he knew the tradition behind Mistletoe, he stared blankly at it surprised for a moment before he broke into a wide grin and cupped her face to kiss her. It was a sweet, gentle kiss, full of love.

He released her once they couldn't hold it any longer.

"Merry Christmas." He whispered to her, before he swiped another small one.