This story is written strictly for the free enjoyment of fans of the "Beauty and the Beast" television series. No copyright infringement is intended.)

Truth or Consequences

Angie

…. parting is such sweet sorrow.

- William Shakespeare

Catherine finished her work Above and gratefully changed into Tunnel wear. She had been working in the brownstone’s office and she felt she had to look the part. However, her advancing pregnancy was making the garb a chore. Soon she would delegate what she could.

As soon as she entered the tunnels she felt a sense of peace. She always forgot how noisy the City was until she felt the quiet of the tunnels surround her. Of course, they were not completely quiet. There was the tapping on the pipes – messages back and forth between sentries, the community, the helpers. And the rattle of the trains far above. Neither of these things detracted from the magic, though. They were an integral part of life Below. If they had stopped, she would have felt bereft somehow.

She always used the brownstone’s tunnel entrance now when she went Above. The risks had increased in recent months. The outside world had become less friendly and more dangerous. No one took any chances. The entire community now used the more secret ways. The brownstone had become one of them. On the outside, it had a sign which declared it the headquarters of an obscure Zen sect. It was enough to explain the frequent comings and goings from its below-street door at all hours – but discouraged the curious. The main door, up a few steps, was reserved for special visitors and Catherine herself.

She and Vincent had an attic suite in the brownstone and they usually spent their evenings there and slept there. Very soon, just prior to the birth, they would live there round the clock. Then when their son arrived, even Vincent would not be going Below as often. He had been adamant about that. In the meantime, he still spent considerable time Below, trying to deal with as much outstanding work as possible - learning to delegate. He was there now.

She rounded the tunnel curve and entered Vincent’s chamber. Despite her long association, she could never quite think of it has hers, or even theirs. He dominated the space as he did all others, unobtrusively, but definitively.

He was an inveterate pack rat and every flat space had books or eclectic pieces he loved. Catherine felt no desire to discourage his untidiness. It was who he was and she loved every part of him, inside and out. She did not try to change him in other ways either. He had done that for himself. He wore less now, was less concerned about his unusual appearance and seemed happier than ever. Their love grew and seemed to know no limits.

It was now almost lunch time, and she could feel that Vincent was nearby – probably in Father’s chamber. She looked around and spotted the one thing that bothered her about the man who was her life.

On the table was a cardboard tray containing an untidy array of tiny paper cups – another empty chocolate box. The helpers indulged Vincent’s sweet tooth shamelessly. A month or so ago, she had had a sudden addiction for chocolate cherries and Vincent had happily shared it with her. That had lasted a couple of weeks – and now she could not look at one without feeling sick. Vincent though, had simply switched to other candy.

She had to admit he did not seem to experience any adverse effects. He never put on weight and Father assured her he was not diabetic. Certainly he didn’t get cavities. Candy was his only food fetish – although he ate enough of William’s food for three men. She worried nevertheless. Surely it could not be healthy to eat so much refined sugar.

The box on the table had not been there after breakfast. Someone must have brought it down. That meant Vincent had wolfed down these dozen or more treats this morning. How many others was he demolishing when she was not around? He knew of her concerns very well – and was usually more careful about his leavings. Something must have distracted him.

Suddenly she felt him behind her and he whirled her around and gave her an all-enveloping hug. She melted into him. He was so deliciously warm and solid. She felt his breath on her neck just before he kissed her ear. It was hard to think while he held her like this – and he knew it. Reluctantly, she pried herself loose and stepped back so she could look him in the eyes. She realized he looked decidedly guilty and knew he had caught her concern about the chocolates. She sighed.

"Vincent ….."

"I know Catherine. Don’t say it."

Vincent looked at the table and kicked himself mentally for forgetting to dispose of the remains before she returned. He bent down and pulled her to him, kissing her before she could think of anything else to say. She willingly returned it and they stood thus for some moments, until they were both gasping for breath.

The lunch signal rang over the pipes and Vincent for once was grateful for the interruption.

"Shall we go for lunch?" he whispered in her ear.

Catherine sighed again and took his arm in answer.

"As if we could miss a meal! This discussion isn’t over, Vincent. I’m worried about you."

"I know my love, but I can never refuse a candy. You know that."

That gave Catherine an idea as they walked down to the dining hall.

Lunch was the usual buffet of sandwiches and William’s wonderful soup. This time it was ham and split pea – one of her favourites. She loaded up a bowl and then a platter with sandwiches and Vincent carried it and his own soup bowl to a table.

"What are you doing this afternoon, Vincent?" Catherine asked, careful to project just casual interest.

"Mouse wants to show me a new pipe chamber he found - one we can use as a minor back-up to our main one. Pascal is coming with us. It’s not as large, apparently, but it should allow him to delegate some of the work. I’ll be back before supper."

"I think I’ll try and tidy up my annex." Catherine told him. "I’ve neglected my housekeeping shamefully. Then maybe a short nap."

"Yes, you must not get overtired, Catherine." He patted the bulge in her middle affectionately.

They finished off their meal and Catherine ate one of William’s date squares washed down with tea. Vincent managed to gobble two in short order – but did not go back for a third as he would usually have. She stored that information away.

They said a quiet goodbye at the entrance to the dining hall and Vincent strode off in the opposite direction toward the Pipe Chamber. Catherine turned back and went into the kitchen. William was stacking dishes and bellowing orders to his two washer-uppers. The children all took turns helping him and his loud supervision just passed right over them. They smiled at Catherine and she grinned at them. Everyone knew that Williams’ bark was worse than his bite – the latter being non-existent.

"William, I need to talk to you," Catherine said, grabbing his arm to get his attention.

He turned to look at her and nodded. "You scamps better have these done by the time I return," he told his young helpers. "Let’s go into my office, Catherine."

Catherine was surprised. She had not known he had an office, although it made a great deal of sense when she thought about it. She followed him behind a long row of shelves filled with dry goods and through a stone doorway that had been deliberately cut to mimic William’s substantial girth. She giggled and caught his sideways glance at her, his mouth twitching.

"Kanin’s little joke," William explained, unnecessarily.

His office was small, but crowded with cookbooks. The walls were hung with oddities from the culinary world. There was a two-foot long pair of chopsticks and a ladle that would have held the contents of the average stew pot, among other things. There were also two comfortable chairs and a desk which held only a long ledger book.

"Please sit, Catherine. What can I do for you? Would you like some special maternity treats?"

"Your food is wonderful already, William. I don’t know how you could improve it. But no, I came to discuss Vincent’s eating habits. Specifically his addiction to candy."

"Ah yes, I’ve noticed our Vincent seems to be eating a lot more of those these days. It can’t be because you are any less sweet." William never missed an opportunity to deliver a jibe. Catherine ignored it, blushing slightly.

"Any idea why, William?"

"Well, Catherine, he has always loved sweet things, but until fairly recently, we never had luxuries like chocolates and candy down here. I made some home-made honey candy and fudge occasionally, but there was never a lot of it. They were special treats, usually for parties or birthdays."

Catherine was beginning to understand. "Are you saying that by ensuring the community lacks for nothing, they are now eating more sugar?"

"Well, not exactly," William said slowly. "But our suppliers, now that they are making regular shipments of a greater variety of staples, always include a few treats. We don’t order them, I assure you, but somehow there is always a box or two of chocolates or some assorted bags of candy in the mix. Vincent often assists in bringing the goods back, so he knows this. I’m sure some of that candy never reaches my larder. And some of the helpers, I’m sure, have seen the glint in his eyes and give him a box of chocolates on the sly. I save what reaches me and dole it out carefully to my young helpers as treats."

"I see," Catherine declared. "How can I ensure that Vincent does not keep getting this stuff. A little is fine, but he’s eating a box or more of chocolates a day. I worry about him. What would you suggest?"

"Nothing simpler, Catherine. When I put in my order, I will expressly ask them to put in nothing but what I ask for. Vincent always comes here to join the pickup party. I’ll start making my own fudge and other candy again – probably a lot healthier anyway. I’ll put him to work - I need a strong arm to mix the pot. It takes a lot of stirring. He’ll be paid in more modest amounts than he’s been used to, but I don’t think he’ll complain. We only order in about every two weeks, so in-between he’ll have to be satisfied with you," William gave her a friendly leer.

Catherine laughed. "Thank you William. I think that should work very well. Vincent’s away with Pascal right now, so I think I’d better check his chamber for any hidden treasures. I’ll give you any I find. He’ll have to be satisfied with your desserts in the meantime."

"Right you are, Catherine. I’ll make some extra sweet ones though. We don’t want him to go into withdrawal."

She rose to leave and leaned over to plant a kiss on William’s broad cheek. "Thanks again. I hope this works," she threw over her shoulder as she left.

"It will," she heard him rumble behind her.

Back in Vincent’s chamber, Catherine did an intensive search that would have been credit to a detective. She found a bag of sweets under his socks in the wardrobe, another in an old boot, two boxes of chocolates on top of the wardrobe, another pushed behind a bookcase, and a large plastic-wrapped brick of brittle bubbly stuff neatly tucked behind a pile of books. She left that on the table. It was a home-made treat, she knew, and one she herself liked. She broke off a golden piece and sucked it happily. She had not seen this in years. One of the helpers must have made it. She broke another piece off.

She carried the purloined candy back to William, who put it in his office. Then she showed him the piece of the golden candy.

"Do you make any of this, William," she asked.

"Why, that’s sponge taffy! I don’t think I’ve ever made it down here, but I can certainly do so," William declared. "It’s very simple – and I’m sure your big sweet tooth would love it. It might even compensate somewhat for the lack of chocolates. I’ll get some made today and bring some to you."

"Better and better," Catherine smiled, hugging the big man. "I want to keep him happy. See you."

Over the next few days, Catherine noticed that Vincent was quieter. She caught him rummaging in various places, when he thought she wasn’t looking, or pretending to re-arrange things. She said nothing however. They had shared the sponge taffy with great delight and, with William’s willing cooperation, she had made sure there was always some about. Vincent was looking a little puzzled, though, she thought.

Delivery day arrived. Cullen was assigned to accompany the work party and Vincent was asked to help William, which he did willingly, especially when he learned what he would be doing. She went to the kitchen with him and he seemed to be quivering a little. Was he feeling the lack of ultra-refined sugar in his diet? His hands were shaking slightly as he sampled the hot fudge mixture in the big wok-like pan. She put her hands around his waist from behind and sent him her love along the bond. She felt him stiffen a little and realized he had put the pieces together. He kept stirring the pot with great energy until William declared it ready and then he moved away from her to pour the contents into the greased trays. Catherine sensed a tension that seemed ready to explode. Nevertheless, Vincent carefully scraped the pot with the big wooden spoon, his eyes closed.

Catherine was now feeling very guilty. Had she gone too far? Vincent looked at her out of the corner of his eyes, then turned to face her.

"Catherine, you are a meddler - but a delectable one. I know you orchestrated this out of love for me, so I can hardly hold it against you. But I can hold this against you."

He crossed the distance between them in one long stride, caught her in a hug and pushed his pelvis against her. The bulge of his manhood made her groan as his passion flared along their bond. He bent down to kiss her and she could taste the sweet candy on his lips.

William interrupted with a bellow. "My dears, if you aren’t going to work, get out of my kitchen! You’re distracting me."

Vincent shot him a look that made the big man take a step backwards, but he recovered quickly.

"The fudge will be ready by supper time," he declared, turning back to the pot and lifting it into his sink for washing.

Catherine found herself carried in a pair of strong arms at breakneck speed back to their chamber. Vincent flicked down the privacy rug, dumped her on the bed and lay next to her, almost ripping her clothes off in his eagerness.

"Vincent …," Catherine gasped as the last of her clothing was flung away and he began some very concentrated foreplay. "You haven’t been this eager for weeks."

Vincent slowed, but did not stop massaging her gravid body. It felt wonderful. She found herself gasping for air.

"Catherine, you were missing the most important part of the equation when you calculated I was eating too much candy – the reason for it. I found it helped to … um … distract … my libido enough that I didn’t miss you quite so painfully when you had to go Above. Also, your bulge is now fairly large and I didn’t want to press you. Maybe I overdid it with the candy."

He grinned at her. "Now my sweet you know the truth - and must suffer the consequences." He began to nuzzle her in various places with great deliberation and considerable skill.

Catherine began some massages of her own in her favourite place, and mumbled into his furry chest.

"Hmmmpph. William was on the right track, after all. Why didn’t you tell me?"

"And admit I am a slave to my desires?" Vincent mumbled into her elevated belly button.

"Well, Vincent, thank goodness I never guessed the truth. Your consequences are quite delightful."

Afterwards, spooned into him, somewhat amazed that his arms could still surround her, Catherine reflected that Vincent had triumphed. William would ensure he never lacked for candy and she would make sure he never suffered from his other addiction – herself.

Vincent, as if he read her mind, nuzzled her ear. His love for her was sweeter than any candy and she returned it happily.

END