Here is the very last chapter. I'm sort of empty. I also must inform you all that I will not be continuing with this series. I simply cannot think of another book.

I thank ShyandStarryEyed, Nimara and a new reviewer, Tiana, for their comments.

Here is Chapter 12!

…

Chapter 12

Love & Jealousy

Lumiere groaned as light flooded into his room. He attempted to move away, only to find that it caused a spark of pain in his side. Letting out a small curse under his breath, he fell back against the pillow.

A smile formed on his mouth when he heard a familiar giggle. Raising his head, the Frenchman inquired in mock curiosity, "Babette, your duty is to leave the injured to Mrs. Potts, is it not?"

The maid nodded, walking inside and closing his bedroom door. "Oui, but she allowed me to come in and see you."

The maitre'd asked, "Whatever for?"

Moving to sit beside him on the edge of the bed, she glanced down at her hands. "I…we…we have to talk."

His amusement faded. That was never good. As Babette helped him to sit up, Lumiere responded. "If you are going to say any harsh words to me, just remember that even though I now have bandages, I am still wounded."

At this, the young woman's heart sunk with guilt. Softly placing a hand on the bandages around his waist, she nodded. "Not to fear, I am not going to say such things."

"Tres bein," the maitre'd replied. Inside, he was beyond relief. The last thing he wanted was to have her angry at him…although he heavily deserved it after the way he had acted.

There was silence for a moment, until the chambermaid coughed daintily. "I…I hear that Lucifer is being sent to prison."

Lumiere gave a small smile, "That is most fortunate. We are to never see that man again."

Babette hated the further quiet that followed. What was she supposed to say? The silence seemed to feel heavy, like a great weight on her back. Where do we go from here? What are we to do?

The Frenchman refused to look up from his hands, shame preventing him from even glancing at the young woman. If only he hadn't overreacted when Lucifer had come to the castle. If only he hadn't allowed jealousy to run his decisions. Then he would still be with his beloved.

The maid touched his arm gently, causing him to meet her eyes. She swallowed, "Lumiere…I…I do not know what to say to you. I do not know what to make of what has happened between us."

Feeling the need to lighten the mood, the maitre'd attempted humour. "For once in my life, I find that I am unable to speak before a young lady. It is quite a change." But even his wit felt dry and lifeless, and his smile was partly forced.

Babette responded, "Oh Lumiere…you always know what to say."

"Not in this instance," he responded, the forced smile gone.

The young woman began looking around the room, searching for any form of conversation. The stillness was suffocating. Her gaze fell on the lit candles on one of the walls. She was unable to resist a small smile. They reminded of the first time she had met him, and there forced time together. How they had grown closer from initial hatred…

The voice of the maitre'd brought her back to him. "What are you looking at?"

"It is nothing," Babette answered quickly.

Not believing her, Lumiere followed her gaze. Seeing the candles, he understood. They brought back pleasant memories that were far from the most recent events. Unfortunately, he feared that soon the memories would be all they would have of each other.

As she continued to look upon the lit candles, watching the flames dance on the wicks, the young maid felt tears sting in her eyes. Why do I continue to dwell in the past? It is useless. Lumiere had ended their relationship. There was no hope for them now. At least…not if things were somehow turned around.

As if someone had heard her prayers, the Frenchman began speaking. "Mademoiselle, I want you to know that my injuries are not your fault."

Not sure of what to say, she replied, "Merci."

The maitre'd continued nervously, "Also. I would like to apologize for my earlier behaviour, and I would like to know if you forgive me." There was no point in simply sitting there if he did not make his feelings known.

Babette nodded, "Lumiere, you are forgiven." The hope in the young man's heart dropped when she continued, "But I cannot be with someone who does not trust me and becomes so easily jealous."

The Frenchman swallowed, "I understand." Why did I let that man come between us? Why did I believe him? Oh, I am such a fool!

Seeing the misery in his entire expression, the maid felt her heart ache. She had never seen a man look so depressed in her life…and it was because of her. Taking a deep breath, she asked, "There is one thing I need to know. Why is it that you became so terribly enraged with me? I have never seen or heard of you being that upset before."

Lumiere, out of habit, held her hand. "Because I never felt so hurt by anyone in my life."

The words pierced her heart. He…he was devastated with the thought that I did not love him. She could not ignore the sensation of her hand being softly enclosed in his. It felt familiar, and, for lack of a better word, magical.

Deciding that it may be his only chance to fix his mistakes before it was too late, Lumiere continued. "I did not mean to act out. My decisions were clouded by fury and jealousy. I assumed that you wanted Lucifer more than me. I am truly sorry for all I have put you through."

Babette shook her head, the words pouring out before she could think. "No, you have nothing to be sorry for. It was I who was at fault. If I wouldn't have overreacted about you and Angelique, then things may not have happened the way they did."

Lumiere chuckled, "It seems that we are both at fault, ma cheri."

The maid stilled at the affectionate name. She could tell by the Frenchman's expression that it had not meant to come out. Babette could no longer deny that hearing it had made her heart leap. Mon Dieu! I think I may be falling back in love with him! Oui, I believe I am.

The maitre'd started uneasily, "I did not mean to…"

He was hushed by Babette's lips being crushed against his own.

The maid pulled away softly, murmuring, "I know, but it made me realize something. I really do still care about you, and a lot."

The Frenchman was stayed there, stunned, for several seconds. "I feel the same. I am just so very glad that you have not decided that you hate me," he answered quietly.

She placed a gentle kiss on his cheek, before whispering close to his ear, "How could I? You mean so much to me, that it would be a cruelty for the both of us if I decided such a thing."

Lumiere nodded, "Bein," he swallowed, "Now. Since I fear losing you again, or ever parting with you, I have a very important question."

Her heart slammed in her chest, thinking she knew what it was. "Oui?"

Grabbing something from his side-table, the Frenchman cleared his throat. "I know this will seem sudden, but you mean the world to me. I could not bear to have you out of my life. I suppose what I am asking is…"

Babette held up a hand, tears welling in her eyes, "Lumiere, stop."

Panic flashed in his eyes, "What?" he whispered.

The maid smiled, wrapping her arms around him, "I know what you are going to ask, and my answer is mais oui! Of course I shall marry you!"

Lumiere smiled, slipping the hidden ring on her finger. "Then I am the happiest man in the world. I have already spoken to the Master, and he has allowed us to marry and still live here. He seems to have a soft touch for us."

The young maid cried in delight, "Oh mon amour! Je'taime!"

He kissed her forehead, "Je'taime mon ange." Moving over, he patted the empty side of the bed, "Lie here with me, mon treasure." After receiving a suspicious look from Babette, the Frenchman assured, "The gesture is purely innocent." It would not have been with other women, but things were different when it came to the chambermaid. They always had been.

Giving in, the young woman stood to close the shutters. Looking out at the rising sun, she knew that peace had once again been brought to the castle. Smiling at the maitre'd, Babette muttered to herself, "After such a long time and so many doubts, I have finally found the one man who makes me happy."

Lying down beside him, the maid sighed contently. Things were changing, she knew that. But for her and Lumiere, they were changing for the better. Everything was finally looking up.

…..

Aww, good for her.

I hope everyone has enjoyed this series. I have enjoyed writing it, and doing my first real series in tribute to my favourite couple ever! Feel free to give me feedback if you want.

I hope to see you all when I start my next series. It won't be uploaded for quite a while, because I have school so I have to focus on that. So please be patient my dears :)

See you soon?

-Babetteisawesome :)