Belle saw the way his hands worked--she'd seen him make similar motions before, almost like he was spinning without his wheel, and she couldn't help thinking for a moment of his quip all those years ago, It helps me forget. She wasn't at all surprised, now, that there was quite a lot he might want to forget--but it didn't mean the motion didn't make her heart ache.
Swallowing, she took his hands in hers, leaning close.
"I know. I think we're all--aware of what could happen. It's why we're trying to be quiet about it for now, moving slowly. But I think we all know how quickly things could get out of hand. And...I can't honestly say I'm not worried about what might happen then. And now I..." she was quiet for a moment, looking at their joined fingers.
"...you know, before, I told myself I was doing it all in part because of you, that--thinking about you was my reason for fighting. But now--there's a part of me that almost wants to--back away from it all, just...stop fighting and stay with you."