First Dance (Artemis, Luna)

[Luna]

Luna hadn’t had a chance to dance with Artemis yet because she had been delighting in all the other experiences, but she was now determined to do this as well. She didn’t want to let the whole night get away from her before she had the chance to experience this activity either. However, she had then been distracted and worried about what had happened out in the gardens and after that she had spent her time talking with Minako and Hotaru . Now was the time however to return to Artemis’s side and dance with him, something she hadn’t done in far too long.

Once she reached him, Luna smoothed the skirt of her dress nervously before turning a bright smile up to him and murmuring shyly, “A dance Artemis, please?”

[Artemis]

He was near the gardens when the incident happened but thought it best to let, Usagi, Mamoru and the Senshi handle the situation. He also noticed Minako dancing with a man that he felt wary over, but all thoughts left his head as soon as Luna came to him and asked him to dance with her. He gave his flirty grin as he feigned his frustration with this tease.
“Luna I thought it was the man to ask the woman. Even though it is not traditional, yes I will dance with you.”
He took Luna’s hand and joined her on the Traditional Waltz. He could not keep his eyes off of her, the dress she had on enhanced her features. She was a vision of beauty. He made a solemn vow to do everything he can to make this night enjoyable. He teased Luna again by asking, “Shall you lead or shall I?”

[Luna]

Luna giggled softly, blushing just a little at his grin. She grinned delightedly and said, “I had to ask Artemis, otherwise you might never have gotten the nerve. Besides, this is the modern day world who says it should be the man to ask the woman to dance.”

She leaned into him, once again blushing at the fact that he couldn’t seem to keep his eyes off of her. Usagi had been right. Luna hit him lightly on the shoulder and murmured, “Don’t be silly Artemis, of course I’d want you to lead. It might be the modern world, but I still like a little tradition.”

[Artemis]

Artemis smiled serenely as Luna leaned closer to him. Even with the tap on the shoulder it did not deter his eyes from Luna's. He gently guided her into the Waltz. He executed the steps in a graceful manner almost like he had danced this for years. His eyes never leaving Luna's throughout the steps. It was hard to distinguish between dream and reality as the Waltz progressed. The dance seemed to take him back in time to a ball so many years ago. However he did not focus on the nostalgic feeling, all he cared about was dancing with Luna.

"That is one of the many things I love about you Luna. You are always thoughtful of consequences. You know me so well and I have yet to realize what I have done right to be here with you."

Artemis added alteration to spinning Luna in that he pulled Luna closer to him once the spin was over. He wondered if she would object to the alteration. He could see different color lights dance above them but his eyes remained focus on Luna.

[Luna]

Luna was enjoying this dance even more then she thought possible. It wasn’t just being able to dance with a handsome man in a pretty dress that was enjoyable, it was who her dance partner was. She really should admit at least to herself that everything Usagi continued to say about her and Artemis was true. He always made her heart leap for joy whenever he was near her, and she missed him so very much when he was gone. No matter how often she tried to deny it, the feelings were there. Artemis was more then just her partner, he was much much more then that and there was no denying it. She just didn’t have the confidence to tell him, didn’t have the courage to admit out loud to anyone how much she had come to care for him.

She twirled along lightly with him, her steps following his lead easily as they moved along with the music. Luna was a little surprised at how easily she could fall into the graceful steps of a waltz since it had been so very long since she had been able to do this. She was more use to moving as a cat, but still her grace as a woman was natural and her steps were as perfect as the night had been.

Luna’s cheeks colored once more at his words and her heart beat a little faster as they registered in her mind. She clung to him a little tighter when he pulled her closer before saying softly, “I wouldn’t want to be here with anyone else ...”

[Artemis]

Artemis noticed the cute shade on Luna’s cheek as he pulled her closer. Artemis was in bliss dancing with Luna. When Luna had said “I wouldn’t want to be here with anyone else ...” his heart beat accelerated but his smile was still serene. He was tempted to kiss her but he heard faint buzz and noticed lights dimming. This caused his attention to be on alert. He gave Luna a tender but short kiss. Then he whispered in Luna’s ear, “Did you see the sudden change?"

He kept the speed of the Waltz but the music was starting to end. He almost wished for the moment to keep going but it was meant to happen. Artemis held Luna close and wondered what she thought about what he saw or if she saw anything at all.

[Luna]

Luna stiffened in surprise when Artemis kissed her, but she relaxed almost instantly. A warm delight spreading through her even though the kiss was a short one, perhaps Usagi was right on a good many things. However, the feelings turned to vague confusion at his words. Sudden Change? What was Artemis talking about?

She stayed silent, still enjoying the dance as she tried to figure out what he was referring to. She hadn’t seen anything at all. When the music ended she pulled away slightly to look up at her companion in confusion and asked, “I didn’t see anything Artemis. What are you talking about?”

[Artemis]

Luna’s confusion gave him a profound since of relieve that it was only his imagination. Artemis felt foolish for causing Luna alarm. “I am sorry to alarm you. I thought I was seeing something but clearly I am not. It was just my imagination, I thought the lights were dimming from an outside cause but I was mistaken.”
Artemis was glad that it was nothing but he still had a small pang of dread. “Luna, is this night what you had wished for?” He starred intently in her eyes and hoped he had not managed to mess up this night with his overactive imagination.

[Luna]

Luna watched Artemis quietly for a moment before saying, “I’m not alarmed Artemis. I didn’t see the lights dim though so it must have been your imagination.” She grinned teasingly at him and added, “The lights never dimmed Artemis, take your head out of the clouds. Don’t get too excited by just one dance.”

She lost her teasing smile as he asked if this was the night she had wished for. Luna moved close to him one last time, rose up on her toes, and planted a small kiss on his cheek. Luna then pulled away and said, "It's been a perfect night Artemis, everything and more that I wished for. Thank you for coming with me ..."

[Artemis]

Artemis was happy to receive her teasing. He did not object to it as she did. He waited anxiously for the answer. Luna’s answer was not what he had expected. He smiled with a serine look as he took Luna’s hand in his. Next he kissed her hand. After he kissed her hand, he lowered her hand, but did not let go. “I am glad to know that you are enjoying our night together. It has been a privilege to dance with a fine lady as yourself.”

He wondered why he had worried so much over nothing for a moment. It was then noticed that they were the only ones left on the dance floor, and the music had ceased. “Seems like we are the only one of the dance floor Luna, what would you like to do now?” There was a playful look in his eyes as he asked.

[Luna]

Luna flushed a little when he kissed her hand, but she didn’t pull her hand away. Instead she just smiled at him and murmured, “Perhaps we’ll be able to do it again someday ...”

She was about to respond to Artemis’s question about what she wanted to do next when she heard the announcement that Midnight was approaching. Giving him a delighted smile, Luna pointed in the direction of the South Lawn and said, “That’s what I want to do Artemis, with you ...”

[Artemis]

Artemis smiled at Luna’s suggestion of them doing this again someday. He vowed not to be selfish and enjoy this one night. He heard the announcement too and Luna’s answer to his question. He had no objection and was beaming with happiness.
“Then let us go to the South Lawn my dear.”