A New World

Prologue

The steady pace of the waltz was hypnotic as they swayed together. He had not known that Cana could dance so gracefully and was truly surprised by how easily she moved with him. She seemed to be as equally amazed by him when he first took her hand to lead her onto the dance floor. It was strange for him to think too deeply about this shared moment between them. The both of them were out of their usual element, transcending and transforming together in a way that perhaps most would never even bat an eye at. No, on the outside, this was what many around them may have perceived as peculiar, but nothing more. Yet to him, it was as if the two of them were the only ones in the capitol's vast Grand Ballroom. As the dance went on around them, as they whirled and swayed to the music in obliviousness, that the answer came to him. It was in that very moment he knew the answer to a question he had been pondering for months. And there was nothing that could convince him otherwise.

When he pulled back from her slightly so as to garner her attention he noticed the content and dreamy look in her eyes. He'd have to remember to dance with her more often.

"You're not too bad." He grinned softly, watching the way her eyes narrowed. Despite the feigned annoyance seeping into her deep brown eyes, there was a hinted smirk on her lips that suggested her true amusement.

"You're not too bad yourself." She countered. Bacchus laughed as he spun her, relishing in the high and gleeful giggle she expelled from the unexpected twirl. The bouncing curls and waves of her hair were wild about her face when she returned to his hold, her cheeks pink from joy and a bright smile on her lips. He wanted to preserve that image for the rest of his life.

"Cana." He whispered, taking in every one of her features as she looked up at him.

"Hmm?" She hummed in response. A blissful sparkle glinted in the depths of her eyes while the beam of her smile had settled into something more relaxed.

"You look so beautiful tonight." His words were soft and sincere which had appeared to baffle her temporarily. But it was a fleeting expression as her lips quickly perked into a more cunning smirk and she half-heartedly accused him of having a few too many drinks, earning a shared chuckle.

The dance went on, the music changing, but they hardly paid attention and continued with their own rhythm. He gazed down at her again, a warm feeling in his chest as he glanced down at the locket he'd given her two years ago sitting so delicately on her chest.

"Do you know what I miss most about Yi Kai?" He asked, meeting her eyes and watching, feeling, the slightly uncomfortable way her pace and posture shifted in his hold.

"What?" She was hesitant, he could see, but his smile reassured her.

"How you used to squirm in my arms and the irritated looks you'd give me when I'd kiss you. You didn't much like being my wife did you?" He taunted playfully, leaning his face in towards hers.

"Tch. Some husband you were." Relief softened her temporary rigidness as she playfully squirmed in his arms then, rejecting the kiss he attempted to give her. "Besides, you were too touchy. You're still too touchy." She teased back just before he spun her again.

"And now look at us." Bacchus continued when she returned to him once more.

"Dancing at a ball, you wearing a shirt and pants that cover your ankles and me in this ridiculous dress." She replied. He barked a laugh at that, enjoying her wit.

"Ridiculous or not, it suits you. I've always said that you should wear dresses more often."

"You've also said I look better UN-dressed, too."

He laughed loudly at that, twirling with her.

"You know," Slowly, he eased their dance to a halt. "We could try it again."

"Try what again?" Her confusion made him snigger. It may have been the way he glanced about the room in that brief instant that tipped her off. Or perhaps she was as keen to the environment around her as she boasted to be and could finally sense something about him beneath the jubilant energy of the ball.

"What are you up to Bacchus Groh?" Her eyes flickered with suspicion as she noticed the rest of the dance floor coming to a curious halt then.

"Cana," He kissed her lips softly, shocking her. "I want you to be my wife again." He whispered against her lips. "Marry me."

Her cheek cupped in his palm, he pulled back to look at her stunned face, waiting for her response. It took a moment for her stupor to wear off, but suddenly her eyes welled with tears and a tittering laugh escaped her lips. A brief feeling of doubt prickled inside of him until she abruptly pulled his face to hers, kissing him in return. Hoarsely she whispered "yes" again and again until he squeezed her to his body.

An eruption of cheers echoed and drew them back to the reality around them. As their foreheads touched, they whispered their love for one another before pulling apart to present themselves victoriously before their peers and rousing an even louder cry, their own voices joining. It went on to be a glorious night of drinks, rowdy brawls and joyful noise loud enough to carry into the heavens.


A/N:

I know I said that I would start up again on July 1st, but I just couldn't resist a little teaser chapter for you guys.

I am currently still debating if I want to release the rest of this on the aforementioned promised date or if I will do it sooner.

My schedule for releases can be found on my profile.

I hope you all enjoyed this little update.

Until next time,

Betty B.