Demeter didn't think about it too hard.
She knew that she wanted Munkustrap. She knew that he wanted her. He had courted her, and made her feel like she was the only queen in the world. He was handsome and brave, and courteous and strong – all the best traits for a mate.
Several other queens had their eye on him, but Demeter knew that he had eyes for only her.
Which is why she was surprised when he hesitated.
It was midnight. Pulled by the moon she had risen to perform her dance at the Jellicle Ball, showing off her control and skill, flaunting her beauty to the hungry toms. She slunk to Munkustrap, who watched with his mouth open, entranced by her.
But then his eyes fell to the floor, bowed with respect, a soft flush building on his cheeks.
"Munk?" she whispered, eyes bright as she held her hand out for him to take.
"Demeter… I…" he breathed, "I can't-"
"Eyes on me, Munk…" she smiled gently, taking his arm and pulling him into the clearing. The Jellicles cheered as she danced around him, a finger under his chin to force him to look at her, a warm smile on her lips. He moved to protest and she hushed him, "Dance with me."
It took Munkustrap only a few moments before the magic of the moment swept him up. Before Demeter's gentle gaze relaxed him, and he wondered how he even began to resist in the first place.
He loved her. He did.
The two of them weaved their way around each other, creating beautiful shapes. He lifted her with perfect ease, strong arms supporting her. He let her fall down his body until they were chest to chest, lips inches from each other. It captured them in suspended silence, their breath the only real noise in the entirety of the Junkyard.
He could see their future reflected in her eyes. He could see their legacy and their fears and hopes.
His insides twisted and he gasped, forehead dropping to her shoulder as his arms wove around her middle. They danced in a way that was almost human, stepping side to side in the tranquillity of their moment, breathing. Feeling.
"Munk…" Demeter whispered softly, her voice light – tentative.
"Shh…" he soothed, "Dance with me…"