Nona's question lingered with Decim, long after she had left. He was free for the rest of the evening, which also left him free with his thoughts, a past time that wasn't an easy task for Decim...

Love.

He had heard the term plenty of times before, with nearly all of his previous guests but he never fully understood it. Decim scanned the memories that were infinitely stored within him to find what he could on love.

Happiness. Kindness. Laughter. Passion.

Memories flooded his head of previous guests ideas and experiences of love.

A couple happily enjoying each other's company together, laughing and smiling.

A woman expressing kindness over a gift bestowed to her.

Two lovers entangled within each other, engulfed in passion and lust.

Decim was familiar with these memories, but he still could not understand their idea of love. Yes, he could recall feeling some of these emotions for Chiyuki, happiness, kindness and laughter on her part but passion? He couldn't grasp the emotion of passion. Shaking his head, Decim continued to scan the rest of his memories for anything else on love.

Soon more images arose, those of sacrifice, compromise and even pain come into light. He realized that many of these emotions were prominent while Chiyuki was alive and it made Decim unsure with himself.

He wondered if Chiyuki felt the same emotions that Decim was experiencing right now. He could recall her being happy, from what he understood of happiness. And he could recall her being kind, she even experienced laughter a few times.

But passion...he couldn't recall.

Decim glanced at Chiyuki's mannequin, wishing he could see her alive again. Wishing she was somehow here again. He fought back so many tears since she had left. And in that moment he knew the emotion of love. He knew then what he felt for Chiyuki. He felt love.

Soon another memory soon slipped before his mind. A couple waltzing slowly together, beautiful and pure. It made Decim's heart swell once more, and he had to keep himself from clutching his chest.

Pulling Chiyuki's mannequin off the chair he hoisted her straight with his threads. She dangled inches from the floor, her smile charming before him. He sent more of his threads to grab a dress from another room, bringing it back to him.

The dress was a deep navy blue, with a small amount of silver glitter rippling amongst it. Decim gently swept it over her mannequin, watching it fall slowly amongst her.

From his memories, he could see the gentleman bow before a woman of his liking, offering a dance and hoping she would accept.

With that in mind, Decim bowed and asked softly.

"Chiyuki-san, may I have this dance?"

His words came out flustered as he waited but Decim knew he would receive no reply. Grabbing her hand gently he began waltzing around the ballroom. His strings guiding her carefully across the floor as they danced quietly together.

Soon the silenced of the bar was filled with one of his pianist dolls, playing a soft melancholy tune. It was the number that Chiyuki skated to once before. Her memories began to flood Decim's mind. Memories of her skating, gliding over the ice. Soon he wasn't dancing with a cold wooden doll, but with Chiyuki herself, in his mind. Her form was far more graceful than he could ever imagine. She outshined herself even in his memories.

He twirled her gently around, his strings glistening in the soft light of Quindecim, as he grabbed her waist and moved slowly with the patterns of a waltz. It was difficult for him, moving his feet to the music and trying to avoid stepping on Chiyuki's wooden feet. Although he had never danced before, he knew if Chiyuki was here she wouldn't mind his lack of knowledge. In his mind, he imagined her smiling, her violet eyes happy while she filled the room with soft laughter. He imagined her teaching him how to dance just as gracefully as her. He imagined her holding him close, their bodies inches away from each other. A small smile formed on his lips as her memories continued to dance through his head.

Finally the music died down, as Decim gave her one last gentle twirl, her dress streaming around gracefully, catching the light.

Soon he stopped, both standing still within the center of the floor. Decim held her wooden body gently in his arms, her body limp and frail against his. And without his knowledge, tears began to fall from his cheek, staining hers.

|| I realized with a few other Fan Fics posted by other writers that the waltz scene has already been displayed. I was really fascinated with the idea of Decim waltzing with Chiyuki, I hope I don't step on anyones toes. Thanks||