Disclaimer: I don't own Tin Man or 'The Book of Love.'
A/N: Hmm…so this chapter is super short…so forgive me for not rehashing all of the reasons they shouldn't be together, but I personally didn't feel like beating a dead horse so to speak. (especially since we don't care b/c they should/will end up together anyway) So anywho – here's the cool down dance.
-B
This song was much slower, even more reserved than the original waltz. "The Book of Love" quietly played from the corner as Cain slowly turned back towards her. She was treading in even more dangerous waters now, but she didn't care. She wanted to see that look of his again.
She couldn't help it.
That look of pure unadulterated lust that had managed to slip through his normally stoic façade nearly made her say, 'Forget dancing!' and drag him to the nearest closet so she could have her way with him.
But something held her back.
She wasn't sure what exactly, but she mainly didn't want to ruin the time they were currently sharing. The time where they didn't have to necessarily guard their expressions. Where they could be themselves around each other, and dance while not under the scrutiny of close friends or entire kingdoms.
Or perhaps it was her guilt. The thought of friends made her remember that this man was one of her best friends. She knew deep down that she didn't want to throw what they have together away after short evening of dancing. Tight pants or not, she could still focus enough to realize that she needed to back off slightly, or risk losing everything with him. But she just wanted to maybe see that expression one more time this evening.
They joined hands, his left, her right, and his other arm wrapped around her back. And so they slowly began to glide around the floor again. They danced, just staring into each other's eyes, faint smiles flitting across their faces, not noticing they were drifting closer and closer. As the soft music and lyrics washed over them, DG's body ignored her brain's previous arguments and she eventually laid her head on his chest, in the crook of his neck.
Cain tried not to stiffen at the extra closeness, but instead tried to keep his face neutral as he stared out across the room over her head.
He was supposed to be her bodyguard. Nothing more. But much more of this, and things could turn out differently.
"Now, my feet hurt," she mumbled into his chest.
He smirked, partially relieved that she took the seriousness of the moment away, and a slow rumble began in his chest. She pulled back to find him laughing, and couldn't help but join him.
"I wasn't that bad, was I?"
DG burst with laughter again, but managed to say, "No no! You're actually quite graceful for a Tin Man."
As their amusement passed, he pulled her even closer, and rested his cheek on top of her head this time. He appreciated her effort at trying to relieve some of the tension, but he figured why not enjoy these stolen moments when they can? They continued to dance as the sunlight of the day faded away as did the song, and they found themselves dancing in silence.
"I think we should call it a night," he whispered.
Her grip only tightened around his neck.
"DG…it's been five minutes…"
She started grumbling into his chest, but finally pulled away.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"What for?"
"For dancing with me. I haven't danced in a long time."
"You're welcome, Princess."
She rolled her eyes at the title and punched his shoulder, her eyes sparkling.
"Come on, Tin Man, I'm starving."
He bowed his head again to hide another smile, and motioned for her to go first.
Feeling bold, she spun to his side and linked her arm through his and led them towards his things. Only a faint smile played on his lips as he pressed his hat back on his head, and helped the princess with sore feet up the stairs towards the kitchens.
TBC
I'm sorry this is like a short interlude before the punch line, but if I tell you I'm thinking about making the epilogue into another chapter instead, would you be happy? I have at least one more scene bouncing around in my head that could possibly become an epilogue…. looks to audience for approval -Yes? I thought so…
