Hopefully it doesn't disappoint…

The italics in the very beginning are lyrics to Rodger's and Hammersteins "The Sweetest Sounds". Ignore them if you wish but this is what is playing in my mind is this scene is taking place. Have a listen on youtube or something.

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There was nothing for it but to walk over and confront her. He couldn't very well pretend he hadn't seen her. "Scarlett," he drawled. "Beautiful as ever," he said as he lifted her tiny hand to his lips. The sweetest sounds…

Her breath caught in her throat. She had missed hearing her name on his lips. No one said her name quite like Rhett did, simultaneously taunting and caressing. I'll ever hear… "You're looking handsome as well, Rhett. I trust you've had a nice time here in Charleston?" she queried politely.

Damn her. He knew exactly what she was doing, trying to trivialize their separation as though he were merely on a trip rather than making a permanent home in Charleston. "Yes, I have, my dear. You must come visit me more often. Perhaps with the children?" Are still inside…my head…

They were like two chess opponents engaged in a battle of will and intelligence. Scarlett's eyes flashed. "I shall take you up on your offer, husband, if you aren't too busy with business tomorrow afternoon. I brought the children with me. They are eager to see where their father works," she said, acting as though he had gone to Charleston to see to business.

Rhett looked as though he was about to respond but Scarlett spoke before he could. "And this dashing young man next to you must be Mr. Arlington. We have mutual acquaintances, sir."

"Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Butler," he murmured as he bowed over her hand ignoring the glare from Rhett. He couldn't very well call her Scarlett the first time they were introduced and he certainly wouldn't want to risk her anger if he called her ma'am. He knew of the lion and the lioness which it would be best not to provoke.

"I know it's been a while since I've graced the floors of a ballroom, but would you like to accompany me in a dance, Mr. Arlington?" asked Scarlett sweetly, but as Frederick noted, looking out of the corner of her eye at Rhett.

"Well…I…" he stumbled.

"I'd be more than happy to partner you, my dear," said Rhett smoothly yet with a dangerous glint in his eyes as he pulled took her hand a led her out onto the dance floor. He pulled her into his strong arms and they soon fell into the fast rhythm of the dance that was already in progress.

Scarlett couldn't stop the burst of laughter that rose up in her and bubbled out as she reveled in the excitement of the moment. She did not need to be a young debutante to enjoy the simple pleasure of dancing in a handsome man's arms.

Rhett looked down at her, cursing inwardly as love for her welled up in him at the sound of her laughter. She wasn't Bonnie. She wasn't his Scarlett. She could never recover what she had lost. They could never recover what they had lost. But when she laughed her eyes sparkled so enchantingly…

"You really do look wonderful, tonight, sweetheart," he whispered before he could stop himself.

Her eyes glowed up at him, bright green pools of life and fire. "Rhett…"

"Scarlett, I…" he started.

At that moment the song ended and the orchestra began to play a slow waltz. He drew her into his arms, closer than was necessary, until she could feel his heart beating in his chest. She lost herself in the feel of him against her, his strong arms wrapped around her not in the mode of dance, but naturally, a lover's hold. She let her head fall against his chest as they slowly swayed together.

In that moment she experienced something different that they never felt in each other's presence. There was no hatred, no teasing, no melodramatic fits and no overwhelming passion. They were content to stay in that moment, holding each other and letting the world drift away. She could have sworn she felt something brush against the top of her head and wondered dimly if it could have been his lips.

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Hope you liked it. Still short, but I think it had some good development. We're getting close to an ending so I thought it'd cut it off here. PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW!! Much love, Cat.