Chapter Three: Beat

Walking down the broad stairways, Butler tried vainly to make his head stop spinning. Why had he agreed to do this at all? It was stupid, silly and undignified for both of them, not to mention very much inappropriate. But still, those blue eyes and that soft voice, asking for help…it was beyond even the experienced warrior to find the strength to say no. He cared more for Artemis than anything and anyone else, except for possibly his own sister, and his affection was deeper and more heartfelt then he could express. But lately, those feelings had come to include elements that…shouldn't be there. He had come to terms with being too attached to his charge, as long as his feelings were those of a close friend, a proud teacher or possibly an elder brother, but now…

He had, more and more often, found himself reluctant to stop looking into those clear blue eyes, found that he was going out of his way to be close to or touch the young genius. It was small things. A hand on the shoulder that rested for a moment too long; a knee touching a leg when he was sitting a tad too close; gazes all too willing to linger and lock… Butler knew what this was about. And although he knew, although his logical sense was crying out to him what he was doing, why, and why it was so wrong, he couldn't bring himself to stop. He simply couldn't help feeling that burning joy when Artemis' hand rested upon his for a second, when a small smile was given to him alone, couldn't help but like the thrill it flashing through him when Artemis at times fell asleep in a rented car or aircraft, his head resting against Butler's shoulder or his chest.

Coming down to the comfortably furnished sitting room, Butler snapped out of his thoughts. This was not the time for contemplating any deeper feelings for his charge. Quite the opposite really, Butler thought, as he reminded himself what he was here to do, and sighed silently. This was going to be difficult. After first checking the French windows for any snipers or curious by-passers, he went over to the advanced stereo at the left wall and chose a rather old CD of classical masterpieces. He pressed a few buttons, and soon a soft melody by Beethoven swept through the vast room. In the middle of the floor was a grand piano on wheels, which the massive bodyguard carefully pushed away. They were going to need space.

Having made sure there were no hidden assassins or electronic bugs in the room, Butler heavily sat down on a black leather couch by the wall, resting his hands in his lap. He stared out the window into the black night, trying to keep his mind blank. If he could avoid it, if he could just keep cool, this could work out without any embarrassment, any rash words or actions; he would… His thoughts were interrupted, however, by a soft knock, and as he turned around to face his charge, the chastened bodyguard felt his heart skip a beat.

In the dimly lit doorway, the light from the semi-sphere lamp in the ceiling fell softly upon Artemis' pale features and outlined his slender form. He had taken off the suit and was now clad only in a close-fitting white shirt, a few buttons open in the neck. He still wore the dancing shoes and a pair of suit trousers which marked him slim waist in a most captivating fashion. As if this had not been enough to raise his bodyguards pulse, the young gentleman had pushed his shoulder length hair to one side of the neck, leaving the other side exposed. Butler wondered absently if Artemis knew or just sensed that it was the style Butler thought suited him best. And that made his body respond in quite the opposite of the vain efforts of the guard to keep his head clear.

He stood for a moment in the door, one hand resting on the doorframe, the other loosely hanging from his pocket. In his face was an illegible expression that spoke of hesitation and awkwardness mingled with tense anticipation, but he smiled warmly, causing Butler to feel a slight rise of temperature in the room.

"You…" Butler knew he shouldn't, but he was not strong enough to resist the chance to say something, and he ignored the hoarseness of his own voice.
"…you look good in that" he finally concluded, only half aware how stupid it sounded. Artemis merely smiled, however, and nodded in thanks, stepping into the room. He hoped Butler hadn't noticed the blush he felt burning in his face at the admiring words. Breathing out as those dark blue eyes left his, Butler turned to put the stereo on pause. Then, before facing Artemis again, he took a deep mental breath to focus. He nearly laughed as he thought of what his sensei would have had to say had she seen her top student falling to pieces for the sake of two blue eyes and an exposed neck. But those certain eyes...

"OK," he began, willing his voice to be steady, "let's see… you know how to count the time, don't you?"
"Three beats for each bar." The logical genius was glad to be sure of something, and numbers were always reliable. Butler nodded in approval and went on. "Then there are the steps. We'll try the easiest, most basic steps of waltz, which is one step to the side, together, lift the left, back, one step to the right, together lift and back again." He was glad to see Artemis look somewhat relieved.
"That seems rather simpler than in the book."
"I should think so. Those patterns can be hell to read." He tried to smile, but it was hard to keep his mind on anything but the scent around the boy. Was he wearing aftershave? He nearly laughed as he realized he knew the scent. Passion, by Giorgio Armani. He had himself been with Artemis the day he bought it in the swanky Italian perfume boutique, and wondered to himself for whom the essence was intended. Now he had some notion, and it nearly made him shiver before he could restrain himself and focus.

Then, coming to the part he both dreaded and looked forward to, Butler did his best to ignore his increasing heart-rate.
"Ok, now, I'll dance with you at first and take the lead, and then you'll try by yourself and then we'll see if you can take the lead."
He hoped Artemis wouldn't disagree upon or question the point of them dancing together, and Artemis himself didn't seem to find this out of order, but simply nodded.
"Well, I…" Butler took a step forward, slightly nervous and ready to kill himself for it. "…if you put that hand on my shoulder and the other one here in my hand…"