Part II - Right Now
Asbel pulled at the collar of his shirt, hoping to rid himself of this sticky hot feeling. He was recently at a reasonably small celebration party for the Valley of the Wind's comeback, the rebuilding of the town almost done. With the exception of the lost forest, everything was now bigger and better. And they were now setting the example for human bonding, other countries and humans that were alive and in hiding coming out.
Too bad for him this party was 'black tie' that he quickly learned meant he had to dress up in this ridiculous suit, which restricted his movements and made him uncomfortably hot.
The only good thing, he confirmed, was the free, very expensive, wine that his glass kept being filled with.
"Hello Prince Asbel." A pretty girl said as she came up to him and curtsied neatly, Asbel returning it with one of his slightly clumsy bows.
"My name is Luna, I am the princess of the Seacoast in the South…" But by that time, Asbel had zoned out, only nodding from time to time. He had been approached by many different girls, intrigued by his cute and boyish face, but when they had asked him to dance (which they had to muster a lot of courage to do) he would always say he had to see someone, and would retreat to the other side of the ball room, only to be approached by another girl.
But suddenly a huge, booming voice interrupted the ballroom activities, the orchestra stopping temporarily.
"May I present to you all, your highness Princess Nausicaä!"
Asbel's head snapped up to the high staircase, forgetting about the girl next to him. He could barely see her figure and so frantically pushed through the crowd and dance floor to where she would descend to from the stairs.
He panted as he broke to the front of the crowd, Nausicaä just beginning to come into a better view.
Asbel couldn't hold in his gasp as he saw her shimmering, golden dress that covered her tall and thin body. It was a simple halter-top that tied around her neck, and wrapped around her body tightly, showing off her feminine curves and features flawlessly. But she was holding a fan that hid her face with her golden gloved hands, much to his disappointment.
Throughout the six months that it had taken to rebuild the city, Asbel had seen very little of her, both of them having extremely busy schedules with trips and buildings. So now he had an opportunity to see her, was very excited.
When she finished the last step and stood before the crowd, she snapped her fan closed and revealed a face that others would later describe as one of a true goddess. Her brown eyes danced happily for the celebration of her proud little town and her curly red locks were held up in a bun with golden hair ornaments, a few of her bangs framing her delicate face. And on the top of her beautiful head sat a tiara with rubies and diamonds, the true indication that she was royalty of great decent.
For a second, Asbel forgot that she was the savior and main leader of the remnant human race, and instead a goddess of fallen angel from heaven.
"I hope you are all enjoying yourselves." Her honey voice floated to the crowd, "May you be happy tonight." She smiled before commanding the music to start again and Asbel was lost in a frenzy of people trying to find partners.
He sighed as he sat down on one of the now empty tables. He had spent the entire evening so far watching her from afar, how she had danced with various other princes, more handsome and worth then him (or he thought so), from other countries. And when she was finally released from a dance and he had the chance to ask her, he was always too shy and would back out, a different boy taking his place.
"Who am I kidding?" He mumbled to himself as he held his head in his hands, losing her in the mob of people. "She'll never notice someone as petty as me…" he broke off miserably before sighing and leaning back in the chair, brushing his dark hair from his dashing eyes.
His eyes looked around the ball room and found that he was the only one not dancing, too engrossed in his thoughts, the rest of the other guests having a fantastic time on the dance floor.
"Hello Asbel."
He jerked his body around to the voice, and his eyes widened when he saw Nausicaä in all her beauty before him.
"Would you like to dance?" She asked as she moved so she was now in front of him, extending her gloved hand to him.
"P-Princess, you must be joking." He stammered, already feeling the familiar burning on his cheeks when he was with her.
"Come on, and don't call me that Asbel." She urged as she took his hand in hers and started pulling him to the dance floor.
"I-I can't d-dance." He continued to stutter once they made it to the mob of moving bodies.
"I'll show you." Nausicaä said with a smile and sparkling eyes, making Asbel blush all the more, especially when she grasped his hands in hers.
It was awkward for the first couple of minutes, but after a little while, Asbel was getting the hand of it and wasn't stepping on her feet so much, and he felt like he was getting his blush under control.
And after two songs, he was now gracefully gliding her through the crowd, much to both of their happiness. Soon, they were in the middle of circle of people, everyone else stopping their dancing to watch them.
Asbel was now gracefully waltzed with her in a slow song. Suddenly, Nausicaä took an extra step closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder.
"N-Nausicaä? He questioned uneasily as everyone continued watching, a few gasping at her bold move.
"Let them watch, I just want to relax and have a good time." She whispered softly.
Asbel gulped, but continued to dance, moving his hand so that his arm was around her thin waist and pulled her closer to him.
Soon, people were going back to their own dances. Meaning Asbel and Nausicaä were once again surrounded by other dance pairs, but inside they were in their own world.
A world where it was just the two of them.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed reading it, and please drop me a review! it's the least you could do, and come on, I know you're awesome like that!
