Soft music played in the decorated halls of the Fowl Manor. Angelina hadn't held the Valentines Day Ball for years due to her debilitating illnesses. A slight joy flitted through Artemis as he walked the corridors. Elegant red and pink roses lined the walls and clean white fabrics draped along the moldings. The manor's lounge was cleared of all furniture to create a dance floor, chairs had been backed into the walls to make room for resting and conversation. A new sound system had been installed, a mere $5,000, and Angelina carefully arranged delicate love songs to be played as background and eventually dancing music. For the couples, she had unlocked every patio door to allow for a quiet get away.
Artemis took light but quick strides towards the door, as he checked his watch and saw that it was eight on the dot, Holly would be here any second. Artemis slowly opened their door, expecting to see a shimmer just above the ground where Holly would be hiding. Instead, he came face to face with the elf. His heart skipped a beat; she wasn't just wearing a dress, but a wig as well. This was of course to cover her pointed ears. The wig was her natural hair color, but considerably longer. It went down just above her waist and flowed into think bangs over her forehead. She wore a simple white dress the just covered her ankles and white lace up sandals. Artemis hardly recognized her. If he hadn't known otherwise, he would have no trouble believe she was a human.
"Good evening miss," Artemis bowed and offered her his arm. She acted disgusted with the whole thing but he noticed the hint of color that rose to her cheeks. Artemis's father and mother came to the door after they were in. Angelina winked at her son but he pretended not to notice and they continued to the dance floor while his parents welcomed the quests.
"Arty, I have a confession… I can't dance" Holly looked around nervously at the spinning and dipping couples around them. She could tell this was going to be awkward.
Artemis carefully held her hand with one of his and put the other on her back.
"Just put your hand on my shoulder, I lead, you follow" Holly did as told and Artemis began to step in time to the music. She tried her best to keep up but was constantly tripping on her dress and stepping on his feet. Artemis didn't seem to notice; in fact, he wasn't looking at her at all.
"What's on your mind?" She asked with a hint of coolness about her tone that made him glance at her warily.
"I'm looking for Minerva," Holly rolled her eyes and purposefully stepped on Artemis's foot. He flinched but didn't say anything. Finally Holly asked him
"Why are you looking for her?" He looked at Holly uncertainly and admitted to one of the most childish feelings he'd ever had.
"I want… to make her jealous," he confessed and snapped his attention to a tall blond wearing a short, puffy pink dress. "Speak of the devil." This time Holly looked too. Minerva was staring strait at the two of them; apparently she didn't have a date. Holly looked at Artemis, then at Minerva, then back to Artemis. She knew the perfect way to make Minerva envious, but she wasn't sure she could do it. Until, something told her to take a risk. She stood on her toes, let go of Artemis's hand and turned his face towards hers, then for the first time since the healing, she kissed him.
It was better than either of them expected, that is to say, making Minerva jealous was better than either of them expected. After they parted lips they turned their attention towards her. She was steaming, her face so red it could've been dipped in paint. She stormed out of the room, green-eyed, making Artemis and Holly laugh with delight.
After the kiss Holly loosened up a little and the dancing gradually improved. By the end of the night, Artemis had dipped her a few times and they had gone through a number of songs without any missteps. The two were having such a good time that they danced well past midnight. The ball ended at two in the morning, the longest Valentines Day Ball Angelina had ever hosted. She was exhausted, along with all the other late-leavers, Holly being one of them.
"Oh my word, Arty, what time is it?" Holly asked desperately when she realized how long she'd been there.
"Around two o' clock in the a.m. Why?"
"Shit! I told Foaly I'd be back before one." Artemis laughed
"Missed your curfew eh?"
"Oh it's not funny, he's gonna have my hide!" Holly launched herself out of the chair and sprinted to the door. Artemis followed after her.
"At least let me walk you out side." He shouted after her, but she was already gone, vibrating into an invisible spectrum. He walked out the door she had flung open and discovered her long brown wig dropped in a pile on the driveway. He picked it up and grinned as he thought of well known children's myth of Cinderella and her glass slipper. He couldn't help but wonder about the next time they'd see each other. Hopefully they could meet under non-urgent circumstances, but he doubted she would have a reason to come if there wasn't an emergency.
Author's Note: I'm really trying hard to make this less romantic. I don't want to go too far with the relationship too early on... the kiss was crucial though, I needed to get Minerva really angry because I don't like her ^.^ so maybe later on there will be more kissing, maybe not... wouldn't you like to know? If you DO want to know you know what to do- R&R please friends! Thank you so much for reading!