"Cocktail Dress"

"Now don't open your eyes until I say..."

"All right, I won't...now hurry and come out!"

"Just give me a moment, but keep your eyes closed, one peek and I will change my mind."

"Okay, I shall keep them close, my dear."

With his eyes shut, Xibalba let out a small sigh as he tapped his foot against the floor impatiently. He sat at the edge of her bed while he faced the closet waiting for his wife to come out and show him something. She seemed excited to show him, dragging him inside as soon as he knocked on the door and reminding him constenly to not open his eyes.

"I am becoming restless!" He called, as his knee bounced. He heard her let out a small laugh.

"I am almost done! Just wait a few seconds longer!"

He let out a groan. "This is torture! When are you going to show me?"

"Okay...I'm coming out but keep your eyes closed!"

He pressed his lips together as he let out out a exasperated sigh through his nose. He tighten his eyelids wondering when if he will ever see. He heard her gingerly step out of the closet, stopping just a few feet in front of him.

"All right, you may look."

He snapped his eyes open to meet with her face, he titled his head seeing no change in her facial region until her eyes motioned him down. He blinked and let his head fall. He reeled back in suprise seeing that she had on a new dress. It was short and sleeveless, only coming down to her knees. It was just like her other dress as it was decorated with marigolds down at the bottem and a line up to her waist, even her hair was up in a tight bun with only two small strand of locks down over her forehead. His jaw immeditatly dropped to the floor.

La Muerte let out a giggle, placing her hand to her collarbone.

"I trust that you like it?" She asked, already knowing his answer. He nodded slowly, and brought his jaw back up.

"Y-you look...beautiful!" He growled happily taking her by the waist, placing her on his lap. She put a hand on his chest getting some distance between her and his lips. She let out a small blush seeing his eyes admiring every part of her dress as it seemed to bring out her figure.

"It's not too much, is it?" She asked sheepishly. "I seen mortal women wearing these now- a- days."

"Hmm...yes... of course." He muttered his eyes going to her legs . She let out a small scoff at him, something that he failed to hear. She looked back up at him seeing him holding a large wolfish grin, like an animal to its prey. He glance back at her and saw her cheeks flare up. She placed her cheek against his cool armor trying to bring the heat down. The flames of his candles grew brighter from her sudden shy nature, making him let out a deep chuckle his teeth suddenly turning sharp. He stretched out his right wing towards her feet and with a slight bend, brushed a feather across her bare foot.

She jumped slightly and let out a smile.

"What are you doing?" She asked playfully, placing her hands on his chest. His response was giving her anouther tickle on her toes. "Stop that!" She giggled, giving him a slap on his chest. She let out a sharp gasp as he made his fingers dance up her ankle to her knee. She let out a blush burying her face into his neck as he massaged her leg slightly. He squeezed her calf gently, working his way down making her relax at his touch. She slowly wrapped her arms around his neck, giving him a chaste kiss on the cheek. He turned back to her pressing his lips against hers.

"That tickles, my love.." She said softly, feeling his mustache. She saw him hold a frown from her separation. He quickly let out a grin.

"Really? As much as this?" He pressed his fingers against her sides giving her a tickle. She let out a loud fit of laughter and moved his hands away.

"Oh stop!" She laughed. "Not in this dress..."

"I disagree." He winked before letting out a laugh as she gently slapped his armor.

"Enough, I mean it...now be honest, is it too short? Can I wear it in front of my subjects?" She asked, he let out a scowl and wrapped his arm around her waist almost in a jealous fit.

"Hmm, you may...as long I am there to cover you." He made a motion with his wing completely enveloping her with his feathers.

"Ay Xibalba..."

"What?" He replied innocently. "I can't let those spirits try to take you away from me."

She let out a smirk and rested her head on his chest. "Always so sweet, my heart...and unnessesaraly, no one shall ever replace you."

He let out a hum and tighten his grip on her. "I love you." She lifted her head at him hearing how sincere he sounded. He looked back at her, stroking a strand of hair behind her ear making her lean into his gentle hand.

"I love you too." She replied. She held back a giggle seeing a tint of red through his tar skin. "Shall we go out? There is a parade in an hour..."

"Are you going to wear your dress?" He asked.

"Yes." She replied lifting herself out of his arms. He stood up taking her hand into his.

"If you wish, but I'll just do this-" he put out his wing, covering her entire front. She pushed it away as he let out a chuckle.

"come on, you rascal..." She said dragging him out the door.