Chapter 2
"Ah, you arrived." said a deep voice.
I turned around to see Neuvillette standing in front of me. I smiled up at him.
"Merry Christmas!" I said as I handed him a gift-wrapped box.
"What's this?" he asked as he began opening the gift. His eyes widened slightly as he took out the item. It was a goblet made out of stained glass. The glass was in different shades of blues.
"This is quite beautiful." Neuvillette said as he turned the goblet in different angles, the light of the moon shining through the glass.
"I saw it on sale at the market and it made me think of you." I said.
Neuvillette placed the goblet back in the box. "Thank you. I will make sure to use the gift often."
"Well, what do you think?" I said, showing my dress.
"I think it suits you though..." Neuvillette eyes the coat. Zhongli's coat. "Did you see Zhongli before you came here?"
"Yes. Yes I did. He escorted me here and gave me his coat due to the cold." I said.
"All the way here?" Neuvillette looked down to see my bare feet slightly exposed beneath the dress.
I followed his gaze and then looked back up at him. "What? I like going barefoot. I want to feel the ground beneath me."
"I see. Well, I'm glad he made sure you came here safe, despite needing Deus Auri to be put on trial." Neuvillette said, with a hint of meance in his last words.
"Hey. Not tonight Neuvi. Just focus on enjoying this with me. You know my heart will always belong to you." I said.
He sighed. "Of course, I apologize."
"Now, shall we?" I said, lending my arm towards him.
He smiled. "Of course." He linked his arm with mine and together we walked down towards the dance floor.
"I've asked to have the robotics removed for the dance floor to be available tonight." Neuvillette said.
"After all, not only is this a celebration of winter but a special moment for you to experience."
"A special moment?" I asked, confused.
"You told me you have always wanted to learn to waltz." Neuvillette said. "So..."
We both stopped at the dance floor, the round circular shaped floor polished with shine.
Neuvillette leaned down to whisper in my ear. "This is all for you. My gift to you."
I looked up at him with shocked grateful eyes. "Neuvillette..."
He smiled at me softly. "Merry Christmas, my love."
Neuvillette lent his hand to me. Excited, I quickly took off Zhongli's coat and took Neuvillette's hand and he led me to the middle of the dance floor. We both faced each other.
"Are you ready?" he asked me.
I nodded, too excited to speak.
"I'll lead you. All you have to do is follow." Neuvillette said.
"Okay." I said.
Neuvillette gently placed his hand around my waist and pulled me closer. My heart rate went up, never having danced with a guy before. I placed my hand on his shoulder and with my other hand, I took his other hand.
As the music began, Neuvillette began leading the waltz. He took a step back and naturally I took a step forward. Then I took a step back and he took a step forward. We then began to spin, moving back and forth, moving a little faster.
"You seem to be a natural. Are you sure you haven't waltz before?" he asked me.
"I'm sure. I just learned from what I read." I replied. And from movies.
"Well, let's see if you can keep up." Neuvillette said and then suddenly he twirled me around simultaneously, lifted me in his arms and then threw me up in the air. At that moment, I knew that I was meant to be here. Meant to be with him.
I knew my real home was never meant for me. Like I didn't belong. But here, I felt like I belonged. Like I can be myself. No rules. No worries. No responsibilities. I dropped back into Neuvillette's arms, going back to twirling as he dropped me back onto my feet.
We began to dance with natural movement now, twirls, dips, spins, all in beautiful smooth motions. I laughed in enjoyment, making Neuvillette laugh along with me.
After the dance, Neuvillette and I walked back towards the Fountain of Lucine.
I sighed. "I never felt that happy, I mean truly happy in a long time." I said.
"I am glad you enjoyed yourself." Neuvillette said.
"Seems like you enjoyed yourself as well." I said.
"I suppose I did," he said.
Then a bright light appeared in the sky and a flying train appeared right after.
"Seems like the Astral Express is here. Must you go?" he asked.
"Unfortunately, I do." I said.
"You could stay," he said.
"I know but no worries, I'll call you later tonight." I said.
"Ah, right. Your other gift. You said it was a phone?" he said.
"Don't worry. I gave Zhongli a phone as a gift too. As long as you follow my instructions on the paper I left, you should be able to pick it up in no time." I said.
The passenger door to the Express opened and March 7th appeared, waving down at me. "Hey! Vanessa! We're here to pick you up!"
"I'm coming!" I called.
"Well, shouldn't keep you waiting. Until next time, my love." Neuvillette gently kissed me on the forehead, making me feel giddy and loved.
"Good night." he said.
"Night." I said and then hopped onto the Express.