Disclaimer: I don't own Code Lyoko.
Author Note: Hey guys sorry for the gap in-between stories, life has a way of well, getting in the way. So I figured I'd try coming back with something a little bigger than usual. So this will be a three shot (3 chapters) story! The events in this fic are set right after my other story "Loneliest" so if you haven't already, feel free to go check that story out before this one. Anyway enjoy, I really did writing it! (Yeah I just love hanging out with these characters!)
Waltz
Chapter 1
Slowly sitting up I rubbed a hand through my messy hair before a yawn overtook me. Fumbling at my night stand I pulled my glasses onto my face as my hazy vision focused into a single image. Tossing my feet over the side of the bed I hesitantly touched down onto the chilly floor with my bare feet.
"Um I was just...I w-wanted to ask you something...I guess..."
The thought rushed through my mind like a sudden gust of wind causing my brow to furrow in thought.
"I'd like it if...you were as honest with me as possible..."
And then another sentence piqued my memory.
"You deserve better...but I've needed you from the first instant I met you... And I..."
In one instant my eyes shot open wide as the evening before filled my mind clearly.
"Would you consider marrying me...!?"
Collapsing backward onto my bed I felt my heart stall as beads of sweat appeared on my forehead.
"You Jeremie...have always been the only person I would ever have answered yes to..."
Slowly bringing my hand to my trembling lips I swallowed sharply before jumping onto my feet. Darting toward my cell phone I tried to steady my shaking fingers long enough to tap her name in my contacts. Holding the device to my ear I nervously listened as three rings went unanswered. But at the forth I heard her gentle voice come drifting from over the line. I clenched my eyes shut tightly as thoughts of how embarrassed I'd be if yesterday had all just been a dream, swarmed around my mind. "A-Aelita!" I gasped betraying all the nervous fear I did when announcing XANA attacks so many years ago.
"Jeremie, are you alright?" She asked with concern tinted in her voice. I swallowed again before I got right to the point. "Aelita...um I..." She cut me off with a soft amused laugh. "Oh you're wondering if you dreamed it aren't you?" Heat filled my face as I slowly nodded to myself. "Um did...did I dream I asked you to marry me?" The line was silent for a few moments before her reply rung gently in my ears. "Did you dream I said yes...?" Unable to fight off my awkwardness I nervously straightened my glasses repeatedly, before gathering what courage I had left.
"Um well yes..." I whispered slowly. Her voice turned playful even as it filled with warmth. "I guess we had the same dream then huh Jeremie?" Unable to say anything I slowly reached to fill my lungs with as deep a breath as I could manage, if only to keep my heart from exploding. "And you know I was thinking Jeremie," she gently began. I hung onto her words attentively just thankful she was the one continuing the conversation. "Everything about us has been special from the very beginning...and I want this to be the same way. As you know in about a month and a half is the anniversary of my materialization. I realize it's not very far away but... Oh Jeremie if we could get married then, on that same day!?"
Surprisingly I felt a tiny bit of calm came over me as the desire to comfort her worries overwhelmed me. "Aelita of course...I...I just want you to be happy." Silence lingered for a few moments before she replied; her voice almost seeming a little tear stained. "I've never been happier Jeremie... All those years ago you helped give my life back to me, and I just want you to know there's no one I'd rather spend it with." I didn't bother saying anything, I didn't think I could. She softly laughed again. "But you're going to be late for work if I keeping talk... Goodbye sweetheart I love you."
Too numb to think I fell back onto my bed as I slowly let the phone slip from my fingertips. I hadn't been dreaming... Somehow I hadn't been dreaming... A smile spread across my face even as a flood of tears suddenly burst from my eyes and rolled down my face to dampen the sheets underneath me. I could have laid there in that puddle of elated shock all day, but the rest of what Aelita had said suddenly hit my brain like a stack of bricks: Work!
Quickly sitting up I noticed the clock which was telling me just how late I really was. So after racing to get dressed I darted from my house as fast as I could manage. But in-spite of my best effort I still managed to be ten minutes late. Something that didn't go unnoticed my boss, just like the stack of papers I knocked over, and the less than wonderful programing code I had been writing all day. Truthfully I couldn't focus on anything, and the more I thought about how much we had to get ready in so short a span of time I wanted to jump out of my seat and run out of the office all together.
So by lunch I can't say I was surprised when Mr. Stevenson finally approached me. He had always seemed to be a kind understanding person, but I couldn't help but worry what he'd say about my performance today. Leaning an elbow on top of my short cubicle wall he gazed down at me with a soft smile. "You haven't seemed very much like yourself today Jeremie, anything the matter my boy?" Fumbling a half empty cup of lukewarm coffee between my fingers I slowly looked up at him as I gushed out an apology.
"I'm sorry sir I know I haven't been at my best today but I-" Holding up a hand to cut me off he shook his head. "Easy there Jeremie I didn't come with a pink slip, I just asked you if you're alright?" Forcing myself to take a deep breath I started again slowly. "I'm...I'm distracted today sir... Um you see..." I felt a blush spreading across my cheeks but I pushed myself to continue. "I just became engaged yesterday...and I...well it's important to her that we get married on a certain date, because well...it's a special anniversary for us..." Swallowing nervously I went on. "That means we only have a short time to prepare everything and I...I guess I just can't think of anything else..."
I didn't know how he'd react so I waited impatiently for his reply. But to my relief a large grin spread across his face. "Well then let me offer my sincere congratulations to you Jeremie." Stepping inside my cubicle he placed a hand on my shoulder. "You usual work is unmatched, but I do understand how matters of the heart most often weigh upon the mind heavier than anything else." He looked into my eyes firmly though not unkindly. "However I'm afraid a distracted programer isn't very useful to me or our company." Releasing a slight sigh I nodded under his counsel. "I realize that sir, and I apologize. I'll try and-" Gently cutting me off again he smiled. "I'm not finished Jeremie. I do understand your position though."
Laughing he slapped me playfully on the back. "In fact whether of not you believe it I used to be as young as you are once. Please just take the rest of the week off and get your head back on straight, it'll give you some extra time to make practical preparations too." "Oh but sir!" I objected. Shaking his head he grinned wider. "That's an order Mr. Belpois. Besides just think of it as a...wedding present."
I was completely relived to have some extra time to sort of all the things swirling inside my head. And I had just noticed what a beautiful day it was, so leaving my car in the parking garage I made my way down the sidewalk toward a small cafe where I could get some lunch. Needless to say I hadn't even thought about breakfast much this morning. As I walked all I could do was replay yesterday over and over inside my mind. All of my friends, even Odd who now lived about two hours away, had come to visit. We all had been planning that trip to the park for a while now, but it always seemed we were too busy to make it happen. But then it finally did and I was determined more than ever to make the day special.
That tiny engagement ring had been burning a hole inside my pocket all day long, so when I finally got a chance to be alone with Aelita I tried to gather every particle of courage I could and just ask her. Though it hadn't gone quite as fluently as I had practiced she got the point. It all almost seemed like a blur when I thought about it now, but not long after she had accepted everyone had returned from their walk. I laughed a little to myself as I remembered how hot my face had got when Yumi knowingly raised an eye brow and asked why the two of us were smiling so much.
Tucking my hands deeper into my pockets I noticed a few leafs blow past my feet. The very first signs of autumn were on the way. A window display-case catching my eye I stopped and turned toward the store. There elegantly hung was a poster showcasing a product line of the clothing shop. The two models, a man and a woman, were dressed in the most amazing formal wear and seemed to be waltzing together in some sort of enormous ballroom. letting my mind fall into a daydream I could see in my mind's eyes just how beautiful Aelita would look on our wedding day. While I couldn't say I'd seem um as...well cool, as the tuxedo clade male model I guessed I'd look good enough for the occasion.
But suddenly my happy daydream turned into a nightmare as a simple fact that had been escaping me fell on my head full force. They were dancing... We would be dancing! My jaw went slack in horror as I pictured how many frightful ways I could embarrass Aelita with my clumsy two left feet. If I ruined our wedding that was on the very anniversary of her materialization I'd just have well launch myself into the digital sea! Fear and worry getting the best of me I reached for my cell phone as I called out of desperation the only person I guessed to know about dance of any kind...Odd.
To my relief he was still in town, so after explaining my situation he invited me over to his hotel room for a little one on one coaching. I can't say I was fully convinced of his qualifications though... Breathing an awkward sigh I looked at him. "You do know about this sort of thing right Odd?" He crossed his arms confidently. "Relax Jeremie, I Odd Della Robbia happen to be a man of many styles of dance. After all who knows when I might find just the right girl to waltz down the aisle? Just chill and let me show you how it's done, then when your big day comes you'll be able to deliver that wow factor that will sweep Aelita off her feet."
Stroking his chin in thought he walked over to the hotel room closet and pulled it open. "I ran out and bought you this right after you called good buddy!" Tugging on something large he soon revealed an oversized stuffed teddy bear which he held up proudly to me. "Meet your new dance partner!" Frowning in disbelief I shook my head. "Odd you can't expect me to dance with a giant...well bear!" His face turned serious as he left me with an ultimatum that answered for itself. "Hey Jeremie, it's either the bear, or me in a pink wig!"
Okay guys stay tuned for the next chapter soon! And as always reviews are great! Thanks!