Damianya Vignettes

Scholar Ball

Every year, the imperial scholars had to participate in a formal ball. But this wasn't a cheap school dance. This was filled with the most important people, only the best of the best are there.
This was Damian Desmond's 3rd ball. He despised it every time. He has to look perfect at all times and all students must perform a dance with a partner. He hated how all the girls acted towards him. He felt used and played and it sickened him with how lovestruck they were (a little hypocritical eh?). This, however, was Anya's first ball. She found it to be exciting considering her Papa could now get close to Donovan. For the mission, she was excited for 'world peace'. For herself, she was nervous. She knew she has to dance with Damian, but how?

Every day after school for the past month or so, the imperial scholars had to stay after class to attend practicing and learning how to dance. She tried to get close to Damian, but every time she tried, he went to the opposite side of the room. In her eyes, she was confused. Sometimes she thinks he couldn't stand her because he hates her. Other times, it was different. Those were usually the times where she would read the thoughts of the second son. Sometimes she'd hear him say he wants to dance with her, but it confuses the girl even more.

During practice, Anya would constantly look down at her feet and bite her lip in concentration. She fell almost every time and Damian would always scoff or laugh at her or make snide remarks about her coordination. But after a while she got the hang of it.

Anya stepped outside the car, Loid and Yor stepping out as well. Female students had to wear either a black, gold, or red dress. For Anya, she chose gold naturally. Her hair was up in a bun with little diamond, flowery twists in her hair. Her dress went all the way down to be barely covering her feet, but short enough that she wouldn't trip on it. It was just off the shoulder and hung perfectly. Not too tight and not too loose, with little jewels and sequins covering the top just as it fades away to her tulle gown. She didn't realize it, but she looked beautiful. 

_

Damian leaned against the wall in the ballroom. The whole room glowed in yellow and gold thanks to the marble floor and chandeliers. Long tables filled with fancy foods whether it was tarts, fudge, turkey, lobster, any rich person food that could be thought of. Adults held their champagne glasses while the teens held sparkling apple cider. Damian twitched his nose. Everything looked fake. Nothing felt genuine. Everyone in the room had or wanted something to gain. 
He sees the doors open out of the corner of his eyes. By instinct, he turns his head and his disgusted and hard gaze softens as he takes a small and sharp inhale. It was Anya. And she had never looked more perfect and beautiful in his eyes.
"My God, what do I do with you?" He whispers. If there was one thing he would want, it would be to escape the perfect expectation and be with her. Half of him fights it with rudeness and snide comments and bullying, but he knew his other half - his real half - wanted her.

How can I live a normal life with you in it? he wonders.

Suddenly, a ringing sound echoed through the ballroom as someone announced for the dance sequence for the children to perform. Damian looked at Anya and observed her wide-eyed gaze filled with wonder and awe at the sight before her. He looked down at his feet and took in a few deep breaths. This is it. I need to do this. I want to.

Anya looked around, everything looked so grand. The beauty and shock was almost too overwhelming. Her heart skipped as she heard the announcement for the kids to dance. Just as she was about to walk forward, she hears someone clear their throat. Turning her head, she feels her heart palpitate as she sees Damian. His hand was reached out softly. His head turned away so he didn't look at her, his face was bright pink.
"E-everyone already has a partner. I have no choice." He says. *I just want to dance with you.*

Anya looks at his hand and then his face. She cocks her head to the side as she smiles to his thought. She generously took his hand as they walked to the center of the room.

The song began, it was soft and delicate. With everyone's fancy dresses and tuxes, it was straight out of a movie. Everyone danced elegantly and softly.

But the focus for Damian was Anya and Anya only, and Anya's focus was purely on Damian.

Their hands just barely touched when they started dancing. Too nervous in the beginning. Damian's face was hard and red, and Anya kept looking down at her feet.
"Look up." Damian mumbled, "Just follow my lead." He says.
Anya looks at him. Their eyes looking only at each others'. Eventually, the dance was natural. As if they had been doing it all their lives together. Their hands that once barely touched like whispering voices, became fully intertwined. Damian's face relaxed and went back to its normal color, his eyes soft and longing. Anya's lips were parted as she as well looked into his, completely and utterly lost.

He spins her around as he pulls Anya back in, his hand delicately at her waist, trying hard not to be too low or too high, but he couldn't help but crave to pull her closer.
"You look beautiful.." He whispered just enough for her to hear. Their eyes still locked as Anya's heart quickens. Her hand that was originally resting on Damian's shoulder stiffly was now relaxed and wrapped around his neck. Their bodies almost entirely closed in together.

The adults watched their children, but they all couldn't help but see who the infamous Desmond was dancing with as well as how they were dancing. You could easily tell there was something else behind the dance and behind their eyes. Donovan squinted his eyes. Loid tried to stay calm but he was not prepared for his little girl- I mean for Anya to be this close to Damian.

When the dance ended. The two still remained close for just a minute longer. Their eyes completely locked.
*Is it bad I want to kiss her right now? I can't help it. She's just so perfect.* Damian thinks to himself.

Hearing the thought, Anya quickly clears her throat to interrupt the connection between them as she steps back and they bow to each other. 

Throughout the ball, however, they couldn't help but remain close to each other.