I Hope You Dance (Artemi Panarin)

Mistletoe Theory

Gabriella

"You should get this tree" Artemi says pointing to a big green tree sitting all by itself.

"Why" I wonder. It looked nice but I wanted to know why I should get that one.

"It's perfect" he claims.

"How so" I ask. This was all so new to me.

"Well it's big enough to hold a bunch of ornaments without looking crowded but not too big as to where it will take up too much space in the living room. It is tall enough so the angel can watch over you but short enough that we can reach up there to decorate it. Plus it's sturdy and should last a while" he explains.

I was new to all this Christmas stuff. I've actually never celebrated it. My family wasn't ever religious and even if they were they were too busy ignoring me to include me in these type of things. I'm a woman of psychology so I never got into Christianity. I wouldn't mind looking into it but I never did find the time.

But Artemi has been showing me the way. He's told me the stories and how he celebrated back in Russia. How he would spend hours with his grandparents decorating the house. What their church services were like and how he always got hockey things from Santa. Things weren't exactly great for him growing up either, but he had Christmas to look forward to every year and that kept him going more times than not. He told me of the Christmas stories his grandparents told him and it has been a joy to learn about.

"I think this tree will look pretty good in my apartment" I smile.

"Good" he nods. We purchase the tree then head to a store for decorations.

We walk around and I can't help but smile, this stuff sure was pretty. I was defiantly pulled to the sparkly blue and silver decorations.

"Do you like these" he asks picking up a bunch of ornaments.

"They're really beautiful" I admit.

"That doesn't answer my question" he laughs.

"Yeah, I love them" I smile.

He throws them in the cart and we continue to look around.  He throws some things in the basket and I keep my head on a swivel. I inhale deeply and let the smell of pine and vanilla enter my sense, it was so comforting.

I walk over to a picture of a couple kissing under some green stuff. The same green stuff they were selling right beside the picture.

"That's mistletoe" Artemi says.

"What's mistletoe" I ask.

"It's a tradition that when there's two people under it, you have to kiss" he explains.

"That doesn't sound very Christian like" I laugh.

"Hey, we all have our flaws" he shrugs. He picks some up and throws it in the basket and I look at him funny.

"What are your intentions with that" I question.

"Do I really need to tell you" he asks.

"No" I smile and he nods.

"Alright, lets get back to your place before Hank tears it up again."

We head back to my apartment and get everything up there. The tree wasn't easy but we made it work. After the tree was set up and I had to explain to Hank that we did not buy him a six foot toy and that he had to leave it be. When he went to pout in my room that gave us time to start decorating the tree. I have no idea if I was doing this right but I'm artistic, I could figure it out. Meanwhile Artemi makes "Christmas tea", whatever that is, and hangs up other stuff.

"Where's your speaker at" he asks as I fix the tree skirt.

"On the counter in the kitchen, why" I wonder.

"I was going to play Christmas music" he claims.

"How much Christmas music is there" I wonder and he laughs.

"So much Christmas music" he claims.

Music starts to play and it was a simple piano. I don't listen to music a lot, it's just a bunch of noice that I don't need to add to my life. But when I did it was usually instrumentals.

I finish up the tree and turn on the lights. It was actually really cute. Artemi puts a angel at the top and it was finally done.

"Why does the angel go on top of the tree" I ask.

"She is watching over us, just like she watched over baby Jesus when he was born on Christmas" he explains.

"That's cute" I smile.

Artemi suddenly grabs my hand and holds it above my head before spinning me around. He pulls me into his chest and I try to hide my smile but it doesn't work.

"I see you trying to hide your smile" he says calling me out and I let it free. "What, you can't let yourself be happy with me" he asks.

"No, this is just all so new to me. I'm not sure what to think" I admit.

"I think you think too much" he claims.

"I do... but I'm working on it" I admit. He takes my hand that was still in his and laces his fingers through it. He puts my other hand on his other shoulder and wraps his arm around me pulling me close. I look up to him trying to figure him out. Like most times I'm stumped and left confused and in love.

"What are you doing" I finally ask.

"I'm dancing with my girlfriend to Christmas music under the Christmas lights of the Christmas tree" he claims and I giggle a little. His accent was super thick when he said that which made my heart melt.

"Is this another Christmas tradition" I ask.

"It can be" he replies.

"I would like that" I admit.

We continue to sway as he stares into my eyes. Not a word between us a Christmas music plays in the back ground.

"Are you going to be here for Christmas" I ask.

"Yeah. I was thinking about going home for a little but we have games right before and after so there would be no point. So it looks like you're stuck with me" he smiles.

"I was hoping I would" I smirk.

"I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow
And mistletoe
And presents 'neath the tree."

Artemi points up and I see the mistletoe above us. I just shake my head as he laughs pretty proud of himself.

"You know you don't need a reason to kiss me" I laugh.

"Yeah I know, I was just trying to be cute" he claims.

"You are very cute" I assure him. I move my hand from his shoulder to his neck and pull his face down. I take his lips in mine and slowly move them in pace with his. We break away and I rest my forehead on his. We continue to sway back and fourth as the guy with the beautiful bass voice continues to sing.

"Christmas eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
If only in my dreams."

I open my eyes and see him smiling down at me. I go in to kiss him again until Hank jumps between us causing us to laugh.

"Your dog is the biggest cock blocker ever" he laughs.

"He's just being a good boy, aren't you" I ask bending down to pet him. He looks up at me and I scratch behind his ear. I love this dog.