So, remember when I said that none of the stories thus far breached 500 words? This one did. It is 669 words long according to Microsoft Word 2007. Inspired by "Scandalous" by Hanneke Cassel.

~:o:~

I slid my hand into his gently. "You may certainly have this dance."

He smiled, pulling me into an embrace to start dancing. My dress twirled around me and a short bubbly laugh escaped my lips. Lorne's green eyes lit up and he laughed too. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."

Today was the day. Today I chose my husband. I knew Lorne would be approved by my family, and I felt very fond of him. I knew he was affectionate toward me as well.

Just as I was about to tell him my choice, another man cut in. His hands were cold on my gloves, and his steps much more awkward. "Good evening." His voice betrayed the boyish happiness I knew he felt.

"Good evening Johannes," I sighed, trying very hard not to let my exasperation shine through.

"Wonderful night, isn't it? The moon looks pretty."

That's what it always is with Johannes. Something about the moon, or the stars, or…

"So, I got a new saber. It's a lot nicer than my old one."

…Swords.

"That's wonderful, Johannes." I glanced over his shoulder at Lorne, who stood drinking a glass of champagne calmly. Fortunately he caught my eye and nodded.

"So, did you have a nice day?" He asked, his eyes shining.

I opened my mouth to answer when Lorne tapped his shoulder. "May I cut in?"

Johannes shrunk away obediently. I smiled up at the dark-haired young man. "Thank you."

"He loves you." Lorne eyed me critically. "Do you love him?"

My eyes widened. "Heavens no! Good lord, no! He is like a brother to me, nothing more."

"I see. Just as I thought. Does, ah…" Lorne jerked his head in the direction of Johannes. "Does he know?"

I managed a small shrug. "I don't know. I don't think I've ever given him reason to feel otherwise."

"Good." He spun me out to arm's length and pulled me back against him. "I thought for a moment you were leaving me."

"I would never do that." With my back against his chest, I turned my head so that it rested on his collarbone. "Lorne, there's something I wish to tell you…"

"What is it?" His breath tickled my ear as he whispered.

I took a deep breath, closing my eyes. "Lorne, I—"

At that moment I no longer felt him at my back; instead Johannes stood there. "Hey, open your eyes!"

They snapped wide open and I whirled around. "Johannes!" I shrieked indignantly.

"I thought you'd be a bit more eager to see me…" His hands faltered where they were positioned around my waist.

I grabbed his wrists and held him away from me. "Why do you insist on interrupting right when I'm about to tell Lorne I love him?"

Pain flashed in his eyes. "But I… I thought you…"

"You thought I loved you? Hah!" I sighed heavily and rubbed my eyes. "Johannes, how many times have I told you? I do love you; as a brother. Nothing more."

"O-oh…" His shoulders fell forward. "I didn't know that…"

Instead of screaming at him like I wanted to, I merely sighed again and placed my hand on his cheek so that he would look at me. "Johannes, I hope you learn to accept this."

He turned away from me and began to leave. I wanted to reach out and hug him, tell him that I still value our friendship, but honestly I doubt he'd listen. So instead I stood there awkwardly, hardly breathing.

Soon I felt Lorne's hand on my shoulder. "Did you tell him?"

"Yes. He…isn't happy."

"To be expected." Lorne placed his hands at my waist. His lips were at my ear again. "However, I am very happy."

I smiled again, my eyes closing. For a moment I felt as if only he and I existed in this world. "Lorne, I have something to tell you."

"Yes?"

"I choose you, as my husband."

The next instant I was solely aware of his lips on mine.

~:o:~

-A.K.