The Waltz [ CHARLIE X MAXWELL ]

" My love . . . "

     Nightfall is coming soon, and it seems that the clad gentleman, known as Maxwell, is alone. He barely has enough to make a torch, let alone a fire. Wilson and Willow had separated earlier to find food, Wes and the children are back at camp (including Wigfrid), Wickerbottom is helping Winona tune up WX-78, and Woodie and Wolfgang are out chopping trees. And then there was Maxwell, who was originally going out to find that Glommer statue. 

     " Bah, who needs a loud, smelly, monster when you already have 2 of those? " He grumbled under his breath, shaking his head, " Wilson better be right about the full moon night or I'll have his head on a stick as a trophy. "

     The lukewarm wind reminded him of the nightfall, the land before him turning hazy and dark. He sighed in relief as the bright full moon loomed over. As much as he is glad for the moon, he can still barely see what is in front of him.

     Hussshhhh. . ., the sound fluttered through the air as the wind picked up around Maxwell. He grunted as he pushed himself forward, still determined to look for the buzzing beast. Suddenly, a shadow figure materialized in front of him, causing him to fall backwards. He scampered backwards as he looked at the curvy figure in front of him. The shadow represented a woman, with the features of a dress and feather bow. The face engraved into the shadow smiled sweetly and bent down to level with the man in front of her.

     " We meet again, Maxy . . . " It softly said.

     Maxwell recognized that voice from anywhere! The softness of the tone, the smooth words that came out, the nick name . . .

     " Charlie? Is that you? " Maxwell spoke out, pushing himself up.

     The shadow materialized into a tangible female, or shall I say a queen. Her dress flaunted at the ends, covering her feet. Her hands were threaded together as they lay rested on her front part. Her hair was fluffy and curly, topped off with a gorgeous red feather. Her catlike eyes were slanted, her black eyeshadow glistening. Her lips were curled into a devious smile.

     " Queen Charlie, " She retorted, holding a finger up as she tilted her head up. Maxwell stood up and brushed himself off, eyeing Charlie's frame, " Now now dear Maxy, I am no eye candy for you to behold. I am a lady. "

     " Of course, " He said, gingerly taking one of her hands and placing a tender kiss on the back of her hand, " But after all these years, it's hard to resist remembering your lovely Majesty. " 

     Charlie giggled at the remark, brushing her free hand over her mouth. She then slowly laced her fingers with Maxwell's, leaning her head onto his chest. She won't lie, she did miss the warmth of her dearest Maxy. It's rare for this side of her to come out, especially around Maxwell.

     " Say, Maxy, wouldn't you agree it has been a while since we have danced together? " She asked, getting an agreeing hum as a response, " How about we do a little waltz, just the two of us? "

     A small chuckle escaped Maxwell's lips as he looked down at her, tilting his head, " I don't see why not, your Majesty . . . "

     Charlie lifted her head up, looking up at the man she once and still loves. She proceeded to place a hand on his shoulder, feeling how he stiffened up. Her cat eyes glowed at the feeling. Maxwell followed and placed a hand on her waist. She only twitched slightly. The two swayed to nothing, fingers interlocked with each other.

     The howl of wolves and sounds of the night suddenly turned into a slow song. Almost like a music box. They slowly waltz around the empty plane, enjoying each other's company. They softly laughed and shared small talk. Just things about kids and how it is like to live in the shadows. Everything was going sweetly.

     They both knew that the sun was going to rise, as Maxwell sighted the orange line of the horizon. He stopped and looked down at Charlie, his tired eyes seemed sad and worried. She looked up at him and placed a hand on his face. He, in return, placed his hand on hers.

     " My love . . . "

     " Do not fret, Maxy. I will be back next full moon. Until then, I will be in the shadows, waiting for you. " Charlie softly spoke, leaning up to Maxwell's face.

     Their lips connect, causing Maxwell's face to radiate with red. They sat there like that for a while, in comforting silence. The only sound was of birds and the sound of foot steps. Wait, foot steps?

     Charlie pulled away briskly, softly smiling as she turned. She lifted the ends of her dress, as she faded into the light. Maxwell stayed hunched over, waiting to hear that blasted voice again.

     " There you are Maxwell! " Wilson's voice boomed out as he ran over to him. Of course, Willow was right behind him.

     " Yes, Higgsbury, it is I . . . " Maxwell groaned out, standing up straight as he dusted himself off.

     " Me and Ms. Willow found the Glommer, so you don't need to come out here anymore, " He said, leaning on to his spear with his elbow. Willow was hugging on to the Glommer, nibbling on it. Wilson turned once and smiled, then turned again and gasped, "Ms. Willow are you mad!? Let the beast go! "

     Maxwell sighed and looked down at the floor. He noticed a rose was planted right where Charlie was standing. He reached out to pick the flower, knowing he'll be pricked. But, the thorns shriveled back into the stem. Almost like it wanted him to pick it. He carefully picked the flower and placed it in his breast pocket. He turned to see Wilson pulling on Willow's leg, yelling things about "harming the creature" and such. He sighed once more and left for the camp, silently counting down the days for the next full moon.