Part one of the dancing series. This is Norma and Once-ler. Hope you all enjoy. Based upon this pic .com/post/21561760115 by Widdlez's on tumblr.

Once-ler created by Dr. Seuss

Night had come over the Lurkum, and Once-ler was excited. He was dressed in what his loving wife considered his finest clothes; black dress shoes and black pants, his grass green dress coat over his crisp white dress shirt, black and green tie adjusted to perfection. He was nervous, mainly because he had kept the whole evening plan a secret from his wife.

He had the whole night planned out: the Lorax was watching their toddler daughter for the night, which would allow the husband and wife to enjoy an evening together. Yes, they went to parties for his biggering company without their daughter, but it wasn't the same as spending alone time with her. While she had been at work that day, he had stayed at home, setting up a dinner in their area of the valley, where they had first said 'I love you'. He had even found a phonograph so they could dance after eating. Now he was just waiting for her to return home, to whisk her away for an evening alone.

"Once-ler? Where are you? It's dark in here." Norma shouted into the place, wondering where her man was at.

"Norma! Welcome home! It's dark so you can't see me. I have a plan. Will you please go upstairs and change into one of your nice dresses please?" He asked through the darkness, hoping she wouldn't turn the light on. A sigh was what he heard, and then footsteps going upstairs. A few shuffle sounds and then she yelled down the stairs.

"Is it cold where're going?"

Once-ler thought on this "It will get a little chilly later. Are you ready then?"

"Let me walk down the stairs silly." Suddenly, well, at least suddenly for him, she was at the bottom of the stairs. He had turned the light on, no chance of her tripping in whatever heels she picked. He may have been biased, but she looked like an angel. Even with what little time she had changed in she still looked just breathtaking. She had on a pale blue dress what was poufy in the skirt, sleeves draped around her arms. A silver silk throw was around her shoulders, and her short blue heels made her just a bit taller. Despite not having much time to do hair or make-up, she had managed to get her hair curly and pulled back with a small clip. Once-ler quickly moved to her, gathering her up in his arms and spinning her around before gently placing a kiss on her lips. Once it ended he placed her back on the ground she looked up at her wonderful man.

"What was that about?"

"Just wondering what I did to be married to such a lovely lady. Now" he said as he placed an elbow out for her to grasp "the night is young and I would love to spend it with you. Shall we?"

She placed her arm inside his "What about Helen?"

He chuckled slightly a small smile on his face. "Don't worry; the Lorax is watching her tonight. If he can watch over a whole forest, then watching one little girl sleep should be no problem. Actually, I think he likes her better than he likes us. Anyway, we're off."

They walked out the door and toward their place, whispering about their day and enjoying the clear and wonderful night. Soon they were upon the small area, and Norma couldn't help but let out a small gasp.

"Oncie, did you do all this?" A soft glow came off the lanterns that were hanging from some of the trees, low enough so no fires could break out. A smaller lantern sat on the white tablecloth covered table, a replacement for the standard candles. The table was set for two, with covers over the food to keep it warm. There was also a bucket with a bottle of champagne as well.

"We haven't had an evening alone for a while, and I thought this would be the best. An evening alone with without the media, without fan-girls trying to get with me, without guys trying to hit on you, and although I love her with all my heart, no Helen to make us stay quite." He whispered to her as he led her to the table, letting go of her just long enough to help her into her seat. He then moved to the bucket and opened the champagne bottle, careful to not spill any over himself or his wife. Gently he poured two glasses, and then sat down himself. They sat and talked about everything and nothing now as they ate, reminiscing about their first meeting, the birth of their daughter, everything that had happened so far. Soon the food was gone and both were a little tipsy from the alcohol.

"Shall we dance now?" Norma nodded and Once-ler rose from the table and headed over to the phonograph, placing the needle on the record and slowly turning the crank, until it was all the way wound, a slow waltz spilling from the horn.

"May I have this dance?" he asked, now beside her. She held out her hand and he took it, kissing it first before lifting her from the seat and pulling her close, letting the music move them along.

"When was the last time we danced?" she whispered to him, flowing with him and the music.

"I can't remember. I know the last time was with you though."

"There was a question to it?" She said a shocked look to her face.

"Well, those corporate parties do have me dancing with a lot of business women. I always save the last dance for you, no matter what." Now the waltz had ended, and the next song started. Faster, almost a jazzy tune now filled the air. Now Norma was leading, not caring that the man she called her husband was supposed to be doing that job.

"Norma!" he whispered, now being dragged around by his loving wife, the flow of the music still guiding their steps.

"What? I thought you liked it when I lead?" the smirk growing on her face showing how much she was enjoying this.

Once-ler gave a chuckle to his question, knowing exactly what she was referring to. "That's a different matter altogether my dear." Spinning her around now, the next song started playing, and the next, until the record had ended. They continued to dance though, the songs still in their heads, until they finally headed home, grateful to have one night to be themselves without the worries of life.