Revealed at last

Part 5

We dance for hours. The dance ends at midnight and we are approaching the last hour. The steady rhythm of the music and the heat of the bodies around me is all I feel.

We have only paused twice to get drinks and Alya has slipped multiple people alcohol.

I am dancing, one arm trying to keep my mask on my face and the other flailing above my head.

Adrien is staring and grinning at me as we both shout the words to a familiar pop song. We both jump and wave our arms to the beat.

It might just be the alcohol, but he looks very good. He took off his jacket and tie the last time we stopped for a drink and unbuttoned the two top buttons of his shirt. His hair is not in its usual perfect style but flowing around his face.

Alya taps me on the shoulder, interrupting me and Adrien singing, and points towards the bathroom.

I nod and look back at Adrien. He nods and points behind him, where his other friends are dancing.

We part ways.

Alya drags me by the arm through the crowded room, afraid to lose me.

We arrive at the bathroom and the sudden quiet is suffocating. The loud music is still pounding in my ears.

She turns to me and a smile fills her face. I return the gesture.

"You and Nino?" I ask.

"We almost kissed!" she grabs my arm and looks into my eyes, "I really like him."

I snort, "I can tell."

She whacks me playfully, "what about you and Adrien? You guys haven't been apart all night."

"Ya," I look down at the mask in my hands.

"Girl, what's wrong."

"Oh nothing. Just nerves."

"Maybe you'll kiss." I look up at Alya who wiggles her finger at me.

"Alya!" I exclaim but she pulls me out of the bathroom and into the loud music, completely forgetting to use the bathroom.

We rejoin our group and resume dancing.

Adrien stays with his other friends; until the DJ announces the last song.

Most people leave the dance area, already done for the night, and leave the room to the couples.

Nino takes Alyas hand and pulls her in tight. The music changes into a slower rhythm. She leans her head against his chest.

I turn to leave and find my coat. Adrien has probably left with his friends.

I turn and find the blonde standing there. He blushes and fiddles with the mask in his hands.

He offers me a hand and raises an eyebrow.

"A dance M'lady?"

I hesitate but grab his outstretched hand.

Adrien pulls me close. We stare at each other, not moving. Until I wrap my arms around his neck and lean my head against his shoulder. He pulls me closer. We sway lightly to the slow music. I let my eyes close and savor the moment.

I open my eyes and spot Alya. She gives me a thumbs up and I scrunch my face.

We stay in comfortable silence throughout the song.

The song ends and he pulls me closer for a moment before pulling away.

I already miss his warmth of his body holding mine.