Waltz of Two Birds

Dancing All Night

The sound of music echoed through the room, the sound of laughter, and footsteps followed. Chandlers sway slightly, the candles flickering, giving a soft light bouncing off the walls. A young girl leaned against one of the pillars, watching the guest glide across the dance floor. Her hair was neatly tucked behind her ear, pinned into a low bun, and her hair flat against her forehead from sweat. She was wearing a long black ball gown, red faded towards the bottom of her gown. Her eyes narrowed as she took a glass from one of the trays passing by, swirling the drink anxiously before taking a sip.

"I'm surprised you haven't gone yet, Ayako"

Two young gentlemen stood before her side, one with pulled-back purple hair and tired eyes. While the other was a man with short brown hair, rounded bear-like ears flickered towards the music. The man with purple hair, Shinso, glanced down at Ayako, giving her a small pat on the back.

"You gotta ask him at some point, Daisuke, and I saw you glancing at him from across the room," he said, before placing his hand into his pocket.

Ayako frowned, her eyes searching the crowd for a familiar yellow hair and long tail. She opened her mouth but shut it, knowing that Shinso was correct. Ayako handed the now empty glass over to Daisuke.

"Would you mind going to get me a refill please, Daisuke? Thank you, ''she asked.

Daisuke nodded, disappearing into the sea of tables that were behind the group. Shinso sighed, Ayako awkwardly shifting her weight.

"You've fought villains and dancing is what causes you to freeze up?"

"Fighting villains is easier than trying to remember dance moves, jerk." Ayako huffed.

Shinso smiled at her reply, he walked around Ayako, noticing a yellow ball of fluff pass through the crowd.

"I hope you don't completely ruin his feet, he won't be able to fight then."

"What do you mean by that?" she demanded, turning to Shinso confused, "Are you saying that I can't dance?"

Ayako's back was now towards the dance floor, her eyes glaring at him. She knew that he was only saying this to lighten her mood, which isn't wrong.

Ayako wasn't exactly the best dancer, stepping offbeat and she practiced alone at night just for this moment.

A single tap then appeared on Ayako's shoulder, turning to see a nervous blonde-haired male in front of her. He was wearing a black suit with a black bowtie, a tail with yellow fluff moving into view. His yellow hair combed back, his eyes dark as his shoes.

Opening his mouth, he paused briefly, thinking carefully about what he was about to say.

"Hello, I hope I wasn't interrupting, my name is Ojiro. I was wondering if I may have this dance?" He bowed before extending his hand out towards Ayako.

Ayako stared at him, her stomach beginning to turn. She could feel cheeks slowly turn pink, thankful that the room was dim.

She took his hand, nodding silently. Her heart began to pound as he led her out onto the dance floor. The dancers around them stopped as the song died down, recollecting themselves before the music started up again.

" I have to warn you, dancing isn't my forte," she muttered, looking at the others around them.

He chuckled, " You'll be fine, I'll lead."

His tail carefully leaned up against her back, helping her stand up straight.

Ayako bit her lip, glancing down at his feet. The music seemed to match the flow of them, she cursed under her breath as she feared her legs would buckle.

"Not bad, just keep your eyes on mine." He leaned in, speaking gently into her ear.

He let go of her waist as he twirled her. Ayako's dresses sway before resting back momentarily. Ayako peaked up towards his eyes, his eyes reflecting hers, dark and mysterious. The music is now beginning to fade, their dancing seemed to slow as if time paused. Their eyes locked, she gasped softly as she in a trance leaned in.

"Ah!' Ojiro winced, eyes squinting shut momentarily.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Ayako quickly glanced down at her feet, "We can stop now if you want, I don't want to accidentally injure you again."

She quickly backed away, cursing at herself for becoming distracted. She paused as felt his tail now wrapping around her waist, he stared at her, reaching his hand out once again.

"It's alright. You're honestly one of the best dancers here, I promise." He quickly stated, scratching the back of his head.

Ayako's eyes widen, a blush now appearing on Ojiro's face. She hesitated, if she were to leave it would be rather rude. She closed her eyes, accepting his hand once again.

She felt embarrassed, spending all that time practicing only to step on his feet. In front of an entire crowd to mention, she stepped on her crush's foot.

They continued to waltz, Ayako slowly starting to show improvement as the music went on. Laughter was shared between the two, forgetting that there were other guests around them. Ayako smiled at him, anxious, now bubbling away, again she leaned close to him.

The music seemed to keep up with the pace they were going. Both faces now inch apart from each other, Ayako taking note of the light dusting of freckles on his cheeks.

"I'm surprised with myself, honestly." She spoke, keeping her voice low.

"Why would that be?" He replied, smiling at her.

She stared at him for a few moments, her eyes slowly leading from Ojiro's eyes to his mouth. She was not sure if she ever noticed how soft they looked, this was the closest she has gotten to him.

"Can I kiss you?" She breathed.

The words left her mouth before she could stop them. She gulped as the realization of what she asked hit them both, her face now surely beaming red as her dress. She opened her mouth, wanting to explain herself.

She froze as she felt Ojiro gently cradle her chin, his lips pressing against hers as he leaned in. He pulled away, face blanked as he processed over what he just did. Ojiro quickly covered his mouth, eyes glancing at the people around them.

Neither of them spoke as the guests around them continued to dance, oblivious to what happened.

The music coming to an end, the dancers around them stopped and applauded the musicians. Everyone now slowly making their way off the dance floor Ayako and Ojiro stood where they were. The lights were still dim, soft light appearing on Ojiro's face as he held her hands.

"I've been wanting to do that for a while," he whispered sheepishly. " I just didn't know if you felt the same way."

" I felt the same way."

Ayako stood on her toes, thankful that her heels gave her a little height. She kissed him on his cheek before smiling at him. The blush on their cheeks now fading away, Ojiro's tail unwrapping itself, swaying slightly.

"Thank you for the dance, it was a lot of fun." Her eyes did not once leave him.

Ojiro cleared his throat, nodding, "Shall we head back? Maybe get some refreshments?"

He extended his arm out for her hold, Ayako hooked her arm with his and they walked off the dance floor. The night was still young, there's plenty more dancing to do, get to know each other more. Ayako glanced up towards Ojiro's direction before resting her against his shoulder. Ojiro's tail wagging as they walked towards the food table, he grabbed some refreshments.

"Do you want to move outside once we get our drinks?" Ayako asked, nodding towards the doors to the balcony.

"Sure, it was getting a little stuffy in here anyways," Ojiro replied.

Together they walked past the seated crowd and onto the balcony. The music played softly in the background as Ayako walked up to the railing, leaning against it. Ojiro walked up to join her, together they both watched the stars. Ayako smiled, knowing that her friends would want details that could wait for another night.