Treated Better (Normal Version)

Page Thirty-Six

Mizuki sat under a tree, lazily making her puppet dance around for entertainment. Ghirahim had told her to stay there while he went to get something. Mizuki got up and tried to copy the puppets movements, but her body didn't seem to cooperate. Swaying with the beat of her music was no problem, but figuring out what to do with her body was another thing. She kept tripping over her own feet. She closed her eyes, hoping that that would fix her problem. Her eyes flashed open after feeling someone's hands on her's. Ghirahim was guiding her with the music.

Ghirahim: You are overthinking it Doll, just move with the beat. Compared to some of the songs you listen to, this one is simple.

Mizuki seemed to stiffen up more after every word.

Mizuki: D-didn't you go out to grab something?

Ghirahim: I've got it. It's for the recipe you wanted to try. But that can wait... You want to dance yes?

Mizuki: I've got two left feet, I can't.

Ghirahim: That's why I'm here to help. Follow my lead, and be confident.

Mizuki: But the recipe requires preparation, if I continue dancing then we won't have lunch on time.

Ghirahim: When have we ever eaten on time?

Mizuki: Fine...

Mizuki put on a better playlist and held Ghirahim's hands.

Ghirahim: Your hands are just going to be in mine for the majority of the time, follow the movement of my feet.

Mizuki looked down and awkwardly matched his movements.

Ghirahim: You can match my actions in battle but not in dance? Look... I step back, you step forward. I step to the side, you step to the side... And here you spin.

Ghirahim moved her, allowing her to twirl around before pulling her back. She began to loosen up and actually follow his lead.

Mizuki: This is one of the first times I've actually felt good while dancing. I've always been too awkward to know what to do...

As the song slowed down he pulled Mizuki closer till their noses were touching. Mizuki's face went red and she stiffened back up.

Ghirahim: Flustering you is still one of my favorite things to do.

The song changed to one with a faster tempo. Ghirahim led her in this one as well.

Ghirahim: This one is different... I step that way, you step the other way. Then we slide back into the middle and do it the other way. Now you step that way and I step this way. We meet back in the middle and repeat...

This was a dance that Mizuki was more familiar with, she danced this way with her mom a couple of times. She quickly picked up on the moves again and wasn't relying on Ghirahim to lead her.

Ghirahim: Now step back and do basically the same thing.

Mizuki: Where did you learn to dance pretty boy?

Ghirahim: It came naturally.

Mizuki: I see we are on opposite ends then.

Ghirahim: That doesn't mean we can't meet in the middle and dance together.

After a few more songs Mizuki went to prepare food but was dancing and singing the entire time.

Ghirahim: Can I help you with anything?

Mizuki: Nope, just sit and wait. Thank you though.

Mizuki continued singing and dancing as she made lunch. As some travelers approached Ghirahim stood up to talk with them.

Traveler: Hi there, we couldn't help but to hear the pretty lady's singing and smell the food... We are heading to the Riverside Stable, across the river, are you headed there too?

Ghirahim: Like it's any of your business.

Mizuki: Be nice!

Ghirahim: No... We aren't heading to Riverside Stable. Why do you ask?

Traveler: Just trying to make small talk. Um, would you mind sharing that recipe with us?

Mizuki: No, I don't mind... Here, it's a simple fajita recipe.

Traveler: Thank you so much, have a nice day!

...

Ghirahim: What's that look for?

Mizuki: Why are you so grumpy?

Ghirahim: They were prying into our business.

Mizuki: They were making small talk. Come here, I don't have to worry about the food for a while.

Mizuki pulled him to her, leading him in this dance.

Mizuki: We had a heart to heart, we have admitted that we are still care for each, we danced for a while, and I'm cooking us lunch even though you could easily make yourself something... How are you going to be fussy over someone walking up and talking with us?

Ghirahim: They called you "Pretty Lady" they were obviously trying to hit on you.

Mizuki: The second one didn't even talk.

Ghirahim: They were eyeing you the whole time.

Mizuki: Who knew you could be so jealous? How about today be a slow day? We don't have to go anywhere else, no more socializing needed.

Ghirahim's grumbling continued.

Mizuki: So fussy. Should I cut the grass so you can walk without it brushing your legs Princess?

Ghirahim: Don't call me that.

Mizuki: Stop acting like a prissy princess then.

Ghirahim: Doll, you're pushing your luck.

Mizuki: I know, and I'm going to continue to push it.

...

Ghirahim: Mizuki get in your tent, it's dark and pouring rain.

Mizuki: I'm under the tree, I'm mostly fine.

Ghirahim: Get in your tent before you catch a cold.

Mizuki: But I'm waiting for a shooting star... I can still see the night sky.

Ghirahim: Making a wish on a shooting star doesn't do anything.

Mizuki: I know... But I want a picture.

Ghirahim: Have you been doing this every night?

Mizuki: Yep, I'll get a picture sooner or later.

Ghirahim: Zuki, look at the moon, do you see how late it is? It's too late for this. You look like you are about to fall asleep, go to bed.

Mizuki: Okay, fine. Good night Princess.

Ghirahim: It's too late for this Doll, don't start.

Mizuki: Fine, fine... Good night Ghira.

Ghirahim: Zuki, I can still see your lamp on.

Mizuki: I just wanna write some stuff down.

(I'm writing this for when you wake up. I had to go somewhere... I will be back hopefully before you read this. Mizuki~)

And with that Mizuki left as soon as Ghirahim went to sleep.