ℒ𝒾𝓋𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒪𝓃 𝒯𝒽ℯ 𝒟𝒶𝓃𝒸ℯ ℱ𝓁ℴℴ𝓇 [𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟏]

𝟑.𝟎𝟖- 𝐘𝐨𝐮'𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝

˚✧.⋅₊˚ ‧ 🩰⋅୨୧ ⋅🦢 ‧₊˚ ⋅.✧˚

["Dance To Express, Not Impress"]

The soft hum of chatter filled the Joffrey's practice hall as dancers milled about, stretching and preparing for the day's classes. Emily adjusted the oversized cardigan draped over her small frame as she scanned the room. Her heart skipped when her eyes landed on Grace, who was leaning against the barre, tying her shoe.

Grace caught Emily's gaze, hesitated for a moment, and then stepped toward her. Emily mirrored the movement, her chest tightening with nerves and relief all at once.

The two stopped a few feet apart, the silence between them heavy but not unkind.

"I'm sorry," they blurted out at the exact same time.

For a second, there was stunned quiet, and then both girls burst into laughter, the tension melting away like snow under the sun.

"Go ahead," Emily said, motioning for Grace to speak first.

"No, you," Grace insisted, a grin tugging at her lips.

Emily laughed again, "Okay, fine. I'm sorry for everything- the arguing, the yelling, keeping your fuzzy socks..." she trailed off, looking sheepish.

Grace crossed her arms but her smile stayed, "I knew you kept those. I thought about asking, but I figured if you were keeping them, you needed them more than I did."

Emily gave her a playful nudge, "You caught me. I was going to give them back, I swear. Eventually."

"Well," Grace said, leaning closer, "I thought about keeping your cardigan, but I knew I'd miss it too much."

Emily glanced down at the oversized cardigan she was currently wearing and laughed, "Good call. I'm literally wearing it right now."

The two dissolved into giggles before Emily stepped forward, pulling Grace into a tight hug.

"Last week was the worst," Emily said, her voice muffled against Grace's shoulder.

"Torture," Grace agreed, squeezing her friend tightly. "Never again."

"Never again," Emily echoed.

Their heartfelt reunion was interrupted by a voice from behind them.

"Well, well, look who finally made up," Jackson drawled, leaning against the doorway with a smirk.

Emily and Grace pulled apart, turning to face him. Grace's eyes narrowed, her good mood souring instantly.

"Don't act so smug, Jackson," she said sharply. "You're still on thin ice with me."

Jackson raised his hands in mock surrender, "Hey, I'm not here to start anything. Just pointing out that it's nice to see you two talking again."

"Grace," Emily said softly, placing a hand on her arm. "It's okay. We talked about this, remember?"

Grace sighed, her gaze flickering between Emily and Jackson, "Fine. But only because you asked me to."

Jackson looked at Emily, "Truce still on?"

Emily nodded, "Truce is on. But don't mess it up."

"I wouldn't dare," Jackson said, his tone unusually earnest. "You have my word."

Grace crossed her arms, still glaring at him, "We'll see."

Jackson gave a small nod and walked off, leaving the two girls alone again.