Trails of Intertwined Stars: Chapter 74 {Part 1}

~Chapter 62: Patio Dance~

Jiu sat at a table on the patio, taking in the nice summer, cool breeze. It was refreshing. Nobody was outside either, mainly because everyone was much too focused on the venue inside to care. He leaned back in his chair, staring at the moon which had appeared in the sky. It was late, for it to be this dark in summer. Close to midnight sort of late, perhaps. He yawned, despite himself feeling not that tired; quite content with just watching the moon for a few more moments.
"There you are."
Jiu jolted slightly at the voice, turning around to face them with wide eyes. It was Leora. Her dress was quite pretty in the moonlight, it illuminated the blue and gave her an almost, ghostly, feel.
She smiled, tilting her head," I couldn't spot you for a while. How was your dance with Hettie."
"Alright..." Jiu shrugged his shoulders, not particularly caring much for the plain maid," I told her to remember to give your dress back."
Leora nodded, softly," How sweet. I may insist for her to keep it, though."
"Why?" Jiu blinked in shock.
Leora shrugged," I rarely wear it. Besides, it may bring her fond memories in the future, don't you think? I can't remember ever having any attachment to that dress..."
"Make new memories," Jiu spoke, the words falling out of his mouth slightly," I think the dress would suit you more than Hettie. You should keep it, Leora."

The girl's eyes widened in shock at the declaration.
Jiu blushed, glancing away, embarrassed," God, I can't think straight today...my head is everywhere..."
Leora hummed softly, walking past the table he was sat at, to glance up at the night sky; hands behind her back.
"The moon truly is beautiful tonight..."
Jiu's gaze raked over her figure, gently tapping his fingers on the table, not once looking at the moon," Yeah...it is..."
From outside, they could hear the song change to a beautiful slow dance. It was quieter, and seemed to echo beautifully outside. Leora blushed slightly, listening to it.
"What a pretty song..." She murmured, dreamily.
Jiu gulped," Then...may I have this dance with you?"
Leora watched as he got up from the table, bowed and held out his hand. He didn't dare look up and face her reaction. With a trembling hand, she set hers in his. Jiu gently pulled her into his arms, softly swaying to the music with her. Leora's breath hitched, swaying along with him, hiding her face in his chest slightly.

"You're shy...why...?" Jiu whispered.
"I..." Leora mumbled," I'm not too sure..."
They continued their gentle sways, mixed with soft spins and graceful twirls; pressed against each other. This dance, was so much more different to the ones either of them had that night. The moonlight cast a soft glow on them, as they danced along softly to the wind; the flowers being their only witness. Jiu stared at her, with a warmth filling his eyes at her touch and movements. He spun her gently, picking her up in his arms as he did so.
"I'm not too heavy?" Leora whispered, nervously.
He smiled," Not at all."
Leora buried her face in his shoulder as they danced softly. Despite being in his physical form, where he shouldn't have been able to access his ghost qualities; their feet gently left the floor, hovering slightly. Leora gasped, gripping onto him tighter, peering down, nervously.
"Jiu..."
"Don't panic, I won't drop you," Jiu chuckled, gently swaying with her.
Leora's breath evened out as she got used to the sensation, and she couldn't help but smile as they gently swayed.
"It's like a dream," She smiled, innocently.

"A good dream?"
"A marvellous one...let it last longer?"
Jiu nodded, swaying with her gently in the air," I wish it could last all night..."
Perhaps even longer than the night. He glanced away, blushing at the thought. Her in his arms like this...it didn't feel too bad at all. He had felt nothing when dancing with Hettie, but with her. God, he felt like a flustered idiot. He couldn't help but grin at her smile, and he'd even lost so much control that he'd managed to float in a form he shouldn't be able too. As they gently swayed, Leora laughed softly, glancing up at him. She blushed, opening her eyes, realising just how close she was to his face. He chuckled back, gently, before, he too realised. They stared at each other for a moment, neither exactly dancing. As they did, Jiu's levitation wore off, and they gently sunk back to their feet. Leora stared at him with wide eyes. And Jiu seemed to mirror this look. The girl pushed herself up onto her tip toes, her eyes fluttering shut as her lips gently parted. Jiu gulped, his breath wavering. In fear, in excitement? He wasn't quite sure. He felt his own eyes fall shut, and his head moved down, to meet her lips. To finally taste Leora Mohan.

"There you are!"
Leora tugged away suddenly, before either Jiu or Leora's lips could meet; her eyes wide.
Lord Bramston grinned, strolling over, he clearly hadn't noticed anything in his drunken haze.
"Lord Bramston..." Leora mumbled.
Jiu glanced away, disappointed.
"Jiu, I hope you've been treating my beautiful bride to be well!" Lord Bramston laughed, merrily.
"Yes," Jiu grumbled, resentfully," One could say that..."
Leora cast her gaze down to her shoes, ashamed at the situation they were now in.
"I'm feeling much better to dance now, my dear," Lord Bramston smiled," Leora, darling, let's do so. Jiu, you don't mind me dancing with my fiancé, do you?"
"No..." Jiu muttered, bitterly," Of course not. I was just planning to go back to my quarters."
Leora watched as the ghost went to the patio door, he hesitated for a moment, glancing over his shoulder.
"I'll be on the second floor, should you need me. I'll only wait a few minutes, and then I'll assume and leave," Jiu muttered, before turning and leaving.
Leora stared at him with wide eyes, gripping her dress, tightly as the patio door shut and he made his way into the manor.

"Should you need him?" Lord Bramston frowned," What an odd thing to say. Nevermind that, dear. May we dance?"
Leora shook her head, gripping her dress tighter, with a look of determination set in her eyes.
"Maybe another time, Bramston."
The girl dashed for the patio and slammed it behind her, before the drunken man could even get a word in.