Draw Again

Chapter 16

The sun was setting, but Anna's party was still in full swing and I was three Kamamoto concoctions in. Someone had turned on music I don't know when, but it was good music and I found myself dancing. Drunkenly, but I was definitely dancing. . . Well I was swaying to the beat.

I spun around holding my half empty fourth drink over my head as I moved about the crowded pub. When I stopped I spotted Yata who was leaning against the wall near the door with an unexcited expression, a grin tugged at my face. After chugging the rest of my drink I sat the glass down on a random table before making my way over to the chestnut haired boy.

"Yata," I sang.

Before he responded I threw my arms around him and pulled him away from the wall. He went completely stiff as my arms circled his shoulders, which made moving difficult.

"N-N-Nao-sen-p-pai," he stammered.

"Dance Yata, it's a party," I said.

"I-I don't dance," he fought.

"Sure you do. Everyone can dance," I smiled.

As we awkwardly spun in a circle Yata tried to pull away, but I wouldn't let him. I hugged him as I continued to dance to the upbeat rock song with a cardboard cutout of the "terrifying" Yatagarasu.

"Nao-senpai, are you drunk?" Yata questioned.

"Maybe," I answered. Pulling back slightly I flinched in pain and said, "Ouch! Yata that's my foot."

"told you I can't dance," he muttered.

I glanced at his glowing red face as we came to a stop. He looked petrified with his hazel gaze firmly fixed on the ceiling.

I guess somethings haven't changed, I thought with a frown.

Drunk or sober I remembered that day on that roof three years ago. It was impossible to forget.

Releasing my hold on Yata I gave his flushed cheeks a gentle slap gaining his attention. I offered him a half smile as I trapped his face between my hands. I wasn't sure with my own raised body temperature, but it felt like Yata's increased even more when our eyes met.

"that's okay. I'll find another partner. Thanks for trying," I said.

"Huh?"

"Nao-chan?" Totsuka hummed.

Just as I released Yata the grinning brunet appeared next to us with bright eyes. Yata took a step back while Totsuka raised a brow at us.

"What's going on here?" he asked.

"Dancing. I need a new partner," I replied.

Offering out his right hand Totsuka grinned and said, "I can help there."

I took his hand with my own smile and Totsuka pulled me over to dance. It started off fast like a dance from the 50's, Totsuka spinning me, dipping me, and lifting me perfectly to the beat. As we danced I couldn't stop giggling, it was too much fun. It was like I was flying.

When the music switched to the next song it was slower, so Totsuka changed our dancing to match. He rested a hand on my lower back and gently held mine in the other as we one-two-threed in a circle. My head felt light from the alcohol and spinning, but it was almost a pleasant feeling after everything I had been thinking about lately.

Glancing up at my friend, my smile left my face and his brown eyes narrowed at me.

"I'll save him," I whispered.

"I know you will," he nodded.

I placed my forehead against his chest as we continued to dance. "I want to save him, Totsuka-kun. I really do," I said.