In Pursuit of Perfection | Nalu | Collab with ofthefeels

| Chapter 18 |

Roar, by Katy Perry

| Previously on Chapter 17 |

"I know you don't want to 'dishonor your dad'," he said, making air quotes with his hands, "but maybe you should try, you know, try dancing with some feeling." She frowned, but didn't say anything. "Come on, it can't hurt, right? Besides, what else are you going to do?"

You have no other choice. Just one time. Come on. She squeezed her eyes shut. "Fine." I'm so sorry Father.

"You won't be disappointed."

She glared at him. "I better not be."

"Don't worry," he said. "Do you feel better?"

"Yeah," she said, giving him a small smile. "Thanks."

| Chapter 18 |

"Don't forget to—"

"Yeah, I know," she said, sharply. Her heart pounded in her chest and her legs wouldn't stop shaking. "I need to dance with emotion."

"Don't worry. It's not that scary. It's fun," Natsu said.

"How exactly do you do that?" The question sounded stupid, but it had been nagging since this morning.

"Well." He blinked and looked at the floor, frowning. "You have to get a sense of what the scene's about and what the mood is. You also have to know what the tone of the music is. You put those two together and you'll know which emotion to dance with. And, don't forget." He pushed the corners of her lips up. "Smile more. You frown too much."

She rolled her eyes, but took his advice. "You care too much."

"I can't help it." He chuckled. "I'll leave you alone if you want."

It would make things easier, but what came out was the opposite. It escaped her lips before she had a chance to even think. "It's fine."

He raised an eyebrow. "Just a second ago, you were complaining that I was being annoying."

What happened to that? She herself couldn't even answer it. She'd feel more insecure if he wasn't there. His presence helped calm her churning stomach.

"I need you there for moral support."

"Of course." He bowed low.

She laughed. "Whatever."

Smile. It felt weird. She had never danced with a smile on her face. It made everything more scary. The fact that she was going to perform Kitri's Grand Jeté in front of Igneel didn't help, either.

Igneel entered the auditorium. It was where they were practicing from now on. "I hope you've practiced."

"Of course I practiced. I'd be furious at myself if I didn't."

"Ok, Ok, just making sure." He climbed up the stairs to the stage. He pressed the start button on the radio and she steadied herself.

"Figure out the mood of the scene." It was a powerful moment, but she had to be careful to not overdo it. So maybe...energetic and graceful? The music was fast and if she put the two together, it would be happy and confident. Five, six, seven, eight!