Qrow.

Chapter 73 | Dahlia

The night stars sparkled outside. Light of the moon poured in through the large windows, glistening across the polished checked floor. The ballroom had a refreshing scent, untainted as if it was brand new. It was revitalizing to step inside and see so many happy faces. No matter their personal problems, they finally had a chance to relax and enjoy each other's company.

"I wouldn't expect you to be so melancholy at a celebration." Finch commented to Emerson.

The elf watched his older brother across the room, being the life of the party. He swirled around the wine in his glass, responding, "The last time I was at a formal event, it didn't end well. I suppose I'm just having some bad flashbacks... What about you? Why aren't you dancing?"

"I have no one to dance with. That's alright by me, though." He smiled gently, "I'm alright not having a romantic partner, as so long as I have my family. They may not be my blood, but they are my family."

Emerson managed a small grin. You really didn't have to tell him how important family was. The thought of romance was far from his mind most the time. However, he and Finch both did enjoy the idea of romance. The problem with love, though, is it is just an idea. It's a concept we've developed to ignore the wrongs of life. No matter how much you love someone, it won't prevent them from getting hurt. That's why romance is best left as a theory.

Some people are able to look past the pain of love. Those were the ones lucky enough to get second chances. People like Felix, who got a second chance to love Marci, or his parents, who got a second chance to love their children. Then there were ones like Kettil that just stared at happy couples with contempt.

Friday wondered over to him, her kitten in her arms. "Why are you in the corner all alone?" She asked curiously.

He kept his arms crossed, glaring down at the big eyed vampire. "Me solum relinquatis."

"I'm sorry... I don't understand your language." She frowned, "I know you can speak some English though. I've heard it before."

Kettil closed his eyes a moment to keep himself from blowing up at her. "I... do not know... Much."

"I didn't know much English either when I came here. Micah taught me though, the best he could. I bet he could teach you, if you wanted to." She suggested.

"No," He turned his head away, avoiding looking at her sweet face. It reminded him too much of his own daughter, whom he hadn't seen in years. "I do not want that."

Micah walked up to her, delicately setting his hand on her shoulder. He leaned down to her level. "Sweetheart, leave him be. He doesn't want to be bothered. Have you given the little button a name yet?" He asked as he gently scratched the kitten's head.

"Booties!" She responded proudly, "Because the white on her feetsies makes it look like she's got booties on!"

He laughed lightheartedly, "That's perfect." Micah picked Booties up, setting her on Paris' shoulder. "There we are. Princess, may I have the next dance?"

Friday blushed, accepting the hand he'd offered. Their relationship was that of a daughter and father. By their size difference, and the way he cared for her so deeply, you might've actually though he was her dad. He took her out to the center of the floor as a silence fell on the room. Music playing from the radio had been cut off.

It'd been awhile since Felix sang for a crowd. He didn't like to do it, but he couldn't really deny Jasper's request for him to perform. Marci was pretty happy to hear he'd be doing so, which meant he really couldn't back out. He sat down at the slick black piano under the towards the middle of the room. It was a surprise the keys didn't have dust on them. Just like that piano, he may not have practiced in awhile, but he was still just as good.