Vanitas x Female! Reader ☆ Pure Shores ☆

10. Go By The Board

Standing on the front step of the store, (Y/N) watched the bustling crowds move to and fro down the street. Many held bulging bags and boxes with the necessary items for the annual Eve-Lily dance that night. Others passed already in various stages of preparation, with finely dressed hair tangled with flowers and jewellery, or their faces carefully painted.
(Y/N) smiled softly at the sight, soaking in the excited vibes of the big day.
Turning, she flipped the closed sign to open, mindful that there could be last minute customers demanding skin ointments and hair waxes.
"Morning, (Y/N)!" A cheery voice called out from behind her.
Pausing to glance back, she saw Pence hurrying towards her, his hand gripping the letter bag hanging heavily from his shoulder, his face shiny with sweat.
"Hi Pence! Busy day?" She replied cheerily, facing him.
"Very! There was a delay in writing up the programs for tonight, but luckily it wasn't too late!" He delved into the sack, producing a neat cream envelope. "Here you go. Hope to see you tonight?" Pence asked, handing over the letter with a grin.
"Of course, look forward to it!"
Pence gave a jaunty wave before shuffling away, hoisting his bag up his shoulder as it slipped down his arm.
(Y/N) tore at the seal, slipping the smart silver parchment from inside as she pushed her way into the shop.
Her eyes skimmed the page.
Starting at 6.30pm, the dance was informal which allowed for mingling and merriment. At 9pm, food was served and the group dance took place.
"What's that?" Vanitas asked, looking up from a stack of parcels he busy scribbling addresses onto. (Y/N) made her way over and handed him the letter.
"The schedule for tonight." She explained, as he read the short list.
"Its just dancing all night? Nothing else?" He asked, setting it on the counter.
"What else would there be? A human sacrifice?" (Y/N) grinned, pulling half of the parcel stack towards her.
Vanitas cocked an eyebrow as he resumed his task. "You're saying humans have never done that before?"
"...Not for a long time." She said haughtily, picking the large burlap delivery sack from the floor.
Vanitas shook his head, then tapped the neat pile of parcels with his pencil. "These are all ready to go."
(Y/N) began packing them away gratefully. "Thanks, Van. This is a huge help."
"Don't mention it..." he frowned as she struggled to shoulder the heavy load.
"Sure you can carry those?"
(Y/N) waved a hand dismissively. "Who do you think did this before you came along?" She huffed, wobbling towards the door.
She glanced back sheepishly. "Although, I guess one time wouldn't hurt."
Vanitas rolled his eyes with a good-natured grin, holding out his arm.
He didn't even flinch as she placed the groaning bag onto his shoulder."
The two slipped out the door, with (Y/N) leading the way.
Vanitas watched the hive of activity taking place all over the streets, looking amused.
"This dance sure gets people excited." He commented, watching two girls gush over one another's shoes.
"So many adornments." He added, nodding at the girls.
They noticed Vanitas looking their way, giggling coyly behind their hands.
"Its one of the biggest nights of the year." (Y/N) explained, turning back to look at him. "The whole village goes!"
She stopped, waiting for him to catch up.
"Speaking of which...I think you should come."
Vanitas looked at her, his expression unreadable. "I'm not sure thats a good idea." He finally said, striding past her.
(Y/N) hurried to catch up. "You'd rather stay at the shop alone all night? Besides, you just might enjoy yourself."
Vanitas looked uncomfortable, scratching the back of his neck.
"But...I don't know how to dance...like a human."
They reached the front of the Post Office, looking at one another wordlessly as the street buzzed around them.
(Y/N) gave him a wide grin.
"No problem, I can teach you!"
Vanitas blinked. "You?" His gaze travelled the length of her frame and back up again.
"No offense, but you look like you have the rhythm of a whale."
(Y/N) put both hands on her hips, eyes narrowed.
"How dare you! I'm not that bad."
Vanitas dumped the bag unceremoniously onto the ground with a sigh.
"C'mon Vanitas, please?" (Y/N) asked, giving him a sly look.
"I'm sure they'll be plenty of women who want to dance with you"  she said, her voice tinged with a hint of unwelcome bitterness.
"You won't be bored, that's all I mean." She added quickly.
Luckily, Vanitas seemed like he hadnt picked up on the back-handed jibe, as he glared at her for a few moments before groaning loudly.
"Alright fine! Lets just deliver these parcels already!"
(Y/N) gave a little hop of happiness, before seizing the sack by its rope handle.
"Be right back! Then the lessons can begin!"
Vanitas watched her disappear into the Post Office.
"Manarrii help me..."