Dance Around Our Feelings

Lucky navigated through the crowds of students in the reception hall, careful to not catch anyone's attention. With how Lucky had lived life thus far, balls such as these tired her out a lot more than a heart-racing duel ever would. Actually, a spar does sound a lot more promising right now. she thought. She slipped through the doors of the reception hall and into into the cool night air. "By Sothis, I'm finally out," she gasped.

"You called?" Sothis teased. "But, yes, I understand. You hardly had any time to breathe in there. It must be hard being the favorite knight of the ball. Poor, poor you!"

"'Favorite'? I wouldn't go that far," Lucky leaned against a tree, and shrugged, "Though, people seem to like dark, brooding types for some reason."

"Didn't one student mention that the other day? Sylvain, was it?" Sothis laughed. "Regardless, you do need some alone time. Where is there to run? This place is filled with joyous students looking for a dance."

Lucky thought for a moment, then remembered something. "The Goddess Tower, perhaps?"

"The Goddess Tower? Ah... I see," Sothis shook her head, "Now, why do I sense there's an ulterior motive to this?"

"That's none of your business," Lucky retorted. With that, she headed off into the night.

Lucky stood at the base of the Goddess Tower and gazed upon its high stone walls. A soft wind whistled in her ear as if trying to compensate for the otherwise quiet evening. She closed her eyes, letting the natural serenity of her surroundings calm her. Before Lucky could completely settle down, the sound of footsteps behind her interrupted the moment.

"Evening, Lucky," a familiar voice greeted.

Lucky turned around and gave the unwanted(?) guest a nod, "Gautier."

Sylvain smiled back at her and approached her. "Lovely evening, isn't it?"

She put a hand up, "We both know why you're here."

"Oh? So, you've heard the stories about this place?" Sylvain crossed his arms. "How if two people exchange vows here, they'll always come true?"

Lucky nodded. "Correct. That said, I'm surprised that you don't have a girl with you."

"Well, that's because..." he paused, "the person I wanted to see is already here. I heard that you were heading to the Goddess Tower, so that got me thinking..."

"Wait," Lucky's eyes widened. "You and me? Together?"

"Why not?" Sylvain offered a hand to her. "You're here alone, I'm here alone. I keep thinking about it and it just makes sense. Not to mention our Crests--"

Lucky pushed his hand away, "Enough fooling around. You know I don't care about that." She shook her head, "Besides, Crest or no Crest, commitment is not your strong suit."

"True, true," Sylvain snorted. "But that didn't stop you from coming here alone now, did it? I'd go so far as to say you were hoping I'd come here alone too."

Lucky remained silent.

Sylvain stepped closer to her, backing her up against one of the tower's walls. "This isn't a one-time thing either. You know how bad I can be, yet you still string me along." He tilted Lucky's chin upward to meet his gaze. "Right?"

Without breaking eye contact, Lucky removed Sylvain's hand from her chin and retorted, "Despite knowing that, you're still sticking around."

"And you're not denying any of my accusations." Sylvain couldn't help but laugh. "It'll be easier if you just admit your feelings."

She prodded his chest with her index finger, "Why would I open my heart to a man who said he hated me?"

Sylvain took Lucky's hand and interlocked his fingers with hers, "Because that man finally feels regret." He looked into Lucky's eyes with intensity. "This little game of ours made me realize something: I want to get it together and become a man you can trust. I mean it. I'll prove it to you."

Lucky squeezed Sylvain's hand for a second, "We'll see about that, Gautier. Until then--" she jerked him down to her level, "--keep hating me. If that's how you really feel, of course. If not," she let go of his hand, "it'll be easier if you just admit your feelings."

With a heavy sigh, Sylvain shook his head, "You're a real piece of work, you know that?"

"If we're finished here, I'll be heading to my quarters," Lucky declared as she sidestepped him. She looked back and gave him a coy smile. "Unless you require anything else from me?"

Sylvain offered a hand, "One more dance? We don't even need to head back to the reception hall. Just here is fine by me." He winked at her, "Besides, it'll be just the two of us."

Lucky took his hand in hers, "It would be my pleasure, Sylvain."