10_whores; Gundam SEED/Destiny: Yzak x Shiho
Title: Fortune Smiles on Lovers
Theme: Ballroom Dancing
Pairing: Yzak Jule x Shiho Hahnenfuss
Word Count: 2491
Summary: Shiho sights Yzak with another woman at a ball. Slightly AU.
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam SEED/Destiny nor its characters. They belong to Yoshiyuki Tomino and Bandai.
Saturday evening found Yzak Jule at the Grand Ballroom of Hotel Excelsior. To the untrained eye, the ballroom lived up to its name. Spacious and ornate, it was dominated by a row of amber-crystal chandeliers, mirrored walls, and floor-length windows covered with maroon velvet curtains. But to Yzak, having grown up in luxury and fine taste, the flaws stood out right away: the faded rose-print wallpaper; the acrylic flower vases cut to look like expensive crystal; and the slightly scuffed red carpet running down the grand staircase.
Disdain etched in his face, he gazed at the flooring, the sole saving grace of the room. It was an excellent polished dark oak identical to that of the Martius Country Club, where he and his mother often took afternoon tea. Most likely this was the only reason Councilwoman Thea, known for her love of dancing, had chosen the ballroom for her 50th birthday celebration.
“Any higher and that eyebrow would go into orbit,” Dearka whispered beside him.
“Positively shabby. I‘m not impressed,” Yzak replied out of the corner of his mouth. “Look at this.“ His finger pointed at the underside of a polished brass wall sconce. “Tarnish.” His mouth quirked down in distaste.
“Perhaps they were trying for the antique look?” Dearka quipped. Yzak answered with a haughty sniff.
“Poorly done then.”
“You’re nitpicking,” Dearka sighed.
Both youths striking in tuxedos, they drew glances from the elegant crowd gathered in the hall. A trio of ladies in low-cut gowns sashayed by, all diamonds and chiffon, boldly making eye contact. Dearka smiled and Yzak, upon a nudge from the blond, reluctantly bowed slightly. Giggling coyly behind their feathered fans, the ladies departed. As soon as they left, Yzak froze Dearka with a scornful gaze. “Like I said. Tacky.”
“Not your type?” Dearka chuckled. “I hope you’re aware that one of them is the Ambassador’s daughter.”
“Really?” He replied with wide-eyed mock incredulity. “Which one? They’re all hideous.”
Dearka chortled. “Jule, you’re the worst.”
Yzak‘s mouth turned up in a humorless smile. “You laughed; I was merely stating a fact.”
A waiter passed by with a tray of champagne. Dearka took two glasses. “Here,” he offered Yzak. “This should soothe your offended senses.” He sipped and nodded his approval. “Vintage Cristal. Perfect.”
Yzak lifted a shoulder in an elegant shrug and sipped. “I prefer Dom Perignon, but this is acceptable.”
“It’s vintage,” Dearka repeated in a tone that brokered no argument. “I think I’ll stay for three glasses more.”
Yzak’s eyebrows rose. “Won’t you be dancing later?”
“I don’t see anyone pretty enough to dance with.” Dearka grinned mischievously. “Why? Will you?”
That nonchalant shrug once more. “Perhaps, if there’s nothing better to do. You know I’m staying only because Mother’s here.”
Like any privileged young man of that time, Yzak was schooled in the art of dance. Although he failed to show enthusiasm in his classes, he learned quick and often impressed his teachers. Now Yzak neither loved nor hated dancing. He merely saw it as a necessary social function when good manners called for it. He believed he could come to love it though, for it was relaxing and pleasant, but only with the right partner. Someone graceful, elegant, and mysterious; so far removed from the simpering clingy ladies he always ended up with. Someone like --
“I thought Hahnenfuss was coming?” Dearka asked.
“Hm?” Yzak gave him a sharp look at the mention of her name.
“Her father’s over there, but I don’t see her.”
Yzak saw the tall, dignified man talking with a white-haired man. “Yes, she said so, but perhaps she changed her mind.” All the same, he scanned the crowd and scowled. There had to be more than 200 people milling about.
Shiho Hahnenfuss - her ethereal face floated into his thoughts. She’d joined the Joule Team shortly before the end of the Bloody Valentine war, a mere four months ago. His relationship with her had been strictly professional; war afforded no time for frivolity. During the course of their acquaintance he’d caught her sneaking glances at him and although he ignored them, he sometimes wondered what they meant, often falling quiet whenever it passed his mind. Dearka teased him mercilessly about it.
Just ask her out, weirdo. Yzak would get defensive and berate Dearka till the blond walked out, still smirking.
“Yzak, dear.” Someone interrupted from behind him, and Yzak whirled, for a moment thinking that he had conjured the dark-haired beauty just by thinking of her. But instead of Shiho, his mother and a honey-blond girl smiled at him.
People turned to look at them, and for once Yzak knew his mother did not own the spotlight. The girl was fair-skinned and rosy-cheeked with brilliant green eyes like emeralds. Her figure was svelte; a form-fitting teal satin ball gown hugged her curves and pushed her breasts up, the tops of which peeked tastefully over the lace edging of the bodice.
“Mother…?” He stole a glance at the honey-blond beside her, and was mortified to meet her gaze, eyes twinkling as if amused at the reaction she no doubt always elicited from the opposite sex.
“Gentlemen, this is Charisse Watson, the niece of Councilwoman Thea. Ms. Watson, my son Yzak and his friend Dearka Elthman, son of Tad Elthman of the Council.”
“Good evening, Ms. Watson.” Dearka took her hand and kissed it. The girl laughed softly.
“Pleasure.” Yzak replied. Exactly the opposite of what he felt, yet he knew how to conduct himself properly in social affairs. He bowed in acknowledgement, and she smiled.
“Her father is vying for a council seat in the next election,” Ezaria continued, “and Charisse herself is interested in pursuing a career in the foreign service.”
“A very interesting and noble pursuit,” Dearka interjected. Yzak need not look at Dearka to know he was hooked. And what normal male wouldn’t be? She was simply breathtaking.
“Thank you Mr. Elthman. It is not often I meet someone who appreciates what I do.”
“Indeed.” Yzak knew to keep his tone polite, at the very least.
“Ms, Watson is visiting from December City for a month and I think it would please her to know some of our friends here.” Ezaria gave Yzak a meaningful look; he sighed inwardly.
“Very well.” This song-and-dance number he knew by heart - his mother had subjected him to it countless times. He offered his arm. “There’s not a lot of people I know here, but I can introduce you to some of the stuffed shirts here.”
Ezaria’s eyebrows rose in warning. Charisse laughed again and took his arm.
“I’m used to them, don’t worry.”
“Mother, Dearka.” His eyes met Dearka’s, and Dearka noted with amusement the well-concealed annoyance he saw in that look. “Excuse us.”
------
Before she even realized she was in love, Shiho Hahnenfuss found herself heartbroken.
She’d arrived late. Overwhelmed by the number of people present, she discreetly searched the room for Yzak. It’s not like they agreed to meet, but who knows? Perhaps he’d been obliquely asking her out when he brought up the topic of the ball two days ago.
When she finally spotted the back of his head across the room, she’d started towards him - only to stop when she realized he wasn’t alone. Now, hidden behind a column, she gazed at her Commander and the beautiful blonde clinging onto his arm like a leech. Jealousy gnawed at her heart. Shiho never thought of Yzak as the type who reveled in blatant admiration - a female tendency that always embarrassed Shiho to be part of the species. She thought it cheap and low, and thus had always been careful to keep her emotions in check.
A condescending voice spoke up in her head:
Men don’t like prudes, dear. That’s why he’s never asked you for a date.
She silenced the voice harshly, focusing on the pair. While the girl’s flushed face and sparkling eyes showed her delight, Yzak’s staid expression said otherwise.
A cruel laugh in her head. Don’t get your hopes up. Just because he’s not smiling doesn’t mean he’s bored. When have you ever seen him smile, hmm?
As she watched, Yzak spoke. The blond giggled and tiptoed, whispering something in his ear. His eyes widened slightly and his cheeks flushed a faint pink, sending the girl into giggles again. Shiho felt her heart give a painful squeeze.
She’d never been vain but she’d taken special care to prepare herself tonight, not because of the occasion but because Yzak would be here. The purple low-cut, satin-faced taffeta gown perfectly matched her eyes and heightened her porcelain skin. She’d polished her hair with a silk scarf till it gleamed under the light. She hadn’t needed heavy make-up, being the natural beauty that turned heads in a plain T-shirt and cargo jeans. Nonetheless, despite approving glances she received from the men in the hall, misery shrouded her.
The waltz orchestra played the opening strains of Tchaikovsky‘s Waltz of the Flowers. The celebrant and her husband had the first dance; couples flocked to the dance floor afterwards, Yzak and his date among them. Shiho watched his hand settle on her waist and she smile up at him, stepping close, and her chest tightened painfully. She only realized she was staring when a voice sighed from behind her:
“You‘re going to bore a hole in him, princess.”
Shiho whirled and found herself staring into the lavender eyes of First Officer Dearka Elthman.
He flashed her a knowing smile and looked over her shoulder to the dance floor. His lips curled in distaste. “Ugh, look at that. What a toad. Waste of a good girl.”
She blinked, and looked to her right, then to her left. No one there, so he must be speaking to her. “I…beg your pardon, sir?”
Dearka snorted. “Not ‘sir’. That’s too stuffy for me. Look,” he spread out his hands, palms up, in apology. “He usually dances much better than that. Hamamura-sensei would kill herself if she saw this.”
Shiho could only stare at him in confusion.
Dearka noticed the look and dazzled her with another smile. “His dance teacher.”
She glanced over her shoulder. Yzak and her moved in perfect timing, although he was obviously stiff with his movements. She turned away.
“Good for him. Excuse me.” She moved forward but Dearka blocked her way.
“Wait, where are you going?”
A pause. Then: “Home.”
“What? Aren’t you going to dance?”
Shiho looked up, a hard smile on her face. “There’s no one to dance with, is there?” She stepped around Dearka and barely took two steps when a hand grabbed her arm and pulled. Her heels slid out from under her and she flailed her free arm. Dearka spun her around and deftly caught her.
Shaking his head, he gripped her wrist and pulled her onto the dance floor. “You two are impossible.”
Alarmed, she tried to squirm away but his hold tightened.
“What are you doing? Let me go!” she hissed as his arm encircled her waist and his hand gripped hers.
“Not yet. Relax.” He began to sway to the music, literally pulling her along. She narrowed her eyes. He answered with a guileless look.
“I scratch your back, you scratch mine. Leave it all up to me.” Another one of those charming grins.
Resigned to whatever cryptic plan Dearka was hatching, Shiho relaxed and followed his lead. She enjoyed dancing. She had studied ballet as a child and had been offered a scholarship to the prestigious Imperial Ballet Academy but despite her amazing talent her father had disapproved, saying it was a waste of her intelligence.
As they twirled and turned, she closed her eyes and imagined Yzak as her partner - his beautiful face up close, one soft hand around her waist and another twined into her hand; them alone on the floor under a starry sky, moving in perfect unison…
Then suddenly, a painful squeeze on her hand. Her eyes flashed open, annoyed at the interruption. Dearka cocked an eyebrow and glanced to the side. She followed his gaze and her heart skipped a beat.
One couple away, icy blue eyes stared back with mild surprise. Then they flickered to Dearka and narrowed. Shiho glanced at Dearka and saw the blond waggle his eyebrows and wink at Yzak. She turned to Yzak and winced. If looks could kill, Dearka’d be worm-meat now. His partner, probably noticing his missed steps, glanced up and followed his gaze. Cold green eyes zeroed on Shiho. Thankfully Dearka decided to do a half-turn then, blocking her gaze.
The music ended a few moments later, and Dearka spun her around with a flourish. The tense episode fresh in her mind, Shiho immediately scanned the crowd for Yzak, but he’d disappeared. Disappointment and confusion showed on her face when she confronted Dearka.
“What was that all about?” She crossed her arms over her chest.
Polite applause could be heard all around as the birthday couple curtsied and took their places once more in the center of the floor. Violins played the opening strains of Strauss’ Tales of the Vienna Woods.
Dearka merely smiled and stepped back. “Just kickstarting fate. Now, it’s time to rescue the fine damsel from the evil grouch.” He bowed his head. “He loves Viennese waltzes. You’ll be fine.” With a twinkle in his eye, Dearka walked away.
Heart pounding loudly, Shiho watched him walk away. She recalled the intensity of Yzak’s glare at Dearka.
Just kickstarting fate.
She started after Dearka when a familiar voice spoke: “Hahnenfuss.”
Her breath caught in her throat and she turned.
Silver hair framed his face like pure light. Eyes, moments ago brimming with poison, were now soft and…hesitant? If she read them correctly…?
She stood straighter - force of habit.
“Sir.”
His brow furrowed and for once, Yzak Joule seemed lost for words.
Her heart beat loudly in her ears. She’d never stood this close to him; as far as she’d observed. no one but Dearka stood lesser than an arm’s length to Yzak.
He frowned deeply, and for a moment Shiho believed he would rebuke her for staring. She dropped her gaze to his chest.
He coughed; there was an impatient undertone to it.
“I…would like to dance with you.”
Her head shot up, eyebrows arched in incredulity, wondering if she’d heard correctly. “Pardon me, sir?” She was startled to see his cheeks turn a faint pink.
“If you please?” He held out a hand.
She could only stare at it in shock. To his credit, he did not withdraw it. And after a few moments, when the world had stopped swaying, a smiling Shiho took his hand and they stepped onto the dance floor.
Unbeknownst to them, a few couples away Dearka watched them.
“Bingo,“ he murmured, a smile curving his lips upward.
Charisse looked up at him with a questioning look, and he settled his hand around her waist and turned away, leaving the bashful pair to their privacy.
- end -
Theme: Ballroom Dancing
Pairing: Yzak Jule x Shiho Hahnenfuss
Word Count: 2491
Summary: Shiho sights Yzak with another woman at a ball. Slightly AU.
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam SEED/Destiny nor its characters. They belong to Yoshiyuki Tomino and Bandai.
Saturday evening found Yzak Jule at the Grand Ballroom of Hotel Excelsior. To the untrained eye, the ballroom lived up to its name. Spacious and ornate, it was dominated by a row of amber-crystal chandeliers, mirrored walls, and floor-length windows covered with maroon velvet curtains. But to Yzak, having grown up in luxury and fine taste, the flaws stood out right away: the faded rose-print wallpaper; the acrylic flower vases cut to look like expensive crystal; and the slightly scuffed red carpet running down the grand staircase.
Disdain etched in his face, he gazed at the flooring, the sole saving grace of the room. It was an excellent polished dark oak identical to that of the Martius Country Club, where he and his mother often took afternoon tea. Most likely this was the only reason Councilwoman Thea, known for her love of dancing, had chosen the ballroom for her 50th birthday celebration.
“Any higher and that eyebrow would go into orbit,” Dearka whispered beside him.
“Positively shabby. I‘m not impressed,” Yzak replied out of the corner of his mouth. “Look at this.“ His finger pointed at the underside of a polished brass wall sconce. “Tarnish.” His mouth quirked down in distaste.
“Perhaps they were trying for the antique look?” Dearka quipped. Yzak answered with a haughty sniff.
“Poorly done then.”
“You’re nitpicking,” Dearka sighed.
Both youths striking in tuxedos, they drew glances from the elegant crowd gathered in the hall. A trio of ladies in low-cut gowns sashayed by, all diamonds and chiffon, boldly making eye contact. Dearka smiled and Yzak, upon a nudge from the blond, reluctantly bowed slightly. Giggling coyly behind their feathered fans, the ladies departed. As soon as they left, Yzak froze Dearka with a scornful gaze. “Like I said. Tacky.”
“Not your type?” Dearka chuckled. “I hope you’re aware that one of them is the Ambassador’s daughter.”
“Really?” He replied with wide-eyed mock incredulity. “Which one? They’re all hideous.”
Dearka chortled. “Jule, you’re the worst.”
Yzak‘s mouth turned up in a humorless smile. “You laughed; I was merely stating a fact.”
A waiter passed by with a tray of champagne. Dearka took two glasses. “Here,” he offered Yzak. “This should soothe your offended senses.” He sipped and nodded his approval. “Vintage Cristal. Perfect.”
Yzak lifted a shoulder in an elegant shrug and sipped. “I prefer Dom Perignon, but this is acceptable.”
“It’s vintage,” Dearka repeated in a tone that brokered no argument. “I think I’ll stay for three glasses more.”
Yzak’s eyebrows rose. “Won’t you be dancing later?”
“I don’t see anyone pretty enough to dance with.” Dearka grinned mischievously. “Why? Will you?”
That nonchalant shrug once more. “Perhaps, if there’s nothing better to do. You know I’m staying only because Mother’s here.”
Like any privileged young man of that time, Yzak was schooled in the art of dance. Although he failed to show enthusiasm in his classes, he learned quick and often impressed his teachers. Now Yzak neither loved nor hated dancing. He merely saw it as a necessary social function when good manners called for it. He believed he could come to love it though, for it was relaxing and pleasant, but only with the right partner. Someone graceful, elegant, and mysterious; so far removed from the simpering clingy ladies he always ended up with. Someone like --
“I thought Hahnenfuss was coming?” Dearka asked.
“Hm?” Yzak gave him a sharp look at the mention of her name.
“Her father’s over there, but I don’t see her.”
Yzak saw the tall, dignified man talking with a white-haired man. “Yes, she said so, but perhaps she changed her mind.” All the same, he scanned the crowd and scowled. There had to be more than 200 people milling about.
Shiho Hahnenfuss - her ethereal face floated into his thoughts. She’d joined the Joule Team shortly before the end of the Bloody Valentine war, a mere four months ago. His relationship with her had been strictly professional; war afforded no time for frivolity. During the course of their acquaintance he’d caught her sneaking glances at him and although he ignored them, he sometimes wondered what they meant, often falling quiet whenever it passed his mind. Dearka teased him mercilessly about it.
Just ask her out, weirdo. Yzak would get defensive and berate Dearka till the blond walked out, still smirking.
“Yzak, dear.” Someone interrupted from behind him, and Yzak whirled, for a moment thinking that he had conjured the dark-haired beauty just by thinking of her. But instead of Shiho, his mother and a honey-blond girl smiled at him.
People turned to look at them, and for once Yzak knew his mother did not own the spotlight. The girl was fair-skinned and rosy-cheeked with brilliant green eyes like emeralds. Her figure was svelte; a form-fitting teal satin ball gown hugged her curves and pushed her breasts up, the tops of which peeked tastefully over the lace edging of the bodice.
“Mother…?” He stole a glance at the honey-blond beside her, and was mortified to meet her gaze, eyes twinkling as if amused at the reaction she no doubt always elicited from the opposite sex.
“Gentlemen, this is Charisse Watson, the niece of Councilwoman Thea. Ms. Watson, my son Yzak and his friend Dearka Elthman, son of Tad Elthman of the Council.”
“Good evening, Ms. Watson.” Dearka took her hand and kissed it. The girl laughed softly.
“Pleasure.” Yzak replied. Exactly the opposite of what he felt, yet he knew how to conduct himself properly in social affairs. He bowed in acknowledgement, and she smiled.
“Her father is vying for a council seat in the next election,” Ezaria continued, “and Charisse herself is interested in pursuing a career in the foreign service.”
“A very interesting and noble pursuit,” Dearka interjected. Yzak need not look at Dearka to know he was hooked. And what normal male wouldn’t be? She was simply breathtaking.
“Thank you Mr. Elthman. It is not often I meet someone who appreciates what I do.”
“Indeed.” Yzak knew to keep his tone polite, at the very least.
“Ms, Watson is visiting from December City for a month and I think it would please her to know some of our friends here.” Ezaria gave Yzak a meaningful look; he sighed inwardly.
“Very well.” This song-and-dance number he knew by heart - his mother had subjected him to it countless times. He offered his arm. “There’s not a lot of people I know here, but I can introduce you to some of the stuffed shirts here.”
Ezaria’s eyebrows rose in warning. Charisse laughed again and took his arm.
“I’m used to them, don’t worry.”
“Mother, Dearka.” His eyes met Dearka’s, and Dearka noted with amusement the well-concealed annoyance he saw in that look. “Excuse us.”
------
Before she even realized she was in love, Shiho Hahnenfuss found herself heartbroken.
She’d arrived late. Overwhelmed by the number of people present, she discreetly searched the room for Yzak. It’s not like they agreed to meet, but who knows? Perhaps he’d been obliquely asking her out when he brought up the topic of the ball two days ago.
When she finally spotted the back of his head across the room, she’d started towards him - only to stop when she realized he wasn’t alone. Now, hidden behind a column, she gazed at her Commander and the beautiful blonde clinging onto his arm like a leech. Jealousy gnawed at her heart. Shiho never thought of Yzak as the type who reveled in blatant admiration - a female tendency that always embarrassed Shiho to be part of the species. She thought it cheap and low, and thus had always been careful to keep her emotions in check.
A condescending voice spoke up in her head:
Men don’t like prudes, dear. That’s why he’s never asked you for a date.
She silenced the voice harshly, focusing on the pair. While the girl’s flushed face and sparkling eyes showed her delight, Yzak’s staid expression said otherwise.
A cruel laugh in her head. Don’t get your hopes up. Just because he’s not smiling doesn’t mean he’s bored. When have you ever seen him smile, hmm?
As she watched, Yzak spoke. The blond giggled and tiptoed, whispering something in his ear. His eyes widened slightly and his cheeks flushed a faint pink, sending the girl into giggles again. Shiho felt her heart give a painful squeeze.
She’d never been vain but she’d taken special care to prepare herself tonight, not because of the occasion but because Yzak would be here. The purple low-cut, satin-faced taffeta gown perfectly matched her eyes and heightened her porcelain skin. She’d polished her hair with a silk scarf till it gleamed under the light. She hadn’t needed heavy make-up, being the natural beauty that turned heads in a plain T-shirt and cargo jeans. Nonetheless, despite approving glances she received from the men in the hall, misery shrouded her.
The waltz orchestra played the opening strains of Tchaikovsky‘s Waltz of the Flowers. The celebrant and her husband had the first dance; couples flocked to the dance floor afterwards, Yzak and his date among them. Shiho watched his hand settle on her waist and she smile up at him, stepping close, and her chest tightened painfully. She only realized she was staring when a voice sighed from behind her:
“You‘re going to bore a hole in him, princess.”
Shiho whirled and found herself staring into the lavender eyes of First Officer Dearka Elthman.
He flashed her a knowing smile and looked over her shoulder to the dance floor. His lips curled in distaste. “Ugh, look at that. What a toad. Waste of a good girl.”
She blinked, and looked to her right, then to her left. No one there, so he must be speaking to her. “I…beg your pardon, sir?”
Dearka snorted. “Not ‘sir’. That’s too stuffy for me. Look,” he spread out his hands, palms up, in apology. “He usually dances much better than that. Hamamura-sensei would kill herself if she saw this.”
Shiho could only stare at him in confusion.
Dearka noticed the look and dazzled her with another smile. “His dance teacher.”
She glanced over her shoulder. Yzak and her moved in perfect timing, although he was obviously stiff with his movements. She turned away.
“Good for him. Excuse me.” She moved forward but Dearka blocked her way.
“Wait, where are you going?”
A pause. Then: “Home.”
“What? Aren’t you going to dance?”
Shiho looked up, a hard smile on her face. “There’s no one to dance with, is there?” She stepped around Dearka and barely took two steps when a hand grabbed her arm and pulled. Her heels slid out from under her and she flailed her free arm. Dearka spun her around and deftly caught her.
Shaking his head, he gripped her wrist and pulled her onto the dance floor. “You two are impossible.”
Alarmed, she tried to squirm away but his hold tightened.
“What are you doing? Let me go!” she hissed as his arm encircled her waist and his hand gripped hers.
“Not yet. Relax.” He began to sway to the music, literally pulling her along. She narrowed her eyes. He answered with a guileless look.
“I scratch your back, you scratch mine. Leave it all up to me.” Another one of those charming grins.
Resigned to whatever cryptic plan Dearka was hatching, Shiho relaxed and followed his lead. She enjoyed dancing. She had studied ballet as a child and had been offered a scholarship to the prestigious Imperial Ballet Academy but despite her amazing talent her father had disapproved, saying it was a waste of her intelligence.
As they twirled and turned, she closed her eyes and imagined Yzak as her partner - his beautiful face up close, one soft hand around her waist and another twined into her hand; them alone on the floor under a starry sky, moving in perfect unison…
Then suddenly, a painful squeeze on her hand. Her eyes flashed open, annoyed at the interruption. Dearka cocked an eyebrow and glanced to the side. She followed his gaze and her heart skipped a beat.
One couple away, icy blue eyes stared back with mild surprise. Then they flickered to Dearka and narrowed. Shiho glanced at Dearka and saw the blond waggle his eyebrows and wink at Yzak. She turned to Yzak and winced. If looks could kill, Dearka’d be worm-meat now. His partner, probably noticing his missed steps, glanced up and followed his gaze. Cold green eyes zeroed on Shiho. Thankfully Dearka decided to do a half-turn then, blocking her gaze.
The music ended a few moments later, and Dearka spun her around with a flourish. The tense episode fresh in her mind, Shiho immediately scanned the crowd for Yzak, but he’d disappeared. Disappointment and confusion showed on her face when she confronted Dearka.
“What was that all about?” She crossed her arms over her chest.
Polite applause could be heard all around as the birthday couple curtsied and took their places once more in the center of the floor. Violins played the opening strains of Strauss’ Tales of the Vienna Woods.
Dearka merely smiled and stepped back. “Just kickstarting fate. Now, it’s time to rescue the fine damsel from the evil grouch.” He bowed his head. “He loves Viennese waltzes. You’ll be fine.” With a twinkle in his eye, Dearka walked away.
Heart pounding loudly, Shiho watched him walk away. She recalled the intensity of Yzak’s glare at Dearka.
Just kickstarting fate.
She started after Dearka when a familiar voice spoke: “Hahnenfuss.”
Her breath caught in her throat and she turned.
Silver hair framed his face like pure light. Eyes, moments ago brimming with poison, were now soft and…hesitant? If she read them correctly…?
She stood straighter - force of habit.
“Sir.”
His brow furrowed and for once, Yzak Joule seemed lost for words.
Her heart beat loudly in her ears. She’d never stood this close to him; as far as she’d observed. no one but Dearka stood lesser than an arm’s length to Yzak.
He frowned deeply, and for a moment Shiho believed he would rebuke her for staring. She dropped her gaze to his chest.
He coughed; there was an impatient undertone to it.
“I…would like to dance with you.”
Her head shot up, eyebrows arched in incredulity, wondering if she’d heard correctly. “Pardon me, sir?” She was startled to see his cheeks turn a faint pink.
“If you please?” He held out a hand.
She could only stare at it in shock. To his credit, he did not withdraw it. And after a few moments, when the world had stopped swaying, a smiling Shiho took his hand and they stepped onto the dance floor.
Unbeknownst to them, a few couples away Dearka watched them.
“Bingo,“ he murmured, a smile curving his lips upward.
Charisse looked up at him with a questioning look, and he settled his hand around her waist and turned away, leaving the bashful pair to their privacy.
- end -