A/N: Written for Laenavesse as a birthday present. Pretty much pure fluff. If you are here expecting anything of substance, you will likely be sorely disappointed. =P

Raven spoilers, as I mentioned. Also, Rita is not aged up.

Just Like Dancing

a Tales of Vesperia fic, by WritingPurple

When Captain Schwann walked in with a beautiful young woman on his arm, people stared. When they realized it was former blastia researcher Rita Mordio, they whispered. Schwann seemed unaffected – he was likely used to people whispering about him – but Rita was obviously uncomfortable. She was muttering something under her breath to him, a scowl on her face. Whatever she was saying, it was making Schwann laugh. That surprised people more than seeing Rita dressed up or even seeing them together. He'd been so serious since the war.

"…can't believe I let you talk me into this, old man," a noble heard Rita mumble to Schwann as the pair stopped nearby.

"Aw, come on, would ya really make me come alone? And are ya really gonna call me 'old man' in front of all these people?" he asked. He sounded put-out, but there was a teasing quality to his voice.

"Well, maybe if you weren't so old I wouldn't have to. And I still don't understand why you didn't just bring Judith or Estelle. They seem more suited to… this sort of thing." She waved a hand vaguely at their surroundings. "Besides, you probably went alone for years."

"Well, maybe I just never had a pretty girl to take, hmm?"

"Oh, be serious, would you?" Rita said, irritated.

"Who says I'm not serious?" Schwann responded, giving her a sideways glance and a small smile. She turned her head, flushing.

"I-If there weren't so many people around, I would pound you."

"I've never been so happy for the company of nobles." He laughed, which just seemed to aggravate her more. "It won't be so bad, Rita," he said in a placating tone. "There's always tons of food, and music…."

"Well, if it's not 'so bad,' then what did you need me for? It sounds like you could've been fine on your own."

"Well, the dancin' isn't nearly as much fun without a partner."

"Dancing?!" Rita stared at Schwann wide-eyed. "I don't… old man, I can't dance!"

"But I can." No sooner had the words left his mouth than the musicians began to play. He grinned. "Perfect timin'," he said above the music. "C'mon, stand on my feet."

"I… but… wait!"

Ignoring Rita's protests, Schwann pulled her close and spun away, disappearing into the crowd with her. Any further conversation was lost to the music and chatter.

-----

"You are so going to pay for this, Raven," Rita threatened as she held on for dear life. All around them couples whirled and turned, and they seemed to come dangerously close at times. She squeezed her eyes shut. It was marginally less terrifying if she couldn't see what was happening.

"Rita, darlin'," Raven said with a laugh, "this will be worth every punch."

fin.