A story for the 'Crazy Pairings' challenge on Xana's Lair.
Hiroki stared.
Not that he meant to, of course. But every time he looked away, his eyes were drawn back to the dark-haired girl with glasses.
Emily was dancing. And dancing very well.
To be honest, he was a pretty good dancer, but most of the dances he knew were two-person dances. He'd learned them to use on a date with Milly.
He was dressed in a smart black jacket and white shirt, with a silk top hat (from the dressing-up box) and black trousers. She was dressed in a long red dress, which sparkled in the dim lights.
He suddenly became aware of the fact she was very pretty.
Oh, god. He couldn't afford to blush like this now. Half the school were here!
The song ended. Aelita removed the CD and put in another. A cheer went up as the song started playing – this was Aelita's most popular song.
Joining onto a passing conga line, Hiroki thought. He wanted to impress her somehow, but how, when one wrong move would be the latest scoop for Milly and Tamiya?
It was like walking a tightrope over lava. If he made a mistake, he was in serious trouble.
He was jerked back into the real world as the line made a sharp turn. He accidentally let go, and fell to the floor. A girl immediately held out her hand and pulled him to his feet.
"Are you OK?"
Hiroki nodded. "Fine, thanks." Then he realised who he was talking to.
It was Emily.
He ducked back into the crowd and rejoined the conga. He was blushing like mad, but luckily nobody noticed. After the song ended, he detached himself from the line and weaved in and out of the crowd until he was beside Aelita. "Aelita, do you have any slow songs? Maybe for a waltz?"
She nodded. "Yes. You gonna do something with Milly?"
He smiled ever so slightly. "No. Not Milly."
She picked up the CD. "You'd best go and find the lucky girl, then."
His heart was beating wildly. Taking a few deep breaths, he made it over to Emily just as the song started. "Emily. May I take this dance?"
She giggled. "Of course."
They started waltzing neatly, through the crowd. People were staring, but he didn't see them.
All he was looking at was Emily.
He panicked, realising the next move needed them to be the same height, but before he could tell her she lifted him up to the right point, allowing him to pull it off flawlessly.
"You're not the only one who knows this dance," she whispered. "The Fleurissant, right?"
He nodded, his throat dry.
People were staring, giggling and pointing, but he didn't mind.
He was too busy concentrating on the dance.
So, I think this is kinda cute, but I doubt they'll get into a proper relationship. Still, they're only a grade apart…