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dance

dans/

verb

move rhythmically to music, typically following a set sequence of steps.

"their cheeks were pressed together as they danced"

(of a person) move in a quick and lively way.

"Sheila danced in gaily"

noun

a series of movements that match the speed and rhythm of a piece of music.

She took a sip of her beer, deep in thought. Her scarlet hair cascaded down her back, left open, while her eyelashes fluttered once in a while. She tried to concentrate on her mission. Erza Scarlet, for once, was in a dilemma. However, she knew just who she had to talk to.

"Alright," Mirajane Strauss wiped her hands in a hankerchief, finally reaching Erza from behind the bar who asked to talk to her a long time ago, "what is it?"

Mira, her former childhood nemesis, was now a good friend and advisor. Not just to her, but to everyone else as well. Yet, their bond was still most special, probably because of their history.

"Mira," Erza started in a quiet tone, "I need some help."

"You need to be more specific."

"It's about a job," Erza sighed, rubbing her temples. "I'm confused."

"Why don't you tell me more about it? What are you confused about?"

"It is a job," she started to explain, "where I need to catch that new thief lurking around. You know, the one who steals discreetly in balls and formal parties."

"I am aware. It sounds easy enough."

"And it pays a lot," Erza added.

"Then what could possibly confuse you about it?" Mira questioned, to which Erza let out a frustrated sigh.

"The man who requested this job knows where the thief will be next, and the address and all are there. It's a ball which will be held tonight, but a necessity is to bring a partner and..."

"You don't know who to take," Mira finished for her.

"Or who will go with me," she added.

"I'm sure a lot of people will be willing to go with you," the take over mage assured her, "but you're the one that's choosy."

"Well, I can't just take anyone!"

"Who do you want to take, then?"

"I-... I guess I don't... know," she settled for the word, sighing again.

"Erza..." Mirajane gave her an apologetic look, but after a while her eyes lit up. "Oh! I have the perfect person for this!"

"Really?" Erza questioned, rather doubtfully. "Who?"

"Gray, of course!" Mira chirped, and Erza's breath was caught in her throat.

xxx

He knew why he agreed to this. When he arrived at the guild, sitting at the bar ordering a drink, Mira had asked him of a favor. Well, technically she hadn't. Apparently, Erza needed to go on a job which had to be done in a ball, and required a partner. Mira told him to tag along, and he knew the reason he immediately accepted.

He wasn't just attracted to her. He was, of course; Erza was attractive, but it was more than that. These feelings were not just attraction, they were a lot more, and they had been developing ever since their childhood. He didn't expect her to feel the same – and she probably didn't – but he didn't miss opportunities like these where they could spend some time together, as friends if not anything else.

Right now, though, he was regretting it. He'd dressed up; worn a suit, and been extra careful to not strip (he lost his socks, and was almost about to lose his tie, but hey! It was an improvement!). Erza, too, wore a long, silk, satin gown. Both of them made an effort to look presentable, but once they entered the grand building where the ball was taking place, it was not as expected.

There was nothing wrong with the decorations; everything was perfect. What was wrong was with his partner, who ignored his presence. Gray realized Erza was too serious about this, and she didn't want any distractions. All they did was stand in a corner, watching out for the thief. That was it. People were chatting, having drinks, dancing, but they weren't doing anything. And Gray hated it.

"Do you want to dance?" he asked her out of the blue, but she didn't seem fazed.

"No," she simply answered, her eyes still searching the criminal.

"Erza..." he started in a low voice, "please."

"Gray, no."

"Oh, come on! We're at a ball, how can we not dance?"

"I don't know about you, but I'm not here for fun," she answered. "I'm on a job."

"Can you see him?"

"Not yet."

"Then he's probably not even here! Come on, just one dance?"

"Gray..."

"It won't be long!"

"Look, Gr–" she cut herself short once he turned, regretting looking into his eyes. They held so much hope, so much emotion, that she was bedazzled. It was that exact moment which Gray took advantage of, grabbing her right hand and pulling her to the floor. Once she registered the fact that they were in the middle of the hall, between a lot of dancing couples, it was too late. His hand was already on her waists, and she could just hope to be subtle as she put his on his shoulders in annoyance.

"What, are you doing?" she gritted her teeth, yet still swaying to the music.

"Dancing," he replied, a grin on his face.

"Gray, this is not what we're here for," Erza sternly told him.

"I know, but one dance doesn't hurt, does it?"

"Gr–"

"Okay, listen," he cut her off. "I knew what I was signing up for when I agreed to help you, but really, Erza, we need to enjoy these little moments. All of us do. We're always making enemies, fighting people, dealing through loss and heartbreak. And you know what? These are the reasons why all of us need to cherish whatever good times life gives us. This, us dancing right here, is a good time. It's just you and me, Erza. Okay, maybe there's that thief too, but not for now. Right now, at this second, this moment, it's just us."

He spun her around, breaking sync with everyone else but not caring in the slightest. She decided not too speak, and some time later realized how close he was. They were close – too close. Yet, he wished this was how they could be for the rest of the night.

But knowing Erza, she spotted the thief behind his back and they immediately went on ahead to chase him, leaving Gray irritated but chuckling nonetheless.