Hans almost reconsidered his plan to practice dancing with his sister-in-law when he saw the disappointment on Anna's face when he told her he wouldn't be able to spend the day with her as planned. But (again, likely because she had anticipated his reaction), Elsa had only sent him his invitation to the ball this morning, two days in advance, and there was no way Hans was willing to embarrass himself in front of Arendelle's court. Or Anna. So he carefully avoided answering Anna's questions about what he would be doing, then snuck back to the ballroom where Joan was waiting for him with a knowing smile.
Despite being close to the same age, Joan acted at best like an older sister to him. Sometimes, she was outright motherly. Though Hans would never admit it, he actually enjoyed the experience. His actual mother had certainly never been very motherly, and the royal nursemaid had been discouraged from encouraging him since he was the 13th son. She gave him a warm hug as he came into the ballroom and he hugged her back tightly.
Joan got them down to work immediately. She gestured for Hans to start, so he stepped back and bowed formally before offering her his arm. Joan curtsied in return and took it. She started humming to provide the music, and Hans led her off into a typical waltz.
It wasn't until their third turn around the dance floor that Hans began to feel comfortable again. He stopped focusing on where his feet were and where they were in the room, and starting focusing on more intricate dance steps such as spins and dips.
"That's better!" exclaimed Joan with a smile as he passed her hand behind his back while turning himself, "Now you're starting to relax. No more of that stiff board I first started dancing with." She smiled to take any sting out of her words.
Hans smiled warmly in return and responded by spinning Joan in a tight circle before twirling her into his arms and dipping her backwards. Joan let out a small laugh of surprise and stopped singing. Hans straightened up and bowed to her again, "Thank you for the dance my lady."
Joan swatted him lightly on the arm, "And now you'll have to find 'your lady' a chair until I get my breath back!"
Obligingly, Hans retrieved a couple of chairs for a corner of the ballroom and sat with Joan. "Thank you," he said fervently, though slightly out of breath, "At least now I don't have to worry about making a fool of myself while dancing at the ball."
Joan gave him a speculative look, "I'll tell you a secret if you promise not to tell Niels."
Hans cocked his head in curiosity, "Alright. What's your secret?"
She glanced quickly around the room to make sure they were alone before leaning in conspiratorially and whispering, "I've had more fun dancing here with you than I will at the ball with Niels."
Hans rocked back with a shocked laugh, "Wait, what? Don't you like dancing with Niels?"
"Well, yes and no," said Joan, leaning back in her chair to get more comfortable, "He is a competent dancer, but he's also a boring dancer."
Brow furrowed, Hans asked, "How can someone be a boring dancer?"
"Because he's so focused on not making a mistake that all he does is follow the basic pattern as we travel around the room," Joan sighed, "Don't get me wrong, it's great if you want to talk. But it's incredibly boring if you want to dance."
"You have to let me tell him!" insisted Hans, "Just this morning he was mocking me for not being as good as Malcolm and Duncan and half of our other brothers. Please?"
"No!" protested Joan, "You promised!"
Hans huffed in mock annoyance, "Fine."
They sat in a companionable silence for a little while, then Hans stood abruptly. He extended his hand palm up to Joan, "While, if the ball is going to be a bore for you, I can at least repay you for your help by making today fun."
Joan took his hand and stood, "What do you have in mind?" she asked.
Hans smiled broadly, "You'll see. And this time, I will do the singing." With that, Hans started humming a bright, lively tune and stepped off to a quick trot, spinning and twilling Joan around the room. Joan leaned her head back and laughed in delight. When they came to a twirling stop, both Hans and Joan were out of breath.
"Well," said Hans, "Are you paid in full for your services?"
Joan curtsied deeply, "I am good sir. Do you still want to practice again tomorrow?"
Hans nodded, "Please. I'd like to run through some formal quadrilles and such to make sure I remember all the steps."
Joan smiled mischievously, "Excellent. Another day of good dancing before the ball."
"Perhaps you'll save me a dance at the ball?" Hans suggested, "Then I can show Niels how it's done."
Joan laughed, "Perhaps not. I wouldn't want to make my husband feel threatened by his younger brother. This will just be our secret."
"Our secret it is," Hans agreed with a smile.
