Reed and Nina sat together at lunch, still studying together. Thankfully, the two were neat enough not to get food on their books, but there was a lot of content Nina had to catch up on.
"You're picking up on all of this pretty quickly." Reed complimented.
Nina smiled. "Thanks...and, uh...thank you for doing this. I got in on the combat skills Kane taught me, but...if it weren't for you, I would have flunked my academics a long time ago."
"It's the least I can do." Reed said. "It would be wrong for you to be held back because you never got to experience the world."
Nina leaned into him. "You're a good friend, you know that?"
Reed let himself smile a little. "I try."
They continued going over notes for a while, before Nina thought of a question. "So, there's that party thing happening soon, right?"
"You mean the Vytal Ball?" Reed asked without looking up. "More like a dance than a party."
Nina giggled nervously. "Yeah, about that...I don't really know how to dance."
Reed blinked, turning to look at her. "Is this...going somewhere?"
"I...well...in case someone asks me...I'd like to know how...and since you've been teaching me things..." Nina scratched the back of her head as she stumbled around her request.
"Are you...expecting someone to ask? Someone in particular?" Reed questioned.
She shrugged. "I guess just hoping...but I'd like to be prepared anyways."
Reed nodded. "Alright, I suppose I could teach you...I'll have to work it into the study schedule...how about during sparring time? They've been allowing it as practicing footwork."
"Sounds great!" Nina beamed.
"You're watching your feet again." Reed said.
Nina's cheeks reddened as her eyes shot up. "S-sorry! I just keep thinking I'm going to trip or step on you or both or kick your leg or-"
"Hey, hey, it's okay. This is why we're practicing." Reed said.
His left hand was intertwined with her right, his right hand at her waist, and her left on his shoulder. The two were slowly stepping in a small circle, though Nina's movements were clearly tense and awkward compared to the practiced composure of Reed.
"Think of it like your CQC footwork." Reed said. "Fighting is like its own dance. You always face your partner, moving in tandem with them."
"Right." Nina muttered. "Okay, I just need to trust my movements and keep my eyes on you."
She took a deep breath, gaining a little more confidence in her movements. The pace quickened just a little as Nina began to flow more naturally.
"There you go, you're getting the hang of it." Reed said.
Nina gave a happy chuckle. "Thanks to you."
Reed smiled. "Happy to help. Here's hoping that guy asks, that way this doesn't go to waste."
"Yeah..." Nina looked down. "Here's hoping."
"You're watching your feet." Reed stated.
Nina's head popped back up again with another blush. "Sorry!"
Reed chuckled. "Come on, let's try another dance."
