Author's Notes: Sorry, this chapter took a little longer to polish up. Enjoy! ^_^
Disclaimer: I am in now way affiliated with the cartoon series, "Mummies Alive!" or the DIC Corporation, and any of its affiliates. This fanfic is for entertainment purposes only. This fanfic and its author do not intend to infringe on any copyrights.
Romance is a Dance
Step Three: Join Hands.
Ja-Kal adjusted his shirt for the fifth time that day. Nefer-Tina swatted his hands, and, then, turned her intent eyes back to the instructor. Ja-Kal soon decided that he didn't like this so-called instructor. Anyone that could capture Nefer-Tina's attention must've had some magick at hand.
With a yawn, Ja-Kal turned his vision towards his surroundings. The room was small and dainty. Ja-Kal silently thanked the person that had opened all the windows. He didn't know how he would have survived long if the constant aroma of sweat and perfumes had assaulted his senses the entire session. Only two hours to go. He mentally groaned and turned half his attention to the tall, lean man in the front of the room.
"Now, the key to dancing is fluidity. Let your body relax in the arms of your partner," the instructor sang, a hint of a Spanish accent gracing his words.
Ja-Kal snorted. Who in their right mind would let their guard down?
"Trust your partner. Go on, tell your partner you trust them."
Nefer-Tina turned with a large smile towards Ja-Kal, but, upon seeing his eyes wandering elsewhere, she scowled and punched him on the shoulder. Ja-Kal winced and turned his eyes, questioningly, at Nefer-Tina.
"Pay attention!" she hissed, threats of greater pain pouring from her expression.
Ja-Kal leaned back in the chair and looked at Nefer-Tina, waiting. "Well?"
With a roll of her eyes, she reiterated what the rest of the group was doing. "Now, say you trust me."
"Are you serious?"
Silence.
Ja-Kal shifted uncomfortably in his seat causing the metal folding chair to squeak. Taking a deep breath, he looked into her eyes. "I trust you, Nefer-Tina."
The words caused Nefer-Tina to flush. Her eyes darted down quickly and then back up. "And, I trust you, Ja-Kal" she replied, softly.
"Our trust for each other is great, Nefer-Tina. Never doubt it." He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"But…" she began, a million thoughts clouding her mind. "But, sometimes it seems like you don't."
Ja-Kal titled his head in bewilderment.
Nefer-Tina played with her hands in her lap. "Sometimes, you make me feel like a child—an irresponsible one." She bit her lip, casting a quick upward glance at Ja-Kal's face to see his reaction. Seeing his expression grow dark, she shut her eyes and turned her head away.
Ja-Kal released his hold on Nefer-Tina, recalling his hand back to his side. Her words struck his subconscious.
"Ja-Kal, I…I spoke out of line."
Ja-Kal broke into a sad smile. "No, your words are appreciated. You're right. I have patronized you."
Nefer-Tina's features lit up, melting into a smile. "I would feel the same in your position. There have been some moments when I could have paid more attention."
He shook his head. "You have grown into a mature young lady, Nefer-Tina. Sometimes I still think of you as that young bud, first joining our ranks."
"You thought of Nefer has a 'young bud,' huh?" Nefer-Tina nudged him, winking.
Ja-Kal shot her a weary glance.
"I know what you meant," she giggled.
Ja-Kal nodded. "I'm sure."
The instructor clapped, and claimed the attention of most of the audience. Nefer-Tina grabbed Ja-Kal's hand and squeezed it.
"Thank you for coming. I'm really glad you came," she responded, with a loving smile.
Heat rushed to three places in Ja-Kal's body: his hand, his face, and his heart. He welcomed her words with a nod. Maybe these frivolous dance lessons wouldn't be so bad after all?
