*Chapter 27*

Tessa heaved a hard sigh and began to push past people, suddenly everyone around her was a blur. She shook her head a few times and couldn't even begin to believe what had just happened. She began to feel tears sting her eyes, she suddenly felt as if every single desire she had was ripped from her. She had to wonder how she had gained such a falsified perspective about the world. Suddenly the words of her father rung loud and clear, she knew hindsight wasn't kind; she also knew her parent's were always right.

Tessa grew closer to the middle of the dance floor, though not on purpose. She furrowed her eyebrows lightly and could feel the rays of light, from the chandeliers above, kindly dance around for her, as if to lead the way. She finally approached the beautiful artwork in the center of the dance floor. Sprawls of dark, glossy wood reached into vintage flowers and designs on the ballroom's base. She gently let her bare feet feel the smooth, slippery wood undertow, she approached the center of the universe and heaved yet another hard breath as a few tears slipped down her cheeks.

With a sweep of freedom that came over her, a rush of guilt came crashing into her skin as well. She felt her hair fall from behind her ear and messily dance in her peripheral. She inhaled a gentle sniffle and wondered just how blind she had become, and just how fame-crazed she had been driven to. With the sense of losing everything she thought she wanted, everything she needed gently plopped into her lap. She finally inhaled a reviving breath and looked up, she immediately felt set out to finally set things straight with Zane.

She gently turned in the direction in which she had left her friends and peered through the crowds of dancing people she had somehow graced herself upon. She felt her heart jolt in a fit of coincidental confusion, as if he were merely an apparition, she suddenly saw Zane come to the forefront of her sight. She raised her eyebrows in stunned surprise and nearly flinched, even though he was a handful of yards away.

Looking as if he had been bashfully plucked from the crowd, he stood confidently with a smug smile on his face, as if he was prepared for the rise and fall of Selka being Tessa's dancing partner. Tessa lightly furrowed her eyebrows in delightful confusion, though she felt as if the only thing she wanted to do was dive right into his welcoming embrace. She remained still, though, after a few seconds of realizing she was in the middle of the dance floor, she politely hurried to make her way over to Zane.

As she approached Zane, she began to feel lightly embarrassed, as if the both of them knew all along that their dance lessons weren't all for not. She bashfully held her eyes on Zane's, though she finally tore them away and gazed downwards. She breathed a small sigh and opened her mouth to speak, though Zane bashfully beat her to it.

"Did you lose him?" Zane wondered with a cheeky, yet knowing smile.

"Did I?" Tessa finally beamed, "HE lost ME."

"Atta girl," Zane chuckled and looked down with a wide, kind grin. He shrugged his hands into his pants pockets.

"Zane," Tessa started, though she began to feel her hands shake. She furrowed her eyebrows lightly and took a step closer to him, as if she were unsure where to begin. She shook her head and looked him in the eyes, "I-I... I'm, so sorry."

"There's no need to apologize," Zane said tenderly as he slipped his hands out of his pockets.

"I-I just can't believe... I let myself... I mean," Tessa stammered around and gestured her hands about in confusion towards herself. She beamed a bashful smile and looked down to their feet, he tenderly approached her.

"Looks like you're out a dancing partner," Zane chuckled, though he almost playfully reached out his hand to her and tucked his other open palm to his chest, "Would you look at that!"

Tessa gazed at him in an almost nervous sense, though she let a small, bashful smile cross her cheeks as his infectious smile met hers with the same force. She finally breathed a laugh and looked down, she wondered when her face would stop feeling as if it were on fire. Zane chuckled before he gently dropped the playful act. He tenderly took another step or two closer to her and, as carefully as he could, he took her hand in his and raised it only slightly. He bent over lightly, though he was careful to leave a respectful amount of room between the two. As gingerly as he could, he placed a warm kiss atop the back of Tessa's hand. Tessa raised her eyebrows in a fit of dizzy surprise and froze. She kept her eyes glued to Zane and felt as if her heart were about to stop altogether.

"May I have this dance?" Zane asked deeply and gently as he stood up straight, though he kept Tessa's hand warmly held in his, in between them.

Tessa peered at him in poised, delighted shock, though she knew she shouldn't be surprised at all. She earnestly gazed into his eyes and lightly squeezed his hand. She refrained from jumping up and down and blurting out her positive answer to his question; she felt a sense of relief come over her, as if every single dance step she was worried she would fumble on, was now something she could do in her sleep. She felt her heart pound in an unsure manner, though. She knew there were so many eyes that would likely be watching them, which was something she wasn't used to. She swallowed her insecurities, however; she knew this was exactly the moment she wanted out of this night. She knew denying Zane this dance would be the hugest mistake of her life. She finally gave him a loving smile and a subtle smolder of a side eye, as if to silently question if this were his plan all along. She dropped it quick, though; she knew she had absolutely no complaints.

"I'd be honored," Tessa finally eased as they remained still, their divine bubble of peace amidst the harmonic chaos, around them, was solid and true.

"Please," Zane said in the softest, kindest of tones as he held his eyes on hers in a strong string of slowly growing, innocent desire, "The honor is all mine."

Zane tenderly let go of her hand and stepped to her side a little. He propped his elbow up and rested his right hand on his chest, his piercing blue eyes held onto hers in the warmest way, he gently gestured for her to follow suit. Tessa inhaled a nervous breath and gently slipped her hand into the nook of his elbow and lead. Zane tenderly rested his free hand atop hers and, with her silent blessing, he gently began to lead her back to the center of the dance floor. They easily moved past a few other swaying couples, billowy dresses that floated about.

Tessa easily melted into Zane's warmth, she hugged the nook of his arm and elbow in a tense, excited nervousness she knew Zane was aware of. She lightly bit her bottom lip in billowing fear as they approached the center of the dance floor, where Tessa was standing alone prior. She gazed about the pretty design on the glossy wooden floors, yet again, though she glanced at Zane's feet. She finally exhaled a nervous sigh she wondered just how long she had been holding. Before she could utter any sort of worry to Zane, they gently approached their center. She was surprised to see Zane slowly step before her and remain close.

Zane beamed her a small smile, he delicately let go of her before he eased his hands closer to her to hold her yet again, for their proper dance form. He gently hugged her waist with his arm and hand, though he felt his heart jump, as if the hundred other times he had done this was somehow voided out of his memory. He inhaled a shaky breath and kept at his usual distance, though he inwardly felt anxious; oh how badly he wanted to hold her closer. He figured he should respect the distance, he didn't want to stress her out farther. He felt an instant, proud smile sprawl his face the instant her eyes caught with his. He nodded once, as if to inquire if she were ready. She gently nodded back and couldn't help but smile as well, albeit nervously.

Tessa squeezed Zane's hand with hers and his shoulder in her other hand, though as if on a silent cue they were programmed for, they both gently fell into rhythm together. Tessa held her breath and felt herself wanting to look down at their feet for a reason that was beyond her. She lightly furrowed her eyebrows and felt her heart race as they properly, and quickly, carried on. Just as she was about to feel worried and off course, she lightly flinched as Zane dared to lean closer to her. As quietly as he could, he began to tenderly count in time for her, so she could get back on track. She felt the gears in her brain finally latch onto his voice, something she had grown to learn to dance from. She felt her heart shake in a nervous twitch as the soft music tried it's hardest to grip the two to it's beat, though her brain held onto every single count that fell from Zane's mouth. She felt confidence sweep over her as he gently helped her along. After a few moments, he finally eased away from her and tilted his head down lightly, to look into her eyes. She peered at him with appreciation, though she had to wonder just how much more kind he could get.

Tessa finally beamed a confident smile and caught up with Zane's lead, which was heavy to compensate for her nervousness. Before she knew it, she felt as if she had gone through nearly every single routine she had learned with him. They continued on without a single falter or misstep, every spontanteous step was met with perfect precision, just as they had practiced. Zane felt as if he couldn't wipe the smile from his face, he gazed at Tessa with adoring eyes, as if she were quite literally the only person in Arcade. He felt lost in her raw beauty, he wondered just how lucky he could possibly be. He felt his arms itch to hold her closer so badly, though he restrained himself; he knew in due time, their little blossom would bloom. He bit his lip nervously and, in one sweep of a motion, he dared to try something they hadn't practiced.

With a simple swipe, he successfully twirled her gently, underneath his arm and hand. He beamed a wide smile and let his eyes follow her figure; her beautiful cream dress splayed out with her quick twirl, her dewy, auburn hair practically glistened underneath the chandelier light that cast down upon the two. With his broadened perspective, as she moved away from him in a twirl or two, he suddenly realized most of the couples, that surrounded them, had moved out of their way and formed a crowd of onlookers. He felt his heart jolt in a sudden fit of nervousness he wasn't prepared for, though he figured this was his one chance to shine.

As poised as he could, he caught up with Tessa; he eagerly stepped in such a way, as if to court her back into his lead. As easily as he could, he met Tessa once again and let himself push the limit he had held on himself. He stuffed his insecurities and let his strong arms and hands come back to her, he tenderly took her right hand in his left, though he let his right arm warmly hook around her waist as he bravely held her closer to him. He was floored to feel Tessa push into the safety of his arms, her left arm was nearly able to hook around his shoulders and the back of his neck. He heaved a small breath of a chuckle and dared to firmly cup his strong hand on the middle of her back.

Tessa raised her eyebrows in mild surprise; she smirked in admiration for Zane's bravery, though she could swear all noises and sounds of music ceased to exist as they pushed farther into each other's worlds. She could sense that mostly all eyes were on them, though for once in her life, she felt at peace with being the center of the universe. She knew the person she shared that center with was someone who wouldn't let her slip from his grip. They quickly continued to move, though they glided about in such a way that assured Tessa that, one wrong move, and they'd both go crumbling to the ground. She knew this dance was a test to their knowledge, and how well they could read each other. She figured they had reached the point of no return the second their eyes locked and never parted.

Zane finally breathed a small laugh as Tessa smiled into his eyes, he felt as if the two were now operating on auto-pilot, a cruise control that had been set long ago. He felt his mind get absolutely lost, he gazed into her hazel eyes and wondered if this all were too good to be true. He felt a twinge of hope fill his existence, as if this final dance was going to seal the deal to their little ember of something to smile about. He was floored to feel her figure match his lead, as if she had entrusted him with everything she was; every last hope, fear, and desire. He bit his bottom lip lightly and knew it was a great responsibility, though he furrowed his eyebrows and knew he had to somehow convey to her that he was definitely up for the challenge. As lightly as he could, he rested his forehead to hers and let the tips of their noses warmly touch. He remained poised as they continued to glide about, though he let a wide smile sprawl his face down to her as she beamed an infectious one back up to him.

Tessa felt her heart dip at the mere fact that she was practically sat two inches from their first kiss. She merely glanced at his mouth, she had an inkling about what he wanted, and she was hoping she conveyed the same desire, though she also knew the two were smart enough to save it. She felt her heart do a few, giddy back flips in her chest, as if everything she had ever wanted out of this night came true in the most magical way possible. The two remained lightly pressed to each other as they continued to move, though Tessa began to feel a pang of concern as to what to do when the song concluded. Though, before she could delve further into her thoughts, she could feel Zane's grip and positioning switch a little bit. As if she were merely entrusting her whole life in his hands, she allowed him full control of their dance.

Just as Zane gave her a smolder of a smirk, he gently moved her to the side and dipped her back in a roll of passion. He held her tight around her waist and dipped her low, as if he had experience with this move, though they had never even discussed it. Tessa widened her eyes lightly and lay completely still in Zane's arms, she gazed up at him in shock as that final dip was the ending beat of the romantic song that had been playing. Tessa kept her arm tight around his neck as he hovered above her; they gazed into each other's eyes in shocked delight. Their ears rung with the small pang of silence that hit their busied minds, though no sooner had the silence filled their existence, it was quickly replaced with a sudden roll of excited clapping.

Just as soon as Tessa was going to allow herself to get lost in Zane's eyes, yet again, they were gently startled from their bubble of calm divinity. Tessa flinched lightly as Zane tenderly brought her back up to her feet. The two remained lightly latched to each other, though they eagerly peered about in a fit of confusion, as if they had simply forgotten where they were. Zane gently let his left arm remained hooked around Tessa's back and waist, the two stood side by side in baffled delight, they peered about the large crowd and circle that had gathered. Each gamer clapped eagerly, as if the two had been on display this whole evening. Tessa finally beamed a wide, bashful gaping smile and covered her mouth. She bent over a little and gave Zane an excited, embarrassed look. Zane laughed a happy laugh and gazed back at her with the same force of sincerity, though he didn't dare take his warm embrace away from her.

"How long have we been the only ones out here?" Tessa wondered softly to him over the excited clapping.

"Longer than you probably would have liked," Zane laughed through kind, renewed eyes.

He gently slipped his hand into hers and lightly raised it. Tessa beamed a gentle, yet more than bashful smile out to the crowd and grabbed the end of her dress. They bowed lightly, as if they had planned this show all along. As they came back up, the clapping lightly dwindled and the crowd began to mesh a little bit; a few onlookers hung to the moment and remained, though for the most part, everyone began to go about their own business again. Tessa eagerly peered at Zane through as much appreciation as she could muster. She gently grabbed both of his hands and shook them lightly.

"We did it!" Tessa hissed with a wide smile.

"YOU did it," Zane rephrased with a loving grin, though he widened his eyes as Tessa quickly wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed him into a warm embrace.

Tessa warmly nuzzled her face and nose into the nook of Zane's neck. She furrowed her eyebrows and shut her eyes tight as she squeezed him closer. She was thrilled to feel Zane's strong arms come around her in the same swiftness, abundant with want and care. Zane smiled a grateful smile and let his eyes lull closed as well. He tenderly pushed the side of his head to hers as his nose gently buried in the deep waves of her hair. For once in his life, he allowed himself to take in a gentle inhale of her scent. He felt his heart do a dizzy combination of flutters in his chest, he knew in that moment he was done for. He let his smile morph into a look of love stricken grief, as if he had wondered just what exactly he was diving into. He figured, whatever it was, he was more than ready for it. With that, he squeezed Tessa tighter, though his ears pricked at the sound of her soft voice near his ear; he felt goosebumps sprawl his neck as she breathed on his skin.

"Thank you," Tessa whispered kindly. She tenderly pulled away after a few moments and slid her hands into his.

"No, thank you," Zane shook his head and peered into her eyes with a sense of adoration for her.

He gently looked about her face; her cheek were bruised with a bashful blush, her glorious hazel eyes peered up at him in a new found, adoring curiosity. He could tell, by the twinkle in her eye, that she was eager to figure out what they had stumbled upon as well. He squinted his eyes in gentle admiration for her and shook his head lightly, as if to wonder if all of this were real. He squeezed her hands and smiled his usual, toothy smile. His kind, piercing blue eyes remained held on her eyes and face. He silently conveyed just how lucky he was, purely through the candy coated gloss over his eyes. Tessa very lightly wrinkled her nose and rolled her eyes, as if to kindly disagree with him. Before the two could continue to converse purely by the power of the air around them, their bubble of divinity was popped.

"You guys!" Penny chimed in a squeal as she eagerly skipped up to the two, "I can't believe you two, that was so wonderful!"

"Hey, twinkle toes, where did you learn to do that?" Tammy laughed as her, Emery and Oliver strolled up.

"I-I learned how to dance last year," Zane chuckled nervously as him and Tessa finally let go of each other for the first time in what seemed to be an eternity.

"And what's your excuse?" Tammy beamed a wide smile towards her younger cousin, her eyes were full of pride as she put her hands on her hips.

"Zane taught me," Tessa let a bashful smile sprawl her face.

She gently gazed at Zane, their string of eye contact was definitely different. She finally felt a bit of clarity as they had finally peeled from each other's skin. She gazed at Zane for everything he was; she knew somehow this person before her was definitely a renewed soul after that show. She curiously gazed at Zane as him and Penny continued to banter and converse. He looked refreshed, as if he had just obtained an infinite one up. She felt her heart swell for the first time, she furrowed her eyebrows and felt a breath catch in her throat; she suddenly was sat with a hard realization. She let her gaze remain on Zane as she finally realized her feelings for him. She wondered just where it'd go from here, though her heart basically pounded at the thought. She inwardly cursed herself; how she would ever pay attention in school, now, was beyond her.

"That was incredible," Emery said softly with a bashful smile as she tucked her fists underneath her chin, "It was so romantic!"

"You decided not to dance with Selka, after all?" Tammy wondered lightly, though no one was complaining.

"I ditched him and his sorry group," Tessa said as she finally came back down to Arcade; though, with stepping back to the planet, she felt that same, protective rage come over her skin, a duty she now felt as if she owed Zane. She knew she'd do anything to make sure he was protected, and his reputation was clean.

"What happened?" Oliver wondered loudly in confusion as everyone held their gazes to the two, "You were so excited to be with him."

"He's pathetic," Tessa hissed as she angrily furrowed her eyebrows. She lightly slid her eyes to Zane's and let her face drop to anguish, "He had nothing but rotten things to say about Zane."

"Seriously?" Emery's facial expression was hit with immediate sorrow.

"What scum," Tammy furrowed her eyebrows, though everyone sadly looked to Zane; he gently looked down to the ground in confusion.

"So you just slipped away?" Penny wondered.

"Slipped away?" Tessa argued, "I told them off. I couldn't believe it."

"Good for you," Tammy gestured her arm, as if to congratulate her younger cousin.

"I wasn't about to hang around and listen to that garbage," Tessa said softly to Zane.

"Thanks for sticking up for me," Zane said kindly to her as he gave her a reassuring smile.

"I wouldn't do anything less," Tessa said gently.

"I was wondering," Zane started softly to Tessa as the rest of the group began to banter and talk loudly to themselves about how shocked they were over Selka's attitude, "You up for a little trip across Dead Zed?"

"What? To where?" Tessa beamed a curious smile and wrinkled her nose.

"Just, somewhere I like to go to unwind, usually, but it's really cool," Zane said gently, though he began to look slightly nervous, for his sake, "It's untouched."

"No one knows about it?" Tessa prod, her eyes twinkled with growing curiosity.

"Not that I'm aware of," Zane said as one corner of his mouth curled into a smolder he wasn't cued into, "Whatdoyahsay?"

"Sure," Tessa lightly shrugged, "Is it safe?"

"You'll be safe with me," Zane assured in a kind tone, though Tessa felt a sudden shift in the air, as if his confidence in her safety was absolute. She could suddenly feel a gentle, powerful air of a vibe rise off of Zane's skin; she had to wonder if it were because he was slowly winning over the heart of the princess.

"I trust you," Tessa quipped as her eyes caught with his.