witchesreign | [007] ♥ [action] [week I, DAN 101, M1100]

[Ballroom dancing. It was a requirement (a new one, no less) here at Garden, and it was a course that Rion very much didn't want to take. Dancing was fine. Dancing ... around other people was not so fine. Dancing around other people and having to dance with a girl? Significantly less fine. He had a feeling this was going to be like Swimming last semester (which he'd barely, BARELY passed) - that one class that dragged him down.

At least it was only three times a week, for an hour and a half or so. He could console himself with that.

Hopefully - maybe - there was someone in class who he could talk to or with. Maybe even someone he knew that could be his partner... of course, a lot of the people he knew had gone missing, so that was probably out. Already he was making himself worried, making himself upset, and class hadn't even started yet. So he arrived early (the first day of classes was always like that, wasn't it?), looking around, hoping desperately that someone he knew showed up.]

[ Minako walked into the classroom with headphones on and a skip in her step to the catchy music blasting in her ears. Her last class had ended early because of how small the class size had been and since she had nothing to do, she figured she would find her next class, settle in and wait.

"Ballroom Dancing" seemed something out of a fantasy but she was looking forward to it, doing something she knew she would never be able to do back home.

Glancing up, she took note of Rion's presence. Beaming, she pulled her headphones down with one hand and waved with her other. ]

Rion!

[It wasa strange thing to Rion, having someone call out for him, so when he heard his name, he jumped a little bit and looked around for the source, momentarily confused.

It didn't take long for him to realize who it was, and he smiled back at her shyly (not really making much eye contact). His board for writing was already out on him (as it normally was); by the time she was over there (if she was heading over there to talk to him), he'd already have something written.]

Hi, Minako. How were your classes earlier? [Their previous conversations have been filled with Rion being awkward and a little uncomfortable, and this one was no exception. And that was even discounting that this class was not ... entirely a place he wanted to be at.]

[ Right after she was sure he had spotted her, Minako made her way over. Soft music could most likely be heard from her headphones, Japanese in origin with vague Engrish lyrics sung every now and then. ]

They were interesting! I learnt a lot today about Garden.

And yours?

[Rion was listening not only to her words, but from the music coming from her headphones. That might explain why he'd leaned in slightly closer (not into her face or anything, that'd be rude), but ... well, okay, it doesn't sound like anything from here, and he does like music and all that.

Oh -- right, the part where he has to reply and try not to look awkward. He could do that. One hand propped up the board, the other went to writing. Okay. ... Okay, Rion, say something not stupid. At least you have the excuse of writing and you can correct yourself sometime before you 'say' something not dumb.]

They went okay. Not a lot of people I know in my classes...

[Frown. Only person he'd recognized so far was Rinoa in Biology, and he didn't know her that well - and, truth be told, was a little intimidated by her. If Minako was paying attention, he *had* been writing more than that, but had erased quite a bit...]

[ Curiously, Minako watched Rion lean towards her headphones and, just as she was about to say something about, he started to write - so she let him write, humming softly to the playing tune while waiting. After reading, she spoke wistfully, ]

I see. [ She understood that feeling but it was something that no longer bothered her. Minako cheered up quickly, saying, ]

Well, we know each other, right? And we'll get to know new people too!

[Well, that's true. They did know each other. Rion nodded in agreement with her, and smiled slightly. Maybe they could meet some new people, too, or maybe there were people they knew that hadn't showed up yet. ... of course, that, er, brought to mind a question.

Bring up dance partners
> Let it go for now

Your Courage isn't high enough for that...

Bring up dance partners anyway, screw you conversation mechanics
> Let it go for now

Rion started writing again, though his body language had immediately gone towards more awkward, more nervous; he was fidgeting a bit, not really sure exactly how to approach this, and just like the other times he'd been unsure of what to say, there was a lot of writing/erasing/writing.]

How do you think they're going to do dance partners for this class?

[Your Courage has increased!]

[ She waited patiently as Rion wrote, erased and re-wrote, glancing around the classroom and at the others so that he would not feel tensed with her only looking at him.

Only when she was sure, out of the corner of her eyes, that Rion was done writing did she finally look back. ]

Maybe we'll need to draw lots, maybe they have us assigned already...

[ Minako could see the benefits of assigning strangers together but this wasn't doing anything to reassure him, was it? ]

Or maybe they'll let us pick our own partners!

[It did a lot to help, honestly, when he didn't feel like he was rushed to say anything, to figure out what and how he wanted to say what he did. So he appreciated it, really, though he didn't... really know how to express that other than a smile that, really, could have been related to anything. (So he didn't really express any obvious appreciation at all. Good job, Rion.)

Ask her
> Let it go

Your Courage has increased!

... of course, there was still the matter of how to phrase it. He really shouldn't have been this concerned, this worried about it, it was just a stupid class. But he couldn't make himself not worry, because he's ~~comically terrible at social interaction~~ nervous about screwing things up.]

If they let us pick, do you want to be partners with me?

[Had this been spoken instead of written, it would have been a LOT more nervous. Probably some stammering. Rion was still uncomfortable and not making complete eye contact, because oh no what was he supposed to do, ask someone he DIDN'T know?]

[ If Rion was looking up, he would have spotted Minako's wide eyed surprise at being asked such a question. It was unexpected but not at all unpleasant and she knew it must have taken Rion a lot of courage to ask something like that. Smiling, she clapped her hands together and nodded. ]

Of course! It's more comfortable if we danced with people we already know, right?

[Minako, for about ... two - three seconds, was going to get to see Rion go through a range of extreme emotions, starting from about when she started moving.

- Wait, she's not going to--

- ... she's going to be my partner?! 8D

- Wait, no, I must be dreaming.

- ... OH MY GOD YESSSSSSSS

- tesajkltjseal I probably look like such a dumbass right now I can't be that excited about this it's just a class ._.

It was after that rollercoaster of emotions and expressions that he started writing again, having settled to something along the lines of 'I'm actually really excited but I'm trying to not look super excited but I'm not hiding it very well'.]

I think so. I hope they do let us pick ourselves... it'd be weird dancing with someone you didn't know.

[It's not hard to notice that what Rion had written and what Rion's entire body language was saying were two entirely unrelated things. How it was written said a lot more - the handwriting was a little jittery, which was unusual for someone normally as neat as Rion, and it had been written *very* quickly (other than the writing/erasing; the actual words themselves had been formed quickly).]

[ Feeling awkward, Colette stays quite close to the wall at first. She took this class because it sounded like fun, but... when it comes to attending the class, she finds it a little scary.

Then again, the classes in the previous quarter were also a little scary to begin with. It was just something unfamiliar and new! That was all!

Taking in a deep breath, she clenches a fist, a determined expression on her face. It's only dancing, after all - it can't possibly be worse than the other classes she's attended today! But it is dancing with a partner...

Ah, it would be nice if Lloyd was here. ]

[Probably one of the few people who has enrolled in the Ballroom Dancing class who isn't the least bit uneasy about the whole experience, Ryoji enters the class with a excited grin. Seeing a familiar face or meeting new ones, Ryoji is looking forward to both.

Aww... But a quick glance around puts a pout on Ryoji's face. There are people he knows, but they're all spread out. He doesn't want to have to pick one person over another....

Well... There is one solution to Ryoji's problem...]

Hello! My name's Ryoji and I'm looking forward to dancing with everyone!

[There, that greeting should have been loud enough for everyone to hear.]

[Rion is one of those people who's uneasy, and he takes a sidelong glance over at Ryoji. ... well yes, he already has a partner, but he's kind of jealous of how Ryoji just treats this like it's a new and exciting experience.

Look at that tiny babby in the corner, Ryoji, watching you.]

[ Rion's joy and excitement was infectious, the smile on her face widening in response as she waited and then read his written words. ]

I wonder what we'll learn... Have you danced before, Rion?

[... oh. Right. There was that bit. The part where, er, he. Didn't. Actually know how to dance. Like, at all. Because see, that would involve going to the sorts of things where dances would happen, and that was just not a thing Rion really did.

He just shakes his head in reply, not sure if he wants to write something. The loss of enthusiasm, though, is very much noticeable.]

[ Very noticeable. The enthusiasm doesn't fade on this end, however. ]

Don't worry! It's the same for me so we'll just have to learn together!

[Oh - Rion ... sort of recognizes Colette; he's not quite sure if they've had classes together, but he thinks he's seen her around. There's a shy, tiny little wave in her direction.]

[Minako, your enthusiasm makes him want to be more enthusiastic. And he brightens up a bit (unconsciously, this time), thinking about it - it. It can't be that bad, can it? ... can it? Maybe it won't, once they get started.

The smile he replies with isn't entirely genuine, but it's not wholly forced, either. If only he could get himself to calm down, to just treat this like any other class (like he couldn't do with swimming, last year). If only this were something you could learn by reading a book...]

[ She smiles back encouragingly. ]

Let's both do our best for this class, okay?

[ It's possibly in the middle of a conversation when Ryoji enters and shouts a greeting. Despite having seen Ryoji earlier - since they shared a morning class - seeing Ryoji again, hearing his declaration and watching their classmates react in various ways makes Minako giggle, even if she has to hide it behind her palm.

Instead of responding silently, Minako raises her hand to wave, attempting to catch Ryoji's attention. ]

[One of the things that Rion's finding that he really, really likes about Minako is that she just seems to intuitively believe that he can do things, even when he's sitting here sure that he's going to screw up, and more importantly, he knows it's obvious that he thinks he's going to screw up.

And it's not in a condescending "oh, of course you can" way or trying to convince him. She just believes he can, and acts like he's... just. Normal. And he likes that, he really does.

The faintest of blushes comes to his cheeks and he nods again, smiling. It's a really infectious smile that Minako has there!]

[Minato takes a look around, getting a feel of the people in this class. From the possible dance partners, he notices a few girls gathering around each other rather than actively looking, Minako who seems to be asked by someone, and an oddly familiar blonde standing close to the wall.

Searching his memory, he guesses he may have seen her around the school in the previous quarter. He approaches her, figuring she could do with a partner, at least.]

Hello, there.

[ This is Irvine around the corner, watching oh-so-inconspicuously the lovely flowers of Garden. He recognizes a couple of faces, both female and male, but right now he's focusing on familiarizing himself with the faces he can't put a name to. The sooner he learns who's whom, the better.

Which is why the class's progression is helping. From that "introducing" session to the scouting of partners, he's bound to nab a few names, right? So he's listening intently. Bug him. Grabbing his attention should be easy, with the way he's shifting his gaze left and right. He may or may not try to get a girl soon. ]

[IRVINE whoa. Hi, Irvine! Rion waves towards him a little excitedly when there's not too much going on - it's nice to have this class with someone else he knows too (and won't have to dance with.)

(Probably.)]

[~~Pipsqueak~~ Rion! Irvine promptly returns the wave with a small grin, having seen Rion moments earlier -- with a (cute) girl and all. (He decides to tuck away the subject for a conversation in the future.)

Now to approach or to let him be . . . ]

[A Rion draws near! Command?

He seems pretty happy with himself, which is ... not entirely expected for this class, given Rion's awkwardness about things where his body is relevant. Maybe it has something to do with said cute girl. :3]

[It must have something to do with said cute girl, what else could it be? Irvine looks at him, then briefly at Minako before turning back to Rion.]

Hey. Having a good time?

[Irvine gets a painfully enthusiastic, tooth-rottingly-sweet nod in reply. He does have his board with him, but he doesn't need to write anything when he can just make the answer clear, right?]

[Too enthusiastic, to the point he makes a wild (well, a tad educated) guess as to why. Regarding the girl, naturally.]

She gonna be your partner?

[If somehow the nodding had not been obvious enough, there's the briefest flush, the briefest look of being slightly awkwardly uncomfortable, before he nods again.

Irvine, you may have a report to make.]

[Oh. Oh, this is golden. If she ever brings the topic up, that report is definitely coming at the speed of light.]

Nice. You've got quite the catch.

[... all he can do is look strangely. Catch? Er, what's that supposed to mean? He's not sure this computes with him.]

[My Hyne, tell him Rion knows what he's talking about.]

. . . Never mind. So long as you're having a good time, it's all good.

[Not entirely. He does nod, though - momentary confusion gone, he is back to being bright and happy. He still hasn't actually written anything, but that's about to change - he does have his board with him!]

Do you have a partner yet?

[Irvine casually takes a look at the board and its message, to which he shakes his head.]

Not yet. But I will.

[No written response, but there's moderate surprise - Irvine, aren't you supposed to be a ~ladies' man~? How did Flaily McDerp get a girl to dance with before you? Rion just sort of assumed that he would have them lined up or something.

Rion is not aware that perhaps Irvine is not as good at this as he says he is.]

[A ~ladies' man~ whose attempts are often not taken seriously. Irvine isn't one to rush, though, and he'd rather take the time to study the people first before making any moves. (And probably failing.)]

I'd rather take my time.

If you don't hurry, the one you want might be gone!

[Rion is too painfully cheerful about this to even realize that he may have just burned the hell out of Irvine (depending on your perspective on what a burn consists of).]

[Being told this by McDerp is so, so sad.]

Who said I want "one?"

[... Irvine, you should probably just leave class now in shame. In shame. Rion just responds with a confused look (much the same look one would give a person who insisted they'd just seen Hyne in their toast) and starts writing again.]

You can't dance with more than one person. That's not how ballroom dancing works.

[Now he wants to leave class in shame, because Rion is not getting it. Why is this child so deprived? Why?]

What I mean is, I can't choose between a few girls.

[... Rion considers this for a moment, giving it very careful thought. This, you see, is a conundrum that requires careful thought.]

Too bad Selphie's not here. Then you wouldn't have to pick!

[Rion is blissfully unaware what he's just implied. He just thinks they're cute and are clearly an OTP.]

[And Ryoji's attention she certainly got. As if Ryoji was ever going to say 'no' to spending time with one of his favorite people in the entire world. Although he might not know the person standing next to Minako, he wasn't the least bit bothered by it. It just gave him a chance to know someone new.

Walking over, he greeted both with a wide smile.]

Hey there. It's nice to see a familiar face.

[Rion is going to assume that's directed at Minako, since he doesn't believe he's ever talked to Ryoji before. There's a brief look of worry - just a little bit - but then he smiles and sort of half-waves at Ryoji. If he's friends with Minako, logically he must be an Okay People.]

[Oh.

My.

Hyne.

Gotta keep cool. It isn't as though Rion implied wrongfully -- Selphie does tend to be his first priority over many things.]

Probably not.

Ryoji-kun, it's good to see you too!

[ She half-turns, so that she's facing them both. ]

Ah, Ryoji-kun, this is Rion. Rion, this is Ryoji. [ She drops the honorific here just to introduce Ryoji to Rion, smiling at the two of them. ]

[Rion just nods like he has a very good grasp of what he's talking about, and is blissfully unaware of Irvine's mental reaction. This may make dealing with what Rion just said either way easier, or way harder.]

[Why is he nodding like that. The silence means Irvine needs to think of what else to say, and that isn't easy right now. Or maybe it is. He can maneuver the topic any way he wants, can't he?]

. . . But, she's not. So I'll have to look around.

[007] ♥ [action] [week I, DAN 101, M1100]

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/sneaks in here too

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ffffff I cannot believe I took this long to reply

You silly.

Re: You silly.

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/Sneaks back in

/sneaks around

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/sneaks like a sneaky ninja!

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