"May I have this dance?" - trade with Eefan

Finally, the preparations were all but near complete for the ball that was set to take place the next night. As Eliza stood alone.

“I’ll do a double check on things, you all should get some rest.” Eliza said to the other servants, who were bringing out chairs.

“Are you sure? There’s still the chairs to be set out-” one of them questioned. Only to be given a nod in response.

“Yes I’m sure, those won’t take long to do.” She reassured, bidding them a farewell and a goodnight. Once they were gone Eliza found herself alone in the large hall, she didn’t mind. After all, she had offered to take care of what was left of the preparations in the room itself.

Slowly walking around the room, settling some final arrangements and checking off a few things present on a list she had as she went around. Making sure the table clothes were wrinkle free, smoothing them out or redoing them. Knowing this had to be near perfect.

But she couldn't help but think about the music that would be played, the enchanting, almost hypnotizing music… Subconsciously lightening her steps, as she swayed ever so slightly. Twirling as she imagined the night to come.

Not registering the footsteps or the slight creak of the large doors being opened, as someone entered the open hall.

That person being Claude, stopping himself right by the doors. Not having expected to see Eliza dancing in the silence, though if he had to be honest— neither had time to relax with the recent preparations. With both of them being busy they could hardly see each other on top of it.

But he couldn't take his eyes off her performance, even if she wasn't dancing for an audience.

From the corner of his eyes Claude noticed the unorganized chairs. Figuring she somehow got distracted inside a different world. The thought made him smile, before he went and quietly moved the chairs to where they should be.

Unable to help the occasional glance sent her way. She danced beautifully— at least that was what he thought. He didn't know she could dance.

Her dancing soon came to an end, spotting something standing there from the corner of her eye. Causing her to jump, clearly having not noticed him there.

Not anticipating to catch her off guard, though quickly realizing his error. "My apologies— you looked so beautiful, I couldn't dare interrupt." He apologized, taking a moment to think as he heard her speak.

"No, it's fine. You just surprised me is all." She said, becoming clear how neither knew what else to say as an awkward silence filled the air.

At least until Claude thought of something to say. "May I ask how long you've been dancing for? I'm curious that's all," he asked, patiently waiting for her to formulate a response.

"Oh— well I was dancing for four years, before I had to quit. But that's all now in the past." She said, even if she wished she could continue it. She couldn't, and she knew that.

"I see…" He mumbled, before clearing his throat, taking a moment to think of his next question.

"Eliza, if it's not too much trouble. Could you spare some time to give me dance lessons?" He asked, the question catching her off guard. Having originally thought he knew how to dance already. Thinking he was just trying to be a tease.

"I assumed you already knew how to dance?" She asked, seeming puzzled as she saw he looked a bit sheepish.

"Well yes, I know the steps. But I've been told that I'm rather stiff from what people have said," he explains. Though he'd hate to admit the embarrassment of admitting it.

It wasn't much thought on the topic, as Eliza smiled, being more than happy to teach him. Finding it to also be an excuse to have a dance with him, knowing neither would get such an opportunity on the day.

"Why don't we start with the dance itself?" She asked, waiting for him to give her a response. And he did, with a nod. As she came over and showed him what to do, even if it was familiar to him. Pretending there was music, as they both began the dance.

Spins and twirls, and then by each other's side. His hand in hers, while the other on her waist. As hers rested on his shoulder.

Quickly finding the dance unnaturally stiff during the spins, it was obvious he knew the dance to not need instructions. They had the right steps, and Claude was visibly trying, not wanting to ruin or mess it up. But it wasn't right, as it ended she stepped back to take a moment to think.

Neither were satisfied with the outcome, but alas he had warned her that he was stiff when it came to dancing.

Looking around the ballroom to see if there was anything—

"Our rhythm feels… Off. Usually, dancers would feel the music and let that guide our feet. Is it okay if I grab a record player? I think that would help both of us." She suggested, looking around as she waited for his response.

"A record player? That sounds like a good idea." Claude nodded, as he watched her go off to hunt for where she had seen the mentioned record player before he could say anything further.

He takes a deep sigh, patiently waiting for her return. As she soon returned carrying the record player. Seeming triumphant about finding it, as she set it up on one of the nearby tables.

With the song set, and spinning. She let it play before joining back up with him. "Let's try again shall we?" She asked, smiling as she offered him her hand.

Claude couldn't help but smile, feeling lucky that she was willing to help him.

They were— doing a bit better, there were some areas where he was still extremely stiff. "Here, try focusing more on the music." Eliza advised, maybe obvious, to not focus so much on the movements themselves.

But quickly became surprised when he admitted he'd forget the steps if he wasn't focused.

So, that was his problem? She wondered, he was more worried about getting it right. But, that wasn't what dancing was about. Not for her at least.

"Just relax okay?" She said, seeing him take a deep breath and nod. Feeling his shoulders relax as they continue, no longer watching his feet.

But it didn't last long, resulting in Claude accidentally tripping her up. Without a second thought in the moment, he made a quick move to catch her. And he did. Sighing in relief when she hadn't ended up on the ground.

"My apologies— I'm completely terrible at this." He said, as he helped make sure she was able to stand up properly.

But she shook her head, seeming to dismiss it. "It's okay! I've fallen countless times before; I promise you didn't hurt me. At least this means you're listening to me!"

He didn't quite understand her reasoning, but decided not to question it. She seemed less jumpy, more calm anyways. But chalked it up to her knowing what she was doing.

Even so after taking a minute or two for her to think Eliza was ready to try again. "Why don't you try closing your eyes?" She asked,  the question seeming random. As Claude visibly seemed surprised by the request.

But shook his head, "what would that do?" He asked, he didn't quite see the sense behind it.

"I've noticed you're always watching your feet. I think… You're fretting too much about precision that you're forgetting the point" She pointed out, watching Claude's reaction.

He seemed— hesitant, the air fell silent as he tried to give it thought. Appearing uneasy about what she asked of him, even for a seemingly simple task.

"Trust me, okay? I promise you're going to do fine. I won't let you dance into anything." She promised, shortly getting a sigh and a simple nod from him. Wasn't like he could get away with not telling her such.

In the end, Eliza started the music again. Taking a hold of Claude's shoulder as the music started. His eyes closed, as he took another deep breath.

He could feel Eliza taking control of the dance, guiding him throughout the movements. As he felt himself relax more as they continued.

Hearing Eliza's reassuring voice; "don't worry. You won't dance into anything." She said, being the final straw as he relaxed completely.

Seeing him relaxed Eliza smiled to herself, whilst noting he was a complete natural. Even if he needed his eyes closed and some reassurance.

Resting her head against his chest, as she felt the flow of the music. Indulging in the intimate moment, being a chance of few that she could get close to him like this. Hearing his heart beating gradually.

If she had the choice? She'd rather dance forever, if not to music then to the beat of his heart.

As the music drew to an end, Eliza didn't move. Whilst Claude opened his eyes to be met with her against his chest. She looked up at him, mere inches from one another.

Realizing this Eliza separated from him, "you've… Improved a lot, especially when you just relax into it. You performed a lot better." She complimented, as she made sure the record player was off entirely.

"... Thank you, Eliza." His tone softer then it usually would be, knowing without her teaching he wouldn't have improved. Picking up his change in demeanor she only chuckled and shook her head. Smiling ever so sweetly.

"I suppose I'll see you tomorrow for a continuation?" He asked as he was doing one final take of the ballroom.

"But tomorrow is the ball?"

He paused for a second, just by the doorway as he turned to her. A smile placed on his lips. "Then I hope to see you out there, maybe I could even get a dance with you?"

Unlike usual, there were no teasing undertones. He meant it, he'd love to dance with her that night. Or any night if ever given the chance.

He left before she could give a proper response, leaving her stunned. As she sighed fondly, they couldn't dance the night of the ball… She was sure he was aware, figuring maybe they'd sneak away, maybe to the balcony or the garden. Where the music would be almost humming in their ears?

"Yes— I'd love to dance with you again Claude." She said to herself, hoping he could've heard her. But regardless she put the record player back where it was meant to be. Before taking her leave, after all; she became more excited about the ball…