LD   You know, I’ve never gotten a chance to speak with you.

LD   You always slip away so quickly.

You mutter a curse under your breath. Of course, the one time you get lost in your thoughts after one of her performances, and it's when everyone else has decided to clear the room. You clear your throat and turn to face the front, making sure your voice projects properly.

FL   I am… sorry, for my churlish behavior.

FL   I do not mean it personally.

LD   Oh, it isn’t a problem.

LD   I just didn't know what to make of it.

You abscond from your seat, navigating your way through the aisles. She's sitting on the edge of the stage, her legs dangling loosely, yet gracefully still.

FL   It is with no bad intentions, I assure you.

LD   Oh, I'm sure.

LD   With that spotlight? You couldn't hide anything if you wanted.

Now, she is only a few meters away. You step onto the stage and sit as well. It would do to be eye-level, out of respect.

LD   But you have been avoiding introductions.

LD   So, who are you, exactly?

You clasp a hand over your heart and bow.

FL   Felix Xylander.

FL   I have been attending some of your performances. The way you move, it is -

To your surprise, she chuckles.

LD   Just as formal as I’ve heard.

FL   You are, ah, familiar with me?

LD   Of course. Who isn't?

LD   Getting the best marks, all in weeks of arrival...

LD   It's commendable, really.

FL   Thank you.

LD   Oh, I wasn't praising you.

LD   Just parroting what I've heard.

LD   I haven't seen anything to back it up.

She stands up and stretches. Feeling self-conscious, you stand as well.

FL   I assure you that my skills are to be believed.

FL   My exams are for public viewing as well.

LD   You're right. I'll have to judge it on my own terms, don't I?

She extends a hand.

LD   Care for a dance?

You swallow.

FL   I am not properly dressed.

She laughs again. It feels humiliating, and you have half a mind to rebuke her and storm out. Yet, she has yet to reject you outright. You are undoubtedly curious what her intentions are.

LD   Even more formality? You spoil me.

LD   This isn't an exam, Mr. Schirmer. There's no need to psyche yourself up.

LD   All I’m asking is for a little heart-to-heart.

There's a spark in her eyes, now.

LD   Or does the Danseur Noble need everything to his whims, to perform his best?

FL   ...

FL   No.

FL   Of course. Forgive me for my earlier hesitance.

Feeling your pride flare up, you take her hand, leading her to the center of the stage. There are still props lying around from her performance, though they have been pushed to the sides. You're contemplating what to do for your entrée (or if one is even required, as you have already come together) when she perks up.

LD   Oh, I almost forgot.

LD   Pardon me.

With the gusto of a martial artist, she kicks both her shoes off. You cringe as you see them land with a thump on some chairs near the back row.

FL   I would advise more care to your -

LD   You're not wearing slippers.

LD   It's only fair, right?

FL   Ah - yes, these are my casual footwear.

FL   But... your stockings!

FL   To dance on them, bare. Will that not bring damage to the fabric?

LD   They've worn themselves through enough.

LD   Just worry about yourself, Mr. Shirmer.

LD   Focus.

She faces you once more, her expression strangely calm. You level yours, accordingly. If all of this is to knock you off-balance, then... you won't be deterred.

It seems she has decided to forgo the entrée and transition right into an adagio. You do your best to support her freehand movements, maintaining the poise that comes naturally to you. You can't predict what she'll do next, and she even has to give you a look to indicate when she needs a hand for a virtual barre.

LD   Come, now, you can do better than that.

FL   I am not... accustomed to such a free-hand duet.

FL   Can we not, ah, discuss a set, first?

LD   No more formalities.

LD   Besides. I'm warming down.

LD   You did catch me at the end of a performance, after all.

FL   Ah. That is true.

FL   I apologize. I will... adapt accordingly.

LD   Hmm.

You're slowly starting to adapt to her rhythm. When she pirouettes, you assume the partnered position with only a moment of anticipation. She gives you a pleased nod as she turns.

LD   Not bad.

LD   You're learning.

Feeling a strange rush in your chest, you brush your hair out of your eyes in what you hope is a charming move.

FL   It would befit the Danseur Noble, no?

Unfortunately, this seems to bemuse her more than anything, as she rolls her eyes.

LD   Good grief.

FL   What?

LD   Do you actually wear that title with pride?

LD   I can't think of anything more garish.

FL   It is not one I chose for myself.

FL   But it is praise, is it not?

FL   As long as the crown as been given to me, I will wear it.

LD   I see.

Just as you start to separate, she heads toward the front of the stage and jumps down.

FL   Where are you going?

LD   To get my slippers, good sir.

LD   After that? A shower and a good book, I think.

FL   But...

FL   We have not finished our dance!

FL   A variation, for each of us!

LD   Think of my solo as a particularly distant one.

FL   You are... how could you do this?

She stops in the middle of an aisle and turns to face you again. Her demeanor suddenly seems exhausted, and it indignifies you. How dare she, when she was the one who approached you for a dance, first?

LD   Aren't you greedy? We have many semesters ahead of us.

LD   You don't think this'll be the last time we'll ever cross paths, do you?

FL   I...

FL   I do not understand.

FL   Have I done something to upset you?

FL   Why are you behaving this way?

The lights of the stage make the darkness of the audience area even more unseeable. You can't read her expression.

LD   To the contrary - it seems like you're the one who's become emotional.

LD   I'd recommend working on that.

LD   Fortunate that we have all our academy years ahead of us, no?

LD   You'll need time to be a proper duet partner, as well.

You're left with confusion and a lingering irritation as she exits, the sound of the shut doors echoing through the vast hall.