Following after the dance.
Step One Dance studio was located not far from Sasha's place, still in Richmond Grove. The building was fairly large, but older and perhaps had a late 70's or early 80's feel to the architecture. It certainly wasn't fancy like some of the other studios in town, but unlike the building the instructors in the studio were fairly prestigious in the community. All the doors on the outside had key card access only, with the exception of the main door. Upon entering, there was someone at the small reception desk who would ask guests for a name, who they were visiting and an ID. It was easy to tell the need for security, there was clear depictions that children were present on a regular basis. The woman working as a clerk would direct John left hallway, 4th door on the right. At a little before 5pm, the halls were busy with children wearing leotards with their parents and adults wearing dance shoes, some wearing casual dance wear. All moving throughout the halls and finding their rooms.
For perhaps the first time, John left work on time, stopping in the precinct's changing room to grab a quick shower and throw on some recently rededicated clothes; a black shirt with black pants and his brown jacket. Heading from the station in his truck, John managed to stop off at a Wal-Mart to grab a DVD copy of Avengers, smirking as he purchased it. He also picked up some flowers simply because he couldn't actually remember seeing any in Sasha's apartment and it was another belief of the chaplain that every home should have flowers. Driving towards Richmond Grove, he followed his GPS to Studio One, which was quite simple to find. At least now I'll be able to get here by scent if need be, he thought as he parked and exited his truck, leaving the DVD and the flowers on the driver's seat for the time being.
Walking inside the dance studio with a natural smile, John introduced himself politely to the receptionist before showing his driver's ID, which satisfied the woman and as she directed him towards the 4th door on the right of the left hallway, he thanked her before heading towards the dance hall. Seeing all the children and families made him smile, once again reminding him that despite the world being constantly on the precipice, there was still hope. With a quick glance through the window, John pushed open the door and stepped in.
When the door opened, John would first see a row of chairs by the wall next to the door. The room was full of mirrors on three sides. There were school aged children both male and female in modest dance wear or leotards all in black and white. L'aire stood among them, wearing her own black leotard, but there was a small non-flared skirt around her waist mid-thigh but flowed with her every move. Upon her feet were very worn pointe shoes, obviously for instruction and practice. It was easy to see that L'aire had the attention of the children as they looked up to her and awaited their instruction after getting settled. Seated in the chairs were several men and only a couple of women. But when John entered, the Fairest Dancer instantly saw him arrive by that of the mirror as her back was toward the door.
If her heart skipped it's beat a moment, she didn't show it. But she smiled and gave a little wave before turning. "One moment class." L'aire told the kids around her before walking away and to John. There were one or two seats left at the wall. L'aire very much wanted to hug him at the moment she was in his presence, but knew how unprofessional it was. Yet, she gently touched the back of his arm with a soft squeeze. "It's so good to see you. Thank you for coming." With an adroit arm she out stretched to the empty chairs her eyes looking toward the men, then back to John. There was a note of discomfort in her violet eyes but it changed as soon as her eyes met John's. "You can sit in one of the free spots if you'd like. Or stand too. I'm about to start class." She smiled apologetic, realizing she probably should have mentioned how observing a class would go. Great, he's gonna think I'm blowing him off or embarrassed or something.
The moment he lay eyes on Sasha teaching the kids so naturally, John couldn't help but grin and when they locked eyes, his breathing increased as did his heart rate. He hadn't slept much the previous night and had ensured the his schedule hadn't been too crazy, and but any signs of tiredness evaporated in her violet gaze. The way she seemed to, well, dance across the studio towards him made his heart flutter. The way she touched his arm seemed like electricity through his skin and in that one moment, his hand came up to touch her elbow, a tender message between only the pair of them. "I wouldn't have missed it for the world," he replied before taking one of the seats she gestured to, giving a nod and welcoming smile to the parents present, not exactly noting the ratio between mothers and fathers, before turning to observe the class as he crossed his arms (which he'd thankfully left covered) and his legs to get comfortable.
There had been music queued up, despite that the class may not have been following it quite yet. Each time she moved to restart the music, L'aire looked to John. A grin desperately wanting to move over her lips. But there were too many men over on that side, and exacting an expression to someone particular was generally difficult. As the class went on, L'aire kept her movements simple. But there were little ticks of stopping herself, not wanting to outdo the children around her.
“Second position.” The Fairest’s feet moved outward matching the linear lines of her body. “Grand plié” Bending at the knees and pulling up her ankles, L’aire quickly moved her legs to another taught step and moved like gracefulness itself. “And glissade... ” Perhaps none of the terms would make sense to most, but what could be seen was graceful. The children followed her every motion and L’aire did it all in reverse with them, acting as a mirror to their movements. The Dancer's arms lifted into the air as she sweetly said. "Remember, we are snowflakes... we flit and float along the gentle winds." And she moved in motion with the class again. As L'aire moved about the class, she would occasionally sneak a look to John. A smile had shined in the violet spheres until the Fairest looked across the other observers to which she quickly looked away.
There were a few stragglers in the group, who looked as if they were trying their best. The Dancer would move in rhythm with the music toward each child. Whispering encouragement to help them along. “A little further…Miranda” Her hands moved to stretch out a girl’s arms. “Good.” Then down the line to a boy bending too much at the waist. L’aire’s arm touched his back. “Just a little straighter. Think up, Seth.” She took her hand off and watched for a moment. “Excellent.” The Fairest saw the time, 5:55. "Thank you class. You are all doing fabulous so quickly. And we still have two months. Shall we add a little springing into our step next Tuesday?" Her eyes surveyed the children waiting for all to give a positive nod of the head without hesitation. "Okay, then we will." She moved to the opposite end of the room, away from the door but letting the hustle of children parents leave. Many of the father's waved and she did wave back. Even though John and L'aire had known each other only one evening, he could clearly see there was no warmth to it. She met John's eyes as others continued to leave and she made a small gentle motion for him to come over to her. L'aire did it when all were finally paying attention to their kids.
As the music began, John found himself transfixed by the gently rolling sound that graced the dance studio, and even when Sasha continued to re-started the music, he just smiled as she taught the children. So graceful, so natural, he thought, his arms uncrossing and resting in his lap. Its like nothing I've ever seen. Everytime she would steal a glance his way, John tried desperately not to smile and put her off, but it was increasingly difficult, his body language giving him away. Over the lesson, John had found that he has slowly started leaning forward and by the time Sasha had finished, the chaplain had his chin resting on his hands, the elbows of his arms taking the weight as he leaned forward.
The moment she gestured for him, John grinned like an idiot and stood, walking across the studio to join her. "Sasha," he began, looking for the words. "That was amazing, truly inspiring. You are a wonderfully gifted teacher." He looked into her violet eyes as he gushed his compliments, his heart still rapidly beating.
L'aire had seen him slowly lean toward the end of his lap with each passing look she had given him. It was different when John watched her, she couldn't pinpoint why. Could be because they shared a kiss, or two, or four... or because thus far, he didn't treat her like an object. "Thank you, very much. The children have been really wonderful since I started." She smiled so that she was more than appreciative of his kind words. "I'm really surprised...and glad you came, John." Shouldn't have said surprised. "Most people unless they have kids have no interest in rehearsals, well usually." Standing a little closer to him while watching everyone leave. "But... I don't think I mentioned that it was a children's class." L'aire softly chuckled and shook her head. Her eyes looked to the door for a moment, making sure all had left and turned back to John. "Just let me grab my bag and I'll change quick so we can go?" As the Fairest began to move, there was probably plenty of room to walk around him without going near him; yet instead she gently touched his arm and slipped behind him. Her bag was on the floor next to the wall not far from them.
As she spoke, John couldn't help but beam throughout, listening to her voice washing away the fears that the previous evening had been a dream, and that he couldn't still feel her lips on his, or see her violet eyes every time he closed his eyes to try and steal some sleep. No, it had been real. "Well, like I said, I would not have missed it for anything," he said honestly, and as she mentioned grabbing her bag, John looked round as she slipped behind him. The touch, again sending goosebumps through him. "Allow me," he said, stepping to pick it up for her and holding it out with a smile, still looking into her eyes. "Oh, I picked up the DVD on the way. The cover looks very colourful," he chuckled.
L'aire just grinned sweetly to John. She wasn't sure what to say when he said he wouldn't have missed it. Still after last night, this all seemed too good to be true. But that was part of the broken past. And maybe now, this would be something renewed, her faith in something she staved from. As John scooped up her bag, there was a gentle surprise on her face. "Thanks, you didn't have to do that." She softly chuckled.
"If you think the cover was colorful, wait till we watch the movie." L'aire began to walk toward the doorway and turned in a quick pivot. "Oh, what would you like to pick up for dinner?" She waited for John when she arrived at the door, peeking into the hall and turning back to him.
When Sasha pivoted, John stopped, wondering if she had forgotten something, and as she asked about dinner, he gave the very smallest of shrugs yet continued to smile. "I don't mind, to be honest. I enjoy anything so long as its not too spicy," he added, before wondering why he actually added that part.
The Dancer was a little unsure of comfort level at the moment. After kissing someone once or twice...or more, she'd thought all day about slipping her arm into his. But, this was just the hall at the school and for now, L'aire was just happy that he'd came. She also felt like she was fighting off being awkward, again. Her violet eyes looked to John's serene blue's smiling as she was reminded of something. "Chinese sounds good. It's been a while since I've had it." L'aire recalling his suggestion from last night. And it sounded more appealing than pizza as a dinner and a movie. "I'm not a fan of spicy either." They entered the hall and she nodded forward. "The locker room is down the hall toward the front, if you don't mind waiting, please." One thing that hadn't stopped since John walked into the studio room, her heart from beating faster.
"Chinese sounds perfect," John replied as Sasha mentioned what she'd prefer, a warm feeling filling him that she'd remembered the options despite his awkward rambling the previous night. He internally cringed at the memory but paid it no heed, and smiled as she showed him where to wait. "No problem, Sasha, take as long as you need. I'll be here," he politely replied with a smile, his right hand unconsciously rising to allow his fingers to brush lightly against her lower back. A small gesture on his part but one that helped to ease his own nerves as well as act as a reminder that the night before hadn't been a figment of his imagination. On a subconscious level, John also hoped it would ease any of Sasha's concerns, and to express the tenderness he held for her. In actuality, John wanted nothing more but to kiss her passionately once more yet knew that this was where the violet eyed beauty worked, and it would be unprofessional and possibly embarrassing for her, and the Ithaeur did not wish to make her feel in any way uncomfortable.
There were many things taken for granted in life, as she’d painfully come to find out. Touch, was one of them. L’aire had felt John’s fingertips graze her back just as she went into the locker room. Her eyes had flashed to him before disappearing behind the frame of the door. The violet spheres held a captivating smile as it spilled into her lips. If John had looked around, he'd see a bulletin board displaying the instructors along the wall. L'aire's may have been off to the side, but it stood out. Beneath a normal professional picture had been a poster for the Cirque du Soleil featuring the Dancer in a contortion pose.
The Fairest had showered during her break previously that day, right after the exerting classes. Her golden hair may have faintly smelled of coconut, and skin of velvet tuberose. She had changed quickly, taking care of her feet after removing the pointe shoes. L’aire had with her black jeans, a sapphire blue blouse, simple v-necked and three quarter sleeved. The ponytail had come out and she shook her hair letting the length cascade over her shoulders. The Fairest didn’t wear any make up, nor lipstick for a few reasons. When L’aire emerged she looked refreshed turning to find John. The Winter felt her heart pound. “Okay, hope I didn’t keep you long.” Now, she stood by him, her bag in her hand awaiting him to lead. “Where did you park, John?” Looking at him, while her mouth hung on his name.
Walking past the bulletin board caused John to stop and have a look at the instructors, although truthfully, he was only searching for one person, and when he saw her display, he smiled. Even though it was only a picture, the striking qualities of her eyes still shone as did her caring face and long blonde locks. Looking away, it suddenly dawned on him why the ratio of mom's and dad's was so apparent and shook his head with a chuckle.
Still chuckling, John headed to wait and read some more of the posters pinned around the reception. When Sasha exited the locker area, John beamed before his heart raced, and it was more than her actual presence that caused it.
It was her scent, and a wolf came to live by the strength of a person's fragrance. In this case it was absolute perfection. He wanted to say Coconut? but quickly wondered if that would suddenly come over too creepy, and so left it.
"Not at all, I was just reading the posters, and other things." He left it at that, again not wishing to push the boundary between interested and stalking. At mention of where he parked, John pointed to the car park. "Just outside, actually. Its the silver truck, not much really, but I've had it for some time, and it just keeps on going." Laughing to himself, he asked if she was ready to leave, and if so, held open the door that led outside, before unlocking the truck and opening the passenger door for her. Once she was in, John grinned and got into the driver's side, making sure to not sit on the blue and white roses he had brought. "I got these for you. I hope you don't mind?" he said offering her the flowers, once again completely out of his knowledge of whether roses was a done thing these days.
Laughing a little L’aire shook her head. “Oh, the posters. I forget that they’re up there sometimes. They seem to blend in after time.” Shrugging a little as they walked, a gentle nod of thanks as he held the door. As John described his truck while approaching the parking lot, she playfully furrowed her brow. “Things with character seem to withstand time.” L’aire shook her head and her hand at the same time. “Or something like that is the phrase.” Oh look at you, back on the lame game.
The door opening thing, she wasn’t sure if she’d get use to it or spoiled by it, nevertheless she smiled to him after being seated. When the serene eyed man passed her the bouquet L’aire’s eyes lit up. “Oh, John!” She’d gasped before speaking again. “They’re so beautiful.” Her vocal surprise was truly thankful, but not over done. It wasn’t the first time she got flowers, but it had been a while since she’d gotten flowers completely random. “You really didn’t have to.” Her eyes admired them, and she brought them to her face, inhaling their delicate scent. Turning to John, she unconsciously leaned a little toward him in the truck wanting to kiss him; but instead her violet eyes looked right into his. “Thank you.” Slipping her hand over his and letting a gentle squeeze linger.
As Sasha leaned across, John held his breath, a small smile on his lips. And when her hand squeezed his, his words caught in his throat. "You're welcome," he whispered, his blue eyes paling in comparison to Sasha's unblemished eyes. He leaned closer to her, not helping himself, until his lips found hers, his eyes closing to savour fully his sense of touch.
L’aire couldn’t help but wonder something as she heard him whisper. It had only been a fraction of a second. Did he lie to me? The Fairest didn’t really care if he’d dated before for obvious reasons as she herself had. But he mentioned this was all new to him; and at the same time a kind sweet man was new to her.
John was warm on her supple lips. Her eyes closed and held the soft embrace of their touching lips. There was an ecstatic spark as their lips had met, tender as they touched. L'aire knew she wanted to go back to last night, but she'd be patient. Slowly her eyes opened. “That too, was unexpected.” L’aire murmured as she so very slowly pulled away. She hadn’t realized her hand slowly curled its fingers into John’s as the Fairest glanced down. Softly she laughed, “You probably need that to drive.”
John's eyes opened and he chuckled as Sasha spoke, and nodded in agreement, on both counts. Still smiling, he returned back to sitting upright and started the truck. It protested initially but soon trundled to life, and John pulled out of the car park. The feeling and taste on his lips, the way her hand gripped his, the smell of her hair and skin. The Ithaeur's smile steadily grew into a beaming grin.
"Do you know any nice takeaway restaurants in the area, Sasha?" he asked, taking pleasure once more in saying her name. He kept is eyes on the road, driving steadily as he navigated Richmond Grove.
As the Dancer buckled her seat-belt, she felt the trucks momentum. The last time she was in one was when she was a little girl. There was always something comforting about a truck. Turning to John while he asked about restaurants she pondered for a moment. "Well, I know the other instructors order from a place called the Tea Cup House. I think it's only a few blocks from here. 21st street, I think." L'aire tried to remember the address shaking her head. "Sorry, I'm not the greatest with directions. I know its not far." The flowers had been laid on her lap, the bouquet pointing toward John. She looked down to them trying to recall the exact address, and her finger tips delicately traced the tops of the rose petals. "P street." She said thoughtfully, not sure if the roses reminded her or something clicked. Looking back up to John she smiled sweetly. "Unless you have a favorite place?"
"I'm sure we can find it," John chuckled as he made his way through Richmond Grove, the restaurant sounding rather familiar. "Actually, I do believe some officers picked up some food one evening following a self-defence class. I think I know where it is. Very nice noodles," he commented with a small appreciative smile. It turned out to be closer than he expected and after finding somewhere to park, switched off the engine and smiling to Sasha. "Shall we?" John asked with a sparkle in his blue eyes.
L'aire had walked with John into the restaurant, ordering and waiting for food. She'd only mentioned here and there about a few dishes, but settled on something noddle like and light. The Fairest was well aware that a few men kept looking at her. But she didn't look back. There was something about knowing someone that made them all the more attractive, even if they'd only touched the surface of 'knowing' the previous night. There were still parts of her that were worried about what she was getting into. Perhaps it was part of the Onyx court and how she stowed it all away after Lorenzo and her mother's death. After being alone for so many years; no one caring if she vanished, would it change? If John never saw her again after tonight, would he even notice. Stop it, and let him in. Her heart kept guiding her. L'aire smiled to the chaplain, after the food was at the ready. Her thoughts not betraying her. Touching his arm gently she smiled sheepishly. "I hope water, or well coffee and tea is okay. I don't have anything else, I'm sorry." She probably would have been better prepared, but working all day put a damper in a few things.
As they entered the restaurant, together, as a...couple? John was still smiling, a small expression that just wouldn't leave his features. Perhaps it was the glow he felt inside or the fact that he still found it hard to believe he was actually on a date. As Sasha and he ordered their food, John kept stealing glances of her face as he looked at the menu, her eyes, lips, hair, everything a magnet for him.
At the moment, John Holt felt like the luckiest person in the world. He knew that whatever happened from now was a blessing from Luna, and he would protect it from anything.
"Really, no need to apologize, all three sound fine," John replied with a smile, his hand moving to hold her own hand as they waited. There was something so simple yet intimate with hand-holding, and whenever he would be about town or in a park, the chaplain would smile hopefully when he witnessed couples doing so. When the food was brought to them, John automatically removed his wallet from his coat to pay.
The Fairest couldn't get over how sweet John was. When his hand searched for hers, she gladly accepted it. The little things, the ones that get over looked. The Dancer felt her pulse race faster. She couldn't pinpoint why John was so different to her. What started out as something simple and at a whim with the bike ride turned into something entirely unexpected. No hitting on her, no gawking, a complete gentleman and no pathetic pick up lines...that was addicting. Sometimes, she didn't mind it even adored it but it was all fake. As their order arrived, L'aire pulled out a ten dollar bill from her pants and moved her hand to John. "For mine?" She said simply.
John didn't argue as Sasha offered to pay for her part of the meal. He could have insisted that he pay for it all but in truth, John was a little unsure about how a date actually went. Was it too overbearing to pay for everything? Certainly, he would never have seen Sasha pay for his share. Perhaps half and half was the best policy. Accepting the ten dollars, John paid with some cash from his wallet before taking the food and holding open the door of the restaurant for Sasha. "It definitely smells good. I can already feel my stomach rumbling," he chuckled, eyes sparkling as they walked back to his truck.
It pleased her that John took her share. To L'aire it wasn't about principle or feminism, it was out of fear. Fear that he'd hold it over her head one day, just like the past. The more she wanted to let go, the more her subconscious kept pulling things up to the surface. The Dancer chuckled with John nodding her head, though she couldn't feel her hunger over the butterflies in her stomach. "Yeah, it smells marvelous."
When they got back in the truck, she carefully placed the blue and white roses on her lap. A thoughtful look washed over her face again. As she watched John become adjusted after she buckled again she turned to him grinning curiously. "John, do you remember where I live? I mean, do you need the address again?" She didn't even realize she was tripping over her words again because her violet eyes were transfixed on John, with memories of one particular kiss flooding her mind suddenly. "So... you saw how part of my day at work went, how was yours?" Um, that is if you can talk about it." There was a hint of uncertainty while mouth departed from the last sentence. L'aire didn't know all of what he could discuss in his vocation.
Getting back into the truck, John buckled up before starting the truck and pulling away from the restaurant. When Sasha looked across to him, John glanced her way smiling. "Yes, I can remember the route. I think it is imprinted on my mind," he said, his smile turning into a grin as he chuckled lightly. His free hand moved across to find Sasha's and gave it a little squeeze, and allowed it to linger for several seconds before returning it to the wheel.
When John asked her about his work, he was a little taken aback. It was strange because no-one ever enquired to his day. "I'd like to talk about it actually," he chuckled. "Saturday's a usually quiet and spent mainly in my office, so I was trying to organise some local meet and greet between church leaders. Funny thing, but for people of faith, they seem somewhat proud to actually meet others of their kind. Its like trying to herd cats."
"You must have an excellent sense of direction John." The Fairest felt his hand on hers, watching his hand then looking to his eyes. There was a part of her who wanted to tell John without the bus, she'd get lost as she did for a few weeks when she got to town. But her pride got in the way for now. L'aire didn't want to seem helpless and pathetic. Which was more so because of fear and taking a different route home before she felt safe in the neighborhood.
L'aire's eyes lifted and she grinned when John obliged her request. "You mean they're opposed to meeting each other?" L'aire, who only knew about one type of faith, was curious and apprehensive about the topic. But her eyes revealed the curiosity above anything. Even if she didn't believe in anything anymore, she could believe in someone tangible. "I would think people with similar views would be easy to gather together." Still there was a caution in her voice, since she was on unfamiliar ground. L'aire looked toward John while he spoke, just pleased to hear his voice the Fairest's demeanor attentive to his words.
Draft this Post
Singing it is...
