[hotel verse]

[duke_of_illusions]

The masquerade ball has taken over the second floor of the hotel. People move about, beautiful and glittering and masked.

Barma watches Al quietly, from afar.

Comments

[al_truism]

This will be the first time Barma's ever seen Alphonse dressed up. Dark forest green and silver go well with his coloring, crushed velvet and silk, a proper waistcoat with a flattering cut. His hair is tied back with a ribbon. He's sitting out of the way, plainly mesmerized with his people-watching.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

And, incidentally, the first time Al will get to see Barma in his own traditional costume. The long white robe with the ornate shoulders, the black pants, cruel boots.

His wears his hair long and loose. The mask is plain and black.

He approaches him slowly.

[al_truism]

He'd know that hair anywhere- nobody else has anything like his color, or the way it falls. He looks up through the crowd and for a moment it doesn't click.

Then he smiles, all but lighting up.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Hello, good stranger."

He greets him, properly and calmly.

"You aren't dancing?"

[al_truism]

"I don't really know how," he admits, laughing softly.

"At least not enough to be confident I won't step on someone."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"If you'd come with me?"

He offers him his arm.

[al_truism]

Al rises. Holding onto someone's arm this way is unfamiliar to him, but once he figures it out, it's natural.

"Where are we-?"

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"To the patio."

He promises.

"We can learn by the fountain."

[al_truism]

"... you're going to teach me?"

Flushing. Mostly he's surprised someone would take the time.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Of course. The music will drift out."

Smiling, opening the big glass doors for him. The sounds of the waltz drifts out.

[al_truism]

It's not often someone opens a door for him.

"... such a gentleman." He laughs softly. Does that make him the lady?

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Come with me."

He smiles, and leans in closer.

"There's nothing more romantic than a waltz."

[al_truism]

Romantic? A looks momentarily startled before his cheeks flush and he steps closer to hide it.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Here."

Pulling him gently into the stance for a waltz. Yes, Al will be the follow temporarily, but.

[al_truism]

This is at least somewhat familiar, though it's all backward.

Al fumbles for a minute, though thankfully he remembers somewhat how it's supposed to go.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Slow-"

He urges, moving him through it.

[al_truism]

Al almost immediately steps on his foot, hard, and makes a sputtered noise.

"Sorry-!"

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Don't worry."

He smiles.

"Keep going."

[al_truism]

"Are you all right-?"

A little breathless, though he pays more attention now.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"I'm fine, you're light."

He promises.

[al_truism]

Al looks up at him through the silver mask, but then nods, biting his lip.

"... okay. Show me?"

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Here-"

He starts to show him again, counting out idly as they move.

[al_truism]

A few times, and Al slowly starts to get the hang of it again, counting softly with him.

He nearly steps on him once more, but catches himself before it happens.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

Barma just laughs when he does, pulling him into a quick turn. He's a tough enough lead that the movements will be obvious.

[al_truism]

Al learns just to relax into him, letting the movements of his feet come more naturally.

The laugh chases out a real smile from him.