[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]

"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.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Better."

He prompts, smiling back.

[al_truism]

"Rufus?" he whispers, rubbing his thumb over the palm of his hand.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Hm?"

Pulling the mask up.

[al_truism]

Al pulls his own up and leans in for a deep, warm kiss.

All too soon he pulls back, gives him a little smile, and puts his mask back in place.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"May I have the next dance?"

Fixing his own mask.

[al_truism]

"Absolutely."

Smiling.

"I think I'm a bit more confident now."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Confidence is everything."

With a low, soft smile in return.

[al_truism]

So long as Rufus leads, at least.

The music washes over them again, drawing them in.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

He dances this song in silence, holding Al rather closer than one might during a strictly proper waltz.

[al_truism]

After the first few seconds he relaxes into it utterly, without worrying so much about doing it right and instead just allowing himself to enjoy it.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Perfect."

He tells him, pulling him into a spin.

[al_truism]

Al makes a soft yelping sound, but then relaxes into it just in time to prevent losing his balance entirely. It ends up with minimal flailing.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

Barma pulls him back in and catches him close, as the song ends.

"There's a hedge maze, you know."

[al_truism]

"A hedge maze?"

Breathless and smiling. It's not something he's ever been in.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"A big one. With a centre where no one could sign us."

Smiling.

[al_truism]

"Show me?"

He slips his hand in his, squeezing softly and leaning into him, pressing his cheek against his momentarily.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"This way."

Taking his hand and pulling him off at a run.

[al_truism]

He's never seen Rufus run before. With a hand over his mouth he follows with equal speed, putting a hand around his back as they duck under a trellis and around a corner.