Takahiro couldn't begin to count the magnitudes of his good fortune this evening.

First to have such a lovely young lady approach him so early in the evening, offering the perfect excuse to move freely about the mansion. Then to have that same young lady be such genuinely wonderful company along the way, to the point that his gentle smile and gallant demeanor had become completely natural in her presence. [i]Then[/i] to have that very same fact save his cover, when what she next suggested would have otherwise blown it completely.

Because if he hadn't grown so accustomed to her presence, to the part of the gallant gentleman, he might have simply gaped at her suggestion they move to the third floor.

As it was, he paused a moment to sip from the flute of champagne she had offered, hoping it appeared as if he was chasing off the last remnants of his earlier embarrassment. The story she had only just told him of her childhood was chased from his mind amidst the sudden storm her offer brought. Yet not a hint of it reached out to mar the face he wore tonight, and when he lowered the glass and faced Galina once more, Takahiro's smile had only grown.

"More? Very much yes." He moved easily alongside her as they made their way towards and up the stairs, as easily as before. With her on his arm, it was easy to keep balance, even when he had to use his bad leg to push against the steps. With her at his side, it was easy to enjoy the evening, even knowing how he had to let it end.

It almost brought a frown to his face, knowing he'd have to betray the companionship she'd shown him so far, but perhaps she didn't have to know? It would be a greater challenge to keep it secret from her- to leave her innocent after having brought him so far.

But then, she had made his task so easy already. A little challenge might just be a good thing.