Akane was surprised to see Geralt pull Cora off the chair. For a moment she was afraid that he was going to drop her but, he had held on to her pretty closely. The mood had become more relaxed through the slow-tuned music that filled the clearing. The kitsune watched the two of them dance. Cora looked like she was having so much fun. She wished.. that she could be able to dance with her like that. 

The Ringleader had been watching the exchange between Cora and Geralt the entire time. He had tensed a little upon seeing Geralt lift her off the chair, but Cora did not express any discomfort, so he did not find the need to intervene. Honestly he was a little surprised.. had Geralt perhaps noticed a desire in Cora that he had missed? She certainly seemed to be enjoying herself.. and surprisingly enough.. Geralt seemed to be doing the same. He believed the expression he held right now to be genuine. It almost made him smile, but that was when Lucien had caught sight of Akane's ears flattening briefly, making him shift his attention to her. 

There was.. something about the look in her eyes, something he recognized.. a look of longing, that had made him feel nostalgic, and prompted him to speak up. 

[color=burlywood]"What's wrong?"[/color] Lucien asked, causing the kitsune to jump. She had been so focused on Cora and Geralt that she hadn't noticed him step closer. 

[color=rosybrown]"Oh.. nothing really.. I was just.. thinking about how nice it must be to be able to dance with her like that.."[/color] Akane responded, resting her chin on the palm of her hand, elbow resting on her leg. 

Lucien raised his eyebrows slightly as he brought his gaze back to the dancing couple. There was one thing he had noticed upon the interactions between the two women. They truly enjoyed each other's company.. and there was an innocent joy he saw reflected in their eyes when they were together. Part of him hadn't been sure if there was more to it but.. it seemed like there was, based on the way Akane felt about this situation. He let out a small hum. 

[color=burlywood]"Do you want to dance with her?"[/color] He asked, finishing off his drink and setting the empty glass on the table. 

[color=rosybrown]"Yes.. but I don't think that I can do what he can.. I'm too small.. what if I drop her?"[/color] She sounded genuinely concerned, and he could hear the small tinge of envy in her tone. He felt a little bad for her. He knew what it was like to want something that felt so out of reach... He couldn't help but sympathize with her.

[color=burlywood]"I think that it's possible. Did you hear what Geralt told Cora? You can do anything with a little help."[/color] He said with a smile. [color=burlywood]"Why not.. make yourself a little taller? I don't mind stepping out on the dance floor with you. I'll be sure to step in if you really feel like you might drop her. Maybe I'll pull Ivory along for a dance."[/color] He said with a small chuckle. 

Akane brightened slightly at Lucien's suggestion. Honestly she hadn't even thought of doing something like that. If it was just holding her up.. maybe she'd be able to do it? Having Lucien close by was definitely reassuring, she didn't want to end up hurting her in any way. If Ivory came along to then there was even more of a higher chance that she would be just fine. 

[color=rosybrown]"Yes.. you're right. I want to do it."[/color] She said, determination filling her expression, her ears perking back up again. 

Lucien smiled warmly at Akane at her response, glad he had helped her in making up her mind. He had a feeling that Akane wouldn't be the only one who would be enjoying this next dance. 

Ivory had shared Illyana's reaction, though she hadn't been as obvious about it. She had been more than ready to step in if Cora had been at least even a little uncomfortable by his actions but.. she couldn't really bring herself to, not after seeing how happy she was to be dancing. She let out a small sigh and leaned back against her chair. Honestly if she held no existing bias on this man already.. she might have thought that he had done this out of the kindness of his heart.. considering the way he looked right now. It was a little surprising, to see no sign of the man who gave the air of arrogance.. just.. someone who was really enjoying this dance. It was.. weird, and she didn't really know what to think of it.