[hider=Commoner's guide to dirty dancing][center][h1][color=00aeef]Kazumin[/color] & [color=9BBB82]Persephone[/color][/h1][/center]

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[color=silver]His time with Zarai had been a fun and fruitful one, the beginning of it was shaky but he felt he left it on a high note. Both figuratively and literally at that as Kazu was still chuckling to himself while trying to make his way towards the food. Even now, he could smell the enticing myriad of food calling to him and for a moment swore he felt his body being lifted and pulled towards it by a translucent food smoke hand.

Then suddenly, the hungry blonde came to a halt for in that instance the potent weed flowing through his body mixed with the wine settling in his stomach.

Next thing he knew his body instantly felt heavy and light at the same time and from all the candles sprouted flame formed butterflies of all sorts of colors.”[color=00aeef]Oooh-wee..nobody told me they were doing a butterfly catching event.[/color]” He giggled giddily; hopping around in place swiping at the non-existent butterflies.

Persephone had left Prince Munir’s side with exhilaration and shock. She had danced with a noble and had enjoyed it. Not just any noble, but Auguste Danrose. Then, the Alidasht prince had come over and helped her with her nosebleed? She managed to stop it and wondered why the hell it was happening again. Guilt and anxiety rose inside of her as she pondered these events. 

What would her parents and Kazumin think? Speaking of him, where was he? She looked around and found him leaving the balcony and going over to the food. There was a noble looking woman following him out. She sighed in relief and began walking over to him only to hear him talking to the air.  What was going on? She frowned as she approached him and grabbed his arms gently. 

[color=9BBB82]”Kazzy, are you alright?”[/color] Her voice was quiet and calm, though she knew instantly he was high and let out a deep sigh. [color=9BBB82]”I take my eye off you for one minute and you’re drugged. I can’t let you out of my sight now can I?”[/color] She ruffled his hair affectionately and then folded her hands tiredly. 

Kazu was in the middle of grabbing at the air when he felt an unexpected grip take hold of his arm. Soon finding himself dragged off.”[color=00aeef] Nuuuu I almost caught them! The pretty butterflies are getting away!”[/color]He whined, his cheeks puffing up like an angry child.

Turning his head ready to glare at the unknown arm nabber for letting them get away, but that pouty expression quickly turned into the biggest grin.[color=00aeef]” Percy! I feel sooo good…even better now that I’m with my bestest bestie.”[/color] Having his head ruffled brought out a low grunt followed by another bout of giddy laughter as he stepped over resting his left arm across her shoulder partially leaning against her. [color=00aeef]”Taking your eyes off me..twas your first mistake indeed.”[/color] He nodded while giving her nose a playful prod. 

Persephone raised an eyebrow. He was seeing butterflies? What on earth was he on? She shook her head and couldn’t help but grin. She wrapped her arm back around his shoulders as she steadied him with the other one. [color=9BBB82]”Well I won’t be doing that again will I? It’s time for the second dance, but you’re not in any shape, and I’m hungrier than hell.”[/color] She led him over to a table and set him down at it. 

The drugged blonde tilted his head with a confused expression.” [color=00aeef]Dance? Was that what I planned to do?[/color]” His hazed mind left him completely scatterbrained and his eyes gone a bit unfocused. Then the mention of food got him to focus once more.”[color=00aeef]”Oh that’s right, food! Yes I was gonna eat.[/color]” The recollection had him remembering the massive hunger plaguing his rumbling belly; offering no resistance to let himself be guided along again.

[color=9BBB82]”Stay here. I’ll bring us a plate of food. Don’t you dare get up or I’ll hide all the butterflies.”[/color] Her voice was light and teasing. Persephone quickly sanitized her hands, then began grabbing food at random and stuffing it onto multiple plates.

Before long Kazu found himself sitting. What Percy said next made him gasp. [color=00aeef]”Nu..don’t touch the butterflies. I’ll be good![/color]” His hands shot down to grab the sides of his chair with such a grip that nothing save a tornado could dislodge him from it.

As Persephone had stepped away, Kazumin would have heard the sound of someone clearing their throat next to him. A well-dressed man with slicked-back brown hair was by his side. He had a monocle. He leaned in to whisper in Kazumin’s ear. 

[color=lightblue]”Kazumin Nagasa of the Hugonin Estate. “[/color] He greeted Kazumin with a deep voice that revealed his older age, [color=lightblue]“My name is Henry. I am an advisor to Count Calbert Damien. Your presence is requested at the Damien Estate tomorrow. The address is 30 Cherry Lane… Be advised tardiness will not be condoned. Arrive by eleven and come in proper dress. “[/color] Each sentence was curt and had a brief pause in between as he spoke coolly. He withdrew and then narrowed his eyes as he added, [color=00aeef][i]”Oh and Lord Asteroth is already well-aware of this predicament.”[/i][/color] His expression and tone was not at all friendly. [color=00aeef]“Hmph!”[/color] The man turned and walked off with his head held high.

Kazumin would soon notice Count Calbert Damien staring him down, his wife under his arm. He was close by. The count smiled but Kazumin would most likely not feel that it was an endearing one since the look in his eyes told a different story.  As for his wife, she did not seem too happy either. 

Hardly a moment passed since he practically glued himself to the seat when some unknown older individual suddenly materialized beside him. (at least how it looked to him in his drug induced mind). For some inexplicable reason he felt his body tense up and the hairs on the back of his neck rise. Kazu could do nothing but listen as the stranger revealed to be Henry whispered instructions in his ear and in an unkind manner that was meant to be taken as bad news and by Kazu’s appearance his aim to frighten seemed to work. Except, the reason for his stiffness was in fact due to the man’s breath feeling ticklish and the sheer effort it was taking to keep from giggling. Though he heard every word, his addled mind mistook the context behind it.

After Henry left his head turned to notice the couple staring at him and figured they were the ones extending that kind invitation. He planned to not budge, but after receiving such an offer had him peel his right hand from the chair in order to raise it up, giving the count and his lovely wife a friendly wave and dazzling smile to match in his way of a non-verbal thank you.

When Persephone returned to Kazumin’s side, she noticed the noble behind him. Her eyes narrowed and she moved quickly and arrived in time to hear the exchange. Her brows furrowed as she set the food down noisily. Her expression might’ve turned someone into stone if she were a basilisk. What was this about now? 

She followed Kazumin’s ill informed wave and quickly pulled his arms back down to stop him. Briefly, she met Count Damien’s and Lilianne’s eyes with a deep, loathing scowl and an angry expression with one that promised murder. It was a sharp contrast to Kazumin’s drug induced wave, and she held it until he looked away. The nobleman walking away from them proudly made her blood boil. Whether it was the ballroom or not, everything became too loud and she gritted her teeth angrily. 

He found his wave cut prematurely by Percy who had returned without his noticing.” [color=00aeef]Oh! Hey Percy! You got back just when I got a wonderful invitation to visit the Damien estate tomorrow. Henry, a lovely man by the way, said it was on uh..strawberry? No Watermel- uhh.[/color]” Trailing off, and struggling to recall the address. [color=00aeef]”I know he said it was on a fruit..no, a street named after a fruit?”[/color]

Scratching at his head, a bit miffed as it was on the tip of his tongue but then he saw that scathing expression Percy was exhibiting. [color=00aeef]”Are you ok? Are the butterflies bothering you? Hm..oh! Maybe you’re just really hungry too. It’s alright, my tummy is really angry and demanding food too, isn’t that right pal?”[/color] 

Patting at his belly with his right hand where it grumbled almost angrily then leaned over giving her shoulder a comforting pat via his left hand. [color=00aeef]”No shame in that. They got plenty of food so we can eat till our stomachs are full to bursting!”[/color] He exclaimed in both delight and anticipation. 

Persephone sighed and put a smile on her face. He wasn’t able to understand the dangers of the situation, but she did. Henry and Count bullshit would be added to her list. [color=9BBB82]”I am fine. No worries here!”[/color] She ruffled his hair and pointed to the food and added, [color=9BBB82]”Plenty of food here, Kazzy!”[/color] She began to eat her share while watching the dancers. She rolled her eyes and thought of a thousand things she’d prefer to do than slow dance with some entitled motherfucker. Persephone ignored the time she had spent with Prince Auguste. Sitting here, stewing over the dilemma, made her bounce her legs. She took a few sips of the wine and grimaced, then grabbed water and downed two glasses. 

He laughed in response to having his hair ruffled again.”[color=00aeef] Feels good being called Kazzy. A nickname I feared I’d never hear again.[/color]” A small sad smile formed for the briefest of a second at the thought of never hearing Percy’s voice again only to perk right back up.”[color=00aeef] Too true. Would be a travesty to waste such scrumptious food.[/color]” Eager to dig in and eat though waited to make sure she was eating as she looked to be starving worse than he was and after seeing her begin to eat was content to start as well.

For the time being, Kazu paid the dancing entourage no mind with his attention focused on devouring the mountain of food consisting of things you would never see peasants eating.

Were he back at home he would have just dived in and ate with reckless abandon, but a small part of his hazy mind retained the location they were currently at and most of the etiquette training kept him from just munching down like a pig at a trough. Every bit of what he put into his mouth was just so juicy or gushed with flavor that it had him let out a pleased groan. [color=00aeef]”Oh Percy..have you ever seen anything as beautiful as this?”[/color] 

Motioning towards the smorgasboard before them then gave a sniff while wiping away a tear. [color=00aeef]”It almost makes me want to cry. I have half a mind to find the chefs and give each of them a big kiss for giving us this meal fit for kings!”[/color]” He exclaimed with a boisterous cheer then dived back into eating with faint sounds of happy sobs mixed in.

Persephone had difficulty restraining herself and laughed at Kazumin. Though he wasn’t starving like her, their food wasn't the same quality as this. She glanced around and quickly downed the glass of water before refilling another. She had taken a few of the cupcakes and was eagerly eating them with a wild look in her eyes. Her stomach surely might explode, she thought, but the smells of all the food and bakery were intoxicating. [color=9BBB82]”I wouldn’t go that far,”[/color] she told Kazumin before he dived back into eating. She tried to restrain a bit and keep an eye out for any more trouble. 

Once Kazu had eaten enough for three people he would lean back with his hunger mostly sated. Grabbing a nearby napkin to wipe off his mouth. [color=00aeef]”Ah…damn good stuff. Mhm, so Percy I forgot to ask last time what with how we got distracted and all, but I’ve been wondering and wanting to know where you’ve been this whole time?[/color]” Watching her while taking a few big gulps of water.

Perspehone knew it was coming: where had she been, where was she living, and what her life was like now. Despite knowing it was coming, she wasn’t ready to tell him the truth. He didn’t need to bear her burdens. [color=9BBB82]”I’ve been…. around, y’know.”[/color] She waved her hand aimlessly with a toothy grin as she filled her mouth with more food. [color=9BBB82]”Living the dream.”[/color] She chuckled innocently, as if nothing were wrong. 
The way she acted and lack of an actual answer was so painfully obvious that even Kazu who wasn’t all there in the head could see that something was off.”[color=00aeef] Oh yeah? Swiping foods and dancing with nobles is the dream?[/color]” Said while leaning towards her, his eyes lowering into a suspicious gaze. [color=00aeef]”And I take it you got that pretty dress while around too?”[/color] Pointing a fork at her accusingly upon asking this question.[color=00aeef]” And seeing that it's been so long since we hung out and now that I’m free. I think I would like to visit your place..”[/color] Trailing off while keeping the fork pointed at her and his right eyebrow raised high.” [color=00aeef]Which is?[/color]”

Persephone sighed and looked away. Lying to Kazumin felt dirty. Seeing him alive and well had been a brief joy for her. Now however she had to face the reality: telling him she was homeless and suffering. He wouldn’t take it well and it would dampen the mood. [color=9BBB82]”I would let you in but there’s only room for moi and Buttercup.”[/color] Persephone tugged on her braid as she patted his hand. [color=9BBB82]”I’m… on my own. Don’t worry. Okay?”[/color] She set her plates together, finally succumbing to fullness. [color=9BBB82]”Think we should show these pathetic nobles what real dancing is?”[/color] Her face lit up mischievously as she glanced back at him.

He could do nothing but stare incredulously at his closest friend who basically admitted to being homeless. And try to pass off that she was fine followed by an attempt to change the subject. [color=00aeef]” Uh-huh. No no no no nooooo.”[/color] Wagging his finger and shaking his head along with his quick string of no’s. [color=00aeef]“No friend of Kazu will be subject to living on the streets and certainly not one I’ve thought dead until recently.”[/color]Reaching over to give her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. [color=00aeef]” Nor is it good for Buttercup. So I shall bring it up to the good old baron Asty about accommodating the two of you a room and shall learn how relentless this farmer can be if he refuses.”[/color] He stated it so matter of factly to show he would not budge on this.

Persephone couldn’t stop the grin from forming on her face. [color=9BBB82]”All right, all right, fine,”[/color] She sighed as she took his hand and squeezed it gently. She nodded in defeat. [color=9BBB82]”Thank you. I appreciate it. Buttercup would love a regular barn I’m sure.”[/color] She opened her mouth to add, [color=9BBB82][i]And would enjoy not dealing with the weirdos…[/i][/color] She removed her hand from his and threaded her hands together to rest her chin upon them. [color=9BBB82]”And shall we show these entitled motherfuckers what these farmers can do?”[/color]

Glad to see she wasn’t fighting him on this and felt relieved once more with a big grin of his own. Arching a brow at her suggestion as he turned his attention to the dance floor and would lean forward resting his chin against his palm in similar fashion while that grin turned into a crooked mischievous smile. [color=00aeef]”Why, I think that’s a lovely idea. How could I pass up the chance to disrupt this so-called snoozefest of a dance.[/color]” With that, Kazu pushed against the table to stand up then held up his left arm in offering. [color=00aeef]”Shall we proceed to the dance floor then, milady?”[/color] He asked in posh a tone dripping with sarcasm clearly meant to mimic and mock the mannerism of these stuffy nobles; along with a playful wink easily hinting at the devilish intent he knew Percy had in mind. 

Persephone felt relief flood through her like a dam breaking. She treasured that mischievous smile of his more than he’d ever known. Returning a look of mock surprise and awe, she took his hand. [color=9BBB82]”Oh darling, I thought you’d never ask!”[/color] She feigned surprise and acted as if she might faint with a hand to her forehead. [color=9BBB82]”My night would have simply been ruined!”[/color] The gleam in her eyes was one of mischief and nerve, one she hadn’t held recently. She couldn’t be happier right now to have found Kazzy, of all people, at this insufferable ball. 

Up to this point Kazu has gone through a whole flurry of thoughts and feelings that left the normally chill farmer a mess of nerves and guilt.  All of it was quickly washed away by the empowering rush of excitement that Percy instilled in him in combination with the strong high he was experiencing. Were it anyone else he might never have dared trying what they were about to do, even while high, but the confidence and prospect of mischief and that ever familiar smile he never thought he would see again had him thinking fuck the consequences; seeing as he was already in plenty of trouble as it is. Might as well go all in at this point.

” [color=00aeef]Tsk tsk, we shan’t have that then. Not when we have the opportunity to show these snooty stuck-ups how we peasants dance.[/color]” Finishing with a snooty huff of his nose, struggling to hold back laughter all the while as he walked onto the dance floor with his posture upright and straight to give the appearance of a proper pair of nobles preparing to ‘dance’. 

Persephone’s ability to look serious was diminishing as she moved onto the dancefloor. She nodded her head and grinned. [color=9BBB82]”Might be the best part of their night. This dance looks insidiously boring. I’d rather clean the barn all day.”[/color] She presented him with a mock curtsy and then straightened up. Her smile was brighter than the chandelier above them. She started turning in a circle and waving at the air simultaneously, as if batting away a bug elegantly. Her blonde hair began to spin as she twirled. She was light on her feet and smirking in amusement at the looks they would receive from the nobles.

Her comment forced Kazu to hold his closed fist over his mouth to hide his snickering as a cough after hearing her mocking comment.” [color=00aeef]Yes, I’d dare say the manure would at least do to keep one from falling to sleep that this bore they call music might do.[/color]” Giving a mock indignant nod of the head with a playful smirk of his own. Then he saw the way Percy was dancing and very nearly lost the fake dignified composure; exhaling a slow huff from his nose.”[color=00aeef] Amazing. You move with the elegance and grace of goddess of such blinding beauty that it compels me to dance in similar fashion.[/color]” All said in that snooty tone as Kazu started to follow suit, albeit with a tad bit more fervor as he was batting at the colorful flame butterflies flitting about him. 

Before long those nearby would bear witness to the pair spinning about swatting at nothing while struggling to contain their fits of snickering. 
Persephone struggled to contain her fits of laughter. It was beginning to become physically painful not to laugh. Her stomach was in knots and her grin was from ear to ear. Her facial muscles weren’t used to this and were becoming sore quickly. However she ignored this, because all that mattered was Kazumin. As she glanced around, She made eye contact with a few nobles who watched with worry and concern. In reply, Persephone  hissed like a cat at them and turned to Kazumin. [color=9BBB82]”You better catch those butterflies!”[/color] She pretended to snatch a few of them while giggling. 

Dancing like this and holding back laughter proved a difficult feat, but he held back and endured. Not wanting to ruin their nonsensical dancing even when his lungs were burning and arms becoming sore from all the swatting. Kazu lifted his head at Percy’s words which had him grinning widely as possible. [color=00aeef]”You bet I am. Already caught a whole bunch!”[/color] He cheered, throwing his hands up wide; realizing that doing so released the non-existent butterflies he just spent so much effort catching. [color=00aeef]”Oh no..they got loose! Well, they’re better free anyway.”[/color]

Laughing while clapping his hands as if dusting off the colorful glowing sparks sticking to his palm. [color=00aeef]”I think we have done plenty of warming up.”[/color] With the biggest Cheshire grin he gave a sampling tap of his feet then leaned forward partially lowering his upper body. [color=00aeef]”Let’s begin the dance of the commoner, shall we?”[/color] Wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

Persephone laughed with Kazumin. She pretended to present him with her own butterflies. [color=9BBB82]”I got some monarchs here!”[/color] She then grinned in appreciation of their dance. [color=9BBB82]”Oh yes of course! Who wants a boring waltz?”[/color] She grinned widely and set her boots under the table neatly while verifying her dagger was safe. Then she returned to the dancefloor and lifted the edges of her dress to ensure she wouldn’t trip. [color=9BBB82]”Allow the lady to show you how it’s done.”[/color] With surprising agility and grace, Persephone began dancing and managed to stand on her tippy toes completely. 

It wasn’t until he was left waiting for Percy to return for him to start noticing the stares; looks of confusion and frustration. He gave two shits what they thought as the only thing that mattered was that longtime friend was having fun and intended to keep the fun train rolling especially after everything that she has been and still is going through. Perking back up upon her return. [color=00aeef]”By all means, milady..take it away.”[/color] Motioning with his hands for her to show off her dancing chops. Arms folded across his chest with his right index finger against his chin as if thinking deeply as he witnessed what she did. [color=00aeef]”Yes, certainly a dance one would not see around here. Now let me.”[/color] Leaning back to give a few small taps of his left then used the tempo to start tapping while switching feet with every few loud clacks of the heel then stopped pointing at her to indicate her turn. 

Persephone giggled as he watched her. She stopped to watch him and clapped excitedly when he performed the moves as well. [color=9BBB82]”Yes Kazzy, show them how it’s done!”[/color] She let her voice carry. Combined with the loud tapping and her voice, they had earned a few curious onlookers. With grace, Persephone casually performed the moves as well, her feet much quieter than Kazumin’s while also alternating them. She spun around as she did it to show off while her hair flew behind her. A few flowers fell from her hair. Persephone hopped onto a nearby chair and continued dancing before leaping off it and grinning at Kazumin. [color=9BBB82]”Your tuuurn!”[/color] She replied in a sing-song voice, breathless with glee and excitement. 

Kazu couldn’t stop grinning as he watched his spin around; hand shooting out to grab one of the falling flowers. Soon witnessing Percy dance on a nearby chair then leaping to land in front of him to pass over to him.” [color=00aeef]Uh-huh…so that’s how it's gonna be is it? Alright then.[/color]” He gave his dress shirt a quick tug with both hands, face turning serious and without warning started a rapid flurry of tapping of his feet, at times sliding to the left then the right then on a right slide bent his knee to spring up onto the table next to the chair Percy had just used. [color=00aeef]”Prepare to meet thy fury of thine feet!”[/color] Exclaimed Kazu who moved into the wildest tap dancing his feet could muster with such loud clacking that it almost drowned out the music. 

On and on the cowlicked blonde danced with furious tempo to the point that the table seemed like it might break beneath him; when suddenly he slid forward placing his right foot on the top of said chair and had it tip over to have it and himself drop to the floor where he quickly pushed with the heel of the right foot to slide towards Percy and dropping onto one knee holding up the flower. [color=00aeef]”You dropped this.”[/color] He panted out the words with a wide grin and mischievous wink. 

Persephone, panting for air and grinning wildly, giggled with anticipation at Kazumin’s words. When he pulled on his dress shirt she let out a mock “ooh” and began to fan herself. She watched with surprise and pride as he leapt onto the table and began to click loudly. Perspehone began to clap for him, only aware of Kazumin and their mock dance off. Her eyes widened when he jumped back off the table and slid into a kneeling position. Ths mischievous wink in his eyes made her heart skip a beat. She gracefully slid onto his knee and leaned back dramatically with an arm around him while pretending to drink tea with her other hand. Exhilaration coursed through her mixed with adrenaline that left her more tired than she had been earlier. 

Kazu did not expect Percy to rest on his raised leg but had a feeling of what she had planned. Without a word he shifted into a dramatic pose with his right hand held up as if holding a book and a snooty expression adorning his face to match his dance partner’s tea drinking. A number of gasps hinting at being offended could be heard as the two finished. 

His heart pounding like a drum in his chest and adrenaline pumping viciously through his body as he felt the very same exhilaration and sheer thrill brought about from the insane and aggressive dancing they had just shared.

For a moment he almost wished they could continue but he could see the tired expression on Percy’s face. Choosing instead to wrap his left arm around her waist and pushed to gracefully lift her up to her feet and in one fluid motion slid that same arm until his hand gently took hold of hers and lifted it up high above her head. 

With a twist of his wrist he encouraged Percy to spin and near the end of the turn gave a tug to have Percy hugging against him. [color=00aeef]”There we are. Can’t be a proper dance without spinning the lovely lady at least once.”[/color]

Persephone stood up with Kazumin’s help while sweat formed on her forehead. She held onto his hand and furrowed her brows questioningly. Confusion swam in her bright green eyes. Then, slowly understanding as they came face to face, stared at him. However the confusion swept away as a soft smile formed on her face. [color=9BBB82]”No… No it wouldn't have been.”[/color] She replied finally, pulling him into a tight hug. The gratitude swept through her and she wished the moment wouldn’t end.

Funny how he didn’t even plan to dance tonight and he wound up having three different and interesting dances, ignoring how the first one ended. Becoming friends with a princess and reconnecting with a friend thought lost. Getting to share such a crazy dance certain to anger a number of folks made it all worthwhile just to see that gentle smile of hers. 

Next thing he knew he found himself in a tight hug against her and were it anyone else he would have been uncomfortable and trying to wiggle out of it. But, for his most cherished friend he was willing to endure it and return the hug; putting all his emotions into the gentle squeeze he gave as he did so.[color=00aeef]”I’m really glad you’re ok.”[/color] He whispered gently into her ear; eyes almost tearing up after saying the words.

All the fear, uncertainty and grief he had gone through, melted away as he relished in the warmth and embrace he thought to never experience again. Wanting to just stay here holding Persephone for fear that he might lose her again, but his stomach which had also endured quite the beating from all the food, jostling and wine mixed with the weed. 


Out of nowhere, Kazu felt as if a heavy punch just struck him in the gut causing him to pull away clutching his belly. [color=00aeef]”Oohh..christ. Feels like a bomb is about to go off..hngh…this has been so much fun, Percy and..”[/color] Another painful wave struck his belly mid sentence [color=00aeef].” Blast…I hate to cut and run…don’t think I forgot what we talked about. I sti-”[/color] One more pang that warned of haste.[color=00aeef]” Fuck it..I’ll see you tomorrow!”[/color] Speaking the last bit rapidly then turned on his heels making for the bathroom as fast as his legs could take him. 

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