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Footsteps sounded through the office, setting a fast paced, energetic tempo. On this particular run, Stanley seemed determined to reach a specific ending. He moved through the office with surprising speed, only pausing once to ensure you were following him. He was obviously excited for something.
So excited in fact, he rushed straight through the right door before the Narrator could finish its lines. It gave an exasperated sigh, before quickly moving on.
"This was not the correct way to the meeting room, and they both knew it perfectly well. Perhaps Stanley wanted to stop by the employee lounge first, just to show his partner the glory of it."
Stanley clearly had other ideas, making a beeline for the exit. Just as he was about to leave, you touched his arm to get his attention. He turned to you, seeming both impatient and nervous.
Stanley, are you planning something? You signed, although you weren't expecting any answers.
Surprise, was his only response, along with a cheeky smile.
"Oh yes, Stanley has been planning this for quite a while," the Narrator cut in. "I did help with the finer details, but it is mainly his work."
He waved a hand at the ceiling. I'm surprised Narrator even agreed to it.
"Wha- How rude! Can I not do anything nice without your ungrateful comments?" The Narrator huffed. "It's not like I'm the one you're dan-" he quickly fell silent, as if he nearly spilled an important secret.
Stanley gave the ceiling a sharp look, before leading you out of the employee lounge. He kept walking towards the maintenance area, only shaking his head and smiling when you tried to question him.
He then stopped in front of the cargo lift, hesitating to step onto it. Going to Zending, he signed, smile disappearing. Be careful, ok? I know we've been there before but...
You nodded. I understand. Don't worry.
The Narrator went through his usual dialogue, but his tone sounded... off, like his mind was miles away.
You and Stanley went through the red door and into the looping hallway. Just before you entered the lit door that appeared, the Narrator suddenly muttered, "Oh dear me, I almost forgot..."
Forgot what? Stanley immediately looked up at the ceiling. Typing filled the air before the Narrator responded.
"Oh, nothing too important. I simply needed to add a few final touches. Now, you two love birds go off and enjoy your date or whatever." The voice seemed to be growing fainter. "I'll be back in- I don't know... an hour or two. Toodle pip!"
You turned to Stanley with a growing smile. You're so sweet. I wish I had thought of something like this.
He gave you a soft kiss in response. You're too nice. We haven't even gone inside yet!
Stepping inside the zen room, you let out a small gasp as the lights fluttered to life. It wasn't your first time seeing the spectacle, but it was still just as magnificent.
Violins began to play, soon joined by a piano. Harps, clarinets, and flutes added their own melody, creating the perfect music for dancing. This, you realized, was what the Narrator wanted to add.
A warm smile on his face, Stanley held out a hand, silently asking to dance. You gladly accepted, and he whisked you away.
Stanley proved to be a skilled dance partner, playfully spinning you around and guiding you for every step. At one point, he managed to pull off a very impressive dip.
It was easy to see the hint of surprise in his eyes, like he was shocked that you were in his arms and not on the floor. But he quickly pushed past it by pressing a sweet kiss to your lips.
The dancing was absolutely exhilarating, but the two of you were only human and eventually must tire. As the music slowly transitioned to a serene, relaxing tune, Stanley leaned his head on your shoulder. He gave a content sigh before pulling away. Are you tired?
Oh yea. But that was really fun. Thank you.
He moved to the edge of the room, picking up a folded gray blanket. No. Thank you for dancing with me.
Stanley spread the blanket out in the middle of the room and motioned for you to join him. Sitting down beside him, you simply signed, I love you.
I love you too.
All around you, the glowing lights and calming music danced together, performing their own Zending waltz.