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The ballroom glows under the candlelight; wooden panels warm and welcoming. A phantom symphony plays, leaving the couple to dance alone in the glow.
The Kanzaki family inherited this estate from its predecessor– their desire for solitude and safety forcing them into lonely, snow sloped mountains. The previous owner was an older gentleman, a man fascinated by magic and wishes. Left behind were a plethora of treasures; a harpsichord that sung without a performer, a mirror that could reveal one’s deepest secrets– and an autonomous doll.
The doll is what fascinated Souma the most. She was tall, dressed in blue, and moved without strings. Her name was ‘Adonis,’ given to her by someone she no longer remembered. Adonis was kind, gentle, and spoke in moderation.
It felt nice to have a friend. As the youngest of their house, Souma didn’t interact much with the outside world just yet. Such was expected from a teenage vampire. How could anyone have time to socialize, when they were subjected to constant studies of etiquette and self-defense?
“Kanzaki. You seem distracted,” Adonis said, his hand adjusting its position against their back. “Is something wrong?”
Broken from his thoughts, Souma shakes his head. The distraction had caused his footwork to turn sloppy, stepping against Adonis’ shoe with a force that surely hurt.
“Apologies, Adonis-dono. My mind slipped from me,” they say, turning away from him with reddened cheeks. How could they be so careless?
“I understand. Let me know if you need to see a step again.”
Ballroom was one of the many talents Souma had yet to master as a child of a noble house. In her kindness, Adonis offered to show him an easy waltz. Just enough groundwork to build off of later. The proposal had sent an excited rush through Souma, which he tried desperately to contain– the two had grown closer in the months since his arrival, and now Souma hesitated to part from her so easily.
Adonis postured herself once more, helping Souma to adjust their position against her own. On a swell of the music, she moves back into the dance; taking the young master with her. Souma’s steps were more fluid this time, easily matching her guidance.
“You seem nervous,” Adonis speaks softly, on a turn. “And distracted.”
“For you to say it twice…” Souma winces to himself, chewing on his bottom lip in deliberation. Adonis waits patiently, tilting his head in acknowledgement. “It is nothing. I am simply reflecting on my time spent with you.”
“Mm… Is that so nerve-racking, Kanzaki?”
Yes.
Yes, it was. It was hard to form words to explain the fluttering feeling in Souma’s chest, or the strange desire to stay close when it was time to part ways. Initially, Souma thought it to be something to do with his vampiric tendencies– perhaps he was acting out of character because he was neglecting himself?
Unfortunately, no. The feeling persisted once he was quite full and satisfied. The only remaining option was one that left him vulnerable, and exposed. Not that he would mind. Not that Adonis would ever do anything to slight him.
Souma sighs; smiling softly, holding Adonis’ hand tighter.
“It’s nothing. Do you mind showing me this movement one more time?”