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Leo played songs for him sometimes to get his thoughts on new arrangements. Elliot was very well versed and it was always nice to hear his ideas or suggestions. Leo was fully competent himself. He mostly did so for Elliot's sake, to make him feel a part of the process.
Today was no different. After Leo was finished, he scooted around in his piano chair to face Elliot, who was standing behind him.
"That was really good."
Leo didn't believe him at first.
"It's never good right off the bat. Are you lying to me?" Leo asked, not angry in the slightest but firm in his tone.
"No, why would I be lying?!" It was so easy to get Elliot on the defensive. It almost made Leo laugh out loud.
"Critique me properly."
Elliot sighed heavily and brought his hand to the back of his neck nervously. He was being honest. Or was something on his mind? Leo thought he seemed distracted.
"I um…" he went.
"Yes?"
"I suppose this part could flow better." He pointed at the sheet music on the piano.
That's more like it.
"You seem distracted, Elliot."
Surprisingly, he didn't have a retort. He looked uncomfortable. What was going through his head?
"I am." He finally said, more sternly. "There's this… ball coming up and I…"
"You want me to go." Leo interrupted.
Elliot was frazzled now. He squirmed.
"Yes…"
Why was he asking? Of course he'd naturally go with him. He was his valet, who went nearly everywhere with him. Unless he meant…
"You want me to go as your lover."
Elliot hissed now, completely a mess of himself. His cheeks rosy as well.
"How can you say it so nonchalantly?!" He questioned.
Leo nearly broke out in a chuckle.
"You are so easy to read sometimes, it's a bit funny." He smiled at Elliot, which made him all the more embarrassed.
"Argh!"
Elliot stormed up to where Leo was sitting and sat on the edge of the same chair he was sitting on, but faced away. One knee came up to his chest, in a defensive position.
"Yes. Please go with me as my date, not just my valet."
He was finally straightforward and Leo was proud of him. He nodded to himself. How fun it was to tease him.
"I will."
–
The day of the ball their academy was holding came quickly. It seemed like only yesterday Elliot asked Leo out to attend it with him. Between now and then, it was the same between the two. They spent their days enjoying each other's company in the music room. When time approached for the ball, Leo noticed Elliot appear more nervous.
"You look great, stop worrying." Leo calmed the other as he straightened his tie.
They had gotten dressed together so their outfits weren't a surprise. They both wore white suits. Elliot had a blue tie and Leo wore a purple bow tie. They were both extremely dashing young men.
"This is the first time I'll be presenting you as my lover publicly." Elliot stated.
"And?"
"It's just a bit… nerve wracking."
"Just focus on me." Leo finished straightening his tie and looked up at him directly. "Don't worry about anyone else."
"I'm not worried about others."
"Then, what's wrong?"
Elliot didn't answer at first. He seemed like he was deep in thought.
Leo didn't push him any farther. They communicated very well, but Elliot was more cautious about the words he was using. Usually, he always just said whatever he wanted. But this time he appeared to be thinking more of Leo's feelings before he spoke.
They arrived together at the ball and entered the grand ballroom. The piano was playing and both of them couldn't help but wish that was both of them. The person playing was good, but they were better. Little did they know, they were having the same thoughts.
The room was full of students. Some dancing already and some hanging out by the food table, chatting.
Elliot was in turmoil. Would he dare take Leo's hand? That would be extremely bold of him. He felt unsure of himself. And then Leo took the plunge first and he felt a sensation against his hand that was hanging down by his leg. It was warm. Surely, Leo was not nervous too? That wasn't like him. He was always sure of himself.
But his hand had a warmth to it as he intertwined his fingers in Elliot's.
Elliot embarrassedly laughed to himself. Leo and him didn't look at each other, but both could tell that even their small gesture of holding hands made both of them relax more. I'm right here with you, it felt.
"Do you want to dance or eat?" Leo asked Elliot as they made their way towards the middle of the room.
"You know I can't dance, Leo."
"Nonsense."
Leo ended up dragging Elliot with him out to the dance floor. There were a few people already dancing. They were slow dances. This made Elliot even more nervous.
"Take hold of me here." Leo instructed, placing Elliot's hand on his waist. The latter froze in place. He was a rag doll. How cute, Leo thought. But he'd never say that out loud.
Once they were in position, Leo started to move and Elliot followed like his life depended on it. He didn't want to make a fool of himself, especially not in front of Leo as his lover. He made a fool of himself sometimes, but this made him feel even more pressure than usual. In his mind, he was doing backflips to try and stay calm. His gaze narrowed and he ended up taking it very seriously and followed Leo closely, step by step. They matched in rhythm shortly after. Elliot didn't take his eyes off the floor as he watched his feet. Leo noticed, of course. He couldn't take his eyes off Elliot. The boy looked so dead serious!
The song ended and the two clapped with the other dancers in courtesy of the piano player. Then, Leo started laughing.
"You looked so serious!"
Elliot felt his face get hot to the touch. Defensive mode activate.
"I was just trying not to step on your toes!"
Seeing Leo laugh gave him a sense of ease and relief. More relaxed than before, Elliot actually smiled. Though his face and ears were still a bit red.
Leo smiled back. A sense of relief came from them both. They were much more relaxed now. The evening would now be much lighter. They were glad they danced first.
Elliot took his hand this time and led him over to the food table where various finger foods and drinks were assorted. He got them both a glass of punch from the bowl. Then, they found a spot outside on the balcony where there were less people. It was dark out now and the moon was full. It made Leo's eyes sparkle, Elliot noticed. They jokingly clinked their glasses and sipped. They continued to talk like their casual selves until it grew late. They hadn't done much at the ball, but they still enjoyed each other's company nonetheless.
"Hey, Elliot?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks for asking me out."
"Anytime."