The Awkward Dance by augmentedfourth

The sky was starting to grow dark as Alys made her way to the Hunters' Guild one late summer afternoon. A family of farmers in Mile had requested someone to deal with an infestation of sandworms in their crops, and while the mission wasn't particularly challenging, it had been rather time-consuming as the worms were persistent little pests. Alys had refused to leave until she was sure she killed the last one, and it had taken the better part of a day.

Upon entering the guild, she stopped at the desk to collect her commission from the clerk. For a moment, she debated whether to head home or to briefly stop at the adjacent pub. It's not that late, she said to herself as she headed further into the Guild.

Alys was warmly greeted by the other hunters as she entered the room and several of them offered to buy her a drink. She politely declined the offers and took a seat at the bar.

Hey, Alys! The usual? the bartender asked.

Sounds good!

He poured her a tall glass of ale and set it down in front of her. It sure is hot outside, isn't it?

Oh, you have no idea! I've been looking forward to this all day! She took a long sip of the cool beverage and as she prepared to make small talk with the friendly bartender, a tall, familiar figure at the opposite end of the bar caught her eye.

How long has he been here? she asked, nodding in the direction of the blue-haired man.

Not too long, less than an hour. I've never seen him before, you know him?

I've met him, she responded shortly.

Rune saw that he had been noticed and, smiling as always, picked up his glass and moved towards them. Well, if it isn't Alys Brangwin. I wouldn't have thought I'd see you frequenting a place like this.

Oh, I come here every now and then. Sometimes it's nice to relax after a long day. She looked at him suspiciously. What are you doing here?

I just had some business to take care of in town.

Oh, really? What sort of business?

Nothing important. He took a sip of his drink. You look like you've had a busy day.

I've just been clearing out some nasty sandworms from a farm in Mile. I keep trying to explain to people that the life of a hunter isn't nearly as glamorous as it's made out to be, but no one ever listens to me.

Rune laughed. I'm sure you always make it sound fascinating. As he asked questions about the life (and death) of sandworms, Alys took the opportunity to study him more closely as she recalled the events of her day.

He wore a long, white cloak that was not too dissimilar from the ones some of her fellow hunters wore. His green cotton clothes were not anything out of the ordinary, though most men these days didn't wear gloves like him. Something about him, though, set him apart from the other men in the room. Perhaps he wasn't as loud and boisterous and obviously-muscled as the other patrons. Perhaps there was a sign of great intelligence behind those clear blue eyes, a trait Alys did not frequently find in her colleagues.

Well, I'm glad to hear that you certainly are a competent hunter now, Rune said, his voice bringing her out of her brief reverie.

Oh, please, nearly anyone can kill a small colony of sandworms. She finished her drink and put the glass down. I'm just doing my job, accepting missions to make a living.

I'm sure there's more to it than that.

The bartender walked over, observing their empty glasses. Can I get you another? he asked.

Alys could feel Rune's eyes on her, waiting to see what her answer would be. Sure, why not? she answered, after only a brief hesitation. It's still not too late.

It's on me, he told the bartender.

Alys turned to him and raised her eyebrows. That's not necessary.

It's the least I can do, especially since I get to spend the evening in the company of such an intriguing and beautiful hunter. He grinned at her.

Despite her best efforts, Alys felt herself blushing. That's not necessary, either, she mumbled.

He saw the rise of color in her cheeks and smiled even wider. I'm sure you know that tales of your strength and beauty have made their way all around Motavia, you don't need me to tell you that.

She rolled her eyes. You make me sound like some sort of mythical legend.

Hey, I'm just repeating what I've been told. Believe me, they've heard about you all the way out on Uzo Island.

Alys tried to steer the topic of conversation away from herself and asked Rune about the places he'd been to since she'd last seen him all those years ago. She considered herself a fairly well-versed traveler, but she knew there were some parts of the planet that remained a mystery to her and she was curious. Although she remembered her not-so-positive previous impressions of Rune, she found herself enjoying his company now that they were adults. Sure, he was still a bit cocky and didn't seem to take many things seriously, but she was willing to reverse her initial judgments of him.

Before they knew it, they were the last patrons left in the small pub. Alys observed the bartender wiping down the empty tables and laughed. I don't think I've ever been here this late before!

Rune put a handful of meseta on the bar near their glasses. It is pretty late, isn't it. He stood up and brushed a few stray hairs out of his eyes. I guess I should start making my way towards the inn and get a room for the night...

He was baiting her and she knew it. She thought carefully before answering. Since I did keep you here so long, I suppose you can come back to my house. He raised his eyebrows. I have an extra bedroom that no one's using, it's no big deal. She saw the briefest flash of disappointment cross his face and she smiled at her small victory. I'm sure you'll find it more comfortable than the inn.

Alys led the way back to her house on the western side of Aiedo. By now, the sky was nearly completely dark, save for a few shimmering stars. They didn't speak until they entered the house at the end of the street.

Here we are, home sweet home. Alys flipped up a light switch before bending over and unzipping her boots. She slipped them off her feet and left them next to the door before heading to the kitchen for a glass of water.

Rune kicked off his own shoes and sat down in a chair near the small table, stretching out his long legs. Alys came out of the kitchen holding two glasses. Well, I guess I don't need to tell you to make yourself comfortable, she remarked as she set a glass down on the table in front of him.

He laughed as undid the fastener of his cloak. Don't worry, I'm very comfortable already. He removed the cloak from his shoulders and draped it over the back of his chair. You must be a very good hostess.

She shrugged her shoulders. I haven't really entertained guests in quite some time.

No? He leaned forward, never taking his eyes off her as he smiled up at her.

She shook her head. I've just been so busy with work lately. She could feel him watching for her every reaction and quickly drank some water to relieve her dry throat. Her heart was racing as she waited to see what he would do next.

It was an awkward dance. Each one knew what was supposed to happen, what was going to happen, but one wrong step would ruin the illusion that they didn't know exactly why he was there. They waited to see who would take the lead.

Rune broke the silence first. You said back in Molcum that you preferred to work alone.

Most of the time, yes.

And why is that?

She shrugged her shoulders.

Rune stood up, but didn't move any closer. I bet you like to be in charge, which is easy to do when you're by yourself. It's easier to always be in control of a situation.

Alys tried not to show how anxious she felt. You're probably right, she said, her heart still pounding in her chest.

That must be exhausting. A mischievous smile slowly spread across Rune's face. I have a suggestion.

Oh?

He took several steps forward until he was standing just a few inches away from her. Take a break. Relax. Let someone else be in control for once.

Alys looked up at him. She had always been taller than the average woman, but at that moment, she felt as if Rune was towering over her. For the first time, she didn't know quite what to do, what exactly to say, what steps to take.

With one leather-clad finger, he tilted her chin upwards. Bending slightly, he kissed her, gently at first. Alys, never one to completely concede control, slid her hands around his narrow waist and pulled him closer.

The formalities of the dance were short-lived, as a polite kiss turned more passionate and a sweet embrace led to bolder exploration. Alys ran her hands up his chest, over his shoulders, and wrapped her arms around his neck. He, in turn, placed his hands on her hips and pressed her right up against him, wanting to feel her body touching his own.

However, it was Rune who pulled away first. He started to undo the top button of his shirt, but Alys shook her head. Taking him by the hand, she led him in the direction of the closed door at the opposite end of the room.

The lights were off in Alys' bedroom, but the moon shone in through the windows, softly illuminating the small space. As Rune shut the door, Alys stood near one of the windows and looked out. No one was ever in the small alley behind her house, but she wanted to make sure she could safely leave the curtains open.

While she was gazing out the window, he slid up behind her. Grabbing her by the waist, he spun her around and this time, the kiss was anything but gentle. He tried to take his time enjoying her soft lips, her silky tongue, but his mind was all a blur and he was having trouble forming coherent thoughts.

This time it was Alys who broke the kiss. She went for the buttons of his shirt, but he grabbed her hands. I'm in charge tonight, remember? he said, having regained the ability to speak rationally.

She smiled and dropped her hands down by her sides. Without taking his eyes off hers, he slid his hand up to the zipper of her dress and slowly pulled down. He gently pushed the dress off her shoulders and it dropped to the floor, where Alys delicately nudged it to the side. Stepping in to kiss her lightly, he wasted no time in removing her undergarments.

Alys felt his hands move all over her body. The cool leather of his gloves moved easily across her warm skin – from her shoulders, down her back, back around her hips. As his hands slowly traveled upwards to cup her heavy breasts, she could swear he could feel her heart throbbing in anticipation right through her skin.

He removed his lips from hers and began to kiss a path down her neck. Before he could get very far, she leaned backwards and reached for the top of his shirt once more. He let out a low laugh. I didn't realize you were so impatient, he whispered in her ear.

Rune took a step backwards and started unbuttoning his shirt with the same deliberation with which he had removed Alys' dress. She moved back towards the bed and sat down so she could better focus on the show. He pulled off his shirt and tossed it in the general direction of the red pile Alys had kicked towards the wall. She blushed slightly as he looked directly into her eyes; he was enjoying watching her watch him. Never taking his eyes off her, he pushed his pants down over his slim hips and let them fall to the floor. To Alys' surprise, he was wearing nothing underneath.

Like what you see? he couldn't resist asking.

Oh, I doubt you've heard many complaints before. Alys wouldn't give in and stroke his ego that readily. She reclined on the bed and propped her head up with one hand as he finally peeled off his gloves and added them to the growing pile on the floor.

Well, as we've already discussed this evening, you know you're gorgeous, he said, moving towards her.

I suppose you're not too bad yourself, she laughed.

Rune lay down next to her and pulled her close. She felt his bare hands on her for the first time and and shivered beneath his unobstructed touch. His skin was softer, smoother than she had expected, yet there was no doubting his masculinity. Somehow, he was different from the other men she knew.

He rolled her onto her back and deftly climbed between her legs. Alys gazed up at him as he stroked her cheek. See, isn't it nice working with someone else every now and then? Rune asked. It's okay if you're not completely in control all the time.

She could only nod as his hand trailed down her neck, down her chest, and beyond. He leaned down and kissed her as he covered her body with his own. Alys closed her eyes and gasped slightly as he swiftly moved inside her.

The awkward dance resolved itself, as it frequently does, into a brilliant display of synchronized movements. She was content to follow his lead and trusted him to guide her so they would move together compatibly, making the most out of their seductive encounter. For that moment, they were the only two people on the planet, not caring about anything else but the steps of their partner. Alys felt slightly dizzy and light-headed, as if he actually were spinning her across a dance floor, but she knew that it was just a well-known side effect as they headed towards the dance's dramatic conclusion.

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