Chapter Text
The Charmony Festival was coming to an end - if it could even be called a festival at this point.
Once again, The Astral Express had saved a world on the brink of destruction. For such an occasion, the need to not only pull together the factions of Penacony and salvage what remained of the festival and its reputation left a simple solution - a grand celebration. One that did not rival the others, no, it surpassed in every sense. For most of Golden Hour it was as if the streets were turned over in music, dancing, food and the common buzz of the dreamscape amplified to the highest degree.
Away from the chaos and carrying on was an intimate gathering, well, as ‘intimate’ as bringing together all the involved parties in the crisis and resolution. A grand gathering, a luxurious affair that truly highlighted what The Family was so dedicated to showcasing for the entire universe. All eyes had turned to the recovery and Penacony, for better or worse, the planet of festivities was ready to deliver - even if they weren’t truly up to snuff at that moment.
For the Express Crew, it was a lukewarm thought, but one that they weren’t going to turn down. After all, for all the struggle and chaos, time to relax seemed to be a rule written in stone for them. If that relaxation was to be provided, and by now trustworthy folk, they’d welcome it with open arms.
The invitation came so quickly that it had left the express crew examining the invitation for any further tampering - just as the first did. Sunday spared no expense in the symbolism, gold leaf and doves, that peace was finally emerging not only for Penacony, but for Penacony’s relationships with other worlds and what would come from those relationships.
A black tie affair was the only way to truly welcome the heroes of Penacony to honor them and celebrate their selfless work. Not even preparation for the event would be a concern for them, Sunday promising only the best wear and relaxation to get ready - much to the delight of March 7th and Himeko.
It was a welcome change of pace, though for Welt, Dan Heng, and yourself there was a hesitation still present. At least until they arrived at the event. A day of getting ready and being dragged around the best of Penacony, the Astral Express arrived to much fanfare and celebration.
You felt a weird mix of emotions in your chest and stomach - there were so many questions and emotions as faces passed by and pleasantries were exchanged with so many. The event was held in a beautiful, grandiose room, architecture rich and romantic. Extravagance at its peak surrounded you, so many people sipping on SoulGlad and mingling with one another. There was even arranged seating, much to Dan Heng’s relief. You joined him in sitting down at the table, along with the others as they trickled over shortly after.
“Is this seat taken?” Looking up, your eyes met Welt’s, your smile growing, you nodded, gesturing to the seat with both hands. “Thank you.” He relaxed for a moment, setting his cane against the table he sat down beside you. “How are you feeling?”
A sigh left you, your eyes trying not to linger on the older man’s figure beside you.
As much as you wanted to quickly answer the question, your mind was still stuck on seeing the man earlier.
While March hummed and hawed at Dan Heng’s attire, checking it and asking him to do his hair, your gaze locked on Mr. Yang’s evening wear. It was elegant, a black suit with a gray vest. While he normally dressed so nicely, the open jacket left his frame for anyone to see. Broad shoulders and a narrow waist hugged by the diligently tailored outfit. The Dreamscape was truly unique in every sense, and anything could happen.
The image of him walking over to where you and Himeko sat, watching him the red-head glanced over at you. Leaning in she teased, “I’m sure anything you tell him right now will leave him red in the face.” Your eyes darted to the side, watching her as Himeko sent a knowing glance your way.
Was it that obvious? Really?
“What are you chuckling about, Himeko?” The older man observed her, his hands sliding into his pockets and the man straightened up. “I feel a bit out of place in this, if I’m being honest.”
Himeko tilted her head, bringing a glass of SoulGlad to her lips. She took a sip as you looked away, eyes fixed on March and Dan Heng a walk away nearly slapping each other as she fiddled with his suit. “For as nice as you normally dress?” Himeko asked, “I wouldn’t expect you to feel a fish out of water, Mr. Yang.” The navigator glanced over to you, nudging you gently. “Don’t you think he looks nice?”
You swallowed, your eyes meeting the man you thought for a moment, a small sliver wanting to tell him how handsome he truly looked. His glasses sliding down his nose the man fixed them, his hair a mess between changing outfits. He looked as wonderful in your eyes as any other day, if not more so - if that was even possible. It was hard not to find the man attractive, especially as time had gone on. Welt Yang was kind, intelligent, patient and so considerate it made your chest ache often. The man’s age was unknown to you, as well as much of his past, but it took nothing from the man that stood before you. Whoever he was didn’t matter - it was the man in the present with you that you had gone far too fond of.
Himeko cleared her throat, her eyes boring into you as Welt watched with his brow risen. “Are you alright?” He asked, tilting his head, his gaze was slightly concerned, much to Himeko’s subtle dismay.
“Mr. Yang, I think it suits you.” You leaned forward in your seat, composing your words quickly you clasped your hands together, stretching. Offering a smile to the man your nod was quick. “I think it’s perfect.”
Welt couldn't help the twinge of enthusiasm budding in him, his shoulders relaxing as he looked at his reflection in the mirrors once more. “You think?” His smile grew, Himeko noticing the slight pink on his cheeks. “I suppose I’m just in my own head a bit too much.”
Your eyes caught Himeko sitting, nearly smug as she crossed her legs, taking another sip of her drink. “Mr. Yang, you’ll have to save us all a twirl.” She noted, “We have to be a part of the occasion!”
“I suppose I can tolerate such a request for you all.” He glanced back at Himeko, his eyes softening and you felt a slight tug in your chest - wishing he looked at you in the same manner. The realization made your stomach feel off for a moment, feeling wrong and slightly off-base. You knew it was a form of jealousy, though you weren’t sure where it came from. Himeko seemed to pick up the subtle shift of your posture, her gaze softening toward you as she tapped her heel against your leg. As he walked away and toward the dressing room the woman leaned into you. “You know we have to make sure you look absolutely perfect.”
“Huh?” Your eyes widened, returning to the present and brought out of your sinking thoughts. “Me?”
She nodded, “We have to make sure Welt saves the best dance for you…I might have to do some snooping to find out the music.” Himeko sighed, her chin falling into her hand. “Let me handle it.” Your face heated, Himeko laughing as you opened your mouth to speak. “Mr. Yang is oblivious to anything like this…” Her brow rose, glancing between you and the reflection of the two of you on the couch. You became aware of the music playing softly around you, subtle soft jazz that left your face flush thinking of the evening awaiting all of you. “Or at least…he plays obliviousness like it's an art.” She sighs, “He’s quite an enigma.”
You nod, your face flushing at the thought as the memory was soon replaced by Welt’s concerned gaze.
“Are you alright?” Welt watched you with some concern, your gaze distant for a moment.
A chuckle leaves you, your shoulders relaxing, you cross one leg over the other, the form fitting design of your dress giving you some wiggle room at the knee and downward. It was black, much to your delight, simple and off the shoulder it had an elegance that even you could appreciate. For a moment you had questioned the practicality of the dress, but on further thought of your own attire and everyone else’s on a regular basis, practicality didn’t need to be a concern at this celebration.
“I’m fine.” You smile at him, nodding, “I think I’m just a little bit overwhelmed honestly…this all feels…”
“A bit much?”Welt whispered, leaning into you he fixed his glasses, watching a glass of SoulGlad poured for each at the table. His eyes caught Dan Heng glancing over, offering silent agreement. A part of your heart felt guilty that he had even been forced into this mess when he only wanted to stay back on the express, but as always you were appreciative of him. “As wonderful as the dust clearing is…this all feels a bit much.”
You nod, Dan Heng’s shoulders relaxing at the discussion he could overhear. As you turn to the young vidyadhara you chuckle, “At least we’re in this together, right?”
Dan Heng nodded, “I didn’t even come along at the start and I still ended up here…” He offered a small smile, “So we’ll make it through the night together.”
At least you were among others that felt the same, already counting the hours down to escape - well, after a good meal and a few drinks. That was pivotal to an occasion like this, having the very best food Penacony had to offer. It wasn’t flashy or an oddity like much of what you saw in stores and restaurants you passed on the streets.
Introductions were of course, as elaborate as to be expected, including media presence. All eyes were on Penacony now, and it was on Sunday’s shoulders along with the rest of the representatives of the Family to assure the IPC and any other entities with their targets locked in on the planet of festivities they weren’t to be trifled with. They had more to offer than just pleasant dreams, and would begin pushing toward a new page of Penacony’s history. A performance by Robin quickly followed, and after that the worst part began: mingling.
There were at least a few familiar faces, though the majority were out of your realm of knowledge. If not for Himeko, you wouldn’t have half a clue who most were. You swore you had seen some familiar faces sneak out early after being served dinner - if only you had the luxury. Instead you watched with humor and empathy as March 7th drug Dan Heng out for a spin around a filling dance floor. Himeko would soon toss a piece of bread at Welt, hitting him in the chest as he picked his head up from his phone. Himeko stood, walking over and tapped the man’s shoulder. “You know it’s rude to make ladies ask for a dance?”
Welt could only chuckle, glancing over at you as you remained seated. “I believe I’m being forced against my will.”
All you could do was smile, amusement on your face as the music shifted to lively and jovial as you met his gaze. “Don’t tire yourself out, you still owe me and March a dance as well!”
He sighed, chuckling as he glanced back as Himeko dragged him into the crowd. You could see them blend into the crowd, the two soon spinning and carrying on as they talked for the duration of their time on the dancefloor. Chin in your hand you leaned against the table, watching as you sat alone. Grabbing your phone you checked it, surprised to see a message from someone that you assumed was least likely to reach out to you for anything outside the realm of intelligence.
Dr. Ratio: This entire event is a farce and not even worth staying for the food
Dr. Ratio: I digress, I simply wanted to reach out and share my observation that I am certain you agree with.
Dr. Ratio: You are dressed for the occasion, you look the part of high society quite well. Regards.
Staring at your phone you blinked, reading the messages over a few times. When did Dr. Ratio show up and how did he leave so quickly? You hadn’t seen him, and if he had been there it would have been easy to spot him. You sent a reply, asking if he wore the alabaster head he donned so frequently, yet after a few minutes of silence you knew no reply was coming.
As you thought of this the music had ended, everyone returning to the table to sit down for some rest you were still pondering the message you received. “Is everything alright?” Welt whispered, glancing at you, “I apologize you were left alone…I feel quite bad about it actually.” The man fixed his glasses, wiping at his brow. “I think if Himeko kept spinning me around I would have motion sickness soon.”
Himeko could only laugh, March’s gaze locked on the man the older woman watched as her glass was filled before bringing it to her lips. “Looks like you won’t have much down time, Mr. Yang.”
His gaze met March’s, the man sighing he could only chuckle as he leaned back in his chair. “I’m afraid I’m too old to keep up with you all.”
You sent him a side glance, your brow raising. “You still owe me as well.”
Welt sighed, your eyes narrowing at him he shook his head. “I know, I won’t leave you hanging. I just fear you might have to spare me on anything fast-paced.” He glanced back up at March, her enthusiastic gaze locked on the man she snapped a picture of the two of you. The two of you blushed at the realization, the man fixing his glasses he pulled them off, taking out a cloth to wipe them. “I’ll sleep soundly tonight that’s for sure.”
His words made you roll your eyes, “Will you fall asleep in your chair Mr. Yang?” Elbows on the table you turned your head to the man as he blinked, staring straight ahead at your remark. Soon a chuckle came from him, Welt shaking his head he fixed his glasses back on again.
“You know, I could suddenly have two left feet.” He whispers, his side eye meeting yours, you both start laughing. “It’ll be an absolute disaster, I assure you.”
You tap a finger against your cheek, “These all sound like excuses to get out of dancing with me…” Your tone is clearly amused, slightly sarcastic as your brow raises. For all your humor there’s a small knot in your stomach, wondering if he was truly trying to get out of dancing with you. “That would be very rude, Mr. Yang.”
He shakes his head, “I wouldn’t dare. You just let me know when…just give me some time to recover after March-” Welt can’t help but laugh as another fast song starts, March nearly leaping up she ran over to grab him, dragging him up and out of his seat. It was a dance common to Penacony, March quickly learned she tried to bring the older man enthusiastically into it. It was adorable to watch her be taught by the others, and how receptive she was in return.
Sitting with Himeko and Dan Heng the three of you watched them, Himeko recording on her phone. “I won’t be letting him forget this…” Her smile softens as her gaze focuses on March 7th. “And she’ll never forgive me if I don’t get this.” Dan Heng sipping his water he remained quiet until Himeko leaned into him, “You’re next.”
The young man’s gaze snapped over to her, his glass paused to his lips. “We already went…”
“And you can’t say no to her.” Himeko cast the line to Dan Heng before her eyes and wit move to you, “You still have your one dance you’re waiting for.”
Dan Heng crossed one leg over the other as he set his glass down, his arms crossing after. “That’s right, you and Mr. Yang haven’t had your dance yet.”
“How do you know about that?” Shooting him a glare your eyes moved between the duo, “Why do I feel like I’m being attacked right now?”
“You are.” Himeko chuckled, taking a sip of her drink again. A rare smile came on Dan Heng’s lips as he quickly covered his mouth, your immediate frown making him chuckle.
But it was a reminder that the night was still marching on, and time was ticking away as the man was preoccupied once again. When he and March returned the man flopped into his seat, March nearly jumping with joy as Himeko began showing her the videos and photos she took. Looking over at Welt you can’t help but chuckle, his posture far more relaxed than normal as he fanned himself. “You look absolutely depleted.”
The man nodded, taking his glasses off he sat them on the table, your eyes locked on his face as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “Depleted is the perfect word.” The corners of his mouth turned up into a smile as he closed his eyes. “I’m positively depleted after that..” He turned his head toward you, his gaze kind he could only chuckle, “Give me some time to recoup.”
You could only chuckle, your cheeks heating at the sight of the man without his glasses on. His eyes were piercing, the evening glow reflecting in them you couldn’t help but stare at him longer.
After some time the table emptied once again, March 7th dragging Dan Heng out to dance again as he watched Himeko in dismay, the woman looking quite proud of herself. You could feel her gaze turning to both you and Welt as the music carried on. “I’m going to go talk to some people.” She smiled, standing while the woman took her glass. “Welt, don’t let her get carted off now.”
“I’ll make sure.” The man watched as Himeko walked away before his attention returned to you. “Have you enjoyed yourself?”
You nod, your smile growing. “If watching you and Dan Heng be spun around like toys counts as enjoyment, absolutely. The food was great as well.” You perk, realizing something you had wanted to talk to him about you turn in your seat to the man. “Hey, can I see your phone?”
Welt perks up, taking his phone out of his pocket he hands it to you after unlocking the screen. “What is it?”
“I think…” You open his profile for his messages, swiping through screens you get to the settings. “I figured out how to change your profile picture for us to see.” In your peripheral you can see the man’s eyes light up as he leans in, watching the screen as you select the picture he sent you, setting the picture of the robot Arahato as his profile picture. “And let’s check…” You select a sticker on his phone to send you. Opening your phone you show it to him, his icon Arahato as you both stare at his phone. “There we go!”
“Amazing!” He takes his phone, putting his glasses back on and squints at the screen. “Thank you! You’re wonderful.” A genuine smile on his face he nods, “I’m surprised you remember that. It’s been so long.”
“Well you should text me more then.” You reply, a bit of sarcasm hanging in your tone Welt picks up on it immediately. “After all, you want to use your icon now right?”
The man can’t help but laugh, nodding as he turns his screen off. “I believe that’s fair.” He looks up as the atmosphere of the room has slowly changed over from the post-dinner buzz, the music slowing down and couples taking to dancing. What was once lively music is now slower, softer, couples wrapped warmly around one another and in their own little worlds. The longer Welt stares at them, the more you focus on the atmosphere of the room as well. Many had gone off to the outside to carry on with others, leaving the space with a heavily romantic atmosphere.
“I’m beginning to think we missed our opportunity for a dance...” Welt whispers, a frown on his face.
The crash was instant, any thought of sharing a close embrace and whispered words suddenly thrown out of the building and hurdling to the dirt.
Your eyes widen at his words, his gaze meeting yours with a sense of pity, his eyes widen seeing your stare give away your physical response. The hurt on your face was palpable to him, the realization striking him immediately. What Himeko and March had done in picking their dances, and everyone leaving the table, he had noticed that Dan Heng and March had also disappeared from the dancefloor, most likely watching from somewhere. They had set this up, leaving you staring at him as if he had crushed your hopes - the man realizing he had done just that.
A sudden panic rose in his chest, his heart beating faster he broke from your staring, clearing his throat. “Let me go get cleaned up…I’m sure there will be a chance, don’t worry. I’ll be back shortly.” Getting up he smiled down at you, though his eyes seemed to no longer hold that warm gaze that would hide nothing from you, something swirling in his head you couldn’t place. Immediately he walked off, leaving you at the table alone again. Turning in your seat his figure quickly disappeared through the couples and out of sight, your throat suddenly feeling tight.
He didn’t want what you had wanted, at least from what he had just done. It was crystal clear, the man uncomfortable with even the idea of slow dancing with you like the couples around you. Perhaps it was your relationship with him, or the very clear age difference between the two of you. But whatever the reason, he had closed that door immediately, much to your shock.
Suddenly it was the need for fresh air that left your fists clenching. Getting up out of your seat you paced out along an outside walkway, away from couples and groups of people. There had been some waves from folks, others taking note of one of the heroes of Penacony: you wished for faster feet in your heels, space to run in the dress, and a steady head to get away from the crowds. Weaving a way to a corner that held no one you fell back against the wall, chest heaving a hand covering your mouth. That lump in your throat felt larger, an ache in your chest growing the more you thought of it.
Welt had rejected you, in as subtle and kind of a way as he could. He had no interest in what you and the others thought was a possibility, and the humiliation of that was making your eyes nearly burn as you stood in the dark, the noise muffled to your ears as cigarette smoke became stronger in your nose.
Cigarette smoke?
“Did you run away from all the men trying to ask you to dance?” A familiar voice made your eyes widen, head shooting up, your eyes looked glassy to the man watching you. Gallagher had leaned against the wall adjacent to you, arms crossed, his cigarette held loosely in his lips. His gaze was locked on your figure in the dress you wore before slowly moving up to his face, a brow raising his tone dropped slightly. “Did something happen?”
You watched him in silence, the air still tense between the two of you with what had transpired. Despite that, his company was still better than nothing, and you couldn’t hold a grudge against the man. “I hadn’t seen you all evening.” You whisper, looking away you blink a few times, realizing your eyes were giving away the hurt stretching through you. “Are you on security, Gallagher?”
“Ain’t my place to be in there with all you folks.” His tone was slightly melancholic, taking a long drag of his cigarette he held it in his fingers, a large cloud escaping his lips as he exhaled. “I work best in the shadows.” A scoff escapes you, the man smirking as he watches your shoulders ease just a little bit. “What happened? Overwhelmed by all the attention?”
A shake of your head and he watches you with even more interest, “I…wanted to dance with someone and they didn’t want to.” Walking over to the railing you lean into it, the man quickly joining you offers you a cigarette, smiling as you refuse it. “I think I just…read things wrong."
“That guy…Welt.” Gallagher chuckles as you gawk at him, eyes wide you stare as he cracks a rare smile, his gaze tired as he stares out into the vastness of the Golden Hour. “Come on, it’s been a spectacle to watch you two suffer in silence together all night.” He shakes his head, dropping it.
“You’ve been watching us all night?” You whisper, your head turning to look at him. “Is it just a hobby to have eyes on us at all times by this point?” Shaking your head you join his staring out to the Golden Hour.
Gallagher sighs, his elbows on the banister he kicks one foot behind the other, “Well when you look like that, I’m just looking out for you. Making sure no one gets too close that has bad intentions.” He takes another puff of his cigarette as he feels your stare. “I know, I’m aware of my own hypocrisy.”
“Mhmm…” You nod, your tone amused as silence takes over some time. The slow music continues for a bit as you feel your phone buzz in the pocket of your dress. Taking it out you frown at the message, seeing the name you quickly shut it off.
“He worried about you?” Gallagher whispers, his head cocking to watch your face as you nod. “Makes sense.”
I sigh, “He shouldn’t have left me alone like that then.” A part of you felt immediately bad for saying the thought aloud. You wouldn’t force the man to dance with you the way you had hoped for, a part of yourself regretting feeding into the goading and teasing from everyone else. “No, that’s wrong of me.” Your voice whispers, you shake your head, “I can’t blame him for not wanting to. I’m sure he would have felt awkward.”
“Slow dancing with a beautiful girl like you?” Gallagher speaks clearly, plainly as his lips hold his cigarette. “In my opinion, man can’t get his shit straight.” He shrugged, “But that’s coming from me.” Opening his flash he takes a sip, offering it to you. “Sounds like he can’t get out of his own head.”
Taking it out of his hand you take a long sip, sighing before handing it back to him. His words suddenly click in your mind, your eyes meeting his. “What did you say?”
Gallagher could only chuckle, your cheeks heating at the deep tone of his laughter - something you hadn’t heard much of until the past few moments. “What, you're beautiful? Look at ya.” His smile remains, his tired gaze softening as he looks at you. “It’s hard not to look at you all night looking like that. But even in general…”
Your face only grows hotter at his words, your eyes still locked on him. “You got some guts saying something like that after everything that’s happened.” Everything else was suddenly distant as you remained tucked away from the party beside the security officer. “You’re just full of surprises, Gallagher.”
The man looks amused by your choice of words, “Yeah, you think so?”
You nod, glancing down at the stone ground under your feet before back up to him. “Thanks.”
Closing his eyes his smile grows just a bit more, a hand scratching at his stubble he can’t help but chuckle. “I’m just committing you to memory before you’re gone.” His tone is quiet, soft as he closes his eyes once again. “Sounds selfish of me, wanting to get one last good look at ya.” He takes his cigarette out of his mouth, staring at it as the glow of the end burns on. “But you know me by now.”
Face burning you blink, surprised by the man’s admission. “What do you mean one last look? It’s not like I’ll never come back here again…I’m gonna see you again whether you want me to or not.” Leaning into him you tilt your head, “You’re not going anywhere…right?”
Gallagher sighs, shaking his head, “No, I’ll still be here. I’ll…always be here.”
You don’t know how to respond to that, a gentle breeze moving past you both he keeps his gaze locked on the glowing scape of the Golden Hour, as if he couldn’t bring himself to look at you. “Then it won’t be goodbye, I’ll be seeing you again before you know it.” You whisper, “Besides, we still have each other’s numbers.”
“You didn’t block me yet? Burn my number?” Gallagher laughs more openly, standing up straight. “You’re something else, sweetheart.” He turns to face you, his hip leaning against the banister. “He really fucked up, you know.”
The mention of what just transpired with Welt breaks you out of the humorous glow you had found yourself in, your gaze moving away and back toward where you came from. “I guess I should be getting back…” You sigh, “I didn’t even get a single dance tonight.”
Gallagher crosses his arms, his gaze narrowing, “What do you mean?” He asks, watching you, “Did no one have the guts to ask you to dance?” I shake my head, the man cursing under his breath his eyes widen. “Is everyone in there crazy? Look at you…who wouldn’t wanna spin you around?” The man looks nearly angry, a hand dropping to grip the banister. “Bunch of cowards…they’re all too scared.”
You watch the man, the air tense you feel something that you thought had quickly died off after all that had transpired. “Is this your way of asking me to dance, Gallagher?”
The man’s eyes widen, his gaze locking on yours, something feels different, as if he’s looking at you without any ulterior motives or some elaborate hoops to jump through. There’s nothing but the man before you, his mouth tight on his cigarette as he stares you down. “And is that your way of asking me?” He finally speaks, shaking his head, “After everything, you can’t be serious.” Pinching his cigarette he takes it from his lips, tapping the ash off he stares down at it. “Someone like me…doesn’t deserve anything like that. Especially not from you.”
His words strike you, the complete opposite of Welt’s quick departure from beside you. “You’re really gonna turn me down after I just got shot down?” You lean into him, tilting your head to meet the man’s gaze not breaking from yours. “Damn that’s cold Gallagher, I thought we were on better terms than that.”
His shoulders square, a chuckle breaking the heavy tone his head drops, a hand on his neck he cracks it back and forth. “There’s that sharp tongue of yours.” Your pulse picks up as you watch him, seemingly sorting through his thoughts. “You don’t wanna be seen with someone like me, not after all that’s happened.” He whispers, tired eyes meeting your hopeful ones; he nearly loses his train of thought staring at you. “You deserve a lot better than that.”
Perhaps it was the SoulGlad, or the music playing softly, or the accumulation of your mixed emotions and feelings swirling in your head, but you pressed back against his words. “What about what I want?” Your voice is quiet, but just loud enough for him to freeze up. “Would you be ashamed to walk in there and be seen with me?” Something breaks in your tone,the tension in the air cut by what he thought wasn’t even possible. “Even to be seen with me at all?”
“You should be ashamed to be seen with me.” He speaks softly, reaching up he tucks a few strands of hair behind your ear. “After everything that’s gone on…” He frowns, “I’d never be ashamed to be seen with you.”
Your stare is determined, not breaking from him, “Then don’t run away from me too.” Your tone remains steady, a shaky hand reaching up and out to him. “Be seen with me.”
Gallagher stares at your face and then your hand, his eyes wide he closes them after a moment, his shoulders shaking he chuckles, crushing what remained of the cigarette in his hand. Flicking it to the ground he takes your hand. “You’ll steal hearts with words like that, sweetheart.” Lacing your hand through his arm he smiles down at you. “You sure about this?”
A small nod is all you can give, “More than you know.”
Walking back the way you came, the eyes on you and Gallagher only grow in number, the sight of your evening-wear and his normal bloodhound garb a stark contrast from one another. As you return to the source of the music it’s still a slower tune, yet slightly lighter than what you had departed from. Trying not to glance over at your table Gallagher turns your back toward them, the man putting a hand on your waist he takes your hand in his free one. “You want me to tell you?” He whispers, the man leaning his head down toward yours.
“Does it matter?” You chuckle, glancing up at him, “Didn’t you want to look at me?”
Gallagher spares a glance to the man watching him from across the room, a stern, mixed range of emotions bearing down on him he focuses back on you. “You enjoy killing a man saying things like that? Cause good aeons woman…if I didn’t know better I’d say you were flirting with me.”
The two of you continued to dance, swaying and moving to the music. He's as light on his feet as you had predicted on your walk back, knowing his ease in battle and what he was capable of. Your fingers weaving between his, your eyes move to your joined hands before back to his face. “If I was?” His hand feels rough against yours, your hand small in his the heat is radiating off of him.
For a moment he wants to stop, but knows you’d both bump into someone. “Don’t.” He whispers, his tone suddenly more soft than you’d anticipated. He gently squeezes your hand, “You don’t wanna be doing that.”
“Why not?” You ask, your tone innocent, you tilt your head, watching as a flush barely tints his face. “Gallagher…what if I was?”
In a sea of people his only response is to pull you closer, thinking nothing of the stares surrounding you both, wishing he could silence whatever people were most likely whispering about you. As he looks up again, turning you gently he meets Welt’s gaze, the two men suddenly reading one another clearly Gallagher smirks at the man, Himeko watching with bated breath beside Welt. He opens his mouth, slowly mouthing words that make the older man sit up straight, his hand gripping his thigh. ‘Your loss.’
Gallagher’s gaze immediately moves back to you, your head falling against his shoulder he smiles, “You’re crazy for this you know that?” He whispers, holding you close against him. As you nod he chuckles, bringing your hand to his lips he presses a kiss to the back of your hand. “You really are something else.” As the song ends he watches you, your posture relaxing against him he gently squeezes your waist. “You know, I think my people can handle the rest of this…” Glancing around he chuckles, “It’s the end of the night…wanna go get some real food and I’ll get you back to the express after?”
Your head shoots up, surprised by his proposal. “Are you asking me out?” Your tone is quiet, teasing as the man can’t hide the smile growing on his face. “Cause that sounds pretty great to me.”
At your approval the man can’t help but feel his smile warm, walking you through the people still dancing he brings you back to your table to get your belongings.
Everyone but Welt watches you in surprise, Gallagher crossing his arms he keeps himself a few steps behind. “I’ll see you guys back on the express. We’re gonna go grab some food and take a walk.” You shrug, “Might beat him up on the way back too.” Gallagher can’t help but chuckle, shaking his head.
“Okay smartass.” He steps closer, his brow raising the man keeps his focus on you.
Himeko leans forward, “Are you…” You nod, the woman lighting up, she glances at the security officer and then to you. “Welt, don’t you still owe her a dance?” She glances at Welt, her eyes urging him to say something. Standing in front of them the realization hits you of what you’re doing, and Welt’s stare feels different than it had all evening, similar to when he had left you alone. What it was you couldn’t exactly place, but it made your stomach tighten, just as Gallagher’s words had done.
Welt glances up at you, his gaze searching your face he quickly stands up. “If I still have the chance for that” He extends his hand, his resolve hardened. “May I steal a dance before you head out? If I am still fortunate enough to do so…”
Eyes wide you stare up at the man, trying to read what’s on his mind when Gallagher sits down at the table in what was formerly your chair. One leg crossing over the other he smirks, “We got all the time in the world, don’t worry.” He nods at you, clearly amused by what’s transpiring. “Go on.”