tessellate

Tiana’s eyes widened slightly at her response, before a small smile appeared on her lips. “I’m really amateur honestly, only ever went to one lesson. But thanks sugar, you’re so sweet.”

“It’s possible to be an amateur with natural talent,” she pointed out, with a slight shrug. Lulubelle smiled back at the other girl, “and it’s no problem, really.”

After a few moments more of dancing, Tiana turned to see someone standing there, stopping when the music did to look at her. “Hello.”

The silence that followed the end of the girls routine was enough to snap Lulubelle into some sort of reality. “Oh—god... I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry, I just—you’re very good.”

[ music playing in the background ]

She observed from the doorway—something of both curiosity and respect highlighting her face, as she watched the other dancer.

“Hey, that’s alright.” He smiled back, his laugh matching hers. “You’re a kind, kind soul.” He rolled his neck to each side, stretching from the awful night’s sleep he’d had on the lawn. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lulubelle Duncan. I don’t see why I’d have to contract that, it’s not a mouthful at all, in comparison.”

“Oh, I am indeed,” she laughed, throwing a wink in the boys direction. “I mean, of course—but that doesn't mean you really have to address me with a name that sounds like it’s from a child's cartoon.”

“Honestly, in this moment, I wouldn’t know you from a bar of soap, so I can’t say I’m a part of this secret club.” Aladar’s eyebrow quirked up, practically begging her to take a seat as the hangover began to hit him. “Oh God, please don’t.” He laughed, leaning back, arms holding his weight up. “More or less, yes – I’m Aladar De Doito. Your turn.”

“I’m somewhat pathetically relieved then,” she smiled—a gentle laugh escaping her. “Of course, I wouldn't breathe a word of it to another soul.” Grateful of the sun-kissed warmth that spread across her shoulder, she stretched legs out; toes pointing to an angle which only a ballet student could achieve without pain. “Lulubelle Duncan. Although, I’m sure you’ll manage to contract that into something shorter.”

“Of course you can have both, I just find you should focus on either point one or point two in order to relieve stress, or make more–.. it’s all dependent on the individual.” He laughed, shrugging before sitting on the grass, patting the spot next to him. “My friends, before I moved here, told me I had a high tolerance for alcohol–… either that, or I’m still slightly drunk and talking out of my ass, but I would much rather the reason be the former, instead o the latter.”

“Why, you sound too much like too many of my friends. If I didn't know any better, I might begin to believe that an array of students were congregating behind my back to trade creative ways to tell me to lighten up.” She considered the meaning behind his requested action—taking a seat beside this strange would result in a commitment to a conversation. A conversation which may even be too deep for the likes of Lulubelle, who was still yet to consume a breakfast and coffee. “And here I am, tempted to believe it is the latter,” she smirked, as she settled on ignoring her well-opinionated voice of reason, and sit down. She crossed her legs, and pushed a strand of hair out of her face. “Is this the part where I’m supposed to introduce myself?”

“Everyone does,” he smiled back–.. seeing the concentration in her face to handle her own smile. “Of course, everyone’s existence has meaning; but, do you really want it to be entirely of never-ending work, or would you rather a large itinerary of memories which make you laugh?”

“You say it like I can’t have both. As though I should be choosing between ‘point one’ and ‘point two’.” She shook her head—eyeing him once more. “It’s not even nine yet,” she noted with a glance at her watch. “How are you even sober enough to manage a coherent string of words?”